Sites to See There’s more to living at the beach than dips in the oceans and offshore fishing. OK, so those things are really great. But there are loads of options in Eastern North Carolina when you get tired of feeling the warmth of the sand between your toes. Surrounded by museums, aquariums, historic sites and landmarks, there is so much to do beyond the beach that we could keep you busy every weekend for a year.
BEAUFORT HISTORIC SITE
The trials and tribulations of North Carolina’s third oldest town are preserved and remembered through the nearly 60-year-old Beaufort Historical Association and its accompanying site. With restored buildings and a variety of annual programs, the BHA transports visitors back to the first days of “Fish Towne.” Learn more at www.beauforthistoricsite.org.
CAPE LOOKOUT NATIONAL SEASHORE
The 56-miles of Cape Lookout National Seashore is home to some of the most natural undeveloped stretches of beach to be found in the United States today. The three barrier islands that make up the park are only accessible by private boat or water ferry, so getting there may require a little planning as well as reservations during the busy summer months. But it’s well worth the journey. Find info at www.nps.gov/calo.
CORE SOUND WATERFOWL MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTER Located on Harkers Is-
land, this clearinghouse of Down East heritage is a 40 JULY - AUGUST 2021
must stop for anyone curious about this culturally-rich rural region. Once dependent on the water that surrounds it, Down East families entwined with boat building, decoy carving, hunting and fishing – a story that is told through community exhibits, artifacts and special programs. Details: 252728-1500, www.coresound.com.
CROATAN NATIONAL FOREST
Ready for a hike? Get back to nature with the Croatan National Forest, with its collection of hiking trails, boat launches, campgrounds and day-use areas. The Croatan is home to a large number of carnivorous plants native to the area, including the Venus flytrap. Headquarters is located at 141 East Fisher Ave., just outside of New Bern. Visit www.fs.usda. gov.
FORT MACON STATE PARK
With a new visitor’s center and a schedule of daily programs, the state’s second most visited park continues to draw visitors to the northern peak of Bogue Banks with its 385 acres of beach, dunes and maritime forest.
