A Lighthouse Lovers Hop

North Carolina is a great place to visit for those who love to explore lighthouses. Used as location markers along the coast lighthouses hold a wealth of history and are intriguing to tour. North Carolina has a total of 9 original lighthouses still standing making this Lighthouse Lovers Hop packed with excitement! 

Out of the 9 original lighthouses 5 can be toured and climbed. Our hop starts at Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Red brick towers above the northern Outer Banks in the historic Corolla Village. 220 steps wind around to the top for a panoramic view of Currituck Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Outer Banks. Inside are lighthouse exhibits where you can learn about the history of coastal lighthouses.

Next we travel to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Famous for its black and white candy-cane stripes this lighthouse is the world’s tallest brick lighthouse at 208’ ft. tall. Comparing the climb to a 12 story building lighthouse enthusiast can take the 248 step spiral staircase to the top! Stop off at the lighthouse museum and gift shop which is full of books, toys and souvenirs.   

Our next stop is a 56 mile long stretch off of the Southern Outer Banks consisting of 3 undeveloped barrier islands. Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one of the most strikingly distinctive lighthouses on the eastern seaboard. It has a rich history as long as its height measuring 163’ ft. tall. The grounds are always open and welcome a tour. 

Our last stop is Bald Head Island Lighthouse. Take the ferry over to the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina. Affectionately known as Old Baldy the lighthouse has maintained its original form and location for over 187 years. At Keeper’s Cottage you can learn the history of the lighthouse including its keepers, pirates and more! 

Once you’ve arrived by ferry to Bald Head Island, look around! Along with beautiful scenery and breathtaking waters you can’t miss Old Baldy. Rent a bike or golf cart to explore this beautiful island or even better plan a get-away on the pristine beaches of Bald Head Island. 

Published on Tuesday, July 26, 2016