Destination: Beaufort
Departure Port for the Caribbean
Beaufort (pronounced “Bow-fert”, not to be confused with “Beau-fert” in South Carolina) is the third oldest town in the state. It has a storied history of pirates and ship wrecks, confederate spies and antebellum homes. Blackbeard’s flagship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, lies about three miles off the coast and the Maritime Museum in town showcases many of the items that divers have salvaged from her. The Beaufort State Historic Site recreates life from colonial times, with costumed guides leading tours through some of the beautiful historic homes in town.
The Approach To Beaufort:
Beaufort is a busy port for many beautiful ships who stop on their voyages up and down the coast.
Beaufort is also home to feral horses that have lived for centuries on Carrot Island. Legend has it that these animals are the descendents from Spanish horses that swan ashore many years ago when a galleon ship-wrecked off the coast. You can frequently see these sturdy horses grazing near Taylor’s Creek, which runs right through the heart of town. You can also stroll the boardwalk along the opposite bank of Taylor’s Creek and gaze at the yachts tied at dock or anchored nearby. In the evening many of the restaurants feature outdoor entertainment. Shopping and dining at the many restaurants along the downtown area are also popular ways to spend a day.
Beaufort is a popular port for cruising yachts leaving or returning from the Caribbean. The Gulf Stream is the closest to our coast here and many large fishing boats take advantage of this, making the area around Beaufort an ideal spot to do some angling. Beaufort is also just a short day trip from Cape Lookout National Seashore, an unspoiled stretch of seashore teeming with shore birds, sea turtles, and the shaggy feral horses of Shackelford Banks. Beaufort is certainly a town where there is something exciting to do for every individual taste.
Dolphins are frequently seen in the creeks around Beaufort.
The center of town
The North Carolina Maritime Museum
Artifacts from Blackbeard's ship "Queen Ann's Revenge" are on display along with many historic watercraft and marine engines.
Some nautical pubs have more ambiance than others
The local cemetary is one block away from the center of town and is open to the public. It has pre-revolutionary and pre-civil war graves. There are some very interesting stories on these stones.
The docks start a-rockin' on Friday and Saturday nights. The Dockhouse is a popular scene with its free music on the boardwalk.
We highly recommend one of the following bed and breakfasts:
The Pecan Tree Inn (Click for website)
The Ann Street Inn
The Inlet Inn has a panoramic view
The Beaufort Inn if you like to walk
For a more complete listing of available accommodations in Beaufort, go to:
