Calabash, North Carolina, Is the ‘Seafood Capital of the World’—and the Perfect Place to Retire

North Carolina has plenty of its own. coastal townsThe. Brunswick Islands. Located at the southeastern part of the state, the region is made up of five barrier islands and a number of communities that sit more inland—including the roughly 2,400-person fishing town of Calabash. Calabash is a small town, but it has a large claim. The Seafood Capital of the World. This is due to the way they fry fish and shrimp, using a special method that involves dusting the food with cornmeal or flour before frying.

“Calabash has a lot to offer.” It’s kind of a throwback to old Southern towns, full of charm and not overly ‘gentrified,'” says Samantha Spalti, the gallery director at Sunset River Gallery in town. It is growing, but in a quiet way. As Calabash grows and new businesses come to town, it continues to attract retirees—which Ty BellamyAccording to, broker associates at Re/Max Southern Shores say that is driven by a variety of factors.

Retirement in Calabash means very affordable housing costs and taxes. As an example, Kingfish Bay Development “This property sits on the Calabash River with housing options that range from $399,000 to up, and average prices of $500,” he says. The amenities available to homeowners include a waterfront park with boat slips, kayak launch and fishing access on the riverfