Beaufort, NC

Out-of-towners commonly mistake the pronunciation of this beautiful coastal town and while South Carolina also has a town named Beaufort they are both pronounced quite differently. In North Carolina, the town of Beaufort is pronounced "Bo-furt." The scenic town of Beaufort is North Carolina's third oldest town and it's no wonder that the area has such a storied history; legends and folk tales of both pirates and patriots are passed down and showcased through art, festivals and historic sites.

Travelers, school children and history-lovers alike step back in time at the Beaufort State Historic Site, where you can see everyday colonial life on display. Tour the beautiful historic homes, see what it was like to be a prisoner by visiting the old jail, climb aboard an English double-decker bus and travel through Beaufort's history as colonist pass down the stories of Confederate spies and pirates. The most well known pirate, Blackbeard, has a long history in Beaufort. Three miles off the coast proves the resting place of his flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. Artifacts from the ship as well as other historic treasures from the area are on display at the NC maritime Museum. Festivals surrounding the mystery wreckage have costumed pirates, face painting, a 15 minute training school for kids and much more. With such captivation stories, the beach is not just the only reason travelers pick Beaufort as their vacation destination.

Beaufort offers white sandy shores to guests as well as stunning waterfront views. Sit back on the porch and watch as international yachts pass by, creating the perfect backdrop for you morning cup of coffee. The waterfront also provides a view of Carrot Island's wild horses. You can watch the feral horses from the banks of Beaufort or board a ferry to see them in their unspoiled habitat. Take a day to walk along the streets and explore the many specialty shops along the downtown or eat in one of the many delicious restaurants the area offers. For a day trip, go out on a private charter boat for a tour of the area and some great fishing, shelling or whatever your hearts desire. You'll see exactly what makes this coastal community so special.