It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Old Burying Ground gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Beaufort, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Saltus River Grill or visit Beaufort Historic Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Beaufort, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Beaufort, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Beaufort, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.An updated tornado warning was issued by the NWS Newport/Morehead City NC on Thursday at 8:03 p.m. in effect until 8:15 p.m. for Beaufort and Craven counties.Half-dollar-sized hail (1.25 inches) is predicted with the incoming storm....
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Read more on our AI policy here.
An updated tornado warning was issued by the NWS Newport/Morehead City NC on Thursday at 8:03 p.m. in effect until 8:15 p.m. for Beaufort and Craven counties.
Half-dollar-sized hail (1.25 inches) is predicted with the incoming storm.
"At 8:03 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Cox Crossroads, or 9 miles south of River Road, moving southeast at 20 mph," says the NWS. "Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely."
The tornado is projected to possibly affect Bonnerton and Edward around 8:10 p.m.
According to the NWS, "Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. If a tornado or other severe weather is spotted, report it to the National Weather Service or your local nearest law enforcement agency who will send your report. This act may save lives of others in the path of dangerous weather. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways."
This warning is in effect until 8:15 p.m.
According to the NWS, rapid action is key to staying safe during a tornado. Stay updated on tornado watches and warnings by tuning in to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends keeping the following items in a basic disaster supplies kit:
Source: The National Weather Service
This story was originally published May 15, 2025 at 6:37 PM.
BEAUFORT, N.C. (WITN) - The town of Beaufort is gearing up for its 20th Wine and Food festival this week, which continues a tradition of giving in the community.Over the last two decades, Beaufort Wine and Food has given away millions to local charities and schools.From culinary scholarships to beautifying the waterfront, millions from ticket sales have been donated back to the community since 2005.“Without them and their continuous contribution to the festival, we would not be where we are today, which is celebrat...
BEAUFORT, N.C. (WITN) - The town of Beaufort is gearing up for its 20th Wine and Food festival this week, which continues a tradition of giving in the community.
Over the last two decades, Beaufort Wine and Food has given away millions to local charities and schools.
From culinary scholarships to beautifying the waterfront, millions from ticket sales have been donated back to the community since 2005.
“Without them and their continuous contribution to the festival, we would not be where we are today, which is celebrating 20 years and over 1.3 million dollars donated back to the community and non-profits that serve our area,” says Beaufort Wine & Food President Lindsay Parker about the impact of sponsors.
The festival, which runs from April 25-27, features events at restaurants in Beaufort as well as the exciting Vin de Mere wine tasting, which is taking place at the Beaufort Club this Saturday.
Tickets are still available here.
One benefactor of the funds over the years has been Carteret Community College’s culinary arts program.
From pizza ovens to food trucks and a two-year scholarship for two students each year, college leaders say they are grateful for the relationship.
“What’s really exciting about our relationship with Beaufort Wine and Food is they understand what the culinary, hospitality industry, the impact that it has on the Crystal Coast and how vital it is,” says CCC Culinary Arts & Hospitality Director Shana Olmstead
Fine dining and palate-pleasing that supports the community.
“You’re not just going and enjoying a world-class culinary event, you’re also supporting a community that has done so much for us throughout the years,” says Parker.
Copyright 2025 WITN. All rights reserved.
While North Carolina can be uncomfortably hot and humid, especially in summer, and particularly on the plains along the Atlantic Coast, it is a nature lover’s playground that only a few other states can hold a candle to. From award-winning beaches with powder-soft sand to heart-ravishing mountain scenery that looks straight out of a movie to several charming small towns with rich, fascinating history, North Caro...
While North Carolina can be uncomfortably hot and humid, especially in summer, and particularly on the plains along the Atlantic Coast, it is a nature lover’s playground that only a few other states can hold a candle to. From award-winning beaches with powder-soft sand to heart-ravishing mountain scenery that looks straight out of a movie to several charming small towns with rich, fascinating history, North Carolina deserves to be on a summer vacation bucket list.
While you may enjoy touring such cities as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro, cute little towns are often better access points. They are not crowded, not in a hurry, and not expensive. If you are ready to lace up for North Carolina, read on to discover seven small towns in the 12th state to join the Union.
More in NCThese 10 small towns in North Carolina have the best downtown areas.
Called “America’s Favorite Town,” Beaufort is curled up on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, an 85-mile stretch whose beaches are known for their crystal clear waters—hence the name “Crystal Coast.” First-time visitors to this gem of a town will enjoy learning about the history, culture, and maritime heritage of the Beaufort area — at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Also, this museum houses many historical artifacts and exhibits, including the wrecks of a ship sailed by Edward Teach, popularly known as Blackbeard— who is regarded as among the most ruthless pirates in maritime history. Also, Old Burying Ground in Beaufort's historic district—is home to centuries-old tombstones that reveal a lot about the town and its rich heritage. Then again, you can get on a boat and cross over to Rachel Carson Reserve, where miles of beautiful, sandy trails will lure outdoor enthusiasts. If this is not enough, Hunting Island, one of North Carolina’s most-loved parks, is just about 35 minutes away.
Blowing Rock’s population might be tiny, just about 1,400, but its vacation promise is pretty decent. For starters, many consider this town, deservedly called "Crown of the Blue Ridge," as among North Carolina's most scenic mountain villages. Located only 8 miles south of Boone, on a frame of the heart-melting Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock’s natural setting is among its most admired aspects. Aside from Blowing Rock’s historic downtown and excellent culinary scene, the town provides other impressive opportunities for adventure. Between enjoying amusement rides at Tweetsie Railroad, a popular summer vacation pastime, a first-time visitor will enjoy taking a tour of Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, an enormous country estate of Moses Cone. Known as the “Denim King,” Moses Cone and his brothers produced a third of denim fabric in the world during their lifetime.
Banner Elk is another North Carolina charmer that welcomes many more to its bosom than its everyday number. And that is especially true of summer. Sandwiched between Sugar Mountain Resort to the south and Beech Mountain Resort to the north, Banner Elk does not completely sign off—even in winter. Sugar Mountain Resort, for instance, boasts the largest ski area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Yet when summer comes knocking, Banner Elk becomes a beehive. The historic Mill Pond, for instance, a delicious piece of blue-space charm, is a visitors’ favorite. Then again, summer sees many trooping to Mile High Swinging Bridge, the highest suspension footbridge in the United States. This place features excellent hiking trails and boasts views many will love to treasure.
Make no mistake. Mount Airy’s fame is not all hype. Home to about 10,400 residents, Mount Airy is curled up along the Ararat and Yadkin Rivers in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town’s very setting, therefore, is a priceless promissory note. While there are many things one can associate with Mount Airy, many people associate it with celebrated American actor Andy Griffith—and Griffith’s then wildly famous television sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. Summer sees this town welcoming visitors keen to indulge in a Griffith-themed adventure that often features such attractions as Floyd’s City Barber Shop — where Griffith got his hair cut when he lived in the town. Other attractions include Andy's Homeplace, the actor’s boyhood home now available for nightly rentals and conveniently located within walking distance from downtown.
If you are looking for a small North Carolina town to lace up for, how about one whose 2023 population stands at only 243? Then again, how about a town whose official name evokes notions of showers, saunas, natural pools, and such? Welcome to Bath, a speck of a town that hugs the Pamlico River about 50 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Before we touch on its water offers, history buffs will love to set foot in a town celebrated as the oldest in North Carolina. Strolling through Bath’s historic downtown district is an evocative step back in time. For those who will want to be on the water, however, the Pamlico River is a sure bet. And for even more adventure—and more water—Goose Creek State Park, about 10 minutes away, will check almost every box.
