Would appeciate your opinions on staying in Beaufort NC for July 4th weekend. I am thinking there will be more to do and see there ( historic houses) vs. just staying in a hotel on the Outer Banks. We live in Durham, have stayed for long weekends in Manteo and Buxton... I like it but would like to explore other parts of the NC coastline. Has anyone stayed in the Beaufort INN? Is that entire area nice and worth a visit or is it overly hyped? Thanks all

While on vacation at Hilton Head 3 summers ago, we took a drive to Beaufort because we had read that it was an interesting place. Our son, who was 11 at the time, was totally bored. The drive there wasn't scenic. The only thing we found to do was have lunch. The museum happened to be closed the day we were there. Overall, a waste of time that we still joke about. Maybe someone else will have some better opinions; perahps we just didn't find Beaufort's hidden treasures.

Thanks for that info but I am wondering that if you were in Hilton Head, did you go to Beaufort SOUTH CAROLINA??? I know we went there from Hilton Head. It was a miserable rainy day and we were with aging parents but all we did was have lunch and go back to Hilton. No offense to any North Carolinians but I do find that places here are often given a big build-up. I drag my husband to them telling how nice it is supposed to be and it is like "Is that all there is?"

So, how about Beaufort NC guys? Would it be a nice spot for long weekend...mixing beach, history and nice resturants

Either Beaufort is good for about 1 day max. What about Wilmington ?

Yes, have been to Wilmington and did like it... just want to explore some other areas with beach and history. Thanks

I have had drinks at the Beaufort Inn and I thought it was very nice but not terribly special. I really enjoyed a weekend stay at the Cedars Inn which is a charming restored 18th C. home. I can highly recommend that place if it's just you and your husband. Not a place for kids.

If you liked Manteo, you'll probably enjoy a stay in Beaufort. Beaufort has more to offer in terms of cute shops and a variety of good restaurants but the pace and ambiance of the two towns are pretty much the same. Charming, relaxed and southern. If you're looking for a lot of action, you'll be disappointed.

Your question about whether or not the entire area is nice is a bit loaded.

OOPS, sorry! Didn't know there were two in the Carolinas, but good to hear you enjoyed it as much as we did.