BEAUFORT'S BEST

Net House Restaurant & Oyster Bar

2008-04-02T17:52:00.027-04:00

Thursday nights' 30-cent steamed-oysters "special" (on the sign) expired in March but the Net House oysters are still the best and most reasonably priced in town!

If you're looking for the best classic-Carolina fried or broiled fresh seafood in a typical coastal fish-house atmosphere - the family-owned Net House Restaurant and Oyster Bar is the place to go. Their lightly-battered fish, as David Sobotta writes, "is better than almost any other fish house I've visited." Starting with light delicious hush puppies and either Down East clam chowder, she-crab soup or creamy seafood bisque, David, like many visitors and locals, has a hard time choosing between the broiled grouper Dijon, fried over-stuffed soft-shell crabs, flounder, oysters or the fantastic steamers.

A Yahoo food review raves, "The food and service was outstanding...each dish was prepared perfectly...we had broiled grouper, shrimp stuffed with crabmeat and Trigger Fish...Dessert choices were slim but the Key Lime Pie and layer cake with cheesecake and chocolate were to die for! "

This highly-recommended and favored restaurant, across from the Beaufort Historic Site on Turner Street, doesn't take reservations, but folks start lining up early - knowing what to expect, crowds don't seem to mind the wait in the old seaport town.

A tip from Beaufort's Best: Call in your order, especially if you've just gotten here - tired and hungry but don't feel like going out. You can walk over, pick up your order and relax in your home or rental. It's one of those good things!

Net House has a private dining area for small meetings or parties.

Spring Hours - Tues-Sat 5:30 til...
(252) 728-2002

THE NET HOUSE RESTAURANT & OYSTER BAR
133 Turner St., Beaufort, NC

BEAUFORT-THE TOWN

Calypso Cottage

2008-03-08T08:01:00.040-05:00

(Click Images to Enlarge)

If you haven't been to CALYPSO COTTAGE, at the corner of Orange and Cedar in Beaufort, NC, you're in for an unexpected and wonderful treat - so give yourself plenty of time to browse...you won't want to leave...making sure you haven't missed anything!

A small sampling of some of the shops' unique collections is included here - to entice you to see much more...

So, who's behind this Beaufort treasure? - Pete and Stacie Meislohn. With over 30 combined years of high-end retail sales, the two hands-on proprietors bring a sophisticated yet laid back vibe to CALYPSO COTTAGE. For the last 15 years Pete managed the Hampton's most popular nursery- Eastland Farms - known for its six acres of unusual plant material and knowledgeable help. Stacie had her first shop, Cheznu, in Palm Beach at the age of 19 and went on to a career in high-fashion and precious jewelry working for such names as Courreges, Yves Saint Laurent and Tiffany. When a family reunion brought them to Beaufort, the idea of opening a little shop that would carry their favorite finds...newly discovered treasures...Stacie's one-of-a-kind jewelry, and an ever changing array of "must haves" took shape.

Open since March 2007, CALYPSO COTTAGE has brought Classic Coastal Decor and a touch of the Hamptons to the coast of North Carolina.

Now housed in TWO adorable 1935 Beaufort cottages, CALYPSO COTTAGE features "refined coastal style" with it's signature take on living well.

The two shops are full of new finds - arriving each day!

The new enclosed Garden Room is a "must see."

CALYPSO COTTAGE -known for it's remarkable selection
of jewelry including the popular faux luxe.

CALYPSO COTTAGE WEBSITE
Calypso's Blog
324 Orange Street, Beaufort, NC Email 252.728.4299
Spring Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 to 6 - Sun 10 to 5

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

On The Waterfront - Your Home in Beaufort

2008-03-07T19:52:00.035-05:00

Sit back, have a glass of wine and relax...
(click images to enlarge and enjoy your view)

If you are looking for a unique Beaufort,NC rental, this lovely waterfront home has a special spirit and history that will make your stay in Beaufort a memorable getaway or an extended vacation.

A little history...Edmund Norcom, who met his 1847-bride Laura Ann Dusenberry while he was a student in Chapel Hill, made his way to Beaufort in 1851, where he built their two-story home on Craven Street. Carpenters or shipwrights used many structural timbers salvaged from pre-Civil War ships. Edmund became a ship chandler and they raised their family. The Norcom family owned the home an astonishingly long time, from 1851 until 1984 - 133 years! In 1984, to save the house from demolition, current owners divided the house into four large sections, and moved it four blocks to its current site on Gallants Channel, just off the Beaufort Inlet.

