North and South Carolina both have towns named Beaufort, but each is pronounced differently. In North Carolina, it's BOH-fort, as if the "beau" is a suitor. In South Carolina, it's BEW-fort, so think "beautiful."

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Crystal Coast Tourism Authority Visitors Center: www.crystalcoastnc.org or (252) 726-8148.

JUST THE FACTS
Lodging
• AmeriSuites Atlantic Beach: (252) 247-5118
• The Inlet Inn: 1-800-554-5466
• Sheraton Atlantic Beach: 1-800-624-8875

Shopping
• Arts & Things: (252) 240-1979
• Dee Gee's Books and Gifts: (252) 726-3314
• North Carolina Maritime Museum: (252) 728-7317
• Tierra Fina: (252) 504-2789

Dining
• Beaufort Grocery Company: (252) 728-3899
• Cox's: (252) 726-6961
• Front Street Grille at Stillwater: (252) 728-4956
• The Sandbar: (252) 504-7263
• Watermark: (252) 240-2811

Activities
• Cape Lookout National Seashore: www.nps.gov/calo
• Fort Macon State Park: (252) 726-3775
• Kites Unlimited and Bird Stuff: (252) 247-7011