Considering the location, style, upkeep, and interior, what is the ONE single "light" that stands out as your favorite, to date?

Several years ago I had the opportunity to sail out to Thomas Point (Md) and was allowed to visit there for a few minutes. Its the last remaining "working" screwpile on the Chesapeake Bay and it was absolutely beautiful. It had just been painted inside and out and impressed me to no end! Very quaint, neat, and loaded with wonderful, architectural detailing.

Heceta Head

I Would have to say Bodie Island NC Brent. The first Lighthouse I saw as a Child and still my favorite for it's setting. When you are standing there and no one is in sight, you get a feel for how lonely a life it was to keep the light.

Also welcome to the forums. We used to be almost neighbors. I grew-up in Eden NC, and just recently left that area. I used to go with my Dad to races at the Martiansville Speedway, if we didn't go, we could still hear the race from our yard.

Welcome again

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Weasel58




[This message has been edited by Weasel58 (edited 02-17-2000).]

Welcome to the Forums Brent.
My favorite lighthouse is Portland Head, ME.
I was a photographer long before i became interested in lighthouses. Then I moved to New England and found these fascinating subjects called lighthouses. Portland Head is a superb arrangement of forms and lines and can look so different in various weather conditions. But Pemaquid and Nubble are each a very close second.

Henry J Hupp aka foghornkeeper

Fort Gratiot Light, Port Huron, Michigan.
No particular reason.

Rich

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This is a tough question.....
I really like Cape Neddick, ME - the setting
is awesome.

If forced to state just one I'll choose Point Bonita just North of San Francisco.

It has a great view, you walk through a tunnel walking there, it's well maintained and the suspension bridge is a rush to cross over on a windy day!

I can't honestly narrow it down to just one favorite. However, Bonita is at the top of my list.

Polly

Being the historian and "lightkeeper",I would have to say the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. There is just something unique about this classic second empire brick and stone structure standing alone in the middle of the river overlooking the majestic Catskill Mountains. Actually all of the Hudson River lighthouses are kind of special to me, but this one is the "jewel" of the river.

I always love a chance to vote for my favorite - Barnegat Light.

George

Old Field Point (of course!!)

St. Augustine has always struck me as the quintessential lighthouse.

I vote for Barnegat Light,and not because I only live 30 minutes away.

Monty

WOW!! 'Nice responce, so far. Every light mentioned (above) is a Gem. I've been to 178 "Lights" since the early 50's and each is "special" in their own way. I knew it was a tough question to ask but those are the ones that force people to "think" hard. There are so many beautiful "lights" out there....actually, they're ALL beautiful...if you know what I mean. ...B

My list of visited lights is relatevely small but my choice, at this time, would be Peggy's Cove.

The surrounding area is just so barren and moonscape like.

It was cold and blowing on the day of our visit. Hot food in the nearby town and friendly people helped make the visit even more special.

Nauset Beach of course! We have visited it many times (once since it was moved). The stout conical tower with its distinctive red stripe and the setting above the open ocean has always touched me. Not to mention the New England farmhouse style of the keepers house.

Even though I have never been "inside" my favorite lighthouse it still ranks number one (even above those that I have been in). Nubble (Cape Neddick) in York Beach, ME is definitely my favorite. I love the placement of the buildings and tower up on the grassy knoll, the way the house is connected to the tower via the covered walkway, the gingerbread trim, the one red building which stands out, the rocks around the small island which cause the rolling ocean waves to crash like thunder into a white foam, and the fact that you can sit just a short distance from this beautiful place and get an unobstructed view for hours at a time (it doesn't matter how many people are there, you will not have people climbing around the lighthouse in the photos you take).

There are others which come in a close second such as Pemaquid (the wonderful rocks which gracefully slide into the sea and provide saltwater pools (when the tide goes out)that reflect the buildings and the unique fog bell tower), Portland Head (for it's stately appearance and the romance of the Longfellow poem which it inspired), Ponce Inlet (meticulous preservation and a joy to climb), Hereford (for the gardens and wonderful job of preserving the interior), and St. Augustine (love the stripes and the red lanternroom as well as the keepers quarters nestled in the trees).