This spacious, fully appointed 2-bedroom, 2-bath vacation destination is in the Beaufort, NC historic district and only a four-minute walk from the heart of downtown waterfront boardwalk, shops and restaurants. It is unique in that it is the ONLY downtown vacation rental with no public thoroughfare between you and the water. "Your home in Beaufort" boasts not only a well-stocked kitchen, floating dock and boat slip, but also a large private porch overlooking Gallants Channel.

Learn more about all the amenities and BOOK ONLINE at 102Ann.com
Read more about the Norcom family

If you have questions or want more information, please email.
102 Ann Street, Beaufort, NC 252-732-4125

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

Old Burial Ground

2008-02-24T12:26:00.019-05:00

This image was found on CoastalGuide.com's
Tour of the Old Burial Ground

Beaufort, NC’s Old Burying Ground is a beautiful fascinating place - the reason it is being included on this site as one of Beaufort's Best. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the cemetery was deeded to the town in 1731 by Nathaniel Taylor, 4^th owner of the town, from 1725-1733. The weathered tombstones chronicle the heritage of Beaufort.

The Beaufort Historical Association provides a self-guided brochure, which highlights several of the notable gravesites within the Old Burying Ground. With over 200 stones pre-dating the Civil War, 45 from the Civil War period, and 150 from 1865-1890 and a few from the early 1900s, the Old Burying Ground is a must see in Beaufort.

Guided tours are available. The staff and volunteers of the Beaufort Historic Site are available year-round for groups of 10 or more if arrangements are made in advance. Regularly scheduled tours are given June through September.

Click images to enlarge.

Beaufort Historic Site
(252) 728-5225
Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

Pirate in Residence

2008-01-14T08:57:00.000-05:00

Captain Horatio Sinbad - Pirate in Residence

Captain Sinbad, a real merchant adventurer, has lived continuously aboard the Meka II for over three decades making Beaufort, NC his homeport. If you are in Beaufort, look for the Meka II anchored in Town Creek, seen to your left as you cross the bridge into town. He does, occasionally, take the adventurous aboard ship for "Two Hours Before the Mast". But then again you might not find him in port. Another adventure always awaits just over the horizon.

The Meka II

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

Cape Lookout - A Ferry-ride Away

2007-12-27T06:47:00.002-05:00

Painting by Florida Artist - Roger Bansemer
See Cape Lookout & The Fulford Keepers

Originally built in 1812 and rebuilt in 1859, the 163 foot red brick lighthouse can be seen from 19 miles away. In 1873, the keeper's cottage - large enough to house two keepers and their families - was completed, and the tower painted. Because the four lights on the Outer Banks were so similar, the Lighthouse Board designed striking patterns for each to make them easily distinguishable. On April 14, 1873, Cape Lookout Lighthouse was painted with large checkers that appear as alternating black and white diamonds. Following the traditional day-mark aids to navigation, the black checkers are oriented north and south toward the shallow waters of the shoals and around the headlands, while the white checkers are oriented east and west facing the deeper waters.

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

Beaufort Artists

2007-11-29T11:41:00.001-05:00

"Come Aboard!" - 36x36 Acrylic Painting by Al Goellner

One of Beaufort, North Carolina's best kept secrets is the many artists who call this small coastal village home - from painters, print makers, and photographers, to jewelry makers, sculptors and potters.

Please click here to go to the Beaufort Artists' site and see more of their work.

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

Two Historic Properties - Eddy Myers Real Estate

2007-11-12T09:55:00.001-05:00

View of Taylor's Creek from Upper Porch of the Duncan House
PLEASE CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

TWO UNIQUE HISTORIC PROPERTIES
Histories and Views from.......

The DUNCAN HOUSE circa 1728

This old gabled roof Bahamian-style home, with its unique position on the west end of Front Street facing Taylor’s Creek and Beaufort Inlet to the south and Gallant’s Channel and Piver’s Island to the west, has had a front-row seat to centuries of Beaufort, NC history.

When first built, the house was half the size it is today. Thomas Duncan added the west side as a ship chandlery. Ships' masts, still prominent in the interior, were used as support beams.

During the Civil War, William Duncan and his family, refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the Union, were provided transportation "beyond the lines." It is believed they went to the Nelson's Garbacon Creek plantation, hiding many valuables before they left.

The Duncan House was the first house to be plaqued. In 1962 Elizabeth Merwin designed the plaque. John Costlow, local preservation enthusiast, painted and hung it.

