When visiting Beaufort for a few days or more, the first question to ask yourself is, “where should I stay?”
Stay downtown.
Beaufort has a historic and commercial district near the water that we simply refer to as “downtown.” In many, many situations (though not every situation), staying in this area is the way to go.
Making the decision to stay downtown will make your life easier in three specific ways, all of which should help you get in more of what we are looking for at Bringing Home Beaufort – leisure.
1. Limited options & choices
Limited options and choices sound negative – ignore that sound, limits are a positive thing.
Too many options and choices often lead to excess time devoted to decision making. Limit options and you spend more time at leisure and less time stressing about decisions.
The first way staying downtown will help you is that it will limit your choices – fewer options means less time engaged in decision making and more time for leisure.
Beaufort has only two hotels downtown – the Beaufort Inn and the Inlet Inn.
The Beaufort Inn is located at the very west end of Ann Street
The Inlet Inn is located at the corner of Front and Queen Streets
I have stayed at both many times and love them, though each is a distinct experience. We will give you detailed reviews of both in the future. But if you are staying in a hotel downtown you have to pick one or the other (Beaufort does have a few B&Bs and many houses to rent but we will deal with them in future posts – we’ll stick to the hotels now).
Limit your choices; stay downtown.
2. Limited driving time
The second way staying downtown will help make your life less complicated is by limiting your driving time. If you are staying in Beaufort for a weekend, you can park your car on a Friday afternoon and not have to drive it again until Monday when you head home.
Everything you need is a walk away.
If you need the beach, you can take a quick boat ride from the docks over to Shackleford Banks.
Downtown has restaurants to meet every price point. And the Taylor’s Creek Grocery has all the supplies you need, from fishing rods to fine wines. They also carry Barritt’s Ginger Beer, but that’s a subject for another post.
Less driving – less stress.
Limit your driving time; stay downtown.
3. Maximized free time!
The third way staying in downtown Beaufort will help you get in touch with leisure is by maximizing free time.
Staying downtown lets you relax and spend all the time in the world just strolling around town, without having to worry about getting back to wherever you might be staying outside Beaufort.
You can enjoy the third floor balcony at the Inlet Inn or the hot tub and the Beaufort Inn, and the sunsets are amazing at either one.
You can take an early morning run along Taylor’s Creek – which even on weekday mornings is surprisingly quiet.
You can stop off for coffee at the Bean, Taylor’s Creek Grocery, or the Cru.
Stroll the boardwalk. Have a drink by the water.
Eat an amazing meal. Stay up late and listen to the live music on the boardwalk.
Sit under the live oaks and people watch or boat watch. Go back to the Inn (either one will do) whenever you’re ready.
Maximize your free time; stay downtown.
Leisure.
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