This year’s Fishing Rodeo includes some exciting changes like larger cash awards, an extra day of fishing and the addition of Rodeo Village, the official headquarters of the fishing competition. Rodeo Village will feature an enhanced spectator area, sponsor booths, concessions and a weigh station. The ample cash awards, including a $10,000 guaranteed first place reward, will make this year’s tournament a not-to-be-missed event for anglers. A variety of family-oriented activities and events are also available on the island, making for a perfect getaway for the entire family.

 Island accommodations are available at a special 15% discount  for tournament participants and their families when you book online or call Bald Head Island Limited Property Management at 800-432-RENT. Simply use offer code RODEO21.

Entry form and all the details are available on our website. Register by May 25^th and receive a $100 discount off the entry fee. Docking spaces at the Bald Head Island and Deep Point Marinas are limited, so reserve your slip today by calling 1-800-234-1666, ext. 7380, or by emailing fishingrodeo@bhisland.com.

Get your crew together, beat the early entry deadline, and we’ll look forward to signing you up for the 21st Annual Bald Head Island Fishing Rodeo.

Click here to download these valuable coupons that you can print right off of your computer.

The Winds is a small, intimate island resort ideal for vacations, romantic getaways, weddings, honeymoons, reunions, golf packages and excursions or small meetings, The Winds Resort Beach Club, on Ocean Isle Beach, NC, is more than just a beach resort hotel.

The Winds’ complex is a lush tropical paradise offering a variety of Ocean Isle beach rentals and vacation homes all with access to a host of free amenities including three pools (one indoor), bikes to explore the island and much more.

Oceanfront hotel rooms and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites (with kitchens) overlook palms, banana trees, hibiscus flowers and our breathtaking island beach. The Winds also offers 4, 5 and 6 bedroom Resort Cottages.

Free Hot Southern Breakfast Buffet each morning:
No one offers a free breakfast spread like The Winds Resort Beach Club! All guests can enjoy this buffet free with their stay.

With everything from eggs, breakfast meats, grits, potatoes, waffles, bagels and english muffins to fruit and hot and cold cereals.

This is just a partial list. We promise that you will not be walking away hungry.

The Winds Resort Beach Club

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“I explore beauty with my camera. The photos show the journey” – Ken Buckner

All photos have titles in the white margins and Ken’s signature is printed in the image digitally.

A light gray mat is also printed around the white area.

All photos are signed and titled digitally and reproduced as high quality Giclées.

A grey mat is printed around the image. All prints fit standard frames.

Click here to buy a high quality Giclée Print at the Islands-Art.com website!

Islands Art features Giclée Prints by nationally renowned local nature photographer and artist, Ken Buckner, the books of Miller Pope (founder of The Winds Resort and Sea Trail Golf Resort), mystery novelist Tom Rieber and renowned local Romance Novelists Jacqueline DeGroot and Peggy Grich.

We thought we would share him with you:

The number of nesting pairs in the lower 48 United States increased 10-fold, from less than 450 in the early 1960s, to more than 4,500 adult bald eagle nesting pairs in the 1990s.

In the Southeast, for example, there were about 980 breeding pairs in 1993, up from about 400 in 1981.

The largest concentrations were in the states of Florida and Louisiana.

Today, there are an estimated 9,789 nesting pairs of bald eagles.

Bald Head Island has an ever changing avian population, including white ibis, pelicans, and bald eagles. During the summer months, the Conservancy sponsors a series of “Turtle Walks” designed to teach visitors about the island’s most famous residents, the loggerhead turtles that come to nest.

Bald Head Island has something for anyone who enjoys island fun. For your next vacation, get back to nature and enjoy everything this remote, secluded island has to offer.

If you have photos you’d like to share email them to us at info@CoastalNC.com and be sure to tell us a little about yourself and your photos!

