- Bladen Lakes
- Harkers Island
- Cape Lookout
- Oriental
Dates
May 5 – 10, 2025
Highlights
- Up Close and personal with numerous lovely NC communities: Elizabethtown; Beaufort; New Bern; and a host of quaint small places
- Lodging in historic venues throughout the trip; fresh seafood in abundance
- The rural charm of the drives and the region: serendipitous encounters along the way
- Slow travel, featuring the fun and friendliness of the small group
- Tryon Palace; the CSS Neuse (Kinston, NC); Cape Lookout Lighthouse; the Core Sound Waterfowl Center; and more
Trip Description
Enjoy a cross-state odyssey, on this adventure to lovely New Bern, waterside Beaufort, and stories of the hardy fisher- and sea-folk who inhabited a region of isolated communities – often connected only by waterways – known as Down East. We’ll enjoy one night en route to Beaufort at an Explore Up Close favorite in the Bladen Lakes region; then arrive in Beaufort for a two-night stay (at another favorite inn). While there, here’s our program: delicious foods; maritime history; and off-the-beaten-track exploring. We’ll enjoy local cafes, dinners at two acclaimed spots – both adjacent to our inn, and sumptuous cooked from scratch breakfasts. We’ll visit the NC Maritime Museum; Harkers Island and other villages of Down East; and the Cape Lookout historic village (including the lighthouse). Our adventure will continue upon departing Beaufort . . . as we make our way by ferry to the quaint communities of Arapahoe and Oriental, NC, where we’ll enjoy lunch and spend time checking out “town” and the waterfront. A bucolic drive will take us into New Bern, one-time capital of colonial North Carolina. While there, we’ll enjoy a narrated driving tour of lovely neighborhoods and commercial streets; and we’ll visit stately Tryon Palace – built by Colonial Governor William Tryon (and restored beautifully in the 1950’s). We’ll round out our experience with an afternoon boat tour, guided by a local. Our inns in Beaufort and New Bern will be perfectly situated for walks, comfortable garden and porch nooks for reading or tea, and rest and conversation.
Featured Experiences
Pecan Tree Inn
Immerse yourself in the beauty of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast with a stay at the Pecan Tree Inn. This idyllic Bed and Breakfast, nestled in the heart of historic downtown Beaufort, offers a perfect blend of Victorian charm and modern amenities, providing an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
Built in 1866 and remodeled in 1901, the Pecan Tree Inn boasts Victorian architecture and a rich history. Renovated in 1992 into a Bed and Breakfast and continuously updated, the Inn features seven beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Some rooms offer luxurious rain shower heads for a unique, relaxing experience. Enjoy modern comforts in a historic setting, making your stay truly special.
Benjamin Ellis House B&B
Located in the heart of historic New Bern, North Carolina, this restored property, originally built by Benjamin Ellis in 1853, has operated as a premier B&B since 1985. The unique duplex architecture of the house with four extra wide hallways enhances the private getaway ambiance for a restful guest experience. A full width front porch offers guests a place to enjoy morning coffee or to relax with a glass of wine at the end of the day. Just four blocks from historic Tryon Palace and one block from the Riverfront Convention Center, the Benjamin Ellis House Bed & Breakfast is steps away from quaint shopping, art galleries, restaurants and other attractions.
What's Included
Comfortable van transportation
Accommodation for 5 nights
Breakfast, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
All touring per the itinerary
Guide and concierge service throughout the trip
Trip Price
$3,556 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $645)
What's Not Included
Price does not include alcohol, other meals, or optional trip insurance.
..well-planned, from interesting and fun excursions planned each day, to comfortable lodging and transportation. Our trip leaders, Chumley and Khal, were impressive with their knowledge of each area we explored and gracious in their planning of every aspect of our trips.
Trip insurance safeguards your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. Though trip insurance is optional, we strongly encourage travelers to purchase trip insurance in the event you have to cancel or leave a trip for any reason. Please note, all trip participants should wait for confirmation from Explore Up Close that the trip has the minimum sign-up required to be a “go” before purchasing travel insurance. Please confirm with Explore Up Close before making any additional travel arrangements.
Once you have received confirmation from Explore Up Close, we recommend contacting a travel insurance provider directly to request a quote and compare pricing and features. You can find other providers that may fit your needs at www.insuremytrip.com, or we can gladly connect you with our travel agent.
This trip departs from Greenville / Spartanburg, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina. If you live elsewhere, please contact us to discuss travel arrangements, and we will look forward to assisting you!
