Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Jennifer Weiss

Sitting along the coast of North Carolina, Beaufort is an ideal place to get away from it all if your dream vacation entails plenty of sand and water with just a hint of intrigue and mystery. Not to be confused with its namesake in South Carolina, this oceanfront paradise is perfect for a long, relaxing weekend getaway or as a jumping point into the always popular Outer Banks. So pack your bags and get ready for some fun in the sun in coastal North Carolina.

Before diving into the multitude of water activities, an excellent way to get acquainted with the area is through a boat tour that takes you to the Cape Lookout National Seashore and other surrounding islands. The seashore is comprised of three underdeveloped islands, North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks, that may appear secluded and sparse upon first glance, but which offer an array of historical and natural features that are ripe for exploration. Catch a glimpse of dolphins, wild ponies, and numerous birds aboard one of the many vessels that offer eco-tours out of Beaufort for a rewarding and memorable experience as you begin your Beaufort vacation.

Perfect for beginners or experts, a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure is a great way to view the spectacular marine life that exists off the coast. Whether you have been scuba diving for years or are trying to learn the basics, there are readily available companies that offer lessons and show you the best locations to explore. However, remember to book your water excursion in advance since it is a popular activity for visitors to the area.

No trip to the coast is complete without climbing aboard a fishing charter to reel in a big one. If are traveling with children and want them to experience offshore fishing, an excellent option is fishing in the inland waters off the crystal coast. Inland fishing means calmer waters, preventing the sea sickness that deters many individuals from venturing out to sea, so anyone who has ever desired to fish can try for trout, black sea bass, flounder, croakers, and many other varieties without worrying about queasiness. Of course, there are charters available that extend further offshore, and these are perfect for those who want to catch Spanish mackeral, king mackeral, dolphin, or bottom fish in the summer.

If you want to explore at your own leisure, consider a self-guided kayak tour that allows you to search those areas that interest you the most. If you are not comfortable blazing your own path, there are also tours available that are led by professional guides. After all your offshore activity, throw a towel in the sand and relax to the sounds of the waves creeping up the sand. There is plenty of sun to catch, and the water is perfect for wading when you need to cool off your increasingly warm skin.

Beaufort’s distinct history makes for some interesting, can’t-miss attractions that you will likely never forget. Throughout the 18th century, many pirates and captains built houses along the coast, settling themselves in cities like Beaufort. The legendary figure Blackbeard was one such figure, whose home, Hammock House, can be toured by visitors looking to hear terrifying tales of murderous pirates. Adding to Blackbeard’s lore, the ship that was destroyed in his final battle, Queen Anne’s Revenge, was discovered in 1996, prompting even more visitors to come for the historical intrigue of the area.

When planning your vacation to Beaufort, North Carolina, you will need to find accommodations that allow you to enjoy all the beauty and wonder this area has to offer. For convenience and amenities that you usually surrender when traveling to a far off destination, consider a Beaufort vacation rental for your next trip. You can stay along the shores of the ocean and relax as the waves crash into the beach while you drink your morning coffee on the porch. This is your time to truly escape from it all, so make the most of it by staying in accommodations that make it easy to forget all the stress you have left behind.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Beaufort vacation rentals for your next trip to Coastal North Carolina.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Weiss

By Caitlin Moore

Wandering the sandy shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks are packs of magnificent wild mustangs, representing another time and place and embodying the ultimate symbol of freedom. A visit to this region will leave you feeling similarly unfettered, particularly if you decide to make Carova your final destination. The barrier islands are brimming with prime vacation spots, but none of them compare to the untouched, far-flung stretch of beach that exists just beyond reach of the otherwise overpopulated Outer Banks.

If you know this area at all, you’re familiar with Highway 12 and the vast number of towns, vacation homes, shops, and restaurants that line it all the way up the coast. If you’ve gone far enough north, to Corolla to be exact, then you know this highway comes to an end. Most people take this as a sign to stop and turn around, but a few savvy travelers know that to keep on going is to reach vacation heaven.

If you’re ready to switch over to four-wheel drive, then forge ahead and feast your eyes on several miles of gorgeous, untrammeled beaches, interesting woodsy terrain filled with obscure wildlife, and dozens of vacation rentals that seem to glow with the pride of existing on this honorable and close-to-hidden area of interest. The sounds of civilization will fade to nothing as you venture forward, so go as far as you need to go to truly leave all your cares and worries behind.

Setting yourself up in a vacation property, be it a king-sized mansion or a quaint cottage, will allow you to soak in the rarified atmosphere of this matchless location. You’ll realize that life next to the water really is best, and the hours will last forever as you stroll along the beach with one eye on the surf in case of dolphins, and one on the ground should a sand dollar make its presence known.

Back at the house, everyone will have plenty of room to unpack and unwind without the slightest hint of claustrophobia. Not that everyone will avoid each other; in fact the selection of games, the wide-open living room and kitchen, and the patio hot tub will bring everyone together for plenty of vacation bonding time. Spirits will soar and laughter will certainly fill the rooms of your temporary home away from home.

Imagine a stocked kitchen that will satisfy the diverse hungers and schedules of all your traveling companions. The upper deck will make you feel like you’re sailing on a voyage from the vantage point of a mighty ship, and at night the Milky Way will appear like you have never seen it before. Away from the lights of the cities and the bustle of the towns, it really will feel like you’re out to sea.

Swimming, surf-fishing, crabbing, and exploring the terrain will keep you as busy as you like. Catching up on your reading, eating, and napping will be just as tempting, however, so go ahead and enjoy yourself during these few precious days away from the drone and drain of everyday life. Stretch out in a beach chair or snuggle up on the couch, the whole point is to recharge your batteries.

The rest of the Outer Banks is of course still accessible. A few minutes’ drive will take you down to the major attractions that include shopping, touring the lighthouses, visiting the North Carolina Aquarium, and chartering a boat for some deep-sea fishing. Duck isn’t too far away, and is home to many fine restaurants and an eclectic array of shops. In spite of all this, you may end up sticking close to your newly discovered home sweet home, where you’ll have plenty of things to do that are of your own design. Create your own schedule (or ignore that you even know the meaning of the word) and do what you want; this is your hard-earned vacation.

The northern shores of the Outer Banks are calling out to you, so tune in to the song of the sea and don’t stop when the highway ends. When it comes time for your next trip, kick it up a gear and make your way to a destination unlike any other. Go online to reserve your Carova Vacation Rental, and prepare for an adventure in liberation.

HomeAway.com is the place to look when it comes to choosing the vacation rental that will ideally complement your next vacation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlin_Moore