Beaufort, North Carolina
Founded in 1709, Beaufort is the county seat of Carteret County, also known as the Crystal Coast. It has been important as a Seaport since the time of Blackbeard and today is the home of the Beaufort Historic Association and a popular destination on the Atlantic coast.
Crossing the bridges from Morehead City to Beaufort is always interesting. First, you are presented with a grand view of the North Carolina State Port, surrounding islands and Beaufort Inlet. Then, you can see all the way to Cape Lookout. It's an introduction that says Beaufort, one of North Carolina's oldest towns, has been shaped by the water that surrounds it on three sides. The bridge that takes you into Beaufort is one of North Carolina's last remaining drawbridges. The ritual of stopping to allow boats to pass is an opportunity for those bound for Beaufort to stop and behold the beauty of the wetlands on the north side and a small parade of work boats and yachts.
Beaufort's streets are lined with the town's Colonial history. Its architecture remembers that Colonial period sea captains at home here brought with them the look of Bahamian homes. Double porches and the unique profile of roofs characterize this architecture. The Beaufort Historic Site is the centerpiece of the town's 16-square block historic district. Ten of the oldest town buildings are restored on the site that also includes gardens, art gallery, welcome center, and an English double-decker bus for scheduled tours of Beaufort's historic district. Don't miss the bus!
Beaufort is home of the Duke University Marine Laboratory and other state and federal weather and marine environment labs that draw a great number of scientists to this part of the North Carolina coast. The presence of this standard of education in the town's population (3,888 in 2004) is reflected in the demand for and nurturance of cultural events such as concerts which are frequent throughout the year, book discussion groups and bird watcher/naturalist outings that are regular. The town's residents also enjoy a proliferation of upscale restaurants, wine and coffee bars and Bed & Breakfast inns.
 Beaufort's waterfront revitalization project in the late 1970s was the last Urban Renewal project assisted by the US government. It was very controversial within the population at the time, but on completion, Beaufort took a new direction. The renovation involved tearing down many old waterfront structures not considered salvageable and building the wooden boardwalk, docks and facilities that now bring yachts and sportfishing craft instead of shad boats that once docked on the creek behind the downtown buildings. Businesses were encouraged to stay and new ones opened in the downtown that opened its waterfront. Soon Beaufort was a best kept secret that brought tourists and newly relocated residents. Beaufort hasn't been the same since. What was once a coastal hideaway is now a favorite spot for visitors traveling by car or boat.
The main branch of the North Carolina Maritime Museum is in Beaufort. Its strong volunteer programs are credited for numerous programs that characterize the museum such as watercraft building programs, model building, the Junior Sailing Program and Summer Science School. The Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum are hosting Pepsi Americas' Sail in 2006, and the project will benefit the Olde Beaufort Seaport that has launched development on Gallants Channel north of the drawbridge.
 North Carolina's Crystal Coast
The Crystal Coast is the southern portion of the barrier island chain called the Outer Banks. It is the Cape Lookout region of North Carolina that includes about 82 miles of barrier islands and 85 miles, point to point, on the mainland. About half of the square mileage of the Crystal Coast is water: inland bays (called sounds here), rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway. Ocean beach destinations are all located on Bogue Banks, a south-facing barrier island. Destinations are Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores and Salter Path. The sun tracks over the ocean all day along Bogue Banks, "sparkling like crystal" which is the source of the area's moniker.
Crystal Coast towns have very distinctive character. On Bogue Banks, the most important thing to know about the characteristics of either Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle and the smaller towns is that they are all island towns, although they are very different in age and development. Mainland towns - Morehead City and Beaufort - are connected to each other and to the island by bridges. Beaufort is one of the oldest towns in North Carolina. It has a long history as a safe and easily accessible harbor town. Morehead City, although equally as favored by geography, developed almost 100 years after Beaufort. Morehead City was developed after the Civil War as a port and resort. These towns, and all towns that are part of the Crystal Coast, maintain their distinctive flavors which, together, are a feast of experience.
 Most people who know the Crystal Coast probably vacationed here as children with their families. A characteristic that all Crystal Coast towns have in common is a strong family-favoring atmosphere. Businesses nurture families with hours and prices that favor family habits and budgets. Attractions offer activities and plan events that have appeal for all ages. Entertainment and festivals on the Crystal Coast are planned for the involvement and enjoyment of families.
Inheriting the Crystal Coast is a common occurrence. As children become adults and adults become parents, they give their children experiences that made the Crystal Coast a part of their lives. Raking clams, trolling for Spanish mackerel, crabbing from a pier, sailing the boat to Cape Lookout, surfing, surf fishing - it's all part of the Crystal Coast family experience.
The Crystal Coast offers theme park experiences, too but time here is not so much about the dazzle. The Crystal Coast is more like an old friend that never changes for you. It's important to measure yourself beside it year after year, just to see how tall and strong you've grown. Soon, it's the pleasure of being welcomed back that makes it your own.
Information provided by the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority
Scenic Attractions, Historic
and Conservation Groups
The 2006 Beaufort Visit of the Tall Ships "Pepsi America's Sail"
Rachel Carson Marine Estuarine Research Reserve on Carrot Island
The N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Fort Macon State Park
The NC Maritime Museum
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Town of Beaufort
Town of Atlantic Beach
Town of Emerald Isle
NC Seafood Festival
Beaufort Historic Association
Beaufort Ghost Walk Tours
Area Weather, Services and Features
Weather Channel Forecast for the Crystal Coast Area
Beaufort, NC AccuWeather
Crystal Coast Bride, complete wedding planning resource
Mary Warshaw, Beaufort artist
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