Just before it completes its 202 mile journey from headwaters in east-central North Carolina to the Atlantic Ocean just off Southport, the Cape Fear River flows past one last body of land before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, Bald Head Island.
Only accessible by a 20-minute, 2.2 nautical mile ferry ride from Southport, or by private watercraft, Bald Head Island features 14 miles of white sandy beaches, over 10,000 acres of salt marsh and tidal creeks, and a 180-acre maritime forest. Development of exclusive Bald Head Island began in the 1970s and this exclusive island paradise has grown steadily into the first-class resort it is today. Homes and homesites are located in the forested areas of the island, on the beaches, along the dune ridges and creeks and beside the George Cobb Championship golf course.
Association membership dues support property owners' interaction with development interests and local government. Prime goals of the association include covenant protection and the facilitation of communications among owner-members. Bald Head Association membership is automatic with the purchase of any property in development Stage One. For more information on association membership go to BHI News
Membership in the Bald Head Island Club is not just about a beautiful and challenging George Cobb Golf course and tennis courts so close to the beach you can hear the ocean roar. The luxurious Bald Head Island Club is a meeting place for islanders and guests to enjoy swimming, exercise facilities, croquet and dining and lounge facilities. Supervised recreational programs are also offered for children and teens. Dining and special event accommodations can be made for almost any size group.
Meandering through the maritime forest, the 18-hole, Championship, George Cobb designed golf course. With a slope rating of 139 and a course rating of 74.3, golf enthusiasts are challenged as they play by the freshwater lagoons and dune ridges overlooking the ocean. A well stocked pro shop keeps the golfer perfectly outfitted. Four hard surface tennis courts are available at the Bald Head Island club. Lessons and clinics are given during the summer months.
That's right... croquet. Whether you are an old pro at the game, or just a beginner, the lush greenswards at Bald Head Island Club are a simply beautiful venue for this venerable -sport. Many island players are among the best in the nation.
Bald Head Island Club amenities include a 25-member swimming pool on South Bald Head Wynd where members enjoy swimming lessons, water aerobics, pool games and family cookouts, among other activities.
Fine dining for members and guests is offered at the club's main dining room where seafood, steaks, poultry, pasta and luscious deserts grace the menu. For more information on the Bald Head Island Club, please see http://bhiclub.net
Located on East Beach overlooking Frying Pan Shoals, the Shoals Club is the poolside gathering place for members and guests to enjoy activities for all ages. For more information on Shoals Club activities, you may contact the club's recreation department at 910-454-4888.
www.shoalsclub.com
Village Chapel of Bald Head Island Located just steps from Old Baldy, the picturesque chapel overlooking Bald Head Island Creek is a favorite spot for island weddings. Non-denominational services are held each Sunday and all are welcomed. For more information please call 910-457-1183.
Bald Head Island Conservancy This non-profit is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of island beauty and wildlife. The conservancy offers a variety of educational programs throughout the year. For more information please call 910-457-5786 or visit http://www.bhic.org.
Old Baldy Foundation Dedicated to the restoration, preservation and maintenance of Old Baldy, the Bald Head Island Lighthouse. Through the foundation's efforts, Old Baldy remains strong and open to visitation today. Visitors may climb the 106 steps to the top of Old Baldy for a breathtaking, panoramic view of the island. The Maritime Museum, located adjacent to Old Baldy, provides information about the historic structure. For more information please call 910-457-748 or visit http://www.oldbaldy.org.
Smith Island Land Trust Established as a non-profit in 1996, this conservation organization is dedicated to preserving island land in its natural state. Supported by conservation groups across the state and nation, the Trust is committed to the protection of ecologically significant lands within the Smith Island complex. For more information please call 910-457-0089.
The Smith Island Art League With a mission to bring together artists who either reside on the island, own property on the island, or work at Bald Head Island, the Smith Island Art League annually sponsors a Memorial Day weekend art show, providing artists the opportunity to show and sell their work. www.smithislandartleague.com
Village of Bald Head Island Many of the services provided owners and visitors are administered by the Village of Bald Head Island. The village was incorporated in the 1980s to oversee police, fire and emergency services, to maintain roads, collect refuse and provide building inspection and other governmental services. Village Hall is located across from Old Baldy and is open during regular business hours. For additional information about Village of Bald Head Island government, please go to http://www.villagebhi.org.
Emergency Services The Village of Bald Head Island provides police, fire and emergency medical services for owners and guests. All emergency services can be reached by dialing 911. There is also a basic medical treatment facility at the island's main fire station which is manned by rescue personnel trained at the paramedic level. Emergency transport by ferry to Southport is available at all times. City of Southport and Brunswick County paramedics are on standby to transport patients to Southport's Dosher Memorial Hospital, about five minutes from the ferry dock. A regional trauma center is established about 30 minutes away at New Hanover Memorial Hospital in Wilmington. www.villagebhi.org/government/fire_ems/
Village Chapel of Bald Head Island: Overlooking the Bald Head Island Creek, and under the guard of Old Baldy, the Village Chapel offers a picturesque setting to property owners and visitors alike. Non-denominational services are conducted by visiting clergy each Sunday and everyone is welcome to attend. Funded by donations, arrangements can also be made for special services, including weddings.
For more information, call the Chapel office at (910) 457-1183.
