Exploring Ink: The Tattoo Culture of Morehead City, NC

Morehead City NC is a vibrant waterfront community with a variety of popular attractions and events that are sure to keep visitors entertained. From delicious seafood and classic shopping to glittering shows and colorful art, this thriving town offers something for everyone.

While larger nearby wildlife reserves and national refuges get most of the attention, Morehead City’s own barrier island can be just as fascinating to nature enthusiasts – and it happens to be right across from the downtown waterfront. Sugarloaf Island is just 22 acres in size but is a naturalist’s playground complete with on-site restrooms, a small floating dock and a short nature trail.

In addition to its pristine beaches, the city is also home to one of the state’s best wreck-diving destinations and is a top spot for exploring shipwrecks in the waters that locals affectionately refer to as “The Graveyard of the Atlantic.” The downtown area boasts numerous boat rentals and a fully operational marina with a charter fishing fleet, too.

The heart of Morehead City is its downtown waterfront where visitors can experience a unique combination of historical roots and modern artful culture. The downtown area features a public art trail known as the Fish Walk with touchable fish statues and the Promise Land Heritage Trail that explorers the history of downtown tattoos in Morehead City NC including its original “Promise Land” neighborhood.

While most Crystal Coast towns focus on a handful of coveted aspects of coastal culture, Morehead City is a true smorgasbord of enticing activities and attractions. Visitors to the waterfront can enjoy a host of dining and shopping opportunities that offer everything from traditional seafood favorites to decadent fine dining restaurants.

In addition, shoppers can find a wide selection of boutiques and artisan shops that feature the latest in clothing, jewelry and artwork. Morehead City also hosts a number of large events throughout the year, such as the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and the North Carolina Seafood Festival.

For a night out on the town that is just as fun for adults as it is for kids, visitors can catch a game of Morehead City’s very own minor league baseball team, the Big Rock Stadium Marlins. This popular venue is a great place to watch a game with family and friends and also offers comfortable stadium seating, concessions and fun “theme nights” that celebrate the local military, police and fire personnel.