April 13 – 14, 2012 – 7:30 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Nunsense 2: The Second Coming. Director: Thom Clemmons.
Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium Hwy. 17, Supply
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

April 15, 2012 – 3:00 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Nunsense 2: The Second Coming. Director: Thom Clemmons.
Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium, Hwy. 17, Supply
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

April 20 – 21, 2012 – 7:30 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Nunsense 2: The Second Coming. Director: Thom Clemmons.
Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium, Hwy. 17, Supply
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

April 21, 2012 – 8:30 AM
Oak Island Lighthouse 5K , 10K & Half Marathon
Picturesque routes through tree lined streets, along the beachfront and past the Oak Island Lighthouse ending at the NC Baptist Assembly in Fort Caswell.
Please check the run website for additional details. www.lighthouse10k.com
Contact: Southport – Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, SE Southport, NC 28461
(910) 457-6964 or 800-457-6964
Early Registration: $20 per person, $10 military/law enforcement on entries postmarked by March 17th. Late Registration: $25 per person, $10 military/law enforcement after March 18th. T-shirt or tank included with the first 500 run/walk entries. Half Marathon information not available yet.

April 22, 2012 – 3:00 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Nunsense 2: The Second Coming. Director: Thom Clemmons.
Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium, Hwy. 17, Supply
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

May 1, 2012 – 6:30 PM

Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr., well known local UNCW history professor and BCWRT Lifetime Charter Member. Topic: “Lt. Cmdr. William B. Cushing: Incomparable Federal Naval Office”. He was instrumental in the capture of Fort Fisher. Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free

May 5, 2012 – 8:30 AM
Southport-Oak Island Area Golf Classic
Shotgun Start. 4-person Captain’s Choice. Numerous door prizes, cash & prizes. The entry fee includes cart, green fee, special gift, breakfast biscuit, coffee, hospitality cart and lunch. R.A. Jeffreys Distributing of Wilmington, proud distributors of Budweiser, Bud Light, Natural Light and Michelob Ultra, will provide beverages. Registration @ 7:30a.m.
Oak Island Golf Club 928 Caswell Beach Road, Caswell Beach, NC
Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce 4433 Long Beach Road, Southport, NC 28461
910/457-6964
Proceeds benefit Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. First Saturday in May.

May 16 – 19, 2012
Battleship Association Annual Crew Reunion
The USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Association is an organization of the Battleship’s crew and their families. The Association hosts an annual reunion in Wilmington with the next one scheduled for May 16 – 19, 2012. The crew and families very much look forward to their annual return to the Battleship to share stories, visit old friends and make new ones. The love they have for their ship makes a powerful bond. Darrell Adams publishes their newsletter, the TARHEEL, several times a year. Mr. Adams also runs the Association “chat line”, which helps everyone stay in touch. The crew has been a tremendous asset to the Battleship through the years. They have given thousands of artifacts, recorded oral histories, donated funds, helped found the Friends of the Battleship, volunteered countless hours, and served on the USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Commission. The Battleship staff is proud to preserve their ship and share their story. The Battleship would love to help crew members and their families reconnect with their Ship. If you are interested in joining the USS NC Battleship Association or finding out about the annual crew reunion, please contact Museum Services Director Kim Sincox.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersections Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

May 19, 2012 – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Battleship Alive!
The Battleship has sponsored “Living History” weekends, called “Battleship Alive,” since 1997. “Living History” brings historical events, places and persons “alive” for the public by demonstrating various aspects of the past and allowing interaction with the interpreters. The LHC gives insight into the daily life and routine of the crew aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA by explaining the duties specific to the sailor’s ratings (jobs) and demonstrates of some of the activities that occurred aboard the ship. The WAVES/Home Front unit portrays the lives of women in the Navy and of the men and women on the home front during the war. Included with Battleship admission.
Battleship NC Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersection Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

May 25 – 28, 2012
Bald Head Island Memorial Day Weekend
Come and enjoy a week end of fun, music and great food on Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island, NC
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
1-800-432-RENT
Admission/Fees: Fees Charged

May 28, 2012 – 5:45 PM
47th Annual Memorial Day Observance
Remember those who gave their lives in service by honoring veterans at the Battleship’s traditional Memorial Day Observance featuring a military guest speaker, an all-service Color Guard, a 21-gun salute by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, a military band, Taps, and a memorial wreath cast onto the waters.
Battleship North Carolina Highway 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: Free

May 30 – June 3, 2012
Bald Head Island Annual Fishing Rodeo
Come and watch the boats com in with their catch of the day. Fishing Tournament for wahoo, dolphin and tuna, as well as a catch-and-release billfish category.
Bald Head Island Marina
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
P.O. Box 3069 Bald Head Island, NC 28461
1-800-432-RENT
Admission/Fees: Call for Fees

June 2, 2012 – 7:30 AM
Bridge to Bridge Triathlon
Triathlon Race, 750 meter swim, 18 mile bike, and a 4 mile run.
Oak Island & Surrounding Area
Contact: Tony Panigutti
150 W. 9th Ave. #1308 Denver, Co 80204
303/882-8304
Admission/Fees: $60.00 + depending on when registered.
Sponsored by & Organized by Without Limits Productions.

June 5, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Dr. Max R. Williams, BCWRT director and Lifetime Charter Member. Topic: “When Cotton Wasn’t King: Southern Dreams and British Realities.” Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free.

June 9, 2012 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Battleship 101
Ship volunteers stationed throughout the ship engage visitors in specific subjects and areas including: gunnery, radar, sickbay, galley, engineering, and daily shipboard life.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Intersection of Highways 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: Free with Battleship admission.

June 30, 2012 – 10:00 AM
N.C. 4th of July Festival Beach Day
Youth Activities and Contests from 10am-2pm. Sk8 Competition in the afternoon. Shag Contest organized by the Society of Brunswick Shaggers. Beach Music Band from 7pm-9pm.
Middleton Park Extension (46th Street, SE and Beachfront Cabana Area.
Contact: Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department
910/278-5518
Admission/Fees: Free
Organized and Sponsored by Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department. Beach Concert & Shag Contest Sponsored by N.C. 4th of July Festival.

June 30, 2012 – 8:00 AM
NC 4th of July Festival Freedom Run
5k run, walk & 1 mile fun run/walk. Entry fees are $20 before 6/8 and $25 after for one mile or 5k. $10 per event for Active Military & Law Enforcement.
Waterfront Park, Southport
Contact: NC 4th of July Festival
910/457-5578
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

July 2 – 4, 2012
N.C. 4th of July Festival
Arts, crafts, parade, 5K run, food, entertainment, children’s games, naturalization ceremony and more. See “Events & Activities” page for more information and link to the preliminary schedule. Check out the festival’s new website www.nc4thofjuly.com
Downtown Southport.
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, SE Southport, NC 28461
910-457-5578
Admission/Fees: Most events are free.
June 30th -Beach Day & Freedom Run. July 2,4 & 4 events will be in downtown Southport.

July 4, 2012 – 9:05 PM
16th Annual Battleship Blast
Noted as Coastal Living’s 10 Spots to Celebrate the Fourth and recent recipient of Southeast Tourism Society’s award of Top 20 things to due in July, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, U.S. Cellular, and the City of Wilmington present the 2012 16th Annual Battleship Blast Fireworks show sponsored by Food Lion, Star News Media, WECT TV-6 and 102.7 WGNI on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. At 9:05pm the Battleship fireworks spectacular will begin. You don’t want to miss this year as the fireworks display will take on new forms that have never been seen in Wilmington before. Primary viewing for the fireworks will be from downtown Wilmington. The entire Battleship complex on Eagles Island will be closed at 6:00pm and all vehicles will be required to leave by 6:30pm. Therefore, come early and visit the equally impressive Battleship NORTH CAROLINA before the activities in the evening.
USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Hwy. 17/74/76/421 Intersection Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

July 4, 2012
Bald Head Island 4th of July Celebration
Annual Bald Head Island Cart Parade.
Bald Head Island, NC
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
1-800-432-RENT

July 14, 2012 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Battleship 101
Ship volunteers stationed throughout the ship engage visitors in specific subjects and areas including: gunnery, radar, sickbay, galley, engineering, and daily shipboard life. Free with Battleship admission.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersections Wilmington NC
910/251-5797

July 27 – 28, 2012
Cape Fear Flounder Classic
Flounder Fishing Tournament. Boats only. Cash Prizes.
Southport Marina 606 W. West Street Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, SE Southport, NC 28461
910/457-6964
Admission/Fees: Fees Charged
Event of Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce

August 11, 2012 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Battleship 101
Ship volunteers stationed throughout the ship engage visitors in specific subjects and areas including: gunnery, radar, sickbay, galley, engineering, and daily shipboard life. Free with Battleship admission. Only on August 11th, Civil War re-enactors will be interpreting the Blue & Gray Navies.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersections Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

August 11, 2012 – 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Blue & Gray Navies
Carolina Living History Guild members will set up displays that highlight the history of the USS North Carolina and the CSS North Carolina during the American Civil War. Displays will include steam engineering, ironclad ship construction, navigation, small arms of the US and CS navies, and the “arts of the sailor.” Visitors will be able to view reproductions of period small arms and working models of steam engines, as well as many other items. Guild members will discuss with visitors the vast differences between the 1824 ship-of-the-line and the newly constructed Confederate ironclad gunboat, and how these differences highlighted the change in naval and military technology in the 1860s.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersections Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

August 31 – September 2, 2012
Labor Day Music Extravaganza Weekend
Come and enjoy a week end of fun, food and entertainment. For ticket information contact the BHI Rental Relations Department.
Bald Head Island, NC
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
1-800-432-RENT
Admission/Fees: Fees Vary.

September 29, 2012 – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Battleship Alive
The Battleship has sponsored “Living History” weekends, called “Battleship Alive,” since 1997. “Living History” brings historical events, places and persons “alive” for the public by demonstrating various aspects of the past and allowing interaction with the interpreters. The LHC gives insight into the daily life and routine of the crew aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA by explaining the duties specific to the sailor’s ratings (jobs) and demonstrates of some of the activities that occurred aboard the ship. The WAVES/Home Front unit portrays the lives of women in the Navy and of the men and women on the home front during the war. Included with Battleship admission.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Intersection of Highways 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

October 1 – 31, 2012
October Wine and Food month on Bald Head Island
Series of events throughout the month, including wine dinners, tastings, Octoberfest and seminars. For more information contact BHI Rental Relations Department.
Bald Head Island
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
1-800-432-RENT
Admission/Fees: Fees Charged

October 4 – 6, 2012 – 10:00 AM
Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament
Over $100,000 in prizes. Guaranteed Prize structure. Entertainment, Food, Fishing Tournament. Fee Charged to enter. Spectators Free. Food,Beverages & Entertainment Saturday. Public welcome.
Southport Marina
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, Southport, NC 28461
800-457-6964
www.usopenkmt.com

October 13, 2012
Hidden Battleship
For the explorer at heart, bring a friend and join us for a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of un-restored areas of the Battleship. The four-hour tour consists of small groups with guides. Guests explore the bow (officers’ country and boatswain locker), third deck (Radio II, brig, after gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling, Engineer’s office, torpedo area), Engine room #1, the refrigerator compartments, and climb inside the fire control tower to the top of the ship. The Azalea Coast Radio Club will be in Radio II to explain their work on the ship’s radio transmitters. It’s the tour that brings out the “Indiana Jones” in all of us, without the snakes!
Battleship NC Intersection of Hwys. 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: $45.00 Per Person. Pre-Registration Required.
The tour is limited to ages 12 and older and limited to 40 participants per time slot. It is not appropriate for those who have difficulty climbing narrow ladders or over knee-high hatches. Wear warm, comfortable, washable clothing, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and bring a camera! Choose between a morning (8:30 – 12:30) or afternoon (1:30 – 5:30) tour. Registration and payment are due by Thursday, October 11th.