There are others which come to mind but these stand out as favorites.

Ron
(CT Keeper)

I have so many favorites it would be impossible to narrow it down to just one light.

That's the word from the East Coast where we are currently in the middle of a serious snow storm.

Bob

St. Augustine, Florida. Classic setting, great tower with stripes and red lantern room, neat keepers house with an interesting museum.

Larry

This is certainly a difficult choice to make! Of those that I've seen so far I think I'm going to pick Nine Mile Point on Simcoe Island, Ontario. Don't know much about it but it was such an adventure finding it (two ferries and not a soul around when we got there). It was just a beautiful sight at the end of a long road.

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=39476&a=543312&p=11758185&Sequence=1[/img]

It has to be Portland Head Light. For 15 years I lived just a few miles north of it, and got to know it thoroughly in all its moods: awesome during a storm, sparkling on a sunny day, and always impressive. One of my best memories is watching the Coast Guard bark "Eagle" from Portland Head putting out to sea under full sail -- incredible!

>>St. Augustine has always struck me as the quintessential lighthouse. <<

If I had to pick just one, today I'd say Split Rock. But tommorrow I might say Seul Choix. Yesterday I might have said Sunken Rock. Next week it could be Manistique. But, around Christmas it was Big Bay. In the spring, Raspberry Island. Oh, but last Fall, it was Copper Harbor. Next year, I could easily choose Holland. Then a couple years ago it was probably Cheyboygen Crib Light. Down the road I'll really like Ft. Niagra. Really fond memories of Charlotte-Genesee. Looking ahead my favorite will be ....

All lighthouses are quintessential.
__
/im
(like that potato chip commercial - bet you can't pick just one )

Considering that her upkeep in nonexistent, and that she seems to have been forgotten by many and the ocean is threatening to claim her forever, Plum Island Light is my sentimental favorite right now.

Save Plum Island Light!

~Dale

At first I thought I would say Cape Hatteras, but after giving it some thought I would have to say Cape Henry....so many fun memories were made there with my sister. Climbing the old light and looking through its not so clear lantern room panes at the stark differences to the new light with its black and white coloration, it made me realize that time stands still for no man (or woman).

Kat

My first instinct was to stay with my original favorite- Portland Head, ME , but after a moment I decided that it has been subplanted by Rose Island, RI. We visited there this summer and after seeing it in person and then seeing what it looked like before it was rescued I chose a new favorite. I hope to get back there this summer and eventually spend the night there. Dennis

Although not spectacular in structure my pick would be the Mississagi Light on Manitoulin Island, Canada. I have visited this light since I was 6 years old and every year since then. I watched the old light fall into a very severe case of neglect especially when it was de-activated and almost came to a point of demolition ordered by the Canadian government after sitting unused for so many years. At the last minute the government decided to reactivate it and immediately restored the property to its original beauty. The light sits atop a beautiful rocky point outside Meldrum bay, guarding the dangerous Mississagi Staits. Visitors used to have total access inside the old lighthouse where the whole interior had been left untouched since the last lightkeeper left and locked the door behind him right down to the kitchen utensils and clothes still hanging in the closets. Now the government is pretty stingy about letting anyone inside but I have been told tours can be arranged.

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=39661&a=259804&p=11420633&Sequence=1[/img]

I can't speak for "others" but I find it fascinating to read what everyone has to say about their "favorite". I know that its difficult to pick just one but thats what makes it such a challenge. I really do appreciate the responce!

BRENT

Cape Hatteras is the most impressive lighthouse I've seen...if not for its size and distinctive day markings. Point Sur has one of the most dramatic settings. But the nicest overall lighthouse experience I've had... which takes into account the tower, outbuildings and educational quality of museum is UNQUESTIONABLY Ponce De Leon lighthouse. This is a MUST SEE lighthouse for any lighthouse enthusiast.
Doc John

[This message has been edited by DocJ44 (edited 02-20-2000).]

Gravedigger,

It's wonderful how your little light came back from possible extinction. I'm happy to see that lady all painted up nice and pretty again.

