This year marks the 300th anniversary of notorious pirate Blackbeard’s death in North Carolina. Spending two years along the coastal waters of the state in an area known as the Crystal Coast as well as the Outer Banks, Blackbeard is at every turn: hotels, restaurants, breweries, attractions and tours are named after him.
To celebrate the tricentennial, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources features a Blackbeard 300 Pirate Portal with numerous attractions and things to do in the state. Follow the QAR (Queen Anne’s Revenge) traveling exhibit across the state or follow in the footsteps of Blackbeard on your own pirate adventure in North Carolina.
Beaufort, North Carolina. Image courtesy of Lissa Poirot
Incorporated in 1723, Beaufort is North Carolina’s third-oldest town. Pronounced “Bo-fort,” the small town is located on the Beaufort Inlet, where sailors could arrive from the Atlantic in a safe harbor. It is here where Blackbeard’s ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, was run aground in an effort, they say, to hide out on an unmarked schooner. The ship’s remains rests at the bottom of the inlet.
Where to Stay: Beaufort Inn & Suites is located in the historic district overlooking the water. Guests enjoy patios or balconies with water views and comfortable accommodations. Complimentary breakfast, popcorn and hot beverages are available.
Howard family cemetery in Ocracoke, North Carolina. Image courtesy of Lissa Poirot
Considered a part of the Outer Banks, leave the Crystal Coast behind by ferry, which accepts cars by advanced reservation. The two-hour ferry ride offers just a taste of what sailing in these waters may have been like for Blackbeard. Arrive at the island that to this day has many descendants of William Howard, Blackbeard’s quartermaster, third in command. It is here some say Blackbeard’s treasure is buried, and where islanders claim they have seen his ghost.
Where to Stay: Blackbeard’s Lodge is the island’s most historic hotel with 38 rooms. The manager’s apartment features three bedrooms, a living room, dining room and full-sized kitchen and is perfect for families.
Bath, North Carolina. Image courtesy of Lissa Poirot
North Carolina’s first town, established in 1705, is rumored to be Blackbeard’s hometown. While the disputes continue on whether Blackbeard was the son of Captain Beard who lived here or not, he did call Plum Point home for a short spell, as it provided an overlook of the bay and Bonner’s Point. It is also the home to Teach’s Hole, where Blackbeard was beheaded.
Where to Stay: The Inn on Bath Creek is located in the heart of the historic district and is steps from Bath Creek and the overlook to Plum Point and the Pamlico River. A quaint B&B, the inn is housed in a member of the Historic Bath Garden Club Homes.
Pitt Street Brewing Co., Greenville, North Carolina. Image courtesy of Lissa Poirot
While Greenville is an actual city versus the small towns on the tour, it is also home to East Carolina University, where the QAR Lab has been in operation for years. Only the 10th largest city in the state, Greenville is the largest city in the tidal and coastal plain and the perfect place to return from your 17th century tour.
Where to Stay: Hilton Hotel Greenville, connected to the Convention Center, is a modern-day hotel with all of the amenities, including fitness center, room service and on-site restaurant and bar you may have visited while staying at the historic properties.