 |
| Image Credit: Abundant-Family-Living.com |
The Currituck Lighthouse - Outer Banks, North Carolina
When we first decided to visit
North Carolina’s Outer Banks, one of the
first things on my “to do” list was to visit the
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. I really don’t know why I wanted to see it so badly except
that I’m always seeing pictures and figurines of it. I guess I
developed a “liking” for it over time. I was a little bit disappointed
when I realized it’s location was about an hour and a half from our
resort. At first we had planned to make the drive but after spending
two days in the truck, the last thing I wanted to do was get back in it
for what I considered a long drive. We looked at some tourist pamphlets
and discovered that the
Currituck Lighthouse was only 20 miles from our
resort. In fact, it’s location was at the end of the street where we
were staying, the famous Highway 12. So, on Wednesday morning, we
headed down the street. A resident of the area told us the Lighthouse
is a nice one to visit but that it really isn’t all that pretty, “just
plain brick all the way up,” she said. I didn’t expect much but we
really wanted to visit
Whalehead which was right next door anyway so it
certainly wouldn’t be a wasted trip.
Let me say up front that the Currituck Lighthouse was definitely not a
disappointment. The all-brick structure was absolutely beautiful. In
fact, I thought it was prettier than Hatteras or any of the other
striped lighthouses. Of course, I’ve only seen pictures of those. I
remember visiting a lighthouse in San Diego about 23 years ago. This
one, from what I can remember, was much prettier and more impressive
than the one in San Diego.
As I stood outside and looked straight up at the tall structure, I
wasn’t sure I could do it. Climbing the lighthouse in San Diego had
been easy, but I had been 23 years younger. The thought of the climb
intimidated me. I was determined to make it to the top anyway. Enjoy
the pictures!
 |
| Image Credit: Abundant Family Living |
The ground surrounding the lighthouse are peaceful. It wasn’t overcrowded.
 |
| Image Credit: Abundant Family Living |
Just outside the lighthouse, there is an older house. If I remember
correctly, the house used to belong to one of the lighthouse keepers.
They’ve turned it into a store. There was another pretty white house
there too but I didn’t get a photo of it. I think that one is where the
current lighthouse keeper lives.
 |
| Image Credit: Abundant Family Living |
You can’t see it all that well in the photo above, but the stair case is beautiful.
 |
| Image Credit: Abundant Family Living |
There are two windows overlooking the grounds. Every so often, there is
a little platform where you can stop and rest. This made the climb to
the top much more bearable. There were also fans on the platforms.
There is no air-conditioning inside so, if you visit during the summer
months, make sure you take
bottled water with you.
 |
| Image Credit: Abundant Family Living |
When we arrived to the top of the lighthouse, I sheepishly stepped
outside. My fear of heights kicked in big time! I’m terrified of
heights. There wasn’t much room up there. I stayed as close to the
lighthouse wall as I could. My back pressed against that wall, but I
did make my way around. The next few pictures show you the gorgeous
view from around the top of the lighthouse.
 |
| Image Credit: Abundant Family Living |
 |
| Image Credit: Abundant Family Living |
 |
| Image Credit: Abundant Family Living |
 |
| Image Credit: Abundant Family Living |
 |
| Image Credit: Abundant Family Living |
If you ever visit the Northern area of North Carolina’s Outer Banks,
take time to stop and visit the Currituck Lighthouse. The climb is not
so hard. The view is amazing. It only takes a short time to complete
the entire tour.