October 30, 2012 – 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Batty Battleship’s Halloween Bash
Trick or Treat aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Batty Battleship, brother Buggy and their friends have come back to the Battleship for a spooktacular trick or treating time. A lot of fun and no scares it is the best location for the family to share. But don’t be frightened and don’t you fret we promise we’ll provide a zoo with animals to pet. With candy and sweets there’s plenty of treats you’ll be asking yourself what more should I eat. Come have fun on the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA for the 4th annual Batty Battleship’s Halloween Bash. Carnival festivities with popcorn, tattoos, caricature drawings and bounce house included trick-or-treaters of all ages will be begging not to leave.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Intersection of Highways 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: $5 per person. Children 2 & under Free.

November 3, 2012
Dixon Chapel Oyster Roast
Nothin’ better on a cool day than hot roasted oysters, hot cornbread, pickles and a cold pepsi. Bring yourself on over to Dixon Chapel United Methodist Church at 190 Varnamtown Rd. near Holden Beach from noon to 5pm, Saturday, November 5th. Oyster Roast: Adult $20 Child $8. Fish Plates: Adults $10 Child $5. Also Hotdogs, Softdrinks, Homemade Baked Goods & Crafts. BRING YOUR OWN KNIFE and any special sauces you like. No coolers permitted. For additional information call: 910-842-6425, 910-842-6492, 910-842-9840 & Pastor Bill Negron, 910-547-1879.
Varnamtown
Contact: Carson Varnam
910/842-6425
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged

November 3, 2012 – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Holly Days Arts & Crafts Fair.
Southport Gym Atlantic Ave., Southport
Contact: Barbara Vice
700 W. 9th Street Southport, NC 28461
910/457-4365
Admission/Fees: Free
Sponsored by: Southport Baptist Church Bellamy Group

November 13, 2012
Election Day
Please remember to vote!

December 1, 2012 – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Battleship Alive!
The Battleship has sponsored “Living History” weekends, called “Battleship Alive,” since 1997. “Living History” brings historical events, places and persons “alive” for the public by demonstrating various aspects of the past and allowing interaction with the interpreters. The LHC gives insight into the daily life and routine of the crew aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA by explaining the duties specific to the sailor’s ratings (jobs) and demonstrates of some of the activities that occurred aboard the ship. The WAVES/Home Front unit portrays the lives of women in the Navy and of the men and women on the home front during the war. Included with Battleship admission.
Battleship North Carolina Highway 17/74/76/421 Intersection Wilmington, NC
910-251-5797

December 1, 2012 – 2:00 PM
Christmas By The Sea Parade
Oak Island – On Oak Island Drive from Oak Island Town Hall on 46th Street to McGlamery Street. For a parade application call The Chamber.
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, SE, Southport, NC 28461
910/457-6964

It was decided to place a lighthouse on Bald Head Island to guide ships through the channels and sand bars of the Cape Fear River. In addition, one was also needed to help vessels avoid the treacherous Frying Pan Shoals, which extends over 20 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean.

North Carolina’s first lighthouse structure was constructed in 1795. This light station was located on the southwest point of Bald Head Island. The light station was ordered to be destroyed due to severe erosion along the river. Funds were approved the same year for the construction of a new light station. It was not until 1816 that efforts were made to obtain bids for the construction of the new light.

The new octagonal tower, “Old Baldy,” as it is affectionately known, was first illuminated in 1817. This is the present lighthouse on Bald Head Island. At its base “Old Baldy” is thirty-six feet wide, and its walls are five feet thick. The top the lighthouse is fourteen feet and six inches wide and two feet and six inches thick. The foundation and the platform for the lantern room are constructed of stone.

The tower is constructed of brick and painted with plaster on the exterior. The ground floor is made of brick, while the remaining floor joist and the stairs are made from North Carolina Yellow Pine.

The first lighthouse keepers cottage was located the on the west side of “Old Baldy.” Due to erosion the keepers cottage was destroyed. It was replaced in the 1850’s with a one and one-half story cottage located on the east side of the lighthouse. The second structure was destroyed by fire. As a result a larger two story structure was built in 1883 in the same location as the previous keepers cottage, reusing some of the original brick piers. This too was lost to a fire in 1931. A museum was built on the same spot, replicating the two story cottage.

View of entrance to Bald Head Lighthouse

Trivia Note: The Island may look familiar to you, this was the Island that Weekend at Bernie’s (1989) was filmed on, as well as The Butcher’s Wife (1991), and Pirate Kids II: The Search for the Silver Skull (2006).

Visitor Information

Directions: From Hwy 17/74 south of Wilmington, Take 133 south to 211 south and once in the town of Southport, turn right on 9th street. Take 9th to Plantation Drive and you will reach the ferry landing that will take you to the island. Information Contact (910) 457-7481 for more information about Bald Head Lighthouse

Summer Hours

Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m

Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Winter Hours

Please call 910-457-7481 for hours.

The ferry ride is a people only ferry and costs $15 per person for a round trip. Once on the island, you can rent bikes to get around since there are no vehicles allowed.

The lighthouse is very close to the ferry landing so you can easily walk there. It also has a small museum that is set up similar to what the keepers house would look like. There is also a shop that sells books, shirts, and various lighthouse related items. It costs $3 to climb enter the museum and climb the lighthouse.

There is a chapel that was built in 1987 near the lighthouse that is open to the public. Across from the lighthouse is a small post office.

Historic Island Tours

Tuesday-Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Meet at the Island Ferry landing

Cost: $45/Adults and $40/Children 12 and under, price includes Ferry, Tour and Lunch ($30 for island guests)

Call 910-457-5003 for reservations.

* Bald Head Island Lighthouse was built in 1817.

* It is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina

* It cost just under $16,000 to build.

* The structure is 109? 10-3/4? tall, made of brick and coated with cement.

* The tower is no longer in service, however serves as a tourist attraction.

* Bald Head Island is fourteen miles north to south, and 3.6 miles east to west.

To see this month’s Martha’s “Best Buy Picks” for Bald Head Island CLICK HERE!

To have this list emailed to you in her monthly “Martha’s Picks” Newsletter just sign up in the box provided on the right side of her website!

With rates that include a full hot Southern Breakfast Buffet each day there is no better golf value around!

2012 FREE SUMMER GOLF – 6/01/2012 to 8/31/2012:

We’re talking free green fees for all Winds’ guests on a selection of top area courses FREE. All you pay in, addition to your regular lodging rates, is carts and tax.

Courses include: Azalea Sands, Brierwood Golf Course, Carolina Shores, Sea Trail Byrd, Sea Trail Maples, Valley at Eastport, Wedgefield.

After 12:00: Brunswick Plantation

Sign up on our Home Page to receive all the latest golf news and specials updates!

To book this golf package please call the The Winds Resort Beach Club Toll Free: 800-334-3581 or Email:reservations@thewinds.com

“Its All About Golf At The Winds!”

The Winds Resort Beach Club offers golfers a choice of oceanfront suites overlooking palm trees, subtropical gardens and our breathtaking powder-sand island beach or, for groups, our spacious 4, 5 and 6 bedroom Resort Cottages.

All packages include a Hot Southern Breakfast Buffet and use of all of The Winds Amenities: Three Pools (one indoor), Garden Bar Restaurant and poolside oceanfront Tiki-Bar.

The Winds’ deserves its reputation for being “a golfer’s paradise”, boasting nearly 20 of the “Grand Strand’s” best courses within 8 miles, and close to 100 courses within 30 minutes drive. Golfers love our FREE Summer Golf Program!

