Bellhaven

This historic little town was named Birthplace of the AICW by the Corps of Engineers.  The waterway was dug, charted and/or dredged simultaneously in all the states along the Atlantic coast.  The last few miles, the Alligator River Canal, was completed in the early 20th century near Bellhaven and thus the designation.  Every year there is a parade and festival to mark the event.  There are a few free docks here as well and a long protective breakwater to keep the waters calm.  The day we visited was a Tuesday and after anchoring we went to shore at the city dinghy dock looking for a place to stop for drinks and maybe dinner.  We were so disappointed as the town apparently wasn't open for business after 5.  We did run across a bluegrass open mike night in a big room behind an old gas station but thought there might be a chance for that drink elsewhere.  We should have stayed but didn't know it at the time.  After wandering most of the streets we gave up and went back to the boat.  If we go back, it will be during the day on a weekend!

The streets were clean and obviously cared for, all they lacked were people.
Weirdly, most of the shops had no posted hours.  For a town wanting
to attract cruisers, they've overlooked a few steps.

Historic City Hall.

The dinghy dock was well cared for as well and even had small restrooms.

The town library looked like the newest major building in town.

No idea why this caboose was there but it was freshly painted.  Maybe
signage telling its story will come in the future.

Crabbing is a big business so these cute critters have their own statues.

This crab had a painting showing the town's other major industry, grain silos.