A (Not Quite) Wanderful Journey: Romantic, Dog-Friendly Weekend in Beaufort, NC

This Labor Day weekend, we set out to test a romantic, dog-friendly getaway in Beaufort, NC. The plan was simple: two nights away, one full day adventure to Cape Lookout, and plenty of time to enjoy Beaufort’s famous waterfront.

Lodging: Beaufort Harbor Suites

We stayed at Beaufort Harbor Suites, a great pet-friendly property with ties to a local dive shop — perfect for visitors who want to scuba. Our room was thoughtfully appointed with a full kitchen (minus an oven), and the hotel’s large outdoor deck with ceiling fans would make a great gathering spot for group trips.

Upsides: Spacious, group-friendly, convenient for divers.
Downsides: Mosquitos (though that’s true of the whole area in late summer), and the distance from the boardwalk. While it’s only a 10-minute walk to Front Street, between the bugs and limited parking at the waterfront, staying closer in would be a huge plus. Next time, I'll try an October trip, when mosquitos die down and crowds thin out.

Friday Night: Dinner Adventures

We rolled into town a little before 8 pm, hoping for burgers at Freschi’s—but found it already closed. The waterfront was buzzing, but parking was impossible and most restaurants were closing by 9. Plan B took us to Morehead City, where Ioanni’s Grill was jammed with a 35-minute wait. Not in the mood to linger, we slipped across the street to Dank Burrito, where I happily devoured a Honey Truffle Buffalo Bowl with chicken. A bit salty, but delicious.

Saturday: Cape Lookout & Sandpipers Galore

We set alarms for an early start and headed to Harkers Island for our ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore. Though we were booked on the 9:15, we snagged spots on the 8:15 ferry with Island Express (amazing customer service, as always).

From there, we hopped the beach shuttle to the far end of the island—but instead of joining the shell collectors, we strolled three miles back along the shore. Our little dog was in heaven, sprinting after sandpipers and splashing in the surf. No shells came home (we’ve learned they just collect dust), but we captured plenty of photos and memories.

On the way back, we paused at Calico Creek Boardwalk in Morehead City. A lovely marsh-side stroll with birdwatching potential, but after a sunny morning of beach walking, we didn’t linger long.

Saturday Night: Black Sheep & Creamery Bliss

After a restorative bath and nap back at the hotel, we headed to the waterfront. Dinner at Black Sheep was a standout—wood-fired pizza, next-level mac and cheese, and even their iced tea was memorable. Add in dog-friendly patio seating, and this spot checks every box.

We capped the night with homemade ice cream at Beaufort Creamery. A waffle cone stacked with Reese’s and salted caramel cheesecake for under $6? Heavenly.

Reflections & What’s Next

This trip was a mix of wins and lessons. The highlights? Cape Lookout, Black Sheep, and that unbeatable ice cream. The challenges? Mosquitos, parking, and the distance from the waterfront.

It left me wanting to plan two future trips:

• A Cape Lookout camping adventure — catching the last ferry over, camping under the stars with the dog, and taking the first boat back in the morning.
• A Beaufort waterfront immersion — staying in a dog-friendly rental steps from Front Street, with days spent exploring Rachel Carson Reserve and Shackleford Banks, and nights savoring dinners, drinks, and ice cream without ever needing to drive.

For now, we’ll wrap this attempt tomorrow with fritters at Yana’s in Swansboro on the way home. Practice makes perfect — and I’m excited to keep refining my Beaufort itinerary into a true Wanderful Journey.