This Small North Carolina Town Has The Best Downtown
Beaufort, North Carolina, may have started as a humble fishing village, but its downtown today stands out as one of the most memorable in the state. This small town along North Carolina’s Inner Banks is home to about 4,500 residents. Despite its size, it offers an unexpectedly diverse range of attractions, including highly rated French restaurants, art galleries, and luxurious yacht cruises that will give you a new appreciation for the state’s coastal communities. Don’t be surprised if you are already planning your travel dates by the end of this article!
Tours & Cruises
In Beaufort, there is no need to hop in your car in search of natural beauty. You’ll find plenty right in the center of town, with several agencies offering cruises and guided tours that depart from the waterfront. Travelers looking for a trip on the water can book an excursion with Crystal Coast Lady Cruises. This company offers a range of options aboard its 100-foot yacht, providing panoramic views of the water. Scenic cruises, dinner cruises, and special holiday event cruises are a few of the possibilities you can choose from.
Travelers feeling even more adventurous can embark on a tour with Science By The Sea Eco-Tours, which offers tours through some of the more remote areas of the Rachel Carson Reserve that are not accessible by ferries and larger vessels. As you travel through the tidal creeks, you’ll have the chance to spot wild horses, dolphins, turtles, osprey, and shorebirds, along with a variety of migratory species.
Coffee Shops, Restaurants, & Bars
You’re going to want to arrive in Beaufort with an appetite, because the culinary scene is fantastic for a town of its size. Coffee lovers will find several spots to enjoy their morning pick-me-up, one of the most popular being Historic Grounds Coffee Shop. This cozy cafe offers all sorts of beverages, including espresso, drip, cold brew, frappes, matcha lattes, and more. If you’re hungry, you can also order a warm pastry, with chocolate croissants, cinnamon buns, and pretzels being a few of the options on the menu.
Once lunchtime rolls around, head to Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant & Pub, located on the site of a historic town grocery and named in its honor. There are all kinds of classics and pub fare on the menu, including ribs, angus burgers, seafood, and, of course, lots of beer! To conclude your day, consider making dinner reservations at Blue Moon Bistro, a contemporary restaurant featuring French cuisine that sits in a historic 1827 home. Led by two chefs who trained under Michelin-starred Marc Meurin in France, the dishes here easily rank among the most exceptional you will find in North Carolina.
Shops & Galleries
A trip is never complete without a souvenir, and luckily, Beaufort is filled with quirky shops and galleries. The General Store is the perfect place to begin your hunt. Family-owned and operating for 45 years in the community, you’ll find plenty of Beaufort apparel and sweet treats here, along with 32 flavors of ice cream! Harbor Specialties is just a few doors down and is another great shop to check out, selling custom embroidery, t-shirts, bags, and gifts.
Travelers looking to add a piece of art to their collection can also stop by Mattie King Davis Art Gallery. Set in a historic 1732 home, it is the oldest art gallery in the county, showcasing work from both local and regional artists. The majority of the pieces are inspired by the coast and sea, featuring media like watercolors, oils, pottery, glass, acrylic, and jewelry.
Local Inns
The best way to wind down after an adventurous day exploring this eclectic town is by checking into one of the adorable local inns downtown. Many of them are historic, set in Victorian-era homes. The Pecan Tree Inn is a wonderful example, a quaint bed and breakfast whose history dates back to 1866. The location is superb, sitting in the heart of the historic district and just half a block from the Yacht Harbor boardwalk. For breakfast, you will be able to enjoy an elegant daily menu that includes dishes like frittata, poached eggs, and fresh toast.
Another charming option downtown is the Ann Street Inn, which sits in a well-preserved two-story home from the 1830s. This inn is located in the historic district as well, just a couple of blocks from the Pecan Tree Inn, and has a unique array of rooms that were designed to reflect the town’s rich history. The inn prides itself on providing a farm-to-fork breakfast each morning, with the eggs harvested daily from a nearby farm!
A Downtown With Plenty Of Variety
If Beaufort wasn’t already on your travel list for this coming year, it most definitely will be now. Between the town’s Victorian inns, ecotours, and boutiques, there are so many ways to enjoy your time in Beaufort. And, of course, you won’t have a hard time finding a delicious place to grab a bite! So get ready for your adventure in Beaufort. You will likely uncover a few new favorites along the way.
