Aurora: North Carolina’s Paleontology Treasure
A small town in Beaufort County, Aurora, North Carolina takes pride in its massive phosphate mine. Paleontologists and fossil hunters from all over the world are greatly interested in the town, particularly in what it has to offer from underneath. Here, they are able to collect and study different fossils from different time periods.
Best Time to Visit
Generally, it is ideal to visit Aurora during the months of April through June and September through November. Influx of tourists peak during the months of February, March, and June. The best time to visit the town is in November, when rates are relatively at their cheapest since people are least likely to visit during this month. The Memorial Day weekend is one of the much-awaited holidays in Aurora because of the annual Fossil Festival. It is a celebration of Aurora Fossil Museum and the rich paleontology history of the town. The two-day festivity begins on a Friday evening and ends on a Saturday evening. Visitors may enjoy various activities, such as educational displays, fireworks displays, fossil displays, and even a fossil auction for the benefit of the museum. Then, there is Summer Festival in Washington, a family-centered community festival featuring arts and crafts, concerts, food, games, a street fair, rides, among others.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Of course, one of the best attractions in Aurora is Aurora Fossil Museum. Established in 1976, it is a non-profit resource center geared towards the preservation and celebration of North Carolina’s paleontology and prehistory. Some of the best and most affordable hotels nearby are The Inn on Bath Creek and Magnuson Hotel Washington.