Bald Head Island NC - townofbaldheadisland.com

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

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is right around the corner on May 10th. Show your mom how much she means to you with the perfect gift. Our Mother’s Day Gift Guide includes beautiful handmade jewelry with sea glass, coastal cookbooks with delicious recipes, fun beach reads, and stunning prints from Coastal Carolina Artisans.

Charming Sea Glass Necklace

$72.95

 

Carolinas Gardener’s Handbook

$24.99

The Beachcomber’s Companion: An Illustrated Guide to Collecting and Identifying Beach Treasures

$19.99

Southport, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island

$21.99

Golden Edge Sea Glass Necklaces

$132.00

Gardening in the South

$24.95

Golden Oyster Dish

$24.00

Andros Bracelet

$88.00

Southern Baked

$24.99

See The Entire Guide Here

Summer Beach Reads Guide

Going a little stir crazy indoors and need a beach escape? We’ve got you covered (no pun intended)! If you can’t to the beach yet at least you can read about it! Check Out Some of Our Favorites!

The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen

$14.99

Centered on a real landmark on the coast of North Carolina on Bird Island at Sunset Beach NC, The Mailbox blends intriguing folklore and true faith with raw contemporary issues that affect every woman.
 
When Lindsey Adams first visits the Kindred Spirit mailbox at Sunset Beach, she has no idea that twenty years later she will still be visiting the mailbox—still pouring out her heart in letters that summarize the best and worst parts of her life.
Returning to Sunset for her first vacation since her husband left her, Lindsey struggles to put her sorrow into words. Memories surface of her first love, Campbell—and the rejection that followed. When Campbell reappears in her life, Lindsey must decide whether to trust in love again or guard herself from greater pain. The Mailbox is a rich novel about loss, hope, and the beauty of second chances.

Get It Here

All The Single Ladies by Dorthea Benton Frank

$15.99

In this fast-paced and evocative novel, beloved New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank again takes us deep into the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where three unsuspecting women are brought together by tragedy and mystery Lisa St. Clair knows a thing or two about weathering storms. A dedicated nurse with a healthy sense of humor, she single-handedly raised her truculent daughter, Marianne, after her ex walked out on them twenty-four years ago, sending them a lottery ticket once a year as support. One day he reappeared and lured their daughter into a dubious but lucrative venture in Colorado. Now, mother and daughter aren’t speaking. So when Kathy Harper, Lisa’s favorite patient, loses her battle with cancer, Lisa finds herself drawing closer to Carrie and Suzanne, the devoted friends who were always by Kathy’s side. As these three women’s lives inevitably connect, they share their concerns about men, getting older, and the horrors of maintaining financial stability.

Get It Here

The Bridge Tender by Marybeth Whalen

$15.99

A surprise gift from her late husband will give a young widow the chance to do the hardest thing in the world . . . move on. On their honeymoon, the new Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Shaw made a pact: No matter the sacrifices along the way, one day they would return to Sunset Beach, North Carolina—this time to buy their own home. But that dream was not to be. Seven years into a beautiful marriage, Emily is left a widow, heartbroken, and way past caring about anything. Until a man approaches her, claiming to have something left to her from Ryan. Something secret.

Get It Here

The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe

$16.00

Caretta Rutledge thought she’d left her Southern roots and troubled family far behind. But an unusual request from her mother—coming just as her own life is spinning out of control—has Cara heading back to the scenic Lowcountry of her childhood summers. Before long, the rhythms of the island open her heart in wonderful ways as she repairs the family beach house, becomes a bona fide “turtle lady” and renews old acquaintances long thought lost. But it is in reconnecting with her mother that she will learn life’s most precious lessons—true love involves sacrifice, family is forever and the mistakes of the past can be forgiven.

Get It Here

The Memory of Water by Karen White

$15.00

On the night their mother drowns, sisters Marnie and Diana Maitland discover there is more than one kind of death. There is the death of innocence, of love, and of hope. Each sister harbors a secret about that night-secrets that will erode their lives as they grow into adulthood. After ten years of silence between the sisters, Marnie is called back to the South Carolina Lowcountry by Diana’s ex-husband, Quinn. His young son has returned from a sailing trip with his emotionally unstable mother, and he is refusing to speak. In order to help the traumatized boy, Marnie must reopen old wounds and bring the darkest memories of their past to the surface. And she must confront Diana, before they all go under.

