Bald Head Island NC - townofbaldheadisland.com

Vacation Planning and Real Estate Guide to Bald Head Island, NC

Kim

Bald Head Island Holiday Gift Guide

Looking for a great holiday gift for someone special? How about a present that will take them back to their beloved Bald Head Island all year long with a print, a book, jewelry, or a piece of artwork from Islands Art & Bookstore!

Our Top Picks for Bald Head Island

The Perfect Fishing Guide Book

Explore creative techniques and the latest strategies that have transformed the sport over the last decade. Many of the old-school methods of fishing are updated for modern practicality. The Southern Surfcaster will change the way you think and what you thought you knew about saltwater fishing.

$16.99

Golden Oyster Dish Jewelry Catchall

This Oyster Dish was handpicked out of the bays of the Carolina Coast for its natural beauty. This dish makes a perfect holder for jewelry, soap, or even salt and pepper. Enjoy!

$24

Shelling Guide

The Beachcomber’s Companion is a charming illustrated guide to collecting and identifying shells and other coastal treasures. Each of the entries includes fascinating descriptions, fun tidbits, and detailed artwork that makes it easy for readers to identify their own beach discoveries.

$16.95

Print by North Carolina Artist Ivey Hayes

Beautiful, vivid prints depicting the Bald Head Island Lighthouse printed on high-quality paper. Various Standard Sizes available.

$9.95-$54.95

Photo of the Lighthouse

Giclée Print by nationally renowned local nature photographer and artist, Ken Buckner.

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.

$9.95-$79.95

History of Bald Head Island

History abounds in this area, settled by the Smith brothers in the late 1700s. A century later, Fort Caswell was built on Oak Island and used for Confederate defense. Two of North Carolina’s historic lighthouses grace the beaches of the area. “Old Baldy” was built in 1817 in a unique octagonal shape. On Oak Island, the lighthouse is modern yet beautiful; it was completed in 1958. Today, the area is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy the plentiful live oaks, fishing, and the waterfront park of Southport.

$21.99

Bald Head Island Map

Geographical Map showing the topological view of Bald Head Island North Carolina in a stylized view, complete with latitude and longitude coordinates. Available in several sizes.

$36.95-$79.95

A Sea Turtle Tale for the Kids

Acclaimed activist Philippe Cousteau and renowned author Deborah Hopkinson team up to offer a story of the powerful difference young people can make in the world. Meet Viv, who has a new home and a new school by the sea, and follow her as she finds her way in a new place and helps bring together a whole community to save the sea turtles of the Carolina coast.

$16.99

Carolina Seafood Cookbook

Unlock the fresh tastes of North Carolina grilled tuna, steamed shrimp, pan-seared mountain trout, fried catfish, and baked littleneck clams, to name just a few of the culinary treasures sourced from the waters of a state that stretches from the mountains to the sea. In ninety-two dishes, Moose shows how to prepare North Carolina fish and shellfish–freshwater, saltwater, wild-caught, and farmed–in both classic southern and inventive, contemporary ways.

$35.00

Sea Glass Jewelry

Give a gift from the sea this year with beautiful sea glass found on the Carolina Coast. Accented with gold, these pieces are perfect for layering together for a casual chic vibe. Chain and all components are 14kt gold-filled, and rimmed sea glass is 14kt gold.

Bracelet shown $88

Turtle Trot 5K: Nov. 25th

The Bald Head Island Conservancy Turtle Trot 5K fundraiser is an event that offers participants the opportunity to get some exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of Bald Head Island. The 5K route winds through the island’s ancient maritime forest and over its pristine beaches, providing stunning views along the way.

Participants can choose to run the 5K at their own pace, whether that means sprinting to the finish or taking a leisurely stroll. This event is designed to be family-friendly, so everyone can participate regardless of age or skill level.

The Turtle Trot 5K is also a fundraiser for the Bald Head Island Conservancy. Proceeds from the event support the Conservancy’s mission of fostering community-based barrier island education, conservation, and preservation. This includes supporting their nationally recognized Sea Turtle Protection Program.

By participating in the Turtle Trot 5K, runners not only get to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Bald Head Island but also contribute to a worthy cause. It’s a fun way to stay active, connect with nature, and support conservation efforts all at the same time.

Proceeds support the Bald Head Island Conservancy mission of fostering community-based barrier island education, conservation, and preservation – including our nationally recognized Sea Turtle Protection Program.

Turtle Trot 5K Details

Runners and walkers will receive our popular Turtle Trot 5K shirt and winners will receive a beautiful sea turtle medal! Please read our rules and regulations carefully before signing up.

Race Day: November 25, 2023  Start time is 8:30 AM!

