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This site is dedicated to providing useful information for Beacon's Reach owners and guests. Beacon's Reach is a family-oriented, Eastern North Carolina coastal community with exceptional recreational amenities.   Beacon's Reach Information and Photos

Dusk beach walk at Beacon's Reach Click to enlarge photo Photo © 2004 Bruce Carbrey

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Wooden Boat Show April 26 - May 3, 2010

If you'd like to go for a sailboat ride on scenic Taylor's creek or just enyoy beautiful boats, don't miss the 35th annual Traditional Wooden Boat Show on the Beaufort waterfront. This week-long celebration culminates in a weekend of live music, exhibits, boat races and fun activities May 2-3.

The beautiful rowing skiff Sophie at the 2009 wooden boat show in Beaufort.

Kayak Race June 12, 2010 Benefits Wounded Warriors

The third annual Kayak for the Warriors race has been augmented this year with a new 5k and 10k fun bicycle ride through Pine Knoll Shores, as well as the 3.2 mile kayak race. All proceeds go to Hope for the Warriors, a civilian non-profit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded and fallen service men and women and their families. There are plenty of great prizes and a hot-dog lunch, so everyone is encouraged to join in the fun after cheering on your favorite paddler! See the the web site for a full list of events, plus a fun interactive photo album from last year's event.

Unusual Snowfall Blankets Beacon's Reach

A January snowfall presented some opportunites for snowball fights by the surf this year.

So does this picture in front of the dunes at Ocean Grove show a sand fence or a snow fence?

Looking for Fun Stuff to Do?

Check out this up-to-date list of upcoming events on the Crystal Coast.

The N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is about two miles from Beacon's Reach, and always makes a great outing.

This Ain't No Fish Tale!

Whale sighting at Beacon's Reach. Click for video of the whale (be sure to have the audio turned up on your computer, so you can hear him too). Here is a second video that really gives you an idea of the size of the whale. (Videos courtesy of David Balch; photo courtesy of Neva Scheve.)

That's because it is a Right Whale tail, photographed from the Beacon's Reach beach on Memorial Day. Though often seen during the winter off Bogue Inlet, when they travel north from their calving grounds in the coastal waters of Georgia, it is very unusual to see them this time of year. Right whales are the most endangered large whale; only about 320 are thought to exist. The name originated from whalers who thought they were the "right" whales to hunt, because they were often found near shore and would float when killed. Today they are a favorite target of photographers instead of harpoons. Mature North Atlantic Right Whales are generally 35 to 55 feet long, though some exceed 60 feet.

Fishing is Fun for All Ages

A simple trip to the bait store followed by an hour or two with legs dangling from the dock can become an adventure for kids that will be remembered for a lifetime.

A Quit Time for Family Bonding Click to enlarge photo Photo courtesy of Neva Scheve

Tennis Courts Upgraded

Last year Beacon's Reach added two new clay courts, and this year two other hard courts have been resurfaced for improved play. Beacon's Reach Owners wishing to play can contact the Management Office (252 247-4017) for more information. Players are asked to particularly heed the shoe requirements given in the information sheet, since shoes that are not smooth-soled can quickly damage the clay courts.  Clay Court Rules

Marina Boatyard Makeover Completed

Thanks to the hard work of our volunteer Marina Committee headed by Jim Johnson, the Westport boat yard has been improved with increased capacity and better accessibility to parking spots. There is also a new wash-down area, located so that it will not block the gate. All dry-slips are now numbered and assigned, just like the other boatyard behind the administration building. Contact Dockmaster Dave Shapiro at (252) 247-6077 for more information. Like all Marina projects, this work was funded solely through Marina usage fees.

Wash-down Pad at Marina Boatyard

Walkway joins Pelican Point to Sunny Shore Drive

A new sidewalk at the east end of Egret Lake now makes it easy to walk between the Administrative building and Pelican Point. This also provides the Security golf cart access without having to go on Highway 58.

New Sidewalk at Egret Lake

Low-Rise Fountains Improve Water Quality

The familiar tall fountains in the lakes of Beacon's Reach are giving way to a new, "low-rise" design. Besides being much more reliable, the new fountains dispersal characteristics are designed to help prevent algae blooms.

Low-rise Fountain

Marina "Snackery" Gets Face Lift

With repairs to the marina docks completed, the Marina Committee turned its attention to the Snackery. New siding and roofing complemented by a fresh coat of paint now make the building an attractive gathering place to catch up on gossip with neighbors while enjoying a cold drink. Dockmaster Dave Shapiro has a fresh stock of Beacon's Reach "fashion wear" for sale too.

	Left: Sunday afternoon at the renovated Snackery Below left: A new dock at the marina Below: Mr. Brown Pelican supervises the marina work (photo courtesy of Dave Shapiro)

Aquarium Is Fun For Everybody

The Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium, which re-opened in May 2006 after a three-year, $25 million dollar renovation, has had capacity crowds for much of the summer. Now that the off-season is here, it is a great time for a visit this wonderful attraction that is right in our back yard. The new facility is about three times as large as the old building. A featured display is a 306,000-gallon ocean tank containing a replica of the German U-boat, U-352, which was sunk off Cape Lookout in 1942 by the U.S. Coast Guard. The new tank includes large sand tiger sharks and schools of fish found in the area. There are "touch-tanks" and a wealth of educational programs for kids of all ages. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and $6 for children aged 6 to 17. Children under 6 and visiting school groups will be admitted free of charge.  Aquarium web site

An Easy Kayak Day Trip

Brock Basin Marina, one of the sights as you paddle along the Pine Knoll Shores canal. Click to enlarge photo

Here's a 3-hour round trip from the marina that will let you visit some gorgeous nature habitats and some beautiful coastal homes:  Kayak route map and photos

Last updated March 14, 2010