This Terrifying Frying Pan Tower Is The Best Ever BB For Thrill Seekers

The truly unique Frying Pan Tower is perched 85ft above the ocean, 34 miles from the North Carolina coastline, and is smack-bang in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean’s Hurricane Alley. It offers rooms to those who are willing to charter a helicopter or hire a powerboat to reach it – what’s not to like?

Although it sounds pretty scary, this former coast guard station-turned-B&B is worth travelling to for an unforgettable experience where you can literally ‘get away from it all’ and experience the ultimate star gazing extravaganza, or watch unforgettable sunsets with uninterrupted views for miles around.

Bought at an auction by software engineer Richard Neal back in 2010, the abandoned structure has been slowly and lovingly restored over two years by Richard and his pals, with the help of those brave enough to volunteer along the way.

Richard himself and his three children have been stuck on the tower when Hurricane Arthur hit with 100mph winds, yet he still insists the tower remain open during hurricane season.

There are now eight guest rooms to stay in – five twin rooms and three queen bedrooms – which are authentically decorated with vintage paraphernalia to maintain the history and charm of the original US Coast Guard light tower.

While there aren’t any luxurious facilities as such, guests can still get a nice hot shower in one of the two bathrooms using rain-harvested water (those storms do pay off after all), plus the tower is run on solar power almost all of the time.

You’ll also be catered for by the two-man staff (usually Richard and his family), but if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous you get out in a boat and catch your supper instead. During the day, you can also explore underwater and dive with turtles, black sea bass, mahi mahi and even sharks in the warm Gulf Stream waters.

Rooms cost from $598 per person for three or four nights, plus basic meal supplies, but doesn’t include transfers. Book your stay here.

About the author

Charlotte Luxford

Architecture & Design Editor

As Culture Trip's architecture and design expert, Charlotte has more than 12 years' industry experience, working for an array of national publications. Prior to joining Culture Trip, Charlotte was the editor of Grand Designs Magazine, steering the magazine in a new direction and overseeing a new look for the title. She has also worked for mass media organisation TI Media, providing content for Livingetc, Ideal Home, Country Homes & Interiors and Homes & Gardens. Charlotte has always had a passion for design and is also a qualified interior designer, having completed a diploma in her spare time. At Culture Trip, Charlotte has worked closely with institutions including the Design Museum and London Design Festival, as well as interviewing design heroes such as Thomas Heatherwick and Sir Terence Conran.