Outer Banks and Barrier Islands are a "Most Excellent Adventure!"

March 16, 2015 - Shallotte, NC - We traveled today from Newport, NC that was central to a great stretch of coastline here including Beaufort, Morehead City, and the Crystal Coast including Emerald Isle and other spots. 

Had our first batch of rainy weather in Beaufort, but managed to salvage the day with a visit to a great Maritime Museum.  A  “must see” for visitors to the Beaufort area!  Very well presented displays of the maritime history of the area.  From Blackbeard and his pirates, aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, to the Civil War.  To the development and evolution of local working vessels like the Sharpie, to modern recreational sport fishing, this intimate museum is a real treat!  Displays and presentations are accessible to all ages and an hour or two spent here is well worth the visit!

The next day proved much better weather wise, and we had a great trip out to Fort Macon. 

We were tipped off to Fort Macon by locals volunteering at the nearby Maritime Museum across the  bay in Beaufort.  This is a “must see” for the area, very well maintained historic fort with history from the Civil War through WWII.  Excellent, up close and personal, displays of fort life and depictions of the fort over its history from design through construction and use over almost 200 years.  Beautifully kept grounds, and access to the beach that the Fort was meant to protect. Lovely spot for a picnic too!

Finished up our tour of the Crystal Coast with a stop in Emerald Isle at the Bogue Inlet Pier. 

We relaxed with a long walk on the beach beside the pier.  This is a “multi-use” area, so mind the jeeps, trucks and cars motoring on the spacious beach.  It is fun to watch the surfers on either side of the pier, and mind the fishing lines from both the pier and shore fishermen.  Plenty of young folks, families, and couple strolling the beautiful beach.

And again, can't get away from the obligatory sunset shots, this one from the pier at our campground!