Bald Head Island, NC
Ambassador Travelogue by Larry Caringer - BIO

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You're in for an absolute getaway when you make your destination Bald Head Island, NC. Bald Head was named by pirates, and those who chased them in the 1700s, for its huge sand dunes towering more than 40 feet into the air. This island, about three miles out at sea, is not connected to the mainland by any roads. This means a ferry is your only way onto the island. Best of all, there are no cars on the island. So, while you're there, you'll get around by golf cart, bicycle -- or just plain feet.

Bald Head Island was formed by the silt rushing out of the Cape Fear River. At it's eastern most point, you'll find the tip of Cape Fear and beginnings of the famed Frying Pan Shoals. It's a powerful meeting of land and sea.

Most island rentals are full homes. And, most homes on the island are spectacular. Usually, your rental gets you a temporary membership card entitling you to use of Bald Head's private golf course, and restaurants like The Shoals Club -- which overlooks Cape Fear.

The winter is cool -- but priced right -- and, very private. Summer is hot, humid and busy. Our favorite times of the year on Bald Head are spring and fall...with fall getting the nod because of the almost-always perfect temperatures.

The Golf Course, is a spectacular layout that runs along the ocean and into the maritime forest, filled with ancient live oaks and wildlife of all kinds. Island activities vary according to the time of year. Aside from 14 spectacular miles of beaches, Bald Head offers great canoeing and kayaking along the Island's creek cut through the salt water marsh. Fishing the freshwater lagoons or along the Ocean-facing beaches is popular; so is shelling, birding and just plain doing noting in a chair.

Food is an experience -- with Eb and Flo's offering outdoor fun and a great view of the marina, River Pilot Cafe with more formal choices and its own funky little bar, three choices at the Bald Head Island Club and the unforgettable experience of a gourmet meal overlooking the crashing waves at Cape Fear.

Some of the best dining at Bald Head, though, happens in your own kitchen -- after a visit to The Maritime Market -- where the fixin's are all top of the line.

No trip to BHI would be complete without a stop at the Island Conservancy which offers unique souvenirs and nature hikes and lectures. If you're lucky, you might even be able to sign up for a turtle walk and see the sea turtle hatchlings scurry to the sea for the first time.

Flying into Nearby Wilmington, NC or Myrtle Beach is easy -- and there are taxi services available to take you right to the Bald Head Island Ferry at Indigo Plantation in Southport, NC.

Turn off the cell phone and get away -- for real -- to Bald Head Island, NC.