Belhaven, North Carolina

Its name means “Beautiful Harbor,” and for this small town in North Carolina, Belhaven’s tranquility and pristine views redefine the word beauty. With its annual patriotic celebration, plentiful wildlife and small-town charm, Belhaven is a town emanating a subtle, yet distinct, beauty of its own.

Originally called Jack’s Neck, then later Bellport, and eventually Belhaven, the town is nestled within the banks of the Pantego Creek and the north shore of the Pungo River. This gateway to the Pamlico Sound is just thirty minutes from the Outer Banks, a popular spot for beach lovers, and is known for its grand historical houses, many of which were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

“ This gateway to the Pamlico Sound is just thirty minutes from the Outer Banks, a popular spot for beach lovers, and is known for its grand historical houses ”

One of the area’s most famous residences is the River Forest Manor. Built in 1939 by John A. Wilkinson as a new home for himself and his bride, River Forest Manor is now one of the most popular inns in Belhaven. Positioned along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the manor frequently serves as a much needed overnight haven to passers-by sailing along the heavily trafficked waterway.

Despite Belhaven’s small size— the town only encompasses a mile and a half square of land—it has a lot to offer, including the Belhaven Memorial Museum. The museum, a key attraction along the town’s popular Historical Albermarle Tour, featuring a collection of thousands of exhibits portraying the area’s history, is a mustsee for anyone visiting or passing through Belhaven. Included in this believe-it-or-not type exhibit is an eight-legged pig, a wedding party of dressed fleas, and over 30,000 colorful buttons. Originally created in the early 1900’s as a means to raise money for the American Red Cross, this collection has steadily become a popular exhibit at the museum.

In addition to the museum, an important staple in Belhaven’s history is its annual Fourth of July celebration. Since the early 1900’s, Belhaven has hosted an exciting Independence Day festival that consists of numerous activities, including a mile-long parade and a mesmerizing fireworks extravaganza that ends the day’s celebration by illuminating the night sky over the Pungo River.

Because of its location along the water, Belhaven is a dream for anglers and nature lovers. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife, including whitetail deer, rabbits, squirrels, quail, swans, black bears and many varieties of ducks and geese. With such a strong connection with nature, Belhaven prides itself on being a peaceful and relaxing town, perfect for anyone wanting to spend afternoon after afternoon quietly fishing off a pier or sailing around the harbor.