Bald Head Island - A Magical Place (Wilmington, New Bern: 2015, rentals)
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Ever since I read the article above, I've been dreaming of going to Bald Head Island. It is one of the most magical places I've been to within the continental US. It is hard to find a place of such beauty so untouched yet so easily reached. For those of you who will not devote the time to reading the article above (I think it's a must-read for ANY North Carolinian or anyone considering relocating to NC), I'll provide a few cliff notes:
Bald Head Island is the most northern part of the Eastern United States where palm trees grow naturally - in this case, the Sabal Palmetto, aka cabbage palm.
The light house, "Old Baldy," is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina. It turns 200 years old this year. The original Bald Head Island lighthouse was commissioned in 1794 by Thomas Jefferson himself, but the construction failed. Old Baldy is the "do-over" and still stands today.
There are no roads leading to Bald Head Island. You must ferry over, or use your own mode of seafaring transportation. There are no cars on the island for residents or visitors. All transportation is by golf cart, bicycle or on foot.
Contractors are allowed to use vehicles, and honestly, I was surprised how much construction there was going on on the island. But overall, it's still fairly pristine. The homes that are there are amazing.
Five of us went together, so by the time you purchase round trip ferry tickets for 5 people, rent a 6-seater golf cart all day and pay the $10 to park all day at the ferry, you're in for about $220 + any money you spend on the island. I went on a Monday during February, and not much was open, but there were a couple gift shops and a market. Overall, it's a must-see for everyone who has a soft spot in their heart for the Carolina coast.
There is a stunning lack of good photography of the incredible scenery at BHI. I recently purchased a Sony a6000 and I've been practicing outdoor photography a bit. I figured I would share some images with you all, especially for those that have never been.
I thought long and hard about whether or not I should write this because Bald Head Island is one of those places where you don't want "the secret to get out," but it's also one of those places that touches you in such a way that you want to share it with others.
Actually, the Sabal Minor Palm, aka Dwarf Palmetto, is native to all NC coastal counties and some a bit inland. For instance, Craven County has native populations.
For those interested in palms, Gary Hollar, Gary's Palms, New Bern is world class expert.
Nice photos. We enjoyed visiting BHI off season about 5 yrs ago, too. It's pretty swanky and I'm not sure I would feel at home there during the season, but off season it was lovely.
Actually, the Sabal Minor Palm, aka Dwarf Palmetto, is native to all NC coastal counties and some a bit inland. For instance, Craven County has native populations.
For those interested in palms, Gary Hollar, Gary's Palms, New Bern is world class expert.
The sabal minor trunks underground. I'm speaking strictly of fully trunking palms. Only the sabal major/cabbage palmetto is a "true" palm tree.
If you are driving down I-40 on your way into Wilmington, right around the exit for the winery there are massive swamps full of sabal minors growing along both sides of the interstate.
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