The Lighthouse Hotel In North Carolina That's Surrounded By Ocean In Every Direction

Originally a privately owned Coast Guard Station, for the last two years a group of volunteers have braved the harsh waters of the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' to restore and preserve the tower to its original glory.

The tower has stood the test of time since 1964, although the light has not been continuously lit since 1992. If you're lucky, you might spend a weekend when it is lit. The tower has eight rooms, a stainless steel kitchen, hot showers, full electricity, and a rec room.

The original 'USCG Frying Pan Light Station,' served as a beacon of hope in otherwise dangerous and rough waters for several years. Today, volunteers work laboriously to bring the magic to visitors through eight rooms, helicopter adventures and even offering month-long adventures.

On their website, Frying Pan Tower states, "This unique part of American history is being preserved so that generations to come will have an opportunity to enjoy what very few people have experienced: the ever changing, never changing life 85' above the Atlantic Ocean." Of course, it's no easy feat to save and salvage a steel structure weathered by the harsh, salty water, and 34 miles from the nearest slice of land. While today many can enjoy this slice of wonder and even spend the night with the fishes, the ongoing process of restoration will truly never end. Battling against three elements - sun, salt and surf - will always be a constant.

Getting to the tower isn't such an easy feat though, accessed by boat or helicopter, a 'four day adventure package' will cost you around $600...but it's the experience and story that make it worth it, right? There's also the all inclusive helicopter package that will transport you to-and-from the Frying Pan with accommodations included. Unless you want to dive in the ocean and catch your breakfast 'Cast Away' style, naturally the Frying Pan operates as a bed and breakfast as well. (Also, don't dive in the ocean from here - it's not safe.)

The rooms and property are still pretty straight-up, retaining their original character from 1964...when staying in the middle of the Atlantic, these are some of the finest accommodations you'll come across. Think you have what it takes to spend a weekend in the middle of nowhere?