Vacation Review - Bald Head Island, near Cape Fear River, North Carolina >

Vacation Review
Bald Head Island, N.C.
By Myrtle Beach local, Patricia Blackstock

Please view our Photo Gallery of Bald Head island

Bald Head Island is a perfect get away vacation spot vacation spot! Golf carts and bicycles are the ony means of transportation, and we fell in love wth this friendly island.

Located at the confluence of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean, Bald Head Island, North Carolina, is the southernmost barrier island in NC, accessible only by the 20 minute passenger ferry from Southport. (Or you can charter a private yacht.) Bald hHead Island...beaches...dunes...creeks...tidal marshe and a maritime forest.

Once on the island, you'll find over 14 miles of ocean coastline, golfing, swimming, fishing, nature walks, several restaurants and a small grocery store,

A prominent landmark is the Bald Head Island Lighthouse, affectionately nicknamed "Old Baldy." It's one of North Carolina's most recognized lighthouses, and the oldest on standing along the North Carolina coast. When it began operation on December 5, 1794, the total bill for the project was $11,359.14, more than $7000 greater than the amount originally appropriated.

When a hurricane struck the North Carolia coast on September 5, 1996, there were a few residents remaining on Bald Head Island. When wind speeds climbed just past hurricane strength, many islanders fled heir houses and sought shelter inside the Bald Head Lighthouse which sustained minimal damage.

Standing 110 feet hight with 108 steps, "Old Baldy" served as an active lighthouse until 1935 and as a radio beacon until 1958. It was used mostly to guide ships through the perilous Frying Pan Shoals. After the construction of theOak Island Lighthouse in 1958, "Old Baldy" was de-commissioned. It still stands as a symbol of Bald Head Island and is open to the public.

In addition to the other amenities, Bald Head Island featues a small chapel offering a services as well as playing host to many weddings. The Maritime Market grocery store offers a large selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood, as well as beer, wine and groceries. This full-service supermarket also includes a deli, butcher shopand sandwich counter.

This island is home to the most beautiful beach we've ever seen. The 173-acre maritime forest site is located in the central portion of Bald Head Island. Maritime forests are rare strips of forest that grow on the stabilized back dunes of the barrier islands. The thick undergrowth on Bald Head Island consists of wild olive, American and yaupon holly, and catbrier. “Timmons Oak” was named in honor of Dr. Bob Timmons for his passionate commitment to land preservation. The wooded area provides a habitat for squirrels, deer, fox, turtles, tree frogs, southern toads and many varieties of birds.

The Shoals Club opened the summer of 2004. The beach club offers a dining room, lounge, locker facilities, swimming pool, recreational programs and more.

Bald Head Island also has an 18-hole championship golf course that has been awarded 4.5 stars from Golf Digest’s "Places to Play"

Plase view our Photo Gallery of Bald Head Island