_______________________________________________

and............

The Old Franklin Masonic Lodge circa 1866

The Pecan Tree Inn

What is now known as The Pecan Tree Inn sits on a lot deeded to the Franklin Masonic Lodge in 1866 by Rebecca Piggott.

Hugh Jones converted the Lodge into his private residence in 1900, adding five bedrooms and three beautiful Victorian porches. It is believed that the Jones house was the first in Beaufort to have gas lighting, indoor plumbing and a telephone.

Being one of the larger buildings in Beaufort, NC, the Franklin Lodge doubled as a schoolhouse. Subsequent years saw it used for Sunday school, a tea house, a doctor's office and an apartment house.

In 1992, Joe and Susan Johnson restored and transformed this unique Beaufort landmark into the Pecan Tree Inn. For several years the inn has been owned and operated by Allison and David Dubuisson.

_________________________________________

Eddy and Barbara Myers have lived in Beaufort for years. Barbara's roots, however, go back to Peter Piver, Sr., a French Huguenot who came from England in 1709 and bought property in the new settlement called Fishtowne - at the western end of present-day Beaufort.

Eddy Myers Real Estate 800-321-9240 Email
Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

Harbor Specialties

2007-10-30T12:40:00.002-04:00

Harbor Specialties Main Shop on Middle Lane

After a couple of “detours” – creating shops in Pawley’s Island and Charleston - Susan Sanders and Len Anderson have returned to their roots. The original Harbor Specialties concept began 30 miles up the IntraCoastal Waterway from Beaufort, NC during their sailing days in Oriental, NC. So in a sense they're coming home or, at least, coming closer to home.

What began as one Beaufort shop has evolved and grown into three shops. The Main Shop and the Harborshop face Middle Lane. The Vera Bradley shop faces Craven Street - but all are in the same "complex." The stores are your one-stop choice for anything nautical—from clothing to coastal art and home décor.

Custom monogramming is a unique service at Harbor Specialties—adding that touch of elegance to most any product sold in the stores. The shop has a large in-house embroidery “machine” - a fascinating must-see!

While Susan “mans” the growing Beaufort shops, Len expertly crafts beautiful signage—not only those for the Harbor Specialties’, but many others around town.

Harbor Specialties is located in the heart of downtown Beaufort, NC—only a half block off Front Street, behind Clawson’s 1905 Restaurant.

Harbor Specialties-Website

(252)-838-0059
Email Harbor Specialties

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

The Royal James Cafe

2007-10-28T15:45:00.002-04:00

3-Dimensional Sculpture Showing the Royal James Cafe on Turner Street
Sculpture (private collection) by Amy F. Levine - represented by Visions Gallery

Since 1946 there’s been a café at 117 Turner Street in historic Beaufort, North Carolina – making it Beaufort’s oldest business in continuous operation. No wonder it is still a habitual favorite for locals and visitors alike – favorably suggested by the Chicago Tribute, the Atlanta Constitution Journal, the News and Observer and Southern Living.

Sue and Ed Book purchased the popular laid-back “hang out” in 1983 and renamed it the Royal James Café. How fitting to commemorate the pirate ship, Royal James, that cruised these waters, around 1716-1718, under the infamous Blackbeard and Stede Bonnet, who both found Cape Lookout bight a favorite place to hide, rest and replenish supplies.

Today boaters traveling the coast make sure they plan a day or two in Beaufort to enjoy the many walk-to restaurants—including savoring a long-anticipated cheeseburger at the Royal James. Yes, you will find what is traditionally boasted as the “Best Burger in Beaufort,” as well as local peel & eat shrimp, Boar’s Head deli sandwiches and homemade tuna salad. Don’t forget another favorite—the yummy shrimp burger. Add a fountain drink, a beer or a glass of wine to top it off. The “James” also serves breakfast including southern grits. While there, be sure to check out the Antique Brunswick pool tables—proudly bragged on as “the finest in NC.”

Royal James Café
(252)-728-4573

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

Handscapes Gallery

2007-10-15T19:01:00.001-04:00

This brief history of Handscapes Gallery is sprinkled with a small sampling from the artists who are represented in the gallery today. Click images to enlarge.

Handscapes Gallery began about 19 years ago in the historic sailing village of Beaufort, North Carolina. Two small galleries existed near each other. Front Street Gallery was owned by jeweler Jane Minihan and managed by glass artist Alison Brooks. The Potter’s Place, a combination health food store and pottery shop, was owned by Jeanne Douillard, a local potter.