Get It Here

The Southern Side of Paradise by Kristy Woodson Harvey

$16.00

With the man of her dreams back in her life and all three of her daughters happy, Ansley Murphy should be content. But she can’t help but feel like it’s all a little too good to be true. Meanwhile, youngest daughter and actress Emerson, who is recently engaged and has just landed the role of a lifetime, seemingly has the world by the tail. Only, something she can’t quite put her finger on is worrying her–and it has nothing to do with her recent health scare. When two new women arrive in Peachtree Bluff–one who has the potential to wreck Ansley’s happiness and one who could tear Emerson’s world apart–everything is put in perspective. And after secrets that were never meant to be told come to light, the powerful bond between the Murphy sisters and their mother comes crumbling down, testing their devotion to each other and forcing them to evaluate the meaning of family.

Get It Here

The Education of Dixie Dupree by Donna Everhart

$15.00

In 1969, Dixie Dupree is eleven years old and already an expert liar. Sometimes the lies are for her mama, Evie’s sake–to explain away a bruise brought on by her quick-as-lightning temper. And sometimes the lies are to spite Evie, who longs to leave her unhappy marriage in Perry County, Alabama, and return to her beloved New Hampshire. But for Dixie and her brother, Alabama is home, a place of pine-scented breezes and hot, languid afternoons. Though Dixie is learning that the family she once believed was happy has deep fractures, even her vivid imagination couldn’t concoct the events about to unfold. Dixie records everything in her diary–her parents’ fights, her father’s drinking and his unexplained departure, and the arrival of Uncle Ray. Only when Dixie desperately needs help and is met with disbelief does she realize how much damage her past lies have done. But she has courage and a spirit that may yet prevail, forcing secrets into the open and allowing her to forgive and become whole again.

Get It Here

The Hurricane Sisters by Dorthea Benton Frank

$15.99

Once again Dorothea Benton Frank takes us into the heart of her magical South Carolina Lowcountry on a tumultuous journey filled with longings, disappointments, and a road toward happiness that is hard-earned Three generations of women are buried in secrets. The determined matriarch, Maisie Pringle, at eighty, is a force to be reckoned with. Her daughter, Liz, is caught up in the classic maelstrom of being middle-aged and in an emotionally demanding career. And Liz’s beautiful twenty-something daughter, Ashley, has dreamy ambitions of her unlikely future that keeps them all at odds. Mary Beth, Ashley’s dearest friend, tries to have her back, but even she can’t talk headstrong Ashley out of a relationship with an ambitious politician who seems slightly too old for her. Actually, Ashley and Mary Beth have yet to launch themselves into solvency. So while they wait for the world to discover them, they placate themselves with a harebrained scheme to make money but one that threatens to land them in huge trouble with the authorities.

Get It Here

Beach House Reunion by Mary Alice Monroe

$16.99

Whisking you back to the shores of her bestselling Beach House series, Mary Alice Monroe weaves together a tale of the struggles and triumphs of the historic Rutledge family of Charleston, South Carolina. Beautifully wrought and rich with keen insight, this is an illuminating tale of new beginnings, resilience, and one family’s enduring love. Cara Rutledge returns to her Southern home on the idyllic Isle of Palms. Everything is comfortingly the same, yet each detail is rife with painful memories. Only through reconnecting with family, friends, and the rhythms of the lowcountry can Cara release the hold of the past and open herself to the possibility of a new love, career, and hope for the future.

