From Beaufort to Swansboro, the distance is only 33
nautical miles. After running a few more errands, we left the docks at a little
after noon. I can't remember the last time our day started this late. As we
keep saying, there is no place we have to be and no special time we have to be
there. The best channel to use from Beaufort heading south runs along the east
side of Radio Island, out toward the main inlet and shipping channel. Then it's
necessary to turn back into the direction of the main Port and connect back to
the Intracoastal Waterway. As we neared the commercial docks we sighted a
couple on their trawler that we had met in the Sassafras River on the Chesapeake
Bay. A quick call on the VHF found that w both had plans for the same
destination. The next three hours were uneventful and other than the light rain
and drizzle, it was a normal and easy day. The next stop was to be a Swansboro,
a small town right on the waterway at statute mile 229.
Located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway is
Swansboro, NC. Rich in history, Swanboro was established in the 1730s but not
incorporated until about 50 years later. It initially thrived via its
shipbuilding industry which lasted until after the Civil War. After the decline
in shipbuilding, the town then changed its focus to the fishing industry which,
along with tourism, now supports the local economy.
Swansboro doesn’t get nearly as many visitors as its
nearby cousin of Beaufort, NC, but it is a little town with a big personality,
and a great little place to stop by and visit. You can cover the downtown area
by foot in just a few minutes. Although small in size, Swansboro has a lot to
offer. If a marina is what you are looking for, both Dudleys and Caspers are
available. Dudleys is across the bridge and a bit of a walk from downtown, but
the price is right (75 cents a foot, includes power). It is not fancy, but the
staff is friendly and the marina even provides a courtesy car. Just beyond the
shops and restaurants downtown, close to the ICW, is Caspers. They, too, are
reasonably priced. Or, you can anchor just south of the bridge near R “4” in 14
feet of water and dinghy in to the town dock at the park toward the north end
of town and the bridge.
A number of restaurants are available if the crew
wants to dine ashore. Captain Charley's Seafood Paradise is the boater’s choices
for fried seafood. Icehouse Waterfront Restaurant, just next to the bridge in
Swansboro, comes highly recommended by locals. Saltwater Grill, also with a
very good reputation, is a bit pricier, but also a good choice. Saltwater Grill
offers dock and dine slips for customer with power at some docks. Church Street
Irish Pub gets rave reviews. Yana Mama’s has been around forever and has unique
décor and 50s memorabilia. A unique find on the waterfront is Bake Bottle &
Brew, a second story waterfront shop that sells coffee, beer, wine and ice
cream. Enjoy watching the ICW traffic while sipping your favorite brew or
nibbling that sweet treat. For such a small town, you sure won’t go hungry. And,
there are even more restaurants available than listed here.
If shopping is on your list, Lighthouse Boutique and
Tidewater Gallery sit on the waterfront and tempt visitors with their wares. The
Olde Brick Store, an historical landmark dating back to the early 1800s, houses
a number of shops. Poor Man’s Hole, back on the waterfront, carries handmade
furniture. The Cigar Shop, behind the Harry Pugliese Pavilion, is a popular
spot for the gents to hang out and swap a few yarns. The Mercantile carries
nautical gifts. And don’t forget Russell’s Olde Type Shoppe for those handmade
gifts. Many more shops with a variety of wares line Water and Front Streets as
well as the neighboring side streets.
After all of that eating and shopping, take a
stroll down to the end of Water Street to Ward Shore Park, for a front row view
of the ICW. The sunsets from here are spectacular. We like this sleepy little
town and would encourage boaters traveling along the Intracoastal Waterway to
stop, spend some time, and have a closer look. Too soon, it was time to move on. The next day would prove to be not quite as delightful.
From Beaufort to Swansboro, the distance is only 33
nautical miles. After running a few more errands, we left the docks at a little
after noon. I can't remember the last time our day started this late. As we
keep saying, there is no place we have to be and no special time we have to be
there. The best channel to use from Beaufort heading south runs along the east
side of Radio Island, out toward the main inlet and shipping channel. Then it's
necessary to turn back into the direction of the main Port and connect back to
the Intracoastal Waterway. As we neared the commercial docks we sighted a
couple on their trawler that we had met in the Sassafras River on the Chesapeake
Bay. A quick call on the VHF found that w both had plans for the same
destination. The next three hours were uneventful and other than the light rain
and drizzle, it was a normal and easy day. The next stop was to be a Swansboro,
a small town right on the waterway at statute mile 229.
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