The town of Beaufort, North Carolina, lies on the coast bordering the Atlantic Ocean at the southern end of the Outer Banks. Originally a fishing village and port of safety dating from the late 1600's, the town retains much of its early charm. Beaufort, North Carolina’s third oldest town, is steeped in history having survived wars, hurricanes, pirates and privateers alike. Historic Bahamian and West Indian style houses line its tree-shaded streets. Waterfront shops and restaurants overlook narrow islands, which have been home to wild ponies for centuries. Come visit Beaufort’s homes of history running the gamut from waterfront mansions to charming fishermen’s cottages and see why Beaufort is the small seaport town with the big southern heart.
The 2008 Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour is Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28, 10 am to 5 pm. Single tickets are $16.00 in advance and $20.00 on tour days. There is also an advanced combination Homes Tour/Antiques Show ticket for $18.00. Children 12 and under accompanied by an adult may purchase tickets for half-price. Groups of 30 or more receive a 10% discount. Boasting over 30 stops, the non-refundable tickets are good for both days and include 9 private homes, 9 glorious gardens, the Ward-Hancock House, the historic houses and buildings of the Beaufort Historic Site, a Book Fair, the Old Burying Ground, area churches, meeting halls, historic crafts demonstrations, an Antique Car Show, and an ArtWalk that will showcase personal artist studios located in and around town. New this year will be a Book Fair in the Depot that will feature local authors as well as books that showcase this wonderful coastal area. Guides in period dress are available at many locations. Most of the houses and buildings are within easy walking distance, but visitors may want to use their own car or ride the special Courtesy Van to some outer locations.
Historic District Bus Tours - Tickets for the one-hour, narrated, open-top, double-decker bus tour of Beaufort’s Historic District are available at $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Tours are scheduled for June 27 and 28 at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, and 3 pm.
The Antiques Show & Sale features a wide range of antiques and fine collectibles from forty plus local and regional exhibitors. The Antiques Show and Sale takes place in the Crystal Coast Civic Center in nearby Morehead City. New to the Antique Show this year “Set the Table” will introduce the creative talents of local businesses through colorful tablescape themes. The Gourmet Tea Room featuring sandwiches, beverages and desserts will be open throughout the show. Show hours are: Friday, June 27, 3 to 8 pm; Saturday, June 28, 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, June 29, 11 am to 4 pm. Tickets are $5.00 in advance and $7.00 on the days of the event and are good for all three days.
The Beaufort Old Homes Tour and the Antiques Show & Sale proceeds benefit BHA's education programs and the on-going restoration and preservation of the 9 historic buildings on its two-acre site nestled within the heart of downtown Beaufort.