You will find the cute little town of Southport hidden on the northwest bank of the tidal Cape Fear River — where it plunges into the sea — about 30 minutes south of Wilmington. The fact Southport served as the backdrop of award-winning movies such as the romantic drama film A Walk to Remember makes it a destination worth checking out. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Southport has been featured in not less than 40 movies. While the Open King Mackerel Tournament, one of the largest king mackerel tournaments on the East Coast ,lights up Southport in late September, summer vacationers often look for such attractions as the Southport Marina, a living capsule of the town’s maritime heritage. Besides, the appropriately named “Marsh Walk” features a wide boardwalk, shaded views, and tranquil vistas. Never mind that it ends in the middle of nowhere.
Fans of small towns will want to swing their backpacks over their shoulders—and head to Beech Mountain—a town of just about 600 residents located near the North Carolina – Tennessee state line. Perched on the furrowed top of the curvacious Blue Ridge Mountains, Beech Mountain sits at an elevation of up to 5,506 feet. This makes it the highest town on the Eastern seaboard. Because of this, Beech Mountain is a much sought-after summer vacation destination. At such an elevation, Beech Mountain features cooler summers ideal for outdoor pursuits. A ski resort sits right in the heart of Beech Mountain and is usually repurposed into a downhill mountain bike park in the summer. Then again, first-time visitors can tour the Land of Oz, a popular theme park that guests can visit three weekends in September for their Autumn at Oz events.
Next UpExplore the 7 best small towns in North Carolina.
North Carolina, many will agree, is among the most beautiful states in America. Its history is rich and fascinating. Its landscape is diverse and beautiful. Her people are also warm and welcoming. Yet many summer adventurers sometimes bypass the state—because of the coastal plain's oft-touted humid conditions. However, from Beaufort to Blowing Rock, Banner Elk to Bath, North Carolina boasts several small towns summer vacationers can not get enough of. Just fill your car tank and prove this fact for yourself.
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BEAUFORT, North Carolina — I was paddling the swift current of Taylor’s Creek when I spotted them: two feral horses, munching grass on Carrot Island.I’d read about the horses, deposited across the creek from downtown Beaufort in the 1940s, but I didn’t expect to see them on my first day of spring break.Mesmerized, I landed the stand-up paddleboard I’d hauled from Cleveland onto the island, part of the Rachel Carson Reserve. I clicked away with my iPhone and crept closer, letting my toes squish into...
BEAUFORT, North Carolina — I was paddling the swift current of Taylor’s Creek when I spotted them: two feral horses, munching grass on Carrot Island.
I’d read about the horses, deposited across the creek from downtown Beaufort in the 1940s, but I didn’t expect to see them on my first day of spring break.
Mesmerized, I landed the stand-up paddleboard I’d hauled from Cleveland onto the island, part of the Rachel Carson Reserve. I clicked away with my iPhone and crept closer, letting my toes squish into the pluff mud. I looked down to see a host of whorl shells and picked one up, only to be swiftly pinched by a hermit crab.
This place felt like magic.
Perched on the edge of the mainland, separated by the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway from the southern part of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Beaufort has both small-town charm and undisturbed nature, lots to do and no rush to do it in.
The city of fewer than 5,000 residents is one of the oldest in the state, founded in 1709 on what the tourism brochures call the Crystal Coast. It’s pronounced BOW-fort and is located a five-hour drive from its identically-spelled Beaufort (BU-fort), South Carolina. And it delighted my family for a week of pickleball games and golf cart drives, history tours and dolphin sightings, beaches, cruiser bikes and boat rides.
Beaufort — an 11-hour road trip from Cleveland — isn’t unknown to Ohioans; locals told me they get more visitors from Ohio than just about anywhere. But it’s nowhere near as popular as other southern vacation destinations.
I’ve visited Beaufort, South Carolina, as well as nearby Hilton Head, Seabrook and Fripp islands. And I liked Beaufort, N.C., the best.
