This Terrifying Frying Pan Tower Is the Best Ever B&B for Thrill Seekers

Courtesy of Frying Pan Tower
Courtesy of Frying Pan Tower

Architecture & Design Editor

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?

Courtesy of Frying Pan Tower

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.

Courtesy of Frying Pan Tower

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.

Courtesy of Frying Pan Tower

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.

Courtesy of Frying Pan 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.

Courtesy of Frying Pan Tower

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.

Courtesy of Frying Pan Tower

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

Courtesy of Frying Pan Tower

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article