Jailhouse Provisions

What’s in a name? When the Petersons purchased the former Bald Head Island police station, it came with history, a central location, and without a jail. With 40 years of owning, living, and working on Bald Head Island, the veterans of Bald Head Island started a journey to figure out the best use of their newly gained piece of the island. The building has since morphed into an outdoor and indoor coffee house, bar, and restaurant. Fittingly the old police department now has a jail, “Jailhouse Provisions.”

Harper and Plunkett Peterson have brought together eclectic pieces of art, salvaged materials, and their sense of shared island history to create a unique setting. Plunkett is growing a micro-garden; she purchased a water re-fill station that reads out the number of plastic water bottles the station has saved each time someone fills up their container and has sourced green products. One would never expect that the bar mantle used to sit in Plunkett’s dad’s home or the restaurant sign crafted by Harper is from scrap metal, brass, and copper, as are many other artsy decorations inside the bar. Those who frequented Water Street restaurant in Wilmington, NC, may recognize the hand-carved “Blue Post” Harper made. The cypress bar was reclaimed from a restaurant in downtown Raleigh called the Sunflowers. Harper and Plunkett put a lot of themselves into the newest island business, including lovely touches like the stencil work on the walls taken from Plunkett’s dad’s illustrations he did during his career as an illustrator.

Every detail was thought out, including the copper sheathing Harper created and hung from the ceiling, at 1/800th of an inch thick; it speaks to the labor of love and sense of place the Petersons were determined to develop.

The creativity doesn’t end with the interior and exterior space, and it continues with quality food, wine, beer, and cocktails Made by Executive Chef Carlos Rojas and his talented kitchen staff. Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Carlos credits his grandmother with inspiring him to become a chef. Carlos also serves as the executive chef at Delphia Cantina, located in the harbour. When asked what his favorite meal was on the menu, Harper carefully considered the options and settled on the fresh oysters done in a light batter. The wines are organic, and the selections are Napa and Oregon varietals. The menu ranges from food baskets, sandwiches and salads to bar snacks. Daily specials are offered with lunch and dinner served in Jailhouse Provisions.

Located in Jailhouse Provisions is Midway Coffee. Plunkett took great care to offer organic and inspired coffees, desserts, ice cream, and a toast menu with such items as egg & avocado and cucumber & salmon. Fresh bread from Wilmington Bread and gluten-free options are available. The selection of acai bowls is plentiful.

The latest island business is one of many the Petersons have opened on the island in the past forty years. Now Jailhouse Provisions and Midway Coffee can join the collection of their creative startups which have shaped Bald Head Island through the years like Island Passage, Delphina Cantina, Riverside Adventure Company, Will O’ the Wisp, Sandpiper Coffee & Ice Cream, The Sail Shop, East Beach Surf Shop, and an assortment of recreational activities like Ghost Walks and Sunset Socials.

Visiting Bald Head Island? Be sure to take Harper’s advice and explore it freely by riding a bike around the island, soaking up the environment, listening to nature, finding the spot that speaks to you to create your sense of what Bald Head Island is all about. It means so many things to many people; those who genuinely fall in love with the island find their connection. Harper should know--that happened to him and Plunkett; they were the first couple to get married in the Bald Head Island Chapel in 1987.

Be sure to visit the Petersons at Jailhouse Provisions and Midway Coffee during your next trip to Bald Head Island at 251 Edward Teach Extension. Ferries depart for Bald Head Island on the hour from Deep Point Marina at 1301 Ferry Road in Southport, NC. Ferries leave the island on the half-hour. Ferry tickets may be purchased at the Deep Point Marina. Should you need a tram ride to Jailhouse Provisions and Midway Coffee, you may reserve a ride online at https://baldheadislandferry.com/tram or by calling 910-457-5003. Ferry passage is $23 per adult, $12 per child ages 3-12, and no charge for children ages two and younger.