Beaufort, NC

An updated version of the Beaufort, NC report. It's still far from complete because what time we have there is spent browsing through stores, eating, or walking along Front Street. Beaufort is historic, charming, and scenic, though on the "opulent" side as a tourist put it while gaping at a large yacht docked at the marina. We enjoy our visits, but because prices run on the high side, we tend not to spend money outside of the General Store and the restaurant du jour.

I wrote the original report as a real estate ad both because of the numerous homes we saw on the market, and because...well, visit Beaufort and you'll see.

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Beaufort: Engaging maritime town in the estuary region of North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Notable history includes skirmishes with the British, pirates, and Union soldiers, all of whom eventually prevailed and occupied the city for various lengths of time. Famous residents include Edward Teach (or Tech, also known as Blackbeard) and Michael J. Smith, pilot of the ill-fated Challenger shuttle. Backdrop for Nicholas Sparks' bestselling novel, A Walk to Remember.

Enjoy a variety of seafood restaurants and shops along Front Street. Afterwards, walk along the boardwalk for views of picturesque sailboats and yachts docked at the marinas or trolling in the surrounding waterways, or admire historic homes. Several boat tours are available, including sunset cruises and excursions to nearby Shackleford Island (a recommendation is hopefully forthcoming. This was our third attempt to see the wild ponies on Shackleford. One more failure and we swim.) If you prefer indoor activities, check out the Maritime Museum.

Beaufort is located off Hwy 70, east of Morehead City, northeast of Bogue Banks, and northwest of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. A must see for fans of charming coastal getaways.

For more information, go to www.historicbeaufort.com/