Washington, NC
Washington has always been a “sea to table” kind of town. Its geographical location on the Pamlico Sound, one of the largest estuaries on Earth, has provided Washington with a flourishing seafood industry and generational recipes. Whether you desire to catch your own seafood or have it prepared from a James Beard Award nominated chef, the Washington Seafood Trail is for you.
Medium Activity
1 day | 12 stops
Day 1
STOP 1: Warren’s Sport Headquarters
That fish was so big…Whether you consider yourself a novice or a master baiter, Warren’s Sport Headquarters Is here to keep you honest. They can tell you what fish are in season. They can set you up with the correct rods, reels and lines you need to reel in the big one. The rest of the day comes down to a little talent, lots of luck or a convincing story about what might have been.
1 HOURS
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STOP 2: Eastside Bait and Tackle
What do you need to read a fish his last rights? Eastside Bait and Tackle can help you channel your need to bait, cast, hook, and reel. This is a full service tackle shop that caters to the needs of brackish and salt water: inshore and offshore. They offer lures and lines for anything from hickory shad inshore to blue marlin offshore. Come here first and that fish doesn’t have a prayer.
1 HOURS
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STOP 3: Inner Banks Crabbing
The tidal waters of the Inner Banks provide some of the best crabbing in the country. In fact, the Blue crab can be seen as an icon of Washington. Crab sculptures dot the downtown and waterfront. Crabbing itself is simple and the reward makes a tasty meal. All it takes is a piece of chicken, a string, and a net. Tie the chicken to the string, throw it in shallow water, then slowly pull it back in. If it’s a good spot, a crab will be on the end and with one swoosh with the net you’ll be having crab legs for dinner.
0 HOURS
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STOP 4: Mallard Creek Pier
Make your way over to Goose Creek State Park and head down the Mallard Creek Trail. After a little hike, you’ll see signs for the pier. This fishing hole is one of those “in the know” places for locals and visitors looking to reel in Croaker, Red Drum or maybe a few freshwater Bass. Stick around for the sunset. Bring a thesaurus but expect to run out of words.
2 HOURS
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STOP 5: Moss Landing Marina
Sail the same waterways as the infamous pirate Blackbeard and experience all that the Pamlico River has to offer. Located in Moss Landing Marina, Pamlico Boat offers many options to get out on the water. Rent a deck boat or Pontoon if you want to fish or swim. Grab a kayak or canoe if you feel like exploring the coastline. Or, take your chance on a paddle board if you need a good core workout.
2 HOURS
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STOP 6: Across the Sounds Charters
Experience customizable, private boat charters out of Washington, NC with Across the Sound Charters. Explore the Pamlico or cruise to Ocracoke with Captain Bobby Rees. Their extensive charter options allow for river cruises, sunset cruises, full day charters, overnight stays, or exploring beyond the Pamlico into areas like New Bern, Beaufort, Hatteras and Morehead City.
2 HOURS
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STOP 7: The Hackney
Home to James Beard nominee Chef Jamie Davis, the Hackney offers visitors a true Sea to Table experience. The menu changes almost daily based upon the freshest produce and the catch of the day. From tuna and grouper to shrimp, oysters and the sweetest blue crabs, each dish is prepared with bold flavors, using different techniques to really let the ingredients shine and speak for themselves. Have one of those meals that you will be thinking about for years to come.
1 HOURS
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STOP 8: Down on Mainstreet
This is the locals favorite lunch spot for a reason. Friendly, casual, and bustling with people, Down on Main Street runs a tight ship during its lunch service. Order up some shrimp and fried cheese grits, grilled tuna, crab cakes, or citrus grilled salmon. All the seafood is brought in daily and served with crushed ice in your sweet tea to make for a satisfying tasty, midday break. Don’t worry if there’s a line, it moves pretty quick.
1 HOURS
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STOP 9: The Mulberry House
For dinner, leave the decisions to the chef and opt for the six-course Tasting Menu with optional wine pairing, or tempt your palate with something from their main menu including Japanese charcoal grilled skewers and Yakitori, local crawfish, or ginger braised pork belly. The food and rooftop views of the river are unbeatable.
1 HOURS
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STOP 10: Backwater Jack's
There's perhaps no other place in Washington that is so Washington. Hang out and enjoy the waterfront views. Savor the area's most unforgettable burger. This local favorite has a long line-up of live music, friendly people, and drinks that keep flowing. As a local hangout spot, we promise you won’t leave this place without a new friend.
1 HOURS
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STOP 11: Washington Crab Market
If you are better with a shopping cart than you are with a fishing rod, Washington Crab is the place for you. Every day their market offers fresh fish (whole and filets), blue crabs, crabmeat, shrimp, oysters (shelled and shucked) clams, crab legs, crab cakes, lobsters, and much more. If it lived underwater (minus mermaids and aquaman) it is probably here and ready for dinner. Shop the local market or order online and have it delivered to your doorstep. Eat like you’re on vacation in Washington, even when you’re not.
1 HOURS
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STOP 12: Washington Crab Shack
If you love seafood (and by that, we mean you eat everything you see) then you are going to love the Washington Crab and Seafood Shack. Fish, shrimp, oysters, crabs, clams, and more cooked to order. Everything is freshly caught, and you can taste it. So what will it be? Low country boil, bacon wrapped sea scallops, fried oyster burger, seared tuna. Maybe a combo plate is in order.
1 HOURS
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