This past weekend was my husband's 45th birthday so being the good wife that I am, I made him pack the car and get behind the wheel for our first spring road trip of the year. Who wouldn't want to drive three hours in order to look at a view like this on your birthday even if the kids were unhappy for a third of the journey?
Mr. Piggybank usually protests trips on his birthday because you've heard me say before that he prefers saving money over spending money so he kindly requests that we don't splurge on luxury hotel accommodations anywhere near his birthday. In other words, he doesn't want his birthday to cost him a dime and that usually translates to "he wants to keep his fanny at home!"
But this year, we had some family obligations that took us in a different direction. Three hours east to be exact. Our destination was to North Carolina's third oldest town. The lovely and historic Beaufort, NC, established in 1709.
Beaufort is a quaint rocking chair type town.
It's a place where you want to stroll on the docks.
And see who exactly boards this yacht.
Beaufort has so much charm. I can't even begin to capture it in my amateur photographs.
If you like to tour homes then you should plan a trip for this year's 51st annual Old Homes and Garden Tour held every June. This year, the event will be June 24-26. I used to go every summer before having children, but touring homes with them just doesn't have the same appeal that it once did. Eventually, I'll get back on the circuit.
Beaufort is also home to the NC Maritime Museum. For 270 years, Blackbeard's ship was hidden off the coast of NC by sand and water. In 1996, the pirate's ship was found and the museum has had a small exhibit with some artifacts. But this June, exciting things are sailing ashore. Blackbeard's flagship will sail in Beaufort again. June 11, 2011 will be family day at the museum.
What's our connection to Beaufort, you ask? Why it's Tractor Hines, of course. Mr. Piggybank's dad.
Granddaddy Tractor lives in Beaufort and Pine Knoll Shores, NC. We get to stay in his guest house in Beaufort. For the record, he no longer has a tractor, but he did ten years ago when my nephew christened him with that name. It's funny how names stick!
My computer time is over, the kids need attention, but our road trip is far from over. There's more to come this week. Stay tuned for my next post, "One Wedding and a Fort". We'll also finish the week with a wonderful Beaufort recipe that will cure any sweet tooth you may have.
Until next time, I'm off to compile a list of hotels for your own road trip to Carteret County, and the beaches near Beaufort.

Mr. Piggybank usually protests trips on his birthday because you've heard me say before that he prefers saving money over spending money so he kindly requests that we don't splurge on luxury hotel accommodations anywhere near his birthday. In other words, he doesn't want his birthday to cost him a dime and that usually translates to "he wants to keep his fanny at home!"
But this year, we had some family obligations that took us in a different direction. Three hours east to be exact. Our destination was to North Carolina's third oldest town. The lovely and historic Beaufort, NC, established in 1709.
Beaufort is a quaint rocking chair type town.
It's a place where you want to stroll on the docks.
And see who exactly boards this yacht.
Beaufort has so much charm. I can't even begin to capture it in my amateur photographs.
The homes! I could walk for hours looking at the homes in this picturesque town.
If you like to tour homes then you should plan a trip for this year's 51st annual Old Homes and Garden Tour held every June. This year, the event will be June 24-26. I used to go every summer before having children, but touring homes with them just doesn't have the same appeal that it once did. Eventually, I'll get back on the circuit.
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| NC Maritime Museum |
Beaufort is also home to the NC Maritime Museum. For 270 years, Blackbeard's ship was hidden off the coast of NC by sand and water. In 1996, the pirate's ship was found and the museum has had a small exhibit with some artifacts. But this June, exciting things are sailing ashore. Blackbeard's flagship will sail in Beaufort again. June 11, 2011 will be family day at the museum.
What's our connection to Beaufort, you ask? Why it's Tractor Hines, of course. Mr. Piggybank's dad.
Granddaddy Tractor lives in Beaufort and Pine Knoll Shores, NC. We get to stay in his guest house in Beaufort. For the record, he no longer has a tractor, but he did ten years ago when my nephew christened him with that name. It's funny how names stick!
My computer time is over, the kids need attention, but our road trip is far from over. There's more to come this week. Stay tuned for my next post, "One Wedding and a Fort". We'll also finish the week with a wonderful Beaufort recipe that will cure any sweet tooth you may have.
Until next time, I'm off to compile a list of hotels for your own road trip to Carteret County, and the beaches near Beaufort.




I did not know there was a Beaufort, NC - I have been to the town by the same name in S.C. years ago - it, too, is charming.
ReplyDeleteHappy 45th to Mr. Piggybank. I am happy the four of you had a pleasant getaway.
Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
xo, A
Oh, and Happy Mother's Day to you...a bit late.
I love Beaufort! I went to Atlantic Beach with the Cuties and their family a few summers ago and we did a day trip to Beaufort! That last house you pictured is absolutely gorgeous, by the way!
ReplyDeleteAdrienne, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI've not been to Beaufort, SC yet. From what I understand, they are pronounced differently. Beaufort is pronounced like Bo whereas I've heard the SC version is pronounced more like "Bew".
Allie, there are so many gorgeous homes. Thanks for stopping by today.
Looks like you're having a wonderful trip! Enjoy the family time!
ReplyDeleteAhh, such a gorgeous part of the country! Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy Birthday to your hubs!
It looks just amazing! One of my best friends, who is from NC but lives in MD now, named her dog Beaufort after this town!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Mr. Piggybank!
Beautiful pictures! I hope you're having a fantastic Tuesday! I'm your newest follower and I hope you'll follow me back!
ReplyDeleteNancy
http://thatsoundslikecrazy.blogspot.com
Hey Leigh...Curtis & I LOVE Beaufort...and in person sometime I have to tell you a funny story with the Beaufort NC Beaufort SC pronunciations that I have had the privilege of hearing..cute story. Anyway...we go every chance we get....beautiful relaxing spot, no doubt! Hope to see you all soon! Enjoying the blog. Bev
ReplyDeleteSuch gorgeous pictures! So relaxing! I have several friends from Beaufort but I've never been!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great trip. America has so much amazing history, I could road trip around the U.S. every summer and never get tired of it!
ReplyDeleteThat is a very pretty town! Sounds like a nice trip. I'm a new follower from Fun Tuesday Hop. http://www.grandmasguidetolife.blogspot.com
ReplyDelete