Morehead City was originally called Shepherd’s Point and marked the confluence of Newport River, Bogue Sound and Beaufort Inlet. Governor John Motley Morehead envisioned a great commercial hub, so he designed a town built around city blocks with a system of alleys between each block in the form of an “H.” In this way, all houses and businesses could be serviced from the alleys. Each block contained 16 lots, and much of that “Philadelphia plan” remains today.

This is home to numerous fishing charters offering deep-sea adventures. Wahoo, tuna, bluefish, king mackeral and the coveted blue marlin are sought here. Since the 1950s the town has hosted the annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, one of the oldest and largest charity tournament in the country. Speaking of fish, don't miss a visit to Sanitary Fish Market, which opened in 1938 as a 12-stool restaurant with a small 2-kerosene burner stove. It is as popular today as it was then so expect to wait for a table in “high season.” Offers daily specials (usually whatever has just come in off the fishing boats) and specializes in broiled and fried seafood (501 Evans St., 252-247-3111). There are several other fine restauarnts and markets here....Just ask a local!

Just across the Atlantic Beach Bridge from Morehead City are several beautiful beaches and Fort Macon State Park. And if you are lucky, your visit will coincide with a Morehead City Marlins baseball game at Big Rock Stadium. (Transportation required.)