Beaufort, NC - A sport fishermanÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡s paradise!

Established in 1722 as a seaport, Beaufort (pronounced Ôø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡Bo-fortÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡), NC was, in its beginnings, the third largest port in North Carolina. The area was a center for the commerce of lumber products (outbound) and glassware, cloth, furniture, coffee and rum (inbound).

A whaling community, Diamond City, was located on nearby Shackleford Banks during the 18th & 19th centuries, perhaps explaining the "New England feel" blended with traditional southern colonial architecture.

Beaufort continued to prosper into the nineteenth century as a port and as an agricultural, commercial and governmental center. It soon became a favorite summer retreat for the well-to-do, a reputation that lasted through the Civil War (the Ôø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡war of Northern AggressionÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡) through to this very day.

The town is rich with shops boutiques, restaurants, galleries and Ôø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡antiqueriesÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡. Historic churches abound and the past seems to come alive at a favorite visitor spot, the Old burying Grounds.

In 1997, the wreckage of the pirate Blackbeard's flagship, Queen Anne's Revenge, was discovered nearby in 20 feet of water Ôø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡ just 2 miles from Beaufort Inlet. Artifacts recovered included the ship's bronze bell, cannons, and deck guns. Some of these are on exhibit in Beaufort at the NC Maritime Museum, only one of several attractions featured in this gem of southern coastal charm.

Look for The Beaufort Historic site, Josiah Bell House, the Rachel Carson Coastal Estuarine Reserve, a naturalistÔø‡Ôø‡Ôø‡s wonder, and a myriad of local and nearby attractions all in easy reach. Start your fun at http://www.beaufort-nc.com/attractions

Helpful links:
North Carolina Maritime Museum
Beaufort Historic Site
Carteret Chamber of Commerce
Crystal Coast Visitors Center

Local Accommodations:
Beaufort Cottage Vacation Rentals
http://www.nccoastvacationrentals.com/