Established in 1713, the little town of Beaufort is the third oldest town in North Carolina and is situated on the delightful Crystal Coast region of Carteret County, in the extreme southeast of the state. Beaufort’s main draws are its connection with the infamous Blackbeard and its many historic homes.
There are dozens of restored historic homes in Beaufort and the Beaufort Historical Association keeps tags on them. The oldest house in town is the Hammock House, which dates to the late 17th century. It was at one time an inn that was frequented by none other than Blackbeard himself.
Tours of Beaufort are popular, on which you can take in the many historic downtown and neighborhood homes, check out the pretty waterfront or perhaps go on the legendary Blackbeard tour. The cream of the crop is Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour, which takes place annually the last weekend in June. Other reasons people visit Beaufort are the Beaufort Music Festival, the nearby Shackleford ponies on the island of Shackleford Banks, and the Rachel Carson Estuarine Research Reserve on the way to Shackleford.
Highlights
Beaufort waterfront: this revitalized part of town now features a wooden boardwalk which is great for strolling and taking in the views and the many shops and restaurants.
Queen Anne’s Revenge: Blackbeard’s flagship was discovered in Beaufort Inlet in 1996 and although it still remains underwater, numerous artifacts from the ship can be seen in the Maritime Museum.
North Carolina Maritime Museum: as well as featuring artifacts from the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the museum also displays local fossils, several watercraft, and coastal marine life.
Old Burying Ground: this 300-year-old cemetery has many unmarked graves and tours are given June through September.