This North Carolina Downtown Is Made For Strolling
From the Atlantic Coast to the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina's landscape features notable small towns known for Southern hospitality, scenery, and charm. While each offers something different to the state as a whole, each has defining characteristics that make it worth visiting. For those seeking a walking destination filled with history, charm, and pleasant scenery, look no further than Beaufort.
The fishing village has three centuries' worth of tales to tell, including the sinking of the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's pirate flagship in the Beaufort Inlet. These tales and other histories are interpreted at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. The educational center, acclaimed restaurants, and a historic district filled with 18th- and 19th-century homes cement Beaufort as North Carolina's best downtown for strolling.
Downtown Beaufort: Where History Comes Alive
Walkable downtown Beaufort reverberates with three centuries of history, modern conveniences, waterfront views, and dozens of restored homes. One of the first stops for many is the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Front Street, the district's main artery. The two-story landmark has hosted an exhibition honoring the heroic efforts of the Life-Saving Service and other prominent regional histories.
Infamous pirate Blackbeard's coveted ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, was discovered off the coast in 1996, and the museum displays recovered artifacts that have lain dormant underwater for three centuries. Historic walking or carriage tours are an engaging way to explore the area and learn its history. They include the Old Burying Ground in the 400 block of Ann Street, about a five-minute walk from the museum.
It is the town's oldest cemetery, established in the early 1700s, with graves marked with shells, brick, or wooden slabs brought in by sailing vessels from early settlers. It not only honors the town's founders but also offers an archaeological and sociological lesson on the town's origins and evolution.
Getting Around
Getting from Front Street to Ann Street is easy in this compact area, which is why it is rated one of the best walkable districts in North Carolina. Front Street, along Taylor Creek, runs parallel to Ann Street and is accessible via overpasses at small intersecting streets such as Live Oak Street or Fulford Street. Along the way, pedestrians will come across several buildings, including the Carteret Academy and the Langdon House.
The academy was established in circa 1854 and is a unique three-story house with classrooms on the first floor and living spaces above. The 1764 Langdon House is an excellent example of early Beaufort architecture and a tangible way to view the town's origins. Leffers Cottage is on the same route, showcasing different periods in Beaufort's history, giving a glimpse of the waterfront town's elegance and heritage.
Dining and Libations
Front Street offers waterfront dining options with a casual atmosphere, including Front Street Grill, which specializes in "coastal food with a Southern soul," and Moonrakers, which offers an elevated menu and a dedicated wine wall. Both capture the spirit of this port city, with a Caribbean flair at Front Street Grille and an upper-casual ambiance at Moonrakers, named after the rectangular sail of a 17th-century sailing ship.
Where to Stay Downtown
The Pecan Tree Inn on Queen Street is just a few minutes' walk from the Front Street eateries. From Front Street, take a side road like Seaview Street to Ann Street, turn right on Yaupon, and finally left on Cedar Street. The small road leads to Queen Street and the remarkable Victorian inn. The 1866 home features seven rooms with modern comforts in a historic setting. It is within walking distance of the main attractions, making it ideal for a daily stroll through scenic downtown Beaufort.
Mattie King Davis Art Gallery, in the 1732 Rustell House, is just a couple of minutes from the bed and breakfast and features memorable artwork in the oldest gallery in Carteret County. Head down Craven or Turner Street to spend a pleasant afternoon browsing regional artwork inspired by the sea coast.
Other Options Nearby
Morehead City and Washington are other walkable destinations within an hour's drive from Beaufort. The first city is a classic working waterfront town with access to ferries and the Calico Creek Boardwalk. Evans Street and Shepard Street make a good starting point, where walkers can follow the bulkheads to see statues, including one of King Neptune and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, on their way to Jaycee Park, only a half block from downtown.
The "Original Washington" rests happily on the banks of the Pamlico River, part of the critical Albemarle-Pamlico Estuary, where 75 percent of the Atlantic Seaboard's fish spend part of their lives. The area is home to the North Carolina Estuarium, featuring driftwood sculptures and educational exhibits about the essential waters around North Carolina. Acclaimed restaurants like The Mulberry House are nearby, providing exquisite fare in a laid-back atmosphere for an authentic coastal evening downtown.
Strolling Through History
Pirate cannons, antebellum homes, and upscale waterfront dining on Front Street are just some of the qualities Beaufort's downtown has to offer. Its ambiance and coastal flair cement it as North Carolina's best town for strolling. The boardwalk provides excellent waterfront views, and museums such as the North Carolina Maritime Museum bring history to life, helping visitors leave with a better understanding of the region's significance.
Going from Front Street to Ann Street and other walkable roads is a breeze, and each leg has its share of historic homes like Lefferts Cottage lining the streets. The buildings set the scene in historic Beaufort, both endearing and educational, for a memorable visit. This coastal city was made for walking, and the slower pace matches the pace of a town pleasantly stuck in time.
