Imagine spending a memorable night (or TWO) in ONE of only 2 offshore lighthouse towers in the WORLD available for an overnight experience as honorary Light Keepers!
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STAY the LIGHT!
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FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions (please read all before your stay!) Q: Do you offer a reservation WAITING LIST for possible cancellations? Sorry, but we DO NOT keep a waiting list for guests looking to stay with the hope of a last minute cancellation. The popularity of our Overnight Keepers Program is such the list would be hundreds of names long as guests wait 1-2 years for their stay, therefore we just do not have cancellations very often. If we had a cxl, it would be offered to previously paid guests that had to be cxled due to weather issues, which is also very rare. Q: Does the lighthouse operate like a typical hotel or bed & breakfast? Sorry but NO - The lighthouse is not like a typical hotel operation where you can arrive or depart any time you wish- because the Light sits in the middle of beautiful Mt. Hope Bay, we must follow very strict check-in/out times due to scheduling our free boat launch service out to the Light.. The Lighthouse is actually our private home that we offer to the public for your enjoyment through our Overnight Keepers Educational Program. The program was developed to encourage guests to experience what it was like to live like of our brave lighthouse Keepers who lived in and maintained the Light round the clock from 1881 through 1963. As our overnight "Honorary Light Keepers," you will gain the history and one-of-kind experience living in a historic 145 year-old working Lighthouse! Q: Are we allowed to check-in/check-out at times other than the established times? A:. Due to the operational logistics of the lighthouse, we strongly ask our guest Keepers honor the established times- however, with advanced request, we are willing to accommodate changes due to schedules for flight times, travel delays or family emergencies. However we cannot always guarantee staff will be available to accommodate your requested times. Q: Are bed linens included and is there a housekeeping/cleaning fee? As part of your volunteer Light Keeper duties, we ask that you assist in bringing the lighthouse back to the same cleaned condition you found it upon check-in. This simply includes, washing your dishes, stripping and remaking your bed and general clean-up as to return the Light to its original condition. We supply your bed linens, blankets, hand towels, paper goods, cleaning supplies, etc. If you are NOT of the "domestic engineering" sort, LOL, and prefer to pay for housekeeping, you can opt to purchase the $75 cleaning fee during the reservation/booking process. However, we do wish our Keepers kindly volunteer to bring the Light back to the original clean condition and save the $75 fee. (Use it towards your food & beverages!) Q: How much electricity does the lighthouse have and can we charge our cell phones/tablets? A: The lighthouse is completely "OFF the GRID" - with no outside electricity, city water, wi-fi, cable, etc. We are strictly powered by a bank of solar panels and heavy-duty batteries. We have a large inverter that converts the solar battery power into normal 110V electricity. There is normally enough battery power to run the lights, fridge, TV and charge cell phones/tablets - we can also power portable CPAP machines. We do ask for your cooperation in conserving the electricity and water during your stay, especially if it's been a cloudy day. There is definitely not enough power to operate high wattage items such as hair dryers, fans, flat irons or extended use of the microwave. Q: Is food service available and if not, what kitchen items are available for cooking? A: Your stay is totally SELF-CATERED or BYOFB- "Bring Your Own Food and Beverages." Most guests bring food that can be grilled on our outdoor gas grill (propane included) or cooked/warmed up on our 4 burner gas stove & oven. The kitchen is also equipped with a small dorm-sized refrigerator, microwave, tea kettle, an extremely popular stove-top coffee percolator, french coffee press, (ground coffee and sweeteners are included- or bring your favorite) a 4 burner gas stove & oven, and free bottled drinking water. We also provide plates, mugs, glasses, cookware, cutlery, eating & cooking utensils, salt & pepper and various spices/seasonings. We also provide paper goods such as paper plates, paper towels, napkins, toilet tissue, etc. Just like home! Another very popular option is ordering "TAKE-OUT" food for your meals. Why cook when you have limited time to sit and enjoy the lighthouse? Fall River features many excellent restaurants to order take-out foods and bring with you to the Light instead of cooking. We recommend The Cove Restaurant, PRIMO on Water St, Barrett's Waterfront and Tipsy Toboggan . There are also great options right in the marina such as Tipsy Seagull Bar, Morgan's Cantina, and Pier 52 restaurants. There are also neighborhood pizza and sandwich chains, and are all within 5 minutes of the Marina. No... unfortunately they do not offer delivery service out to the Lighthouse- LOL! ***Our Asst. Light Keeper Paul also operates his own local cafe, and can prepare some of the BEST homemade dishes such as New England clam chowda, shrimp cocktail, oysters, clams casino, Poke' bowls, breakfast items and other delicacies and delivers right to you at your check-in! ***He needs a minimum of 24 hours or MORE notice for all orders! Paul - 1-774-309-1629 Q: Is there fresh drinking water? YES! Being offshore and totally off the grid, we do not have city water or septic service. However, we do offer fresh water from our sink via a battery operated pump system for washing, cooking, dishes, etc. We also include plenty of bottled water for drinking. Sadly, since we do not have city water service out to the Light, so we do not have a shower on board. We do provide wash cloths and hand towels at the sink. There are hot showers available at the Marina's clubhouse if desired. (May-Oct. only) Q: Are other folks allowed to visit the lighthouse during our stay? Due to safety & liability reasons, Keepers are not allowed to invite anyone onto the lighthouse at anytime during their stay. However, for milestone events such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. and only by 48 hour ADVANCED REQUEST, up to 10 guests will be allowed to join you for a few hours on the Light to celebrate your special occasion at an additional fee.