~Dale

Every year it seems to change, but for right now I would have to say Holland Harbor. How could you not like the Big Red with it's unique Dutch detailing, gigantic steam boilers, stars and stripes waving high above, and the beautiful beach along bright blue Lake Michigan.

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[This message has been edited by Rod Watson (edited 02-22-2000).]

My favorite light to visit would be Portland Head. Always a stop when we head north to see the lights. Great views from land and sea.

Turbo

I have to agree with JChidester! St. Augustine got me in all this HL hotwater with my wife. It was the first one that I visited, and turned out to be the one I love the most. A beautiful setting, with a great museum. The tower is fantastic with it's black and white "barber pole" look and it's red laturn room. After visiting this lighthouse I went on my HL spending spree buying 24 lighthouses in a two month time. Now I have been "on hold" for several months slobbering over all the new models. Will get back to buying someday, but for the meantime it's great to talk to all of you..
Keeps me appeased for a while.

Rusty

Bodie Island is my choice and this is where I will exert all my energy to restore her to original condition so that we may climb to the top and enjoy the view of one of the most dangerous, but beautiful, bodies of water in the world. She is in a national park and has not been inundated by development. A lone sentinal with torch held high against the wind and waves.

Moby

Of the ones I have visited, all things considered I must agree with Nana: Heceta Head.

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=42289&a=403812&p=11302330&Sequence=1[/img]

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=42289&a=403812&p=11302350&Sequence=1[/img]

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-Art

It is so hard to pick one! I love Portland Head and Cape Neddick but my favorite that I have climbed is Pigeon Point, CA. It was awesome to see the working 1st order Fresnel lens. I'm sure the more I see that I will always have a new favorite.

Thanks to all of you who have posted the great photos! It's really hard to pick just one...

For pure awesomeness of size and the majesty of all that a lighthouse represents I would have to go with Cape Hatteras. I will never forget walking up the beach toward the Cape Hatteras Light and just stopping to gaze in wonder at this beautiful tower. It has been called the "granddaddy" of all lights and I think it is.

For a whole lighthouse station, I agree with Doc John that the Ponce de Leon Station is fabulous in every respect - and it is the second tallest tower after Cape Hatteras.
I just wish I could see them all!

Barb

Hecta Head for us. It sits in a wonderful spot.

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Randall & Linda Ronne

CAPE HATTERAS, NC. One of the most recognized lighthouse in the world.
Mike

Gee....maybe the next time I do the "topic" thing I should ask for everyone's "Top 10 List"....LOL!! As I scroll down and read what everyone has to say I find myself wanting to include other "Lights" with the one that I origionally picked (Thomas Point) and "bunch" them into a "favoite" catagory all by itself. I, to, am a big fan of Hatteras, Bodie and others and find it difficult to "leave'em off"....

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Brent

My lighthouse experence started with Split Rock, MN back in August 1985. On a scuba diving trip up to Isle Royale we stoped at Split Rock Lighthouse. Reading the keepers log, I found two shipwrecks to dive on. I've been there many times and will continue go there. Since 1985 they have made many improvements. There's a nice visitors center, along with a video theater. The grounds are well kept, and the scenery is very beautiful. Camp next to the lake and let the waves of Superior lull you to sleep.
So I have to say its Split Rock for me.
2nd would be Rock of Ages, Isle Royale
3rd our clubs adopted lighthouse Pottawatomie
Like Tim says "you just can't pick one"

My favorite is Long Beach Bar 'Bug Light' in Orient, Long Island, New York.
In addition to it's many beautiful and majestic looks, I have the opportunity to participate in the upgrade and maintenance of this lighthouse. This light was rebuilt from the foundation up, and will celebate it's 10th Anniversary on September 2, 2000. You can't really pick a favorite until you've adopted one and take an active role in it's future.
NE View of Long Beach Bar 'Bug Light' -

St. Augustine

Saginaw River Rear Range Light - Bay City, MI. It is my favorite because it is right in my backyard (well, almost). I am on the committee and a volunteer to restore this lighthouse, can't wait to get started this spring!

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=45392&a=1643223&p=15677186&scale=640x400[/img]

-Todd

Man o' man....the responces keep coming in and I've got to say....some great photographs as well. I was particular taken by the entry from Todd....you don't hear much about the Saginaw River Range Light but its one of my favorites as well. Keep'em com'in......

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Brent

What WONDERFUL choices everyone has made. Todd, love the picture you attached. My favorite is Wind Point, WI. That is the first lighthouse my husband and I had the opportunity to go up into (all the way even up into the lantern room :eek . It is only a 5 minute walk from my brother-in-law's house so we go and sit by it every year around Labor Day. And to be perfectly honest it was the first HL we ever received (from that brother-in-law) and that is what started the whole collecting thing, now I have all but 5 of the LE HL.

KYKEEPER

Some real nice choices made. This is not a tough one for me. I'll go with Montauk Point, LI, NY.

I'd have to say Point Fermin California. The grounds were beautiful, the house is in great shape. To bad it isn't open for tours! Would love to have seen the insides.
Dale

After long, hard thought the favorite has to be Fire Island. Only visited it once last year but the view of it when you cross the causeway bridge.... In my mind it is the quintessential tall tower lighthouse. My boys & husband also rate it tops in all the lighthouses we have visited(our private tour with Tony had a lot to do with it).

However, a close second is Highland Light in Truro on Cape Cod. It is the light I first remember as a child, finally getting a chance to climb it after it was moved a couple of years ago, playing golf next to it as an adult so many times. It is the nostalgic light for me.

Third, but by no means last, Tarrytown, our local Hudson River light. It's sturdy, utiltarian cast-iron construction providing a cozy home for it's lighkeepers & families.

Too many special ones!!

Donna

I have had a tendency to check off my visits to lighthouses and say "you've seen that one, on the next". But I guess my favorite right now is the one I seem to keep going back to - Scituate. Right on the ocean, can walk right up to it, and a size that is not intimidating. I have yet to be there on a nice day (like yesterday) when there were not people enjoying the beaches and jetties near the lighthouse.

low res pic:


[This message has been edited by KevinBit (edited 02-28-2000).]

[This message has been edited by KevinBit (edited 02-28-2000).]

I just completely read through all of the replies on this page in astonishment. I wish I had the time and freedom to visit all the lighthouses that all of you have. Maybe one day I'll be able to. Anyway, I have several favorites to include to the long list here that no one has mentioned yet (that I've seen, at least).
I'd have to say my favorite light of all time would be Tybee Island, GA. For the simple fact that it is such a beautiful lighthouse and the grounds are equally as intiguing. But in that same breath, I have to include Cockspur Light also. I have stood on the walls of Fort Pulaski many times and admired the view to the South East of the tiny Cockspur Island Lighthouse. I consider that entire area Tybee, so I will include them both as my favorites.

I do have one request from all of you though... what age group do we (the lighthouse fanatics) consist of?
Just curious.

Thanks,
Mark

Hey Digitalman. I'm on the short end of our "agescope" at 26, but I know at least one wacko is a teenager!

Hi Digitalman,

This Nana is 57 years young, still employed and still finding every spare minute to go lighthouse hunting.
Derith

Uh oh Joanne!

They're starting to talk age here. Saved by the 50 post limit! Lock 'er down, Cruise Director!

(I turn 40 on March 31)

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-Art

yes, it sure is hard to pick just one! I would have to say that Cape May, NJ is my favorite because it is the LH that got me into all of this!! A close second would be St. Augustine, FL, because that is the first light that I ever climbed! Thanks to everyone for the marvelous pictures!! Maybe someday I will become more computer literate and learn how to do all of that cool stuff!

Thanks for the replies everyone... I see there really is no age limit to the love of Lighthouses. I just turned 30 this past Sunday, but I really began admiring Lighthouses at about 24. I began collecting Harbour Lights in early 96' and have been growing my collection ever since. I look forward to sharing stories and visits with you all.

Mark

Hey DigitalMan! I'm 26 years old.

P.S. Are you a big fan of the music group Rush? Your screen name is the title to one of their songs.

I'll admit to being "past 40". My kids think I'm middle-aged.

Since this thread is now past 50 posts, I've created a new one - One Favorite Part 2.