I read about the town years ago in Southern Living magazine and added it to my vacation bucket list. This year, when we wanted a low-key spring break, we rented a three-bedroom Airbnb in Beau Coast, a new enclave of Easter-egg colored homes with a shared dock, clubhouse and other amenities. We decided to bring our golden retriever — and my parents.
My husband wanted to hang out and read his book on the porch. I wanted to try every activity. My daughter loves the water, and my son would rather golf. All of us had a ball.
(Our only complaint was that the neighborhood pool was still closed for the season. So I swam in Taylor’s Creek instead.)
Here’s why you should consider Beaufort for your family vacation.
Beaufort sits on an inlet, with a host of uninhabited barrier islands to kayak, paddle or take a small ferry to. Where you can splash around, search for shells and watch for dolphins and government-protected wild horses, some of which are descendants of Spanish horses that arrived centuries ago.
Three-mile-long Carrot Island is just across the creek, close enough to swim to. Core Banks, home to the Cape Lookout National Seashore, is a 45-minute boat ride. The 1859-built Cape Lookout Lighthouse stands 163 feet tall over the beach in a distinctive black-and-white diamond pattern. Unfortunately, the interior is closed for restoration.
On a ferry trip to Sand Dollar Island, a sandbar that emerges only at low tide, you can wade knee-high in the middle of the inlet while hunting for sand dollars. I found 10 perfect circles before the tide swallowed the hump of sand.
If you’re adventurous, you can bring a paddleboard or rent a kayak from Beaufort Paddle. Or if you’re less so, and you don’t want to explore the islands, you can still see them from a boat tour, including on a sunset dinner cruise on the Crystal Coast Lady, 100-foot yacht. Our whole family loved it.
“There’s something about Beaufort that feels like going back in time. It’s a historic town, but it’s also very friendly,” author Kristy Woodson Harvey told Walter magazine.
Harvey moved to Beaufort after falling in love with the town and has set several of her novels there. It’s easy to see why.
Beaufort is laid out along the waterfront, a ribbon of cute shops, fun restaurants and centuries-old white wooden homes with dark shutters. Docks bracket the land, loaded with aqua-colored center consoles and impressive sailboats.
You can rent cruiser bikes and ride all over the flat roads, where golf carts are nearly as plentiful as cars, and where power walkers lift their hands in friendly waves. (We rented from Beach Wheels for $55 for the week.) You can savor an ice cream cone from Beaufort Creamery while strolling the boardwalk, try on bright floral dresses at a boutique, buy a T-shirt or admire the restored homes.
I particularly liked the styles at Isla Boutique and Ocean Outfitterz, and the pink rum drink at the Dock House.
You can also learn about the past at the Maritime Museum or the Beaufort Historic Site, which runs an enclave of historic buildings open to the public, as well as a 1960s red double decker British bus.
The tour bus will stop at the Hammock House, known also as Blackbeard’s house, even if it’s not totally accurate. The pirate Blackbeard’s ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, sunk in the Beaufort harbor in 1718. Legend has it that he stayed for several days at a white wooden home just outside downtown, and maybe hanged his unwilling wife.
The town also offers public tennis courts, where my mom and I played, and the Beaufort Club golf course, where my son drove a golf cart and beat me on the back nine.
Want a more traditional beach day? Drive 12 minutes to Atlantic Beach, or further southeast, all the way to Emerald Isle, at the southern end of the Outer Banks.
There, you can boogie board in the waves, build sand castles, eat at waterfront restaurants, play mini golf and browse souvenir shops.
Atlantic Beach has an impressive town park, with skateboard park, mini-golf course, playground and sprayground.
Nearby is Fort Macon, a brick fort built in 1834, which you can still tour. Now a state park, it offers free parking, hiking trails and the beach.
And when you’re done exploring, you can head right back to Beaufort.
Cleveland.com content director Laura Johnston writes weekly about life in her 40s in the column, Our Best Life. Subscribe to the newsletter to get the column delivered to your inbox Friday mornings. Follow her on Instagram @ourbestlifecle.
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