You may have chosen the beautiful Crystal Coast to live but there are vastly different towns on our stretch of serene coastline to choose from. As one of the most talked about towns in our area, winning America’s Coolest Small town, being host to many Nicolas Sparks movies or inspiring the settings of best selling novels by local Kristy Woodson Harvey, Beaufort is probably piquing your interest.
With so many choices, we are here to give a helping hand with some of our favorite reasons why Beaufort, NC may be the perfect place for your new home.
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A Town Rich in History
Even if you are not a history buff, Beaufort (pronounced BOW-furt) will pull you into its charming centuries-long legacy as an old fishing village turned vacation hotspot. With claim to Blackbeard’s adventures along its coast, the kid in you will spend hours in the NC Maritime Museum looking at all the salvaged artifacts from the infamous Queen Anne’s Revenge.
Then, you can walk over to the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center to watch craftsmanship at its finest as they build classic boats with the traditional skills right in front of you. You can step even further in time at the Old Burying Grounds, which tells the story of NC’s third oldest town through the beautifully weathered tombstones.
You can even use their app for a free audio tour so you don’t miss any of the fascinating facts about the families that first called Beaufort home. Lastly, you can wander through the Beaufort Historic Site downtown and get a tour of some of the 1800 homes, the old courthouse, jail and even apothecary resembling what it would have looked like at the beginning of the town’s establishment.
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Adventures and Exploration
As Beaufort has grown in its popularity, so have the attractions available to both locals and tourists alike. First on your list is one you can’t miss from the moment you enter downtown Beaufort- the double decker bus. This tour boasts grand stories of pirates, confederate spies and star-crossed lovers while riding through the historic district.
Another way to get a taste of Beaufort is through Hungry Towns Guided Tours, where you can ride a bike through some of our favorite local spots to get a “locals” taste of the town. If you want to take your view to new heights, consider a plane tour to see the islands and creeks that make the coastline so unique, parasail with Beaufort Inlet Watersports or even skydive with one of Beaufort’s trained instructors!
On the weekend, stroll through Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market where local vendors display some fun goods, farm fresh foods that are ready to take home for dinner and the live music will have you dancing on the lawn under the beautiful oaks.
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Sound, Sand and Sea
Of course, you can’t live in Beaufort and not get out on the water! See why we are called the Crystal Coast by taking one of our many cruises. One of the most popular is Lookout Cruises, which is a 45-foot catamaran that can take you dolphin watching, see the iconic Cape Lookout lighthouse, or to take in one of NC’s famous sunsets over the ocean.
Crystal Coast Lady cruises are another scenic option that take you on a 15-mile narrated cruise while looking for our famous wild horses that roam free on the islands. If you are lucky, you can spot one of the new foals of the year, with their mother, along the marsh banks as you go by. If you are feeling more adventurous, go on one of their fishing expeditions where they can find you the perfect spot to get a bite. Feeling like more of a relaxing evening? Try the Tiki Hut Tours down Taylors Creek with your favorite beverage in hand and a friend to chat with. If you want a more up-close look at the wildlife, take a paddleboard tour along the Rachel Carson Reserve or try your hand at kayak fishing in the back channels you can’t get to otherwise.
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Bites and Buys
In Beaufort, you can’t go a block without smelling something intriguing. Along the downtown waterfront are a plethora of culinary options from dining on a dock, sipping a drink on a rooftop or eating pizza while watching the boats dock.
There are also some back alley treats for fine dining, a more “local” flavor with Royal James Cafe for a burger and a game of pool, or live music at the Backstreet Pub or Cru Wine Bar. If you are looking to browse our shops, we have a little bit of everything for everyone. Intriguing antique shops are scattered downtown where you can spend hours perusing unique finds, then head over to Beaufort Linen Company for some incredible home goods.
If you are wanting a laid-back beach vibe, there are plenty of store fronts to give you just what you need for the weekend or if you need to amp up your wardrobe, there are fantastic boutiques with the latest fashion and designers.
When a town is over 300 years old, you will have plenty of new things to learn and discover that makes it the charming place it is today. If you are looking to find a more permanent way to enjoy all that Beaufort, NC has to offer, call Al Williams today and let us help you find your perfect home! Below are some of our current options so give one of our agents a call or send a quick email today.