Age Brackets

  • 10 and under
  • 11-17
  • 18-39
  • 40+

Registration

  • Online pre-race registrations only with 830 PM deadline the night before raceday
  • NO registration day of race

Race-day Process

  • Must check in 20-25 minutes before race
  • Race pack with t-shirt and bib available at check-in table in front of Turtle Central
  • Post-race winner ceremony: race winners receive sea turtle medals

Other Rules

  • No beach route due to erosion and narrow beach around the shoals
  • No dogs allowed
  • Pay close attention to signs. Route maps available at check-in.
  • If the event is cancelled on race-day due to inclement weather, no refunds will be provided, but participants will still receive their race packets

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Recipe: Seafood Enchiladas

Cheesy, gooey, with the oh so good flavor of crab and shrimp—people will be fighting over these. You may even want to make a double batch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 2 Large cloves fresh minced garlic
  • 1 Pound large shrimp (peeled, deveined, and coarsely chopped)
  • 6 Ounce can lump meat crab (drained)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (use cayenne if you want spicy)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 1/2 Cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (divided)
  • 6 Nine-inch flour tortillas
  • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1+ teaspoon minced jalapeno pepper
  • queso fresco or cojito cheese (to garnish)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the onions and cook until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for one minute.
  4. Add the crab meat, shrimp, cumin, chili powder, and pepper, stir to combine. Cook just until the shrimp starts to turn pink.
  5. Stir in one cup of grated cheese and 1/4 cup of cilantro, remove from heat.
  6. Divide seafood mixture between the tortillas, placing it in the center of each one.
  7. Roll up each enchilada and place it seam side down in the prepared baking dish, set aside.
  8. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and simmer for one to two minutes.
  9. Stir in the milk, sour cream, jalapeno, and pepper.
  10. When the sauce starts to thicken, add one cup of shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  11. Pour the creamy sauce over the enchiladas.
  12. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
  13. Remove from oven and garnish with crumbled queso fresco and remaining cilantro and serve.

 

Recipe and photo inspiration from cookingwithcurls.com

Research Shows Sea Turtles Navigate Using Magnetic Fields

New research has helped shape how local conservationists handle sea turtles.

Every few years, the same sea turtles will return to the same beaches. How?

According to a recent study produced by UNC-Chapel Hill researchers, the reptiles of the ocean rely on the magnetic field of the earth to find their way back home.

It found that sea turtles exhibit a behavior called “geomagnetic imprinting” to seek out “unique magnetic signatures along the coast.” This leads them to return to their natal beaches to reproduce, which ultimately shapes the species’ population structure.

On Bald Head Island, researchers have already incorporated information shared in the process of releasing the UNC-Chapel Hill study.

So as to not interfere with the turtle’s magnetic sensory systems, BHI Conservancy pre-emptively incorporated plastic cages over metal cages in its efforts to protect nests.

Bald Head Island Conservancy’s sea turtle coordinator, Natalie Monnier, said the transition started last summer.

“Because of what they were working on and because of their findings we thought it would be best to transition to plastic,” Monnier said.

New research has lead the team to avoid metal cages in case they are harmful to the hatchlings.

“We started last summer using plastic cages along with our metal cages,” Monnier said. “Before, we were just using metal.”

Through its conservation efforts, the BHI Conservancy has a network of tagged sea turtles that it monitors throughout the years. The group is able to monitor when a female sea turtle is preparing to lay her nest.

A cage — now plastic — is installed about a foot deep. It protects the eggs from foxes, raccoons, coyotes and most other predators.

“The cages have big enough holes that the hatchlings are able to get out on their own,” Monnier said.

Monnier said last summer, the group sent over a couple hatchlings from the newly adopted plastic cages to UNC-Chapel Hill’s Lohmann Lab for researchers to study.

As for the turtles that return to the region’s beaches, Monnier said BHI Conservancy has identified several “legacy turtles.”

Though turtles nest every two to three years, the group has still seen the same turtles return to lay their eggs.

“We’re seeing that pattern in them coming back,” Monnier said. “Some turtles have been coming for 15 years now. That’s really good for us because our beaches are good enough for them to keep coming back.”

After analyzing years of data gained from tagging sea turtles, Monnier said the group has seen an increase of nests on Bald Head Island. 

 

Article first appeared on Port City Daily.

Read The November Issue of Island Life NC Magazine

The November Issue of Island Life NC is Available Now!

Island Life NC Magazine highlights the lifestyle and beauty of the islands of Coastal North Carolina with stories of its people, history, and places to visit!

In the November Issue, read about the Wild Horses of the Outer Banks, the Cucalorus Film Festival, Delicious Autumn Recipes, Holiday Flotillas and Celebrations, Refreshing Drinks, and Events all along the North Carolina Coast!

Visit www.IslandLifeNC.com

Read Island Life NC Magazine online for FREE!

 

The Great Pumpkin Blowout

Has that jack-o-lantern on your front porch outlived its usefulness? Dispose of it in a unique and rather explosive way, implementing the same technology used to detonate Civil War-era torpedoes!

It is a $10 fee per pumpkin and it’s BYOP (Bring your own pumpkins). It is free to watch, but you get to press the button to detonate if you bring your own! Pumpkins with minimal carving offer the best explosions, but we can work with all types. Pumpkins with minimal carving offer the best explosions, but we can work with all types.

This event is first come, first serve. All proceeds go towards funding educational programming at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site.

When:
Sunday, November 1, 2020 – 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
Where:
8884 St. Phillips Rd. SE
Winnabow, NC 28479

Cost:
$10 fee per pumpkin
 
Organizer: 
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site

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