BALD HEAD ISLAND, NC (WWAY) – Whether you live 500 or five miles away, if you’re looking to get away from it all, look no farther than Brunswick County.
There are plenty of things you won’t find on Bald Head Island: cars, chain retailers and fast food restaurants.
Here’s what you will see: beautiful beaches, lush greenery and the oldest lighthouse in the state.
Since there aren’t any cars on the island, you’ll need to plan ahead. The island is a 20 minute ferry ride away, which takes off from Southport. It goes rain or shine, with seats inside and outside. Once on the island you have the option of renting a golf cart.
While several attractions are farther away, several are close by. The lighthouse is one of them.
Built in 1817, Old Baldy turns 200 next year. After going out of service in the 1930s, and thanks to some upgrades, it’s now a tourist attraction and open to climb seven days a week.
“They repaired all of the stairs and the landing, so they are safe,” said Chris Webb, the executive director of the Old Baldy Foundation. “So, it’s an easy climb from the standpoint that they’re really residential wooden stairs.”
Standing 110 feet above sea level, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes for the 108 stairs, five landings and one ladder to the top. The view, however, is definitely worth the climb. From the lantern room you have a 360-degree view of the island and its surroundings.
You’ll see the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River, Caswell Beach, Oak Island, Fort Fisher, Carolina Beach and more.
You can always tour Bald Head Island on your own, or by joining one of the historic tours. Offered three days a week, the price includes your ferry ride, the lighthouse and a tour of the whole island.
There is a whole lot more to explore, too! Join me next week as I visit the Bald Head Island Conservancy.