I returned to beautiful North Carolina after living in the Washington DC area and in 13 other countries... What better way to share my enthusiasm for the Old North State than to sell real estate. My husband and I chose Beaufort County on the Pamlico River after looking in several states and wondering if we could bear being away from our friends in the DC area. Essentially we traded traffic and congestion for the serenity of open areas and a smooth flowing navigable river, popular for water sports including fishing and boating. Our friends do have a place to visit, and we don't have to wait in traffic jams. The cities (villages) that make up Beaufort County each have their own charm. Bath is NC's first town. It was incorporated in 1705 and was the original NC port. Washington, the county seat and " the original Washington" has a large artistic community and an extremely active Chamber. The properties in Chocowinity and in Blounts Creek are more elevated with beautiful views of the river. Aurora to the east on the South side of the river has its own Fossil Festival.