Beaufort is more than just a dot on the map, it’s a lifestyle. From culinary experiences in one of its many fine-dining restaurants to strolling the boardwalk during sunset, the town offers unparalleled simplicity complemented by a beautiful waterfront.

ANTIQUES

In a town as old a Beaufort is, just about everyone has antiques of one sort or another. There are three antique shops in the downtown area, each with its own character. Furniture, bottles, jewelry, ship models, decoys, paintings…all these and more can be found in Beaufort.

ARTS

Many artists make their homes in Beaufort. We have several galleries and stores devoted to local and nationally known artists’ work, some of which double as studios where you can study art.

Galleries:

• Craving Art Studio, 121 Craven Street, (252) 728-0243
• Mattie King Art Gallery, Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner Street, (252) 728-5225
• Womble Studio, 901 Ann Street, (252) 904-1500

Studios:

• Craving Art Studio 121 Craven Street, (252) 728-0243

BOAT BUILDING

People have been making boats in Beaufort since before Europeans came. Currently there are a few wooden boat builders left, primarily on Harker’s Island, in addition to the NC Maritime Museum Watercraft Center, which works on boats for other museums and not-for-profits and offers classes in traditional boat building arts.

The first weekend in May there are a couple events of interest to wooden boat builders:

• NC Maritime Museum’s annual Wooden Boat Show and
• The National Boatbuilding Challenge’s annual Beaufort Boatbuilding Challenge

Two local firms manufacture fiberglass boats in Beaufort:

• Parker Marine, (252) 728-5621, 2570 NC-101
• Jarrett Bay, (252) 728-2690, 530 Sensation Weigh

For restoration or repair of wooden boats in Beaufort:

• Moores Marine, (252) 504-7060, 1201 Sensation Weigh

BOATING

Boating has always been a part of life in Beaufort, from the days when people came by boat from Harker’s Island to Beaufort to get their groceries, to the current day when all kinds of boats ply up and down Taylor’s Creek on a summer’s day with locals and vacationers enjoying the sea breezes.

You can buy a boat, build a boat, rent a boat, order one made, or just use your own boat to get off of the mainland and cruise the banks islands for an afternoon. Or you can walk on the boardwalk by the docks and watch other people on their boats coming and going. From paddleboards to the fanciest yachts, we have them all here in Beaufort.

CUISINE

Beaufort is known for its many fine restaurants serving a variety of foods for any palate. Being originally and partially still a fishing community, Beaufort boasts restaurants and markets with excellent seafood choices in addition to farm fare. Below are a few ways to find the right food for your palate:

Carteret Catch is an organization that will get you in touch with fishermen or restaurants serving local seafood.

Local markets include:

• Salty Catch Seafood, 100 Wellons Drive, (252) 838-9145, carries all kinds of local seafood.

FARM TO TABLE

Beaufort has a strong farm-to-table tradition which continues to today.

The Olde Beaufort Farmers Market is every Saturday under the live oaks beside the courthouse on the corner of Turner and Broad Streets. It features local farm foods, local seafood, and crafts as well as live music.

The Farmers Market holds a yearly Farm-to-Table fundraising event in April showcasing local foods and raising money for the market.

Many of the local restaurants source local foods. Among them are:

• Aqua
• City Kitchen
• Spouters

FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD

Fresh seafood is available in almost every restaurant in Beaufort. If you are interested in fresh LOCAL seafood, the following restaurants are certified by Carteret Catch, an organization which promotes local seafood: Aqua Restaurant, Beaufort Grocery, Blue Moon Bistro, Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant, & Old Salt Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

We also have two markets selling fresh local seafood to the public:

• Salty Catch Seafood, 100 Wellons Drive, (252) 838-9145, carries all kinds of local seafood.

LIVE MUSIC

Live Music is available at several venues in Beaufort:

• The Backstreet Pub, 124 Middle Lane, (252) 728-7108, www.facebook.com/TheBackstreetPub Wednesday Open Mike, Alternate Saturdays-Live Music, Sunday-Jam Sessions
• Clawson’s Restaurant, 425 Front Street, (252) 728-2133, www.clawsonsrestaurant.com/ Sunday Brunch-Live Jazz
• Cru Wine and Coffee, 120 Turner Street, (252) 728-3066, www.thecruwinebar.com/ Friday and Saturday-Live Music, Sunday-Open Mike
• The Dock House, 500 Front Street, (252) 728-4506, https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dock-House
• Live on Thursdays-John Newton Park, every Thursday during the summer season, 6-8 pm, sponsored by The Beaufort Development Association.

OUTDOOR LIFE

Between the water, the boardwalk, the banks islands, the wild horses, shells, and other flora and fauna, in Beaufort there is something for everyone in the outdoors. Come and try something new, or stick with an old favorite activity, but do come and enjoy the outdoors!

SPORTS FISHING

Sportsfishing is popular in Beaufort, and with the continental shell and Gulf Stream within striking distance it is no wonder! There are several area tournaments, including: the Billfish Classic to benefit the Boys and Girls Club in Beaufort.