When Jane Minihan decided to move to the West Coast, the two shops combined forces and became Handscapes Gallery. Jane Douillard retained ownership and Alison Brooks took an active role, but the gallery was run much like a co-op featuring local artists who also worked in the shop. In 1986 Jeanne Douillard returned to her New England root and Brooks took over the ownership of the gallery.

At this time, Alison decided to give Handscapes Gallery a broader base featuring the work of other North Carolina artists as well as local artists. As time went on, Alison came into contact with artists from all over the country and began to incorporate them into the gallery. The gallery has grown considerably over the years, outgrowing three locations.

Currently Handscapes Gallery represents over 180 artists. In 2003 and 2004, it was named to Niche Magazine’s list of top 100 galleries. It is and has always been the goal at Handscapes Gallery to promote the American Craft movement and its artists and to provide the public with beautiful hand-made goods. The gallery also feels a responsibility to help educate people to the unique value of handcrafted
items.

Handscapes Gallery-Website

Email Handscapes Gallery

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

Tierra Fina & Luna Boutique

2007-10-15T15:11:00.010-04:00

Patti and Tipper Davis sailed into Beaufort,NC over a decade ago. They, like many before them, liked it so much they decided to stay. Patti opened the first Tierra Fina on the west end of Front Street. Several years ago she relocated the shop to its current Turner Street location and expanded the Tierra Fina product lines.

Perhaps Tierra Fina's most popular items are ceramic house numbers. Several styles can be seen and purchased in the store or can be seen online and ordered by calling Patti toll-free at 1-877-504-2789.

A couple of years ago, Patti Davis and Alison Brooks created the Luna Boutique addition to Tierra Fina's already wonderful mix. The boutique addition offers washable silk casual wear and Balinese batiks for men and women.

PLEASE CLICK IMAGES
TO ENLARGE

Tierra Fina-Website

Email Tierra Fina
252-504-2789
Toll-free 1-877-504-2789

Tierra Fina has tapers from Colonial Candle!

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

Beaufort Historic Site & the BHA

2007-10-11T18:22:00.005-04:00

Visitor Information Center and Olde Beaufort Shoppe
in Beaufort, North Carolina

In 1960 a few local citizens formed the Beaufort Historical Association, not only to help celebrate the town's 250th birthday, but also to initiate plans and guidelines to preserve the aging, but historically important structures in North Carolina's third oldest town. After property was purchased, houses and historic buildings were acquired and moved to the site. Below are a few of the buildings on the site.

In 1964, the first house was purchased - the JOHN C. MANSON circa 1825. Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, Manson was stationed in Beaufort during the War of 1812. Captain Manson became a prominent merchant and operated a store at the corner of Front and Turner.

The LEFFER’S COTTAGE circa 1778 - Samuel Leffers came to Beaufort in 1764, at age 28, recruited to teach at the Beaufort school. He spent 44 Years in Beaufort as schoolmaster, surveyor, clerk of court, merchant and planter.

In 1977, though it wasn't moved far, the massive 500-ton OLD JAIL, built in 1829 for $2,800, was a challenge to maneuver to the Historic Site.The jailer and his family coexisted with the prisoners. It remained in use until 1954.

Volunteers in period dress provide tours for three of the buildings on the site. The narrated Red Bus and Old Burial Ground tours are also very popular.
Upcoming Events
Beaufort Historic Site-Website
Site and Tour Information (252)-728-5225
Email Beaufort Historic Site
Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique
Old Homes Tour - June 27-28, 2008

NC Maritime Museum & "Friends"

2007-10-08T09:54:00.004-04:00

Spritsails and Optimist Prams on Taylor's Creek
in Beaufort, North Carolina

Patrons of the North Carolina Maritime Museum organized the “Friends of the Museum” in 1979 as a way for the entire state to help the North Carolina Maritime Museum grow and prosper. From July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007, the museum welcomed some 260,000 visitors.

Dr. David Nateman, director of the museum, has a Doctorate degree from Ohio State University and was formerly with the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida. David has a daughter who is a 10th grader at East Carteret High School, and a son who is a junior at UNCW. His wife, Judith Schmutz, is a Massage Therapist and owner of Hand and Spirit Therapeutic Massage in Beaufort.

David is seen, in the photo above, accepting a plaque from Ken Ries during the keel-laying ceremony for the Periauger boat-building project. Ken Ries is dressed as Abraham Sanders, builder of the 1730 Newbold-White House in Hertford, NC - now the home port of the Periauger.