Local authors Fred R. David and Vern J. Bender created this 66 page paperback book.

$14.95 Buy it at http://Islands-Art.com

People from age 4 to 104 will love this book, for twelve good reasons:

* It provides short stories of the last voyage of ships that sank offshore of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Baldhead Island
* It provides actual pictures of ships that sank here, such as the Sherman, the Hebe, the Raritan, the Governor, and the City of Houston
* It provides GPS #’s of many shipwrecks off southeast North Carolina
* It provides color pictures and short descriptions of exotic marine life that inhabit local shipwrecks
* It reveals where local Shark Tooth Beds are located and describes the extinct megalodon that once roamed here * It discusses the local Cypress Tree Forest on the ocean floor
* It provides numerous embedded YouTube video hotlinks to bring to life local shipwrecks and marine life
* It describes how, when, and where to catch spiny and slipper lobster here
* It gives important information for diving local shipwrecks, including depth, visibility, currents, type of artifacts, and marine life
* It describes local shipwreck history, from pirate ships to Civil War blockade runners, to World War II U-boat victims, to the recent Valour sinking * It tells the story of Frying Pan Tower and Frying Pan Lightships
* Help us preserve the history of this area by making this book available to others.

$14.95 Buy it at http://Islands-Art.com

Several moss-draped oaks and pine trees grow in waste bunkers that line a few holes; brick and stone walkways lead the way to tee boxes through waste bunkers; an open cemetery is passed en route to the second tee box; and despite meandering through a heavily developed residential community, the course also has a handful of holes that run along the Calabash Creek.

“I’ve seen waste bunkers with pampas grass growing out of them, but never trees,” said Frances Pritchard of Conway, a member of a foursome that reviewed and rated the course in early December. “It’s a nice addition.”

The Dan Maples layout is not overly demanding in length, measuring 6,797 from the back blue tees and 6,332 from the white. And you shouldn’t lose many balls. Tree-lined fairways rather than hazards account for the course’s biggest challenge.

In addition to Frances, a hostess at Papa’s restaurant who carries a handicap of 28, the foursome included me, Pete Veum, a retired salesman from Myrtle Beach who plays to a 13, and Ed Wydro, another retiree from Little River who plays to an 18. Pete played the back tees, Ed and I the white and Frances the 5,090-yard red. The course also features 6,035-yard gold tees.

“It’s a fair challenge from the white tees,” Ed said. “Under normal circumstances, the average player would have a tough time but a good time. The course makes you think a little bit.”

“Which is a real problem for us,” Pete added.

Over the summer and fall, the Maples Course closed for $500,000 in renovations, and changed its greens from Bermuda to an A1/A4 blended bent grass. Due to the increased speed associated with bent, several green complexes were redesigned to reduce their undulation, though there are still significant mounds, ridges and slopes on most.

“I thought they putted well for only being a month or two old,” said Pete, who has played the course three times. “In the summer, they’ll be very fast. They’re much better than they were before.”

Sea Trail also refurbished bunkers with a light, white sand, and managed to improve air circulation throughout the course without significantly altering the course’s tight, tree-lined characteristic.

“You have to be accurate on the second shots on the par-4s and the third shots on the par-5s,” Pete said. “They all narrow down as you go to the green.”

There are approximately 50 bunkers on the course, but many aren’t in traditional landing areas and greens are generally open in front with no more than two bunkers protecting any of them. The course’s rough is not very penal.

“The rough is not too deep, but it’s high enough to let you know it’s there,” Ed said. “That’s the way it should be for the average player. It’s there, but you can play out of it.”

Because it’s a residential course, out of bounds lurks close to the fairways of many holes. But so do friendly neighbors. A bowl of candy was left at the base of a tree behind a home adjacent to the cart path off the 15th women’s tee box, and was accompanied by a sign wishing everyone a merry Christmas. Pete and Ed abstained, possibly fearing a terrorist scheme, but Frances and I each grabbed a piece. “They’re so skeptical,” Frances said. “Some people are just nice.”

