The Other Beaufort...Beaufort, NC
I am fairly certain that I am not the only ‘Beaufort-ly Challenged’ individual. The names of these cities in each state are spelled the same but pronounced differently. Which, from an outsiders point of view may not be a big deal but to the denizens of these towns it certainly is. We have been corrected (ever-so-kindly) more than once on the pronunciations and this is the tutorial in a nutshell (poached from a Google site} “The Beaufort of South Carolina is pronounced "BYOO-fert" (as in "beautiful"). The Beaufort of coastal North Carolina is "BOH-fert" (as in "Beauregard"), which is also the correct pronunciation of the Duke of Beaufort's name…” O.K. we will stop there. So, we are in Beaufort, NC and it was a big day on the ICW to get here, eight hours and roughly 70NM. Some very shallow areas especially at each inlet from the ocean where shoaling is especially prevalent. We make our way into the Beaufort Docks Marina and happily accept their ‘Wooden Nickle' drink tokens. We exchange them for a couple of Yuengling beers at the ‘Dive Bar'. We plan to be here for two days but make it three due to weather. Not a bad place to spend some time as this city is beautiful, friendly and welcoming. Great food, friendly bars, beautiful homes and scenery. A great Nautical Museum and National Seashore complete with their own wild horses of Shackelford’s Island. Also, did I mention that Congrio joined the party in Beaufort due to weather on the Outer Banks?!? So great to see you guys!
Leaving Wrightsville Beach bright and early to catch the first openings of this swing bridge on our way to Beaufort, NC
Amazed by the engineering
The homes in Beaufort, NC date back to the mid 1700’s
Split lots are common and most have these charming gates
Old, charming homes on Front Street
Some are very grand
Some are very humble, but just as lovely
Such a pleasant change to see the wild flower front yard instead of the manicured lawns and landscaping
Don’t donate your old cooler…make it into a bird’s house!
The Captain’s Liquor Chest, courtesy of the Nautical Museum
Across the river from Beaufort is Shackleford Island where the Spanish left their horses and the descendants now run free
A wild Shackleford horse
Patty & Eric’s Congrio came to the party at Beaufort Docks Marina