I was a little stumped by this week’s discussion question, “Do you have a vacation spot?” It wasn’t because I don’t have one. In fact, I have two: Edisto Island, SC and Saluda, NC. However, I feel as though I’ve blogged about those ad nauseam over the last couple of years so I had to think harder.
Then, it came to me! The island my great grandfather was charged to guard for most of his adult life in the service: Bald Head Island, NC. The island where I’ve spent a couple of idyllic vacations spotting foxes, waiting up for sea turtles to lay their eggs until the wee hours, messing around the putting green, feasting on fresh seafood, eating the village café’s ice cream and of course, walking on the beach or lounging in a hammock with a good book.
Bald Head Island is remote as it sits at the tip of Cape Fear and is accessible only by ferry from the charming little town of Southport, North Carolina where my grandfather grew up. It takes roughly a half hour to get to Bald Head by boat and once you arrive you are in for a naturalist’s dream as there are no cars – only bicycles and golf carts – and wildlife galore.
The best part about Bald Head is the quiet. Only 173 people call it home. But, there is plenty to do if you enjoy the great outdoors: fishing, hiking, sailing, playing golf, climbing the Old Baldy lighthouse for some of the best views North Carolina has to offer, observing wildlife (birds, sea turtles, deer, foxes, and a variety of reptiles.)
If you really want unplug, if you really want to get away from all of the hecticness on the mainland, this is the spot for you.
P.S. This discussion was sparked by Marybeth Whalen’s terrific novels set on Sunset, Beach, NC: The Guestbook and The Mailbox. If you want to get away, at least in your imagination, check them out!
For more info. on Bald Head Island, click here
For more info. on Beth Webb Hart’s novels click here