Bald Head Island Conservancy: Dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the Island's beauty and wildlife, this nonprofit group sponsors many environmentally oriented programs and activities designed to educate and ensure that the Island's unique natural resources are preserved and maintained. A variety of educational programs are offered throughout the year.
For more information, and a complete schedule of activities and programs, call the Conservancy Information Line at (910) 457-5786, 24 hours a day, or click on the following link, www.bhic.org.
Old Baldy Foundation: Standing sentinel over the Island, and through the efforts of the Old Baldy Foundation, Old Baldy Lighthouse is open daily to visitors. For unsurpassed, panoramic views of Bald Head Island, the climb up 106 steps to the top of Old Baldy is an adventure offering visitors a bird's eye view of the Island. Made possible by private donations, as well as state and federal grants, the Old Baldy Foundation is dedicated to the renovation, preservation and maintenance of Old Baldy Lighthouse and grounds. Located adjacent to the lighthouse, the Maritime Museum provides information about the historic structure, its role in the Island's seafaring history, and the lighthouse keeper's way of life.
For additional information, call (910) 457-7481 or visit their website at www.oldbaldy.org.
Smith Island Land Trust: Established in 1996 as a local nonprofit land conservation organization, the Smith Island Land Trust is dedicated to preserving land in its natural state. With assistance and endorsement from conservation groups across North Carolina and many individuals nationwide, the Trust is committed to building support for the protection of the ecologically significant lands within the complex of islands known as Smith Island.
For more information, call (910) 457-0089.
The Smith Island Art League: The Smith Island Art League was formed on Bald Head Island to bring together artists who either reside on the island, own property or work full time on Bald Head. An art show is presented every Memorial Day Weekend, providing artists the opportunity to display and sell their work.
For additional information, visit their website at www.smithislandartleague.com.
The Village of Bald Head Island is an incorporated municipality governed by a Village Council which oversees Island services such as road maintenance, police & emergency medical services, garbage collection and building inspections. Located adjacent to the Bald Head Post Office and across from Old Baldy Lighthouse, the Town Hall offices are open during regular business hours.
Fire - Medical - Police: Fire, medical, and police services are available on Bald Head Island for emergencies and public safety. All Bald Head Island telephones are part of the Brunswick County 911 Emergency Service. There is a basic medical treatment room at the main fire station and all paid firefighters are paramedic-level certified. Advance and Basic Life Support ambulance units are available for transportation to the ferry. The Southport Rescue Squad is always on call to provide emergency medical treatment and transportation to area hospitals. Dosher Memorial Hospital is located only a few minutes from the mainland ferry terminal; Brunswick Hospital is 20 miles from Southport on Highway US 17; New Hanover Regional Medical Center is 30 miles from Southport, in Wilmington, NC. For non-emergency issues, please contact the Bald Head Island Police Department at (910) 457-5252.
For more information about The Village of BHI and its services, click on this link www.villagebhi.org
The Maritime Market: Our well stocked general store provides most basic grocery including meats, vegetables, beer & wine, and housewares, as well as stocking sunbathing and personal care products. Bald Head Island logo and gift items, fishing supplies, movie rentals, and photo processing are also available. An automatic teller machine (ATM) accepting most bank cards is located here. Please note that liquor is not available for sale at the Maritime Market, but may be purchased in Southport on the mainland. Call (910) 457-7220.
Island Hardware: Located adjacent to the Maritime Market on Maritime Way, Island Hardware provides a variety of home improvement items as well as outdoor grills, hammocks, and deck furniture. Almost everything needed, from home improvement to outdoor entertaining can be found here. (910) 454-0810
The Silver Peddler Gift Shop: Located next to the Maritime Market on Maritime Way, the Silver Shop offers an array of items where everything is made of silver. From jewelry to souvenirs, this is a great place to shop.
Old Baldy Lighthouse Museum & Giftshop: Located adjacent to Old Baldy, the lighthouse museum & giftshop offers guests the opportunity to experience the way of life for a lighthouse keeper in an 1850s replica cottage. View displayed household items and historic artifacts from that time period before climbing to the top of Old Baldy to enjoy one of the best views available of Bald Head Island. Tours are available with proceeds benefiting the Old Baldy Foundation. For tour fee information and hours of operation, call 910-457-7481.
Bald Head Island Pro Shop: For golfers and non-golfers alike, be sure to check out the latest in men's and women's golf apparel and a full line of clothing with the Bald Head Island Club's logo. Golf club rentals are available and tee times/court times are scheduled here. Call (910) 457-7310.
Turtle Central Conservancy Gift Shop: Staffed by volunteers and with proceeds from the store benefitting the Conservancy's programs, the Conservancy Gift Shop is located on the east end of Federal Road at the Conservancy headquarters. With an assortment of Conservancy t-shirts, books, jewelry and gifts, Turtle Central is a "must visit" during your stay. Call (910) 457-0917.
Island Passage & Maritime Passage: Whether you're looking to outfit the whole family in the latest fashions or pick up a Bald Head Island souvenir, Island Passage carries a wide array of beach accessories to suit your needs. Island Passage also rents bikes, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, canoes, and golf carts. Island Passage can be found only a short walk from the Marina and Maritime Passage is located on Maritime Way next to the Maritime Market. Call (910) 457-4944.