If you've been wanting to hang out in a small, quiet town, you'll want to check out everything that Pinehurst has to offer. There's plenty to do here, despite the quiet nature of the whole area. You'll feel relaxed in no time! Of course, the local spa might have something to do with that.
Today's quiet retreat is Pinehurst, North Carolina, where not only the residents but also the environment is nice and quiet.
However, small and quiet towns don't have to be empty of activities or entertainment. In fact, golf (an exciting and quiet activity) is the main draw of this beautiful spot.
Though the town feels like a small place, Pinehurst Resort ensures that golf will forever be part of this town. With nine courses, three hotels, and plenty more activities, the resort attracts visitors all year round.
Golf is so beloved here that it's not too strange to see golf carts parked around town. Other than a few state roads, golf carts have access to many of the areas you'll want to check out.
The local population is around 17,000, which is just enough people for you to feel comfortable without feeling crowded. Walk around for a while, peruse shops and restaurants, and make an adventure out of it. Or, you know, go golfing.
Despite being home to an amazing golf course loved by people near and far, the town retains all of the charm you'd enjoy anywhere else. It's worth a visit for a vacation and if you fall in love with it, well, all the better.
When one thinks "Southern," what normally comes to mind? For me, I think hospitable, laid back, regal yet humble, tied to the land, and also tied to the culture of the place they call home. While in general, North Carolina is indeed a southern state, some towns just radiate that certain charm. The town of Beaufort, North Carolina has truly mastered it.
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Located on the inner banks, Beaufort is only 2.7 miles and surrounded by nearly a mile of water. As the third oldest town in North Carolina, the history dates back long before the first settlers made their mark. Today, it's one of the most visited towns on the inner banks.
The Beaufort, NC population is just 4,690 (as of 2022), and it's one of the most charming small towns in North Carolina. While there's plenty of competition along the coast for the 'quaint small town' factor, Beaufort remains a true hidden gem among other, more popular tourist destinations. Due to this, it's allowed the town to keep the charm and history intact which both visitors and locals love.
Long before the appearance of European settlers, the Coree Native Americans referred to the land of present day Beaufort as "Cwarioc," or "Fish Town." Settlers first purchased the land around 1709 and by 1713 a Craven County merchant had hired a surveyor to lay out the town plan. As a thriving port, of course, Beaufort attracted many pirates. The most notable was Edward Teach AKA Blackbeard and his former lieutenant Stede Bonnett. Blackbeard was said to frequent the "Hammock House" in Beaufort. Ironically enough, the same lure that attracted him also led to his demise. Blackbeard ran his ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, near the town - some say as a tactical, planned maneuver. Today, you can view archives from the ship at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort or take a pirate cruise with Beaufort Pirates Revenge.
After the time of the pirates, Beaufort turned into a thriving city in the 1800s. Street names like Anne, Queen, and Moore (after Colonel Moore) still stand today - nodding to the Revolutionary past. Beaufort's busiest street, Front Street, wasn't fully constructed until the 1800s but still retains its popularity today. The name reflects the waterfront location that also makes Beaufort so scenic and ideal. It's the perfect place for a day trip or a weekend getaway, with endless things to do in Beaufort, NC.
Even as the times changed, Beaufort changed with them, while still a popular port it also became a commercial fishing hub which today, is still a main income and economy of the town.
Beaufort is perfect for both the history and beauty buff. Featuring a mix of historical houses, sights, and also some full-on pirate cruises allowing you to shoot cannon balls at your enemies.
Many of the homes, building, and landmarks that reflect Beaufort's historic past still stand today. Located along Front Street, breathtaking homes and places of business are just steps from the water. There's also a number of restaurants to dine at that include some of the best seafood in North Carolina. Popular destinations include...
Not far from Beaufort a 15-minute ferry ride takes you to Shackleford Banks. Roam the beach with wild horses and enjoy a taste of the Caribbean in North Carolina. Shackleford is home to the clearest water in North Carolina and white beaches. Be warned there's no running water or electricity on the island, but it's the perfect place for a beautiful day trip.
A popular spot for boating, fishing, grabbing a drink by the water, shopping, dining, history - and really just hanging out. One of my favorite aspects of Beaufort is that when you're here, you truly do live by the tide. Life moves at a slower pace, you relax while feeling like you've been transported to a small, hidden gem along the inner banks. Beaufort is so perfectly southern, but also offers so much more.
Beaufort is such a beautiful place, I never grow tired of visiting here! Have you been here or live here now? If you've never visited consider booking this charming lighthouse cottage in Beaufort, NC for a weekend getaway to explore this beautiful town.
Beaufort was also included on another one of our lists, the 10 most charming small towns in the state. Did your town make the list?
I love looking back at old pictures. Maybe to see the way things have changed, and maybe to see the way some things haven't changed at all. With technology ever-abundant in our lives, sometimes we dream of simpler times when people valued a good conversation, a long walk, and Friday night with a good book or a few friends.
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Sure, life in the 1930s in North Carolina was trying, but in those times there was also a simplicity that today, is a distant memory. These pictures will take you back to those times in North Carolina.
There you have it: a glimpse of life in the 1930s in North Carolina. Even if you aren't old enough for these pictures to bring back memories for you, they certainly evoke the feelings of that simpler, slower time.
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Feeling proud to hail from a state as resilient as North Carolina? Check out this state pride apparel from Wear Your Roots!
