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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, 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 choosing
to anchor out.
Beaufort is a delight to explore. It offers several fine
restaurants, antique stores and craft shops, as well as a
range of specialty and marine-related boutiques. The Beaufort
Historical Society conducts daily tours of the restored homes
in the area and includes a visit to the old cemetery. Wild
ponies are frequently found 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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