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Beaufort waterfront
Ponies on Carrot Island
Old Beaufort
Dinghy dock
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Beaufort embodies tradition and the time-honored values of
classic seamanship. Beaufort has long been hailed as the "Gateway
to the Caribbean," and in the fall, as the western edge of
the Gulf Stream veers to within 40 miles of the inlet, fresh
northwest winds carry eager sailors out into the Atlantic.
It is a four-day sail to the Bahamas, a day more to Bermuda,
and a week to ten days to the Virgin Islands. This close proximity
to the great Atlantic circle was not lost on the early settlers
of Beaufort. The town was developed during colonial America
as a deep water port to receive and distribute European merchandise.
Today, much of the town's historic district has been restored,
thus revealing this unique blend of Caribbean and European
influence. Beaufort's importance as a major seaport waned
with the expanded settlement and growth in the Northeast,
so the town turned to whaling, crabbing, and boatbuilding
for its survival. Today, much of this rich heritage is on
display at the North Carolina Maritime Museum (919) 728-7317,
located behind the BP Docks.
Due to the intimacy of the waterfront, you may find that
you have an audience if you choose to dock at the Beaufort
Docks. The preferred perch for watching the docking activities
is the porch of the Dock House or a position along the boardwalk.
Beaufort Docks provides easy access to numerous shoreside
diversions and offers bath house facilities. A dinghy dock
in front of the post office is available for those chosing
to anchor out.
Beaufort is a delight to explore. It offers several fine
restaurants, antique and craft shops as well as a range of
specialty and marine-related boutiques. The Beaufort Historical
Society (919) 728-5225 conducts daily tours of the restored
homes in the area and includes a visit to the old cemetery.
Wild ponies are frequently seen grazing near the anchorage
along the shore of Carrot Island. A larger herd can often
be seen roaming the miles of empty shoreline on Shackleford
Banks. Across the inlet, Fort Macon warrants an afternoon
of exploration. Still, it is the quiet walks along the narrow
streets of Beaufort, adorned as they are with ancient oaks
and unique shops, that bring you back to Beaufort.
- Eddie Jones
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