Erected in 1964, Frying Pan Tower was originally a lighthouse designed to deter ships from venturing into the shallow waters known as the Frying Pan Shoals. The U.S. Coast Guard operated the tower until 1979 when the light structure became automated, but it was officially rendered obsolete in 1992 after Global Positioning Systems (GPS) became the ideal method of navigation for vessels at sea (per Frying Pan Tower). For 18 years the tower remained inoperable, but North Carolina resident Richard Neal bought the facility in 2010 for $85,000 with the intention of turning it into a bed and breakfast via restorative efforts — and that’s exactly what he did (per Wilmington Biz). 

Today, visitors are able to enjoy a brief but delightful stay at Frying Pan Tower that includes scuba diving, fishing, sunbathing, and golfing (the balls are made of biodegradable fish food). The hotel is accessible via boat or helicopter (via Coné Nest Traveler).

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