Bald Head Island

The short run down the Cape Fear River was aided by a strong current so we were able to ride around almost the entire island on our bikes after we arrived.

Pollie & Old Baldy Lighthouse (1817)

"The exceptional nature of Bald Head Island, NC," is very interesting.  Seems that in the 60's there was a big fight between environmentalist and developers over Bald Head Island.  The resulting compromise is quite nice, and apparently economically feasible.  While there does not seem to be any service industry housing, the rest is quite nice and blends nicely with the environment.  They have regulations such as requiring baffling around porch lights so as not to confuse the baby sea turtles.  They are very proud of the fact that the lack of light pollution makes stargazing possible, but we also found that riding our bikes to the restaurant at night to be rather challenging.  There are three environments: the creek side, forest, and beach.

"That way to the Bahamas"

The marina was one of the nicest we have stayed in, and the nearby restaurant, Eb & Flo's, had great shrimp and grits.