*** We will provide free boat service for your guests at your check-in and one return trip back to marina no later than 9 PM. (one round trip) ***Additional charge of $30. per invited guest will apply and all guests are required to sign a waiver of liability. Q: Does the lighthouse still have a working beacon and foghorn? The lighthouse is still a fully active USCG Aid to Navigation. The US Coast Guard operates our modern LED optic in the lantern room that automatically flashes every 2.5 seconds from dusk to dawn. In 2013, the foghorn was permanently removed. *Please be aware, our lighthouse stands proudly as a U.S. COAST GUARD AID TO NAVIGATION protecting the waters of beautiful Mount Hope Bay and as such, the Coast Guard has right of access to the lighthouse at any time during an emergency. Q: Is there WiFi or Cable TV? The lighthouse is purposely not equipped with WiFi or cable TV. The idea is to "UNPLUG" from the rest of the world and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Light. There is a 40" LCD TV w/DVD player with plenty of DVDs to choose from, as well as local network TV stations via HD antenna. We also feature a 1950's tube radio and our very popular, original 1910 Victrola record player with lots of old-time 78 rpm records to enjoy! However we also love our guests to relax in peace and solitude during their stay, far removed from the hustle & bustle of daily electronic life! (There is excellent cell phone service in case you need to stay in touch with home or in an emergency.) Q: Speaking of which, in case of an emergency, who do we call? A: If there is a medical emergency, please use your cell phone to dial 911 (the lighthouse has excellent cell coverage). Fall River has top-notch police, rescue and fire officers through their Harbormaster. Also, contact Kevin, your Lighthouse Keeper. As our honorary Light Keepers, part of your duties are if you witness a boating emergency nearby, please call 911 who will alert the Harbormaster & Coast Guard. Q: How long does it take to get out to the Lighthouse? The Lighthouse is located only 1,500 feet offshore. We launch our complimentary boat service from the Borden Light Marina, 1 Ferry Street Fall River, MA via our 22 ft. deck boat, and the ride only takes 3-5 minutes. (weather-permitting) Please be aware, all Keepers must climb the vertical steel-rung ladder to access the Lighthouse. (see picture below left) Q: Can we swim or fish off the lighthouse? Swimming and fishing are definitely NOT allowed. The light is located at the mouth of the Taunton River flowing into Mount Hope Bay. It's not uncommon for the currents at the lighthouse to exceed 7-10 mph making it extremely dangerous to swim in those currents. Also, there are large rocks around the base of the lighthouse as well as boat traffic through the navigational channel. Unfortunately, fishing off the Lighthouse is not allowed for safety and sanitary reasons. Q: Can we bring alcoholic beverages for our stay? Smoking allowed? A: Yes indeed, you are welcomed to bring and enjoy alcoholic beverages. However, we request that no one smokes on the Lighthouse property due to fire logistics and historic preservation, as well the comfort of future guests. Q: Are we allowed to take pictures of the inside and access the lantern room? A: Our guests are welcomed and encouraged to take as many photos as they would like. Guests are also welcomed to access the lantern room where the active USCG light is located. (Sunrise/sets and 360 degree water views are amazing from the lantern room deck!) Q: Are we allowed to take our boat to the lighthouse? A: Private boats are NOT allowed to be tied off at the lighthouse during your stay. The lighthouse is located in a navigable channel and overnight anchoring is not allowed. If you prefer to arrive for your stay via your own boat, transient boat slips are available for rent at the Borden Light Marina- 508-678-7547. (must reserve slips in advance) Q: Does the lighthouse float or sway? A: The lighthouse rests firmly and permanently upon the bottom of the bay. It does not "move, rock or "sway" around with the waves like a dock or a boat. It is structurally anchored to sea bottom and therefore as solid as being on land. Yay! Q: What kind of bags should we use and can we bring a small cooler? A: For clothes/foods PLEASE use back packs, beach style bags with handles and small overnight bags. Multiple smaller bags are preferred over less, heavier bags. Saves our backs carrying them up the ladder! You're more than welcome to bring a cooler with your foods/ice. We do not allow the traditional, hard-sided plastic or metal coolers with side handles as they they are extremely difficult to carry up the ladder. Please consider using Soft-sided coolers - as all bags will need to be hoisted up the red ladder you see pictured to the left . Q: It's been said the Lighthouse is haunted? A: YES, however we don’t care to use the word “haunted” as it denotes something scary or sinister. After decades of rumor, we have had several professional psychics/ mediums and ghost hunters visit the lighthouse, and we are happy to report their findings of our 2 warm, wonderful extremely friendly spirits. The experts have labeled our spirits as "benign," meaning they do not scare, haunt, spook or show themselves. We have had a few reports where guests have heard music, footsteps or laughter during their stays, but unfortunately, this is extremely rare. Many of our guests hope to experience some presence during their stay, but sadly, 99% do not. Our main spirit is that of our former Light Keeper, Captain John H. Paul, (1912-1927) and the experts claim he remains with us to serve as our "protector" - keeping our guests and Lighthouse safe from harm. Our other spirit is that of a 9 yr. old girl named Lucy, who tragically drowned when her family's row boat capsized from a squall near the Light in 1929. Our brave Light Keeper Joseph Covo, sprung into action, rescued her unconscious body from the waters and carried her up onto the Lighthouse. He tried desperately to revive her but sadly she passed away on the Light. It is said she remains as a spiritual helper to John Paul. The experts have unanimously agreed they've sensed a warm aura of comfort & peace upon entering the Lighthouse. We graciously thank you John Paul & Lucy for watching over and taking incredible care of us! |