The par-3s are all between 150 and 172 yards from the white tees and 170-198 from the blue tees, and holes 5, 11 and 17 are straightforward with an open entrance to the greens. “The par-3s looked a lot alike,” Pete said.

The third hole is the most distinctive of the par-3s. It features split tee boxes, with the red and gold to the left and blue and white to the right, where a pond to the right of the green comes more into play and a short but wide tree that is growing out of a waste bunker in front of the green must be carried. “It’s a different look,” Ed said.

The course gets much of its yardage from the par-5s, especially from the back tees, where they start at 545 yards and stretch to 575. The one reprieve from the white tees is the 490-yard 12th. Otherwise, they measure between 525 and 553 yards.

The fourth hole is a straightforward par-5, while the sixth is designed for three shots. It features a gradual bend to the right that makes it difficult to get a good angle to the green on the second shot, and a small pond 20 yards from the green on the left side to further deter bold attempts.

The 12th hole has the creek to the left but is open to approach shots and can be reached after a long drive, and the 575-yard 15th has a waste bunker running all the way up the left side to the 150 marker, and another small waste bunker with a dead tree to the front-right of the green.

Though the majority of the doglegs turn to the left, the par-4s offer a variety of yardages and looks. “The course is laid out really nice,” Frances said. “It’s not a humdrum course. Each hole is a little different.”

The diversity of the par-4s is demonstrated in the front nine’s closing holes.

The seventh hole measures 410 from the back tees and 375 from the white. A drive of between 200 and 225 is required to get past the left tree line on the sharp dogleg-left, with an approach shot from 130 yards or less to a green that slopes to the front and back due to a middle ridge.

The dogleg-left eighth is 410 from the blue and 380 from the white, and requires a drive over water through a chute of trees, then approach to a green protected by a pair of bunkers to its right. More of the fairway’s left side is open to drives from the white tees, considerably shortening the hole.

The ninth hole is perhaps the toughest on the course because of its length of 455, 445, 420 and 360 from the four tee boxes, and one of the smaller greens on the course with a large ridge separating its right front and back portions.

The course’s first two holes are short par-4s with Calabash Creek running along the right side of each, and the closing hole is a very birdieable par-4, measuring 410 from the blue, 330 from the white and just 250 from the red, with housing on the left.

By Alan Blondin

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Sea Trail Dan Maples Signature Course - Twisted ancient oaks and tall Carolina pines define each hole on the beautiful par 72 course, still regarded as one of Maples finest. This one-of-a-kind course has newly renovated A1/A4 blended Bent grass greens and boasts five holes that wind along the scenic Calabash Creek, home to nesting ospreys and other native wildlife. The course is also peppered with numerous waste bunkers, one of which extends the full length of a fairway. Contact us for additional information or call 800-624-6601 or 910-287-1157. http://www.seatrail.com

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Sea Trail Willard Byrd Signature Course -

Opened in the Fall of 1990, each hole of the Willard Byrd Golf Course at Sea Trail Resort & Golf Links, Sunset Beach, NC is memorable for both beauty and exacting play.

Built around several man-made lakes, each ranging from 14-20 acres, every hole of this par-72 signature course requires a distinctly difference approach. Contact us for additional information or call 800-624-6601 or 910-287-1157. http://www.seatrail.com

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Sea Trail Rees Jones Signature Course – The Rees Jones Golf Course at Sea Trail Resort & Golf Links, Sunset Beach, NC, opened in the Spring of 1990 and has become a perennial favorite of visitors and locals alike. Players of all skill levels will enjoy an extraordinary golf experience on this straightforward golf course with typical Jones bounding. Wide fairways and large mounds are surrounded by water, with water coming into play on 11 holes of the Par 72 championship course. In addition to water hazards, the many pot and large expanse bunkers make for a delightfully challenging game of golf. Contact us for additional information or call 800-624-6601 or 910-287-1157. http://www.seatrail.com