Places to Go

Tryon Palace, New Bern
Tyron Palace was built in 1770 for the Royal Governor William Tryon. After the Revolutionary War, Tryon Palace became the capital of the independent State of North Carolina. The palace burned to the ground in 1798, but was restored from 1952 to 1959. The grounds are devoted to extensive gardens ranging from English formal gardens, kitchen gardens, to a wilderness garden area. It is located in New Bern which was founded by Swiss and German settlers in 1710. It is the second oldest town in North Carolina, and named after Bern, Switzerland. It is located forty miles from Trinity Center on Highway 70, and is well-marked. Guided tours are available Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Price: Palace, all houses & gardens: Adults - $15; Kids (Grades 1-12) - $6
School Groups: Adults - $12; Kids (Grades 1-12) - $5
                          (1 comp teacher per 10 kids)
Telephone: 1-800-767-1560 or 252-514-4900
Website: www.tryonpalace.org

Beaufort
Beaufort is the third oldest town in North Carolina, and is the county seat of Carteret County. It was settled in 1709, and incorporated in 1723. The Old Beaufort Museum Gift Shop offers an excellent selection of books and gifts. Tours of Beaufort houses, buildings, and the Old Burying Ground (1731) can be arranged there. Wild ponies may sometimes be seen across the water on Carrot Island at the Rachel Carson Preserve. Beaufort is located approximately fifteen miles form Trinity Center on Highway 70 East. The visitor center is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (November through March from 10:00 am to 4:00pm). Double-decker bus tours are available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm from April through October (charters available year-round.) Building tours are availalbe Monday-Saturday starting at 10:00, 11:30, 1:00 and 3:00.
Price: $8.00 per person for building tour, Children $4.00
           $8.00 per person for bus tour, Children $4.00
Telephone: 252-728-5225 or 1-800-575-7483
Website: www.beauforthistoricsite.org

Maritime Museum
The North Carolina Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving the state's seafaring history. Don't miss the extensive shell collection, boat models, watermen displays such as whaling, mullet and menhaden fishing. The museum also offers a gift shop and bookstore. The Harvey Smith Watercraft Center, across the street, is a working boat and model shop. A walking tour of Beaufort can be arranged at the information desk. It is located in Beaufort at 315 Front Street. It is open Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm, and Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
Watercraft Center closed on Mondays.
Price: Free
Telephone: 252-728-7317
Website: www.ncmaritime.org

Fort Macon
The fort was built in 1826 by Robert E. Lee to guard the entrance to Beaufort Harbor. It was garrisoned during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and from 1941-1945 during World War II. A walking tour of the fort includes exhibits, voice tapes, and artifacts. This state park has a beautiful view of the famous Beaufort Inlet and great shells on the nearby public beach. It is located about 7 miles from Trinity Center on the eastern end of the island, and is open daily 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Price: Free
Telephone: 252-726-3775
Website: www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/foma/main.php

North Carolina Aquarium
The aquarium is set within the 300 acre Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area. Newly referbished, the aquarium has over 40 new exhibits and has tripled in size! The aquarium at Pine Knoll shores has five distinct habitat galleries including Mountain, Piedmont, Coastal Plain, tidal Waters and Ocean which features a "Live Ship Wreck" tank with live dive shows each day. there is also a touch tank for a more hands on experience. The aquarium is open daily. Hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm, year round.
Price: $8.00 for adults; $7.00 for senior adults (age 62 and up); $6.00 for children ages 6-17; children 5 and under are free. NC school groups registered in advance and the bus drivers and school employees (including teachers, assistants and principals) accompanying the group are admitted free. All other chaperones accompanying the group pay half-price admission.
Telephone: 1-866-294-3477 or 252-247-4003
Website: www.ncaquariums.com/pks

The History Place
The museum offers a large collection of Indian artifacts, a collection of costumes from the 1800-1900s, a Victorian parlor filled with furnishings, glassware, and artwork of the period. In addition, there are many special exhibits on display illustrating various aspects of the history and culture of Carteret County and related areas. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
Price: Free
Telephone: 252-247-7533
Website: www.thehistoryplace.org

Cape Lookout National Seashore
This is one of America's few remaining undeveloped coastal barrier island systems. It became a national park in 1976. It is home of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, which has been an active navigational aid since 1811. The keepers quarters are available for touring. The island is accessible only by passenger ferry. During the off-season the ferry must be pre-arranged. The visitor's center for Cape Lookout National Seashore and ferries are located on Harkers Island. The visitor's center is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Harkers Island is a typical fishing village of boat builders, independent watermen, and their families. Harkers Island is accessible by car from Highway 70 East.
Cape Lookout National Seashore Telephone: 252-728-2250

Core Sound Waterfowl Museum The museum preserves the waterfowling heritage of Core Sound. Exhibits include the region's largest collection of waterfowl art and local decoys. Old and new decoys are offered for purchase in the museum gift shop. Carvers often demonstrate their craft Wednesday through Sunday. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. It is located on Island Road just east of the Harkers Island Elementary School.
Price: Free
Telephone: 252-728-1500
Website: www.coresound.com

Other Points of Interest:

Swansboro
Swansboro is a seafaring village with a history deeply rooted in commercial fishing. The waterfront offers many unique gift and antique shops. To get to Swansboro, go towards Emerald Isle and cross the Cameron Langston Bridge. After crossing the bridge, turn left onto Highway 24.

Hammocks Beach State Park
Bear Island offers camping sites, a marked kayaking trail, and a dominating crest of sand dunes that is the envy of other North Carolina barrier islands. Free informative programs are available on a variety of subjects from sea turtles to coastal whaling. Bear Island can be reached by boat year round. There is also a passenger ferry that runs Wednesday-Sunday in April and October, Wednesday-Sunday in September and May, and 7 days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park office is open 8:00am to 5:00pm. It is located four miles west of Swansboro on State Route 1511 off Highway 24.
Price: Ferry fees are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for ages 6-12 and senior citizens, and free for ages 5 and under.
Telephone: 910-326-4881
Website: www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/habe/main.php

Cedar Island
The ferry to Ocracoke Island is located at Cedar Island. The ferry ride is approximately 2.5-3 hours long, and reservations are needed.
Telephone: 1-800-293-3779 or 252-225-3551