Brent Creelman, now Executive Director of the "Friends," has an interesting sailing history. After graduating from Franklin Pierce University, Brent worked summers as an administrator at Maine Waterways, a wilderness tripping camp on Deer Isle, Maine. Winters were spent as captain of a private yacht out of Oriental, NC making trips to the islands.

One winter in the early 1980's, while passing through Beaufort delivering yachts, Brent fell in love with the town. He moved to Beaufort in 1986 and taught sailing and boating.

After becoming involved as a museum volunteer for the Junior Sailing program, in 1999 he was hired as Boat Program Coordinator for the "Friends". He has been Executive Director of the Friends of the Museum since 2003. Brent and his wife Kelli live in Beaufort.

The "Friends" work with the museum by underwriting new projects, purchasing equipment, funding educational and public awareness programs and acquiring land and facilities needed for expansion.

Their combined effort offers programs such as Build a Boat in a Day, Sailing Programs, Beaufort Oars, Junior Sailing Program, Sea Scouts, Summer Science School, and much more. Calendar

The Annual Wooden Boat Show takes place on the first Saturday in May on the Beaufort waterfront.

The "Friends" organization acquired thirty acres of waterfront in Beaufort, and plans to help the museum develop this property. The “Gallants Channel Annex” will provide new and exciting ways for the public and scholars to experience maritime history.

Support this project - Buy a Brick at
Old Beaufort Seaport!

Be sure to visit the newly updated
Friends of the NC Maritime Museum Website
for upcoming events in Beaufort and Southport.

Join the "Friends of the NC Maritime Museum"

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique

Rocking Chair Book Store

2007-10-01T18:31:00.010-04:00

View from Rocking Chair Book Store - Front Street

Revival of a Coastal Classic:
A Day With Don Returns to Cape Lookout

A man walked into Beaufort's Rocking Chair Bookstore last year looking for a rare local book. "Do you have A Day with Don at Cape Lookout?" he asked. "It was my favorite book as a boy growing up here."

An on-line search of 20 million books at 100,000 booksellers around the world turned up one used copy at Ashley Cooper Books in Charleston, in decent condition, with the prior owner's name inked out.

With shipping it came to about $30, not bad for a book out of print since the 1960s. It arrived as more of a booklet by modern standards, thin, faded, staple-bound, and looking like something done on the kitchen table on a rainy weekend.

But the captivating story-about a boy who takes a sea cruise to a barrier island with his mom and dad to discover the beach wilderness-was irresistible, and the illustrations portrayed the natural beauty of Cape Lookout's sandy shores and the creatures who live there.

The author was one Sarah B. Dudley, who turned out to be none other than Beaufort's own Bitsy Dudley. The former Carteret County public school teacher said that yes, she wrote and illustrated the book with her friend Doris King, 40 years ago, for her son, Don Dudley Jr., then 6, a memoir of his childhood in the southern Outer Banks.

And, yes, she and her husband, Don, a retired marine biologist, were interested in reviving this coastal Carolina classic. She set about a magical transformation with help from Fish Towne Press of Beaufort, which earlier published Deborah Van Dyken's best-selling children's' book, The Little Turkle, and Beaufort-By-The-Sea: Journey Back in Time.

First, a copy was digitally scanned on fine art paper. Then Mrs.Dudley picked up brush and paint set for the first time in several decades to restore and enhance sun-faded watercolors. A new hard cover, a complete new design, editing and the addition of a new chapter featuring a surprise ending, and voila! The manuscript was E-mailed half way around the world to Daehan Printers in Seoul, Korea.

A Day With Don at Cape Lookout Seashore came back to life as an all-new, full-color, hardbound, keepsake collectible for a new generation.

Once used in local schools to help teach youngsters how to explore nature in their own surroundings, this delightful, informative book is again a treasure for children, parents and teachers.

A true-life adventure tale, the book captures in words and watercolors all the fun of a family outing on a deserted island. The author celebrates the wonders of nature, reveals the joy of childhood discovery and includes a Q&A quiz, to test learning skills of young readers. One page lists genus and species to pique curiosity.

Not just another pretty children's' book, A Day With Don At Cape Lookout Seashore is an ideal guide for everyone, young and old, who embarks on a sea journey to Cape Lookout National Seashore this (or any other) summer. -Rick Carroll

ROCKING CHAIR WEBSITE

EMAIL ROCKING CHAIR BOOK STORE

Beaufort-The Town and Why It's Unique