Sparkling sandy beaches, delectable seafood, relaxing ferry rides, and extraordinary biking await you on this special tour.  We visit in the spring and fall, when the crowds are gone and the weather is perfect for bicycling.  The famous picturesque lighthouses of the North Carolina seashore complete our adventure in the historic islands haunted by Blackbeard’s legend!

Our 6 day version of this tour adds the historic city of New Bern and the sailing village of Oriental, NC.

Day 1:  We meet in Beaufort, North Carolina's third oldest town, at the Inlet Inn in the heart of the historic district.  Arrive early to take a bike ride on nearby Bogue Banks, catch a tour boat to uninhabited Cape Lookout, just across the sound, or visit Fort Macon or the NC Aquarium nearby.  After custom fitting your bike, we'll lead you on a pedaling tour of Beaufort's historic sites.  Or, you are free to stroll the boardwalk, waterfront, and stately village streets prior to rendezvousing for our group gourmet dinner and brief cycling safety meeting in the evening.  Our restaurant is the wonderful Beaufort Grocery Company, which has earned a loyal following.  Preview the menu: click here.  

Day 2: After breakfast, we bike through the breathtaking salt marsh expanse of the Cedar Island Wildlife Refuge and past tiny coastal fishing communities to the first ferry of the tour. This 2 hour trip transports us across sparkling Pamlico Sound, providing time to enjoy a delicious catered lunch.  We land in the quirky fishing village of Ocracoke with time to explore the village on bike and visit  the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.  Together, we kayak the sound and creeks of Ocracoke island with a local guide.  If that's not your thing, you may elect to walk the smooth white sand beaches, shop artists' shops which line the village streets, or relax by the heated pool at the inn.  Later, we'll recap the day’s adventures over wine and cheese on the rooftop widow's walk at the Castle, prior to walk to our favorite Ocracoke restaurant, the Back Porch, for another gourmet dinner.

Day 3:  Biking  through the surprisingly diverse coastal terrain, we'll pay visits to the wild ponies of Ocracoke Island, and take a break on our morning trek with a short ferry ride to Hatteras Island.  A short distance further towers the famous Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the US.  You can climb the 257 steps to the lighthouse balcony, depending on time of year.  A catered picnic lunch will be laid out when you come down.  We'll bike and ferry back to Ocracoke Village.  The evening is yours to enjoy at any of the fine restaurants on your own, or you may join your guides at Howard's  Pub, boasting great food, over 200 beers, and the island's only raw bar.

Day 4:  We catch the early ferry, on which we enjoy a delicious breakfast as we slip by bird-covered sandbars and formations of brown pelicans.  After landing on Cedar Island, we cycle along the sparkling waters of the Core Sound prior to returning to Beaufort.  We enjoy one last catered lunch together on the porch of the Inlet Inn.  Showers are available prior to saying farewell to your new friends.

Lodging: Night 1: Inlet Inn, Beaufort, NC.  Walking distance from everything in the heart of the historic district, the Inlet Inn boasts large balconies with the best views of the Beaufort waterfront, and spacious rooms.
Nights 2-3: The Castle on Silver Lake, Ocracoke, NC.  You will not want to leave the island hospitality provided by this beautifully restored bed and breakfast!  Relax with friends by the private heated pool, on the widow's walk, or in the parlor complete with billiards table.

Cycling:  We cycle 15 - 50+ miles each day (at your option) along flat terrain. Strong coastal winds sometimes present a minor challenge, but they are just as likely to propel us along our route!  Several ferry rides are scattered throughout this tour, allowing pleasant opportunities to relax.  Along the way, observe coastal wetlands as you bike through the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  See the Cycling Miles section on our What to Expect page for more information.

Extend Your Vacation:  After our activity packed tour, you may want to relax for a few days.  Perhaps in the historic district of New Bern or Wilmington.  Or continue your visit of the coast by driving up to Manteo and Kitty Hawk.  There is plenty to see and do in eastern North Carolina.  We'll be happy to make suggestions for you and help with arrangements.

Ocracoke / Wine Country Combo:  Some Ocracoke dates are within a day or two of a NC Wine Country Tour date.  We will give you a discount on the second tour, and we're happy to provide shuttle service between the two.  You'll get to see two beautiful regions of our state.  The Wine Country Tour includes two days of bicycling the Yadkin River Valley and one night of lodging and dining in Winston-Salem.

The Beaufort Area:   There is a lot to do in and around Beaufort if you have time.  Private ferries cross the sound to historic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, now a part of uninhabited Cape Lookout National Seashore.  Fort Macon, a Civil War fort is a few minutes drive away on Atlantic Beach.  Just minutes from the fort is the newly renovated and expanded NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.  Blackbeard and North Carolina's nautical heritage is illuminated at the NC Maritime Museum in downtown Beaufort.

Call 888.251.3206 (local number is 336.794.1054) or click here to make your reservation today!

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Hatteras Light and Fishing boat photos courtesy of North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development

Carolina Tailwinds   P.O. Box 24716   Winston-Salem, NC 27114-4716   888.251.3206 or 336.794.1054
email: info@CarolinaTailwinds.com