Bald Head Island Weekend Getaway!
With 2020 throwing curve balls at every turn and putting a wrench in vacation plans, we are incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing gem essentially in our own back yard!
The Village Of Bald Head Island is a truly unique destination that is a must see for visitors and locals alike. Located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and accessible only by boat, BHI boasts pristine beaches, nature trails and canopy covered roads where golf carts and bicycles are the only allowed modes of transportation.
We had the pleasure of spending a long weekend on the island with a family of 5, and with November giving us high temps in the 80’s, it didn’t disappoint! To travel by boat only enhances the natural beauty and truly gives the island lifestyle feel. The trip from Wrightsville Beach is fantastic as the scenery changes constantly.
We left Figure 8 Island Yacht Club around midday Friday and enjoyed a seafood lunch of local steamed shrimp and smoked mackerel dip on the cruise down. We started by heading south on the Intracoastal Waterway down to Carolina beach. Next we headed under Snows Cut Bridge and out into the Cape Fear River. Once in the shipping channel we encountered Sunny Point which is one of the largest military munitions terminals in the world.
After avoiding the off limit areas (patrolled 24 hours a day by a couple heavily armed vessels!) we meandered down the river until reaching the quaint town of Southport. From there it’s just a quick trip accross the mouth of the river into the Bald Head Island Marina. The Marina is protected and comfortable with multiple restaurants and shops as well as golf cart and bike rentals.
We are happy to give clients the option to either stay aboard the boat or have us arrange other lodging. For this weekend our family decided to stay in one of beautiful Villas overlooking the championship George Cobb (famous for the par 3 course at Augusta National!) designed golf course.
The remainder of Friday afternoon was spent settling in, exploring on the golf carts and taking in an amazing sunset.
Saturday was warm but a little breezy so instead of running out to the Frying Pan Tower for some snorkeling and spearfishing, we decided to troll the beach around Oak Island for Spanish Mackerel. Luckily BHI is naturally protected from a north wind by Frying Pan Shoals, and given Civility’s seaworthiness and comfort, it was still smooth sailing even with 3 kids on a breezy day! After catching dinner, we headed into Southport for lunch at the iconic Provision Co.
What a great way to spend the day! Just goes to show the possibilities are endless regardless of what mother nature gives us. As all good things must come to an end, we had to say goodbye on Sunday but the trip back was anything but uneventful. Warm temps and peak transient (snow bird) season had the ICW hoppin’ with all kinds of beautiful boats heading south for the winter.
Great times and great people! These are the kind of trips we love. Exploring new places, teaching kids catch clean & cook style fishing and making memories.
Take care, be safe, enjoy life and see you out on the water!
