Beaufort (pronounced bow-fort), North Carolina, is a must-see city for boaters who want to appreciate a quiet, picturesque town along the I.C.W.  Not only does the local North Carolina Maritime Museum provide  boaters with a courtesy car for two hours at a time, a free dinghy dock is available on the city waterfront, close to shops, restaurants, boatyards and chandleries. 

As you see in the picture above, there is plenty of anchorage possibilities on Taylor Creek, which runs along Front Street located in the historical part of town.

On the south side of Taylor Creek you can row ashore to Carrot Island and Town Marsh, which are part of the North Carolina Estuarine Reserve.  An abundance of wildlife exists on the islands, such as free roaming wild horses, rabbits, foxes, and  birds.  You will rarely encounter another human being as you walk around.

Morehead City,  just a few miles away,  has most of the major marine and  department stores.   For those wanting to provision, or in need of parts as we were, this stop is definitely worthwhile.