Beaufort and Down East, North Carolina

The seaport town of Beaufort , NC, affords residents and visitors a slice of early American life in a fishing and port town, with plenty of tourist attractions too. Not to be confused with the somewhat larger Beaufort, South Carolina, (pronounced BU-fort), Beaufort (pronounced BO-fort) is still a town of only about 5,000 full-time residents, and fishing and water trades still figure into its economy.

With tree-lined streets and restored Victorian homes, Beaufort's historical charm is everywhere. Beaufort is the third-oldest town in North Carolina, incorporated in 1722, and was named for Englishman Henry Somerset, the Duke of Beaufort. Beaufort is the geographic center of Carteret County and its county seat. The English influence is apparent in the architecture and, more noticeably, in the street names: Ann and Queen, for Queen Anne; Craven, for the Earl of Craven; Orange, for William, the Prince of Orange; Moore, for Col. Maurice Moore; and Pollock, for the Colonial governor at the time of the 1713 survey.

Filled with quaint shops and a variety of good restaurants, Beaufort is also home to the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve, just a short swim or boat ride across Taylor’s Creek. Walking, beach combing, swimming, pony-watching and-bird watching are activities to enjoy while at the reserve.

Continuing east past Beaufort on U.S. Highway 70, one comes to the area known as “Down East.” Down East is made up of many small tight-knit communities, with a rich history of commercial fishing, crabbing, clamming and cultural pride.

Harkers Island is home to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, whose mission is to preserve the culture and history of Core Banks and the surrounding area. You’ll pass through a dozen or so small communities, often with just a small sign being the only indicator, until you get to Cedar Island, the jumping-off point for a two-hour-plus ferry ride to Ocracoke Island.

This InsiderInfo™ Guide to Beaufort and Down East is the area's most complete source of information for travelers and newcomers alike.  Fresh content, locally grown!