How to Visit Dog Friendly Beaufort and the Crystal Coast
Long Weekend | Fourth of July
Beaufort, North Carolina is a charming town year round, but really shines over the 4th of July! My husband and I wanted to get away over the holiday weekend somewhere close to Wilmington. We packed up our car and our dog and drove the scenic 100 miles north to the Southern Outer Banks. Beaufort is pronounced the French way (Boe-fert) and is not to be confused with the other coastal Beaufort in South Carolina pronounced the English way (Bue-fert).
We arrived to moody skies and followed our hotel’s unusual check-in instructions. Our room key pick up was a couple of blocks away at a the Discovery Dive Shop. Lucky for us that was next to the Beaufort Yacht Basin! I’m not sure we would have discovered this picturesque spot otherwise and it’s where we watched the Sunday night fireworks.
After we unpacked we walked to historic Front Street and barely escaped an afternoon thunderstorm. The covered Rhum Bar was shielded from the rain, while still open to the view and allowed our dog. We had a couple of Painkillers (excellent!) and watched the downpour engulf the waterway.
When the rain ended we took a stroll through the Old Burying Ground. The post-storm light was eerie and we could imagine the 300 year old spirits following us. Pamphlets and a downloadable audio tour are available that detail the history of early Beaufort residents. Huge live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss protect the graveyard. That was followed by, “the best burger in Beaufort,” at the Royal James Cafe. We closed out the day at the Back Street Pub. This dive bar is full of personality!
We began Saturday morning with a bagel and coffee at Cru’s. As we were leaving we saw the Independence Day golf cart parade. The 1967 red double decker historical tour bus led the way! Next we took in the vibrant Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market. Several vendors including farmers, bakers, fishermen and artists were selling their goods in the old courthouse square. After that, the shops along Beaufort’s boardwalk called to me (not my hubby, but he kept our dog Reese busy).
The waterfront was totally decked out in red, white and blue! My favorite sight was the mermaid weathervane atop the former Carteret Academy, circa 1842. This gorgeous home on Front Street is now a private residence. We worked up a thirst, so we dropped off Reese and headed to Moonrakers’ rooftop deck. The stunning view overlooks Taylor Creek and the Rachel Carson Reserve (top photo).
Morehead City Side Trip
Next, we took an afternoon trip to Morehead City. As a working port, this town has a much different feel than Beaufort and is worth a visit. If you want to charter a deep sea fishing trip, this is the place! The Ruddy Duck provided a great view while we shared an appetizer. A bold otter hopped up on the dock and entertained us.
We hiked a short trail to the Hope Pole Creek Nature Preserve. There was a huge, climbable live oak tree, a serene water view and lots and lots of aggressive insects.
Neighboring Atlantic Beach has a photogenic old pier, a boardwalk and Fort Macon State Park. The fort was completed in 1834 and saw plenty of Civil War action. Despite its small size, it’s the second most visited state park in North Carolina.
Full disclosure, 4th of July afternoon is a terrible time to visit Atlantic Beach! Parking spots are all taken – best to head there first thing in the morning.
Day Trip to Cape Lookout National Seashore
Early on Sunday, we drove to Harkers Island and caught the first passenger ferry to the diamond lady – the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The three iconic black and white Outer Banks lighthouses are so breathtaking! Lookout was the last one I needed to visit.
The bluebird morning was a dream come true for this amateur photographer! Read more about that trip HERE. We got back to Beaufort in time for the 4:00 pm July 4th parade. After a couple of chili dogs on the Dock House Restaurant’s covered deck, we watched the sunset over the Yacht Basin followed by the town’s fireworks display. The water reflecting the starbursts was an added bonus, not to mention it was walkable from our hotel!
More Things to do in Beaufort
Parents with children will enjoy the Beaufort Historic Site. Several restored 17th and 18th century buildings filled with antiques and artifacts show how life used to be. Volunteers dressed like they just stepped out of the past provide information. There’s a jail, a courthouse, a doctor’s office and apothecary, as well as a couple of homes.
Another way to experience Beaufort is by kayak. Beaufort Paddle offers rentals and guided tours. Scuba divers can check out some nearby shipwrecks in the graveyard of the Atlantic. Discovery Diving provides all you need.
Seafarers and boat lovers must visit the NC Maritime Museum and the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center. You can observe wooden boats being hand crafted. Model boat making classes are available.
Waterbug Tours, the Crystal Coast Lady and Lookout Cruises have regular scenic boat tours on Taylor’s Creek. We were going to catch a sunset cruise the first evening we were in Beaufort, but that thunder-boomer I mentioned earlier changed our plans.
Historic downtown Beaufort is laid out in an easy to navigate grid. There are over 150 restored homes and buildings with historic markers.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the dog friendly Harbour Suites. The room was spacious, clean and had a kitchenette. We loved the huge covered porch! It’s not a new hotel, and doesn’t have Four Seasons amenities, but it is great when bringing your 4-legged family member. The hotel has a convenient courtyard, plenty of parking and is walkable to all the sights.
If I were to return without Reese, I would stay at the charming Inn on Turner Street, the Inlet Inn or the Beaufort Hotel.
A long weekend trip to Beaufort, North Carolina has so much to offer! It’s been awarded many deserving titles like, ‘America’s Coolest Small Town.’ There’s a 33 year-old music festival, and an annual pirate invasion reenactment. The Crystal Coast Visitor’s Website is a great resource for travel information about Beaufort and the surrounding areas.
Leave a Reply