Get It Here

See Our Full List of Beach Reads

Updated: Bald Head Island Stay-At-Home Order

The Village of Bald Head Island has declared a State of Emergency which includes a  Voluntary Evacuation of Bald Head Island with the following orders, prohibitions and restrictions:

  • Discontinuance of All Short-term Rental Operations: All rental agencies and property owners that rent properties on Bald Head Island are instructed to have all current renters, for a rental period of less than three (3) months duration, and their invitees vacate the premises and leave the Island by not later than 2 PM on Sunday, March 22, 2020.  Effective immediately, there will be no new rental occupancies of any nature or duration allowed on the Island. 
  • Restricted Access: Only property owners and residents, business owners and their respective employees and contractors, and municipal employees and contractors shall be admitted to the island after 6:00 PM today, March 19, 2020.
  • Village Operations: The Village Manager, Assistant Manager or their designee are hereby authorized to take all lawful actions necessary to manage the Village during this State of Emergency, including, without limitation, procuring goods and services necessary to manage this emergency and adjustment of hours, access, and operation of all Village-owned facilities, parks, and government operations as deemed reasonably necessary to restrict the spread of COVID-19 and protect Island residents, the public and municipal employees. 

Unless and until further notice is given, these restrictions will remain in place through Thursday April 30, 2020.

As many of you know the governor has issued a Stay-at-Home Order for North Carolina. Some of you have asked what does this mean for our area? We are here to break it down for you.

  • Stay at home unless you have to leave for an essential activity. Essential activities include traveling for health and safety, obtaining necessary supplies or services, going outside for outdoor activity while staying 6 feet away from others and avoiding gatherings of 10 or more people.
  • Essential workers may travel for work, included essential workers include health and human services, construction and maintenance crews, grocery stores, agriculture-based operations, food and beverage products that offer carry-out or delivery, and gas station workers. See the full list of essential workers here.
  • Social Distancing orders still apply which means maintaining a 6-foot distance from others. Washing your hands as often as possible for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and or using hand sanitizer. Clean high traffic surfaces often with a sanitizing product.
  • Individual towns have also issued their own regulations to govern their ordinance’s needs.
  • These implementations will be upheld until April 30, 2020.

In light of Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 121, a statewide Stay at Home Order from March 30 until April 29, 2020, Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. is implementing new passenger and contractor ferry schedules beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2020, to comply with the Order and ensure the safety of employees and customers. You can view the updated schedules below:

Passenger Ferry Schedule

Contractor Ferry Schedule

Read the April Home & Garden Issue of Island Life NC!

The April 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 April Issue, read about gardening tips, home improvement ideas, fresh spring recipes, herb packed drink recipes, and history from all along the North Carolina Coast!

Visit www.IslandLifeNC.com

Read Island Life NC Magazine online for FREE!

 

 

Brunswick Beaches Response to Covid-19

The beaches along the Southeastern North Carolina Coast have instituted new policies and regulations to reduce crowds and encourage the idea of “Social Distancing” regarding coronavirus.

From the Outer Banks all the way down to the Brunswick Beaches, the local governments of the beach communities have held emergency meetings to address COVID-19, and all have declared a state of emergency. You may ask what does this mean, well, each town has its own parameters and responses that are befitting their community.

Some beaches, including Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach, have completely closed. Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle, Holden Beach, and Oak Island have only closed public beach accesses and parking lots, allowing homeowners access to the beach strand. Bald Head Island has called for a voluntary evacuation mandating the discontinuation of vacation rentals until the end of April.

Nearly all towns have suspended short-term rentals on the islands for the upcoming weeks, some potentially ending as soon as April 30th, and some extending until the end of April or until the order has been lifted.

What Can You Do To Help?

You and your family can practice social distancing by limiting non-essential travel, public outings, and socialization.

You can also support the local businesses in your area and in your favorite vacation spot, many of the stores, restaurants, and attractions are still operating at a pared-down level to comply with regulations. Rather than wait until your vacation, if you can afford to, purchase a few gift cards to shops or restaurants where you anticipate you’ll go to use later. This will give businesses more cash flow during timed when they need to keep running with little income.

Also, when regulations and restrictions are lifted, we’d love to have you back here at our beaches, supporting the local community and enjoying the wonderful area we all love and enjoy!

Breaking it Down, Beach by Beach

Bald Head Island

The health of our property owners, rental guests, visitors and employees is our top priority. On Thursday, March 19, 2020, the Village of Bald Head Island declared a State of Emergency that includes a Voluntary Evacuation mandating the discontinuation of all vacation rentals and day visits until at least April 30, 2020. Bald Head Island Transportation Inc. is limiting ferry service for all vessels to 45 passengers beginning March 24, 2020. Read the Full Update Here

Oak Island

  • Discontinues all short-term rentals on the island until further notice — those renting property on the island for any period shorter than three months are to be out by 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 24 — and no new short-term rentals will be allowed until the order is revoked
  • Urges town residents and employees to limit travel as much as possible
  • Strongly encourages compliance in limiting groups to 10 or fewer people
  • Gives the town manager authority to levy additional restrictions if needed
  • Read The Full Update Here

Sunset Beach

  • Discontinuance of all short-term rentals until at least April 30, and all current short-term renters or vacationers must vacate the town by 5 p.m. March 26
  • All town buildings and facilities will be closed until further notice, and all public interaction with town staff will be done over the phone
  • All public parking lots and right of way parking areas are closed until further notice
  • Gatherings in public places including parks and on the beach are limited to 10 people
  • Read The Full Update Here

Ocean Isle Beach

  • Discontinues short-term rentals, with those currently renting asked to leave by 2 p.m. March 25, and no new rentals allowed until at least April 30
  • Parking in public right of ways, including beach accesses, is prohibited except for town employees and contractors (includes golf carts)
  • The community center, public restrooms, and all other public recreation facilities are closed, and all group activity applications are suspended
  • Access to public municipal buildings is limited to essential staff and administration
  • Gatherings must be limited to 10 people, including on the beach
  • Read The Full Update Here

Holden Beach

  • Discontinuance of short-term rentals — those with terms under 3 months — until at least April 30, and all current renters must vacate the island by 2 p.m. March 28
  • All public parking areas are closed except for town employees and contractors
  • Existing facility agreements with the town are suspended until further notice
  • All public restrooms and recreational facilities are closed, and town buildings are closed except to staff
  • Gatherings must be limited to 10 or fewer people
  • Read The Full Update Here

Wrightsville Beach

  • Beaches closed pursuant to New Hanover County Declaration
  • Both ocean and sound side closed, police will patrol for compliance
  • Town buildings and public restrooms closed until further notice
  • Read Full Update Here

Carolina Beach

  • Beaches closed pursuant to New Hanover County Declaration
  • Public parking lots and Freeman Park also closed
  • Read Full Update Here

Kure Beach

Surf City

  • Discontinuance of all short-term rentals — those with terms under 3 months — for the next 30 days.
  • All public beach accesses, parking lots and parks are closed until further notice
  • Private property owners can still utilize their beach accesses but are urged to follow social distancing guidelines of 10 or fewer people per group
  • Encouraging travel to be limited if at all possible
  • Read Full Update Here

How to Find Sand Dollars

Even the most seasoned beachcomber is excited and pleased to find a whole, intact sand dollar on the beach. A common sand dollar is another name for a particular type of “flattened” sea urchin. The common sand dollar is found in the Northern Hemisphere in temperate and tropical waters. On a good day on the North Carolina coastline, you might find many sand dollars ranging in size from one to approximately four inches in diameter.

Sand dollars live on sandy or muddy flat areas of the ocean floor in shallow water near land. They often live in colonies. Female sand dollars release eggs that are fertilized externally. Interestingly, the newly hatched larvae can clone themselves as a means of self-defense. If threatened, they can double their numbers by halving their size, thereby lessening the chance of being detected. The larvae go through a few stages of development before forming an external skeleton that houses the animal’s internal organs. The skeleton is called a “test” and it is this sun-bleached skeleton that beachcombers find. If you find a sand dollar that is brownish and covered with short, dark, fur-like spines, the animal is alive and should not be removed from the beach.

A live sand dollar’s spines are covered with small hairs called “cilla.” By moving the cilla and spines, sand dollars are able to move across the sea beds in which they live. Mature sand dollars have few predators and can live up to ten years.

Beachcombers are most likely to find sand dollars at low tide, especially after a storm. The sun-bleached shells will be extremely fragile and will crumble or break easily. To preserve the sand dollars that you bring home, rinse them several times in fresh water, then soak them for 15 minutes in a water/bleach solution. When the sand dollars are dry, carefully paint them with a mixture that is half water and half white glue. The glue solution will make them less likely to break. Your beautiful sand dollars will last a long time if treated with care.

Check Out Bald Head Island Magazine