Traveling Lighthouses

Long Island in New York has more than 20 lighthouses, and Fire Lighthouse has the bragging right of being the tallest.  There are 82 steps to the top where you can enjoy 360-degree views.  Climbing the lighthouse on a clear day, you will see the New York City Skyline. That's impressive. Just like other iconic lighthouses, this is the second Fire Lighthouse. "The first Fire Lighthouse was built on the westernmost end of Fire Island in 1826. It was removed, and its materials were recycled into the present-day lighthouse and terrace, completed in 1858." According to the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, the lighthouse was an important landmark for transatlantic ships coming into New York Harbor at the turn of the last century. For many European immigrants, the Fire Island Light was their first sight of land upon arrival in America." Exploring Fire Island and discovering the lighthouse in spring with my children was a relaxing weekend to unwind. It was a wonde...

Bodie Island Lighthouse is a tall beacon to passing ships, located south of Nags Head in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. The Bodie Island Lighthouse was first lit on October 1, 1872. Record says, "This 1708-foot structure is one of the remaining brick tower lighthouses in the United States and one of the few with an original first-order Fresnel lens to cast its light." According to history, "The current structure is actually the third lighthouse to guard this region of the Outer Banks coastline. The first Bodie Island lighthouse was built in 1847 and had to be abandoned due to a failing foundation, while the second lighthouse, built in 1859, was destroyed by retreating Confederate troops to keep it out of Union hands in 1861." There are 214 steps to the top, and the lighthouse is open for climbers in the summer months. Keeper's quarter is adjacent to the lighthouse, which houses a bookstore and exhibit.  The grounds surrounding the Bodie Island Lighthouse are a...

A symbol of Newport, Rhode Island, Castle Hill Lighthouse is located on Narragansett Bay at the end of the historic ocean drive. The lighthouse is a famous site for wedding photos and tourist photos. It is built right into a cliff, making her a natural feature of the landscape. According to history, "The lighthouse was completed in 1890 on property formerly belonging to the naturalist, oceanographer, and zoologist Alexander Agassiz of Harvard University. Agassiz sold the land to the United States Government for the lighthouse for $1." The lighthouse is not open to the public, but the grounds are open for photography and relaxation.  If you have a chance, staying until the sunset is worth it.  You will surely get beautiful shots of a sunset by the lighthouse.  Just like what I did! Please check out my YouTube for the video story:  Castle Hill Lighthouse