Crystal Coast Axe Throwing

The moment she hit her first bullseye, Crystal Hines became hooked on axe throwing. Her love for the modern-meets-medieval pastime followed her home to Morehead City where she and her husband established the coast’s first studio, Crystal Coast Axe Throwing, in 2019. “We’re in an area that doesn’t allow for much to do when not sitting on the beach,” explains Hines. “So a lightbulb went off and we thought, let’s bring axe throwing here.”

Crystal Coast Axe Throwing is now one of Morehead City’s most sought after indoor recreation spots. The studio features several throwing lanes outfitted with lounging spaces for competitors and spectators alike. Hines also employs the help of Axeperts to teach guests proper axe throwing technique. 

Between throws, Hines invites guests to imbibe beers and other refreshments from the Crystal Coast Axe Throwing bar. “We serve drinks, but not food,” explains Hines. “We’re downtown, so there are many amazing restaurants down the street from us guests to visit before they come in, or order take out and bring their food into the lanes.” Outside food is welcome and popular at birthday parties, family outings and the like, adds Hines.

Beyond the walls of the axe throwing cages is a brand new Rage Room. Hines added the smash therapy space in December 2020 in response to the rising tensions caused by the pandemic. “With COVID, everyone was couped up and isolated. There was a real sense of frustration and anxiety, so I decided we should open a Rage Room,” says Hines. “What better time than now to get your frustrations out?”

The Rage Room is a space dedicated to smashing, kicking, punching and breaking. Guests choose from seven frustration levels, ranging from Irritable and Hissy Fit to Irate and Furious, then enter the room and smash a bucket of breakables including everything from plates and glasses to picture frames and cellphones. You can upgrade your rage experience to include smashable TVs, printers, microwaves and even a take-home recording of your rage session.

Shortly after opening, Hines discovered the Rage Room was not only a popular outlet for stressed guests, but those suffering emotional tolls. “I thought was just going to attract people looking for a good time or to break stuff, but we’ve gotten people in that have recently suffered a loss or gone through a bad breakup,” she says. “It has become a very fulfilling and therapeutic experience.”

Crystal Coast Axe Throwing accepts reservations seven days a week, with normal operating hours rotating seasonally. Keep an eye out for the facility’s mobile studio at local breweries and parties, too.