Just a few miles from Morehead City is the magical town of Beaufort. Beaufort is so gorgeous it seems more like a postcard than a real place. This little laid-back coastal community nestles up to international waters and is a gateway from the Atlantic Ocean to America's waterways. Taylor's Creek, the body of water in front of the town's quaint commercial district, is filled with sailcraft and powerboats from all over the world. Just up Taylor's Creek you can catch sight of a menhaden fishing fleet. Beyond that is Core Sound and a view of Harkers Island, home to some of this country's earliest shipbuilders. Beaufort boasts a very unusual view: wild horses on Carrot Island across from the waterfront. The horses are stocky, furry steeds that pretty much care for themselves on their little windswept island. In a world where horses are rarely seen running free, this is a stirring sight. If you want a closer look, ask about boat tours that depart from the Beaufort docks. The island chain across from the Beaufort Waterfront is the Rachel Carson Estuarine Research Reserve. Free guided tours are offered each month from April to August. Inquire at the North Carolina Maritime Museum about tour times. One catch: You have to provide your own water transportation to get to the island. If you use the ferry service, expect to pay up to $8 ($4 for kids) for a round-trip journey, but remember the island tour is free. A fascinating history lesson awaits you when you visit the Old Burying Ground, where there are more than 200 markers pre-dating the Civil War. Stories are told about a British officer buried standing up and the girl who died at sea and was preserved in a rum barrel until her father could get her home. Admission is free, but guided tours are available at $5 for adults and $3 for children. The sheer beauty of the scenery at the Beaufort waterfront is enough to lull a visitor into sitting in a pleasant trance for a long time, but there is also the allure of nearby shops and attractions. Within an easy walk are stores, many appealing restaurants and the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, (252) 728-7317, an 18,000-square-foot building that pays tribute to North Carolina's coastal heritage, natural resources and maritime history. The museum boasts the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center just across the street, a facility where students and craftsmen build wooden boats in traditional North Carolina design and welcome visitors to take a peek at boats-in-progress. As you stroll downtown, don't miss the Beaufort Historic Site, (252) 728-5225 or (800) 575-7483, enclosed by white picket fences in the 100 block of Turner Street. These authentically restored buildings and the costumed guides offer a fascinating glimpse of coastal Carolina living in the 18th and 19th centuries. Site tour and visitor information, special exhibits and historic artifacts are available on the grounds at the Safrit Historical Visitor Center, 128 Turner Street. Shoppers will enjoy a variety of stores along the waterfront. The Rocking Chair Book Store, 400 Front Street, (252) 728-2671, has a fine selection of books for children and adults. Scuttlebutt Nautical Books and Bounty, 433 Front Street, (252) 728-7765, sells a large selection of books about the sea and boating. NOAA charts, cruising guides and chart books make this a must-stop for passing boaters. La Vaughn's Pottery, 517 Front Street, (252) 728-5353, is a show-stopper for shoppers interested in an extensive line of ceramics crafted by regional and local artists. Jarrett Bay Boathouse, 507 Front Street, (252) 728-6363, is a good shop to buy gifts for boaters, homes, cottages; it's the only place to find must-have Jarrett Bay apparel. The General Store, 515 Front Street, (252) 728-7707, has hand-dipped ice cream for your summer daytripping pleasure. Highlighting North Carolina artists and craftsmen, Handscapes Gallery in Somerset Square on Front Street, (252) 728-6805, offers pottery, jewelry, paintings, glass creations and metalwork. While shopping, don't miss The Old Beaufort Shop, 128 Turner Street, (252) 728-5225. This unique shop is operated by the Beaufort Historical Association and offers one-of-a-kind items made by BHA volunteers -- original photography, handmade dolls, books on local history and herb cuttings. Diners will be overwhelmed with restaurant possibilities. The Beaufort Grocery Co., 117 Queen Street, (252) 728-3899, a lunch and dinner restaurant, offers fine dining and a full delicatessen. Breads and desserts are baked daily. The Front Street Grill at Stillwater on the Beaufort waterfront at 300 Front Street, (252) 728-4956, has a reputation as an interesting restaurant that uses unusual spices in fresh presentations of seafood, chicken, pasta and homemade soups. Spouter Inn, 218 Front Street, (252) 728-5190, is a charming spot where diners can enjoy a memorable clam chowder, creative seafood specialties and a great view thanks to its waterfront location. Clawson's Emporium Restaurant, 429 Front Street, (252) 728-2133, long a dining fixture on the Beaufort waterfront, serves wonderful all-American fare. Its coffee bar, known as Fishtowne Java, serves high-octane caffeine drinks.