The Original Four have been coming to Bald Head for twenty-something years. The island has changed so much since there was only a general store where you could rent VHS tapes and buy a microwave popcorn or batteries. We used to come over for the day and explore by golf cart. Back then it was a humble, wild island. We felt like we were in some magical movie riding through the tunnel of trees on Federal Road. These days the island is much more developed. Not only is there a full grocery store, but there are two huge beach clubs, both with restaurants, and a hoppin’ Harbor scene with multiple dining and bar spots, a coffee and ice cream shop, and more.
But what hasn’t changed is how fun this island is for kids. Mazen loves the golf carts as much as we did, and when I took him on a biking adventure earlier this week he had the same sense of adventure I used to feel, especially when we stopped to hunt for alligators.
Birch likes the beach!
He didn’t love it so much on the first day – he was visibly shaking when we put his toes in! Poor little buddy was scared. But he’s spent more time out next to the big, deep ocean and is more comfortable now. Sitting on a blanket next to the sand is too tempting as a snack, but he loved the little splash pool we brought out for him.
His suit
These two obviously love all things beach!
We haven’t been doing that much swimming after a boy got bitten by a shark on THIS BEACH LAST WEEK. Everyone has gotten in, but we just aren’t hanging out in the ocean like in previous years.
Paddle surfing = a great way to be on the water instead of in!
The new club pool has been a great escape
There is zero entry, a splash park, a playground, and a huge (fenced in!) baby pool!
Plus a great new restaurant!
I had this most delicious bang bang shrimp and kale salad!!
Leftovers with more shrimp + pita chips!
Runs
I have gotten in a run every other day or so. It’s funny that I used to run 8 miles on this island at my leisure and now I am thankful to escape the house for a two mile jog at sunrise!
Breakfasts
Yogurt + cereal + PB + fruit x3 days in a row!
The Porch
The screened in porch on our house is so wonderful! We’ve had all of our dinners out there, and there’s a lovely little loveseat for reading and napping.
Perfect for reading + ice cream after dark!
I’m reading When Life Gives You Lululemons
Dinners
Low Country Boil
We made our annual low country boil with shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn and green beans.
Fiesta Night
And we had fiesta night with guacamole and fish bowls.
Date night at Mojos
Artichoke + crab dip
Mahi mahi
Fried shrimp
Thanks to the grandparents for entertaining the children!
Great pictures! Looks like you’re having a blast and those sky pics are incredible! Thanks for sharing your vacation with us!
Jealous, jealous, jealous! Looks like you guys are enjoying summer! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Wow your pics are amazing! Looks like you’re in paradise- thanks for sharing.
What an awesome thing to do each summer. I wish my family had started a tradition like that.
Everyone looks like they are so happy and having a great time! The pictures are amazing, especially of the sky.
Waving hi from SoCal back at ya! 😉
How terrifying about the shark. Jaws is real . . . and so close to the Fourth of July holiday! Did you hear about the California college student who was just killed in the Bahamas on a snorkeling trip by three tiger sharks? So sad.
Dan is finally leaving Virginia (yay!) his last night out was to Maya and he said they did pretty good at having good Southern vegetarian options and today he’ll be back in the UVA archives. 🙂
Rodanthe is still very rural and there are no clubs sounds a lot like Bald Head island used to be some twenty years ago. The Outer Banks are a true National Treasure – nowhere else quite like it! Enjoy the rest of your vaycay.
Oh how sad 🙁
Cool dino shirt, maze!
Kath – you guys know how to do a beach vacation! Can I come with you next time?! 🙂
Love your photos of our beautiful island – thank you for sharing your visit!
Bald Head Island Vacations
Looks like a lovely family vacation! I was wondering where your geometric print top/shirt sleeve rash guard? is from. Looks very cute on you 🙂
It’s Lands End 🙂
Can you share how your family prepares the low country boil? It looks so delish!
The recipe is on this page – super old post but same method!
I love beach vacation food!!!
And that last pic of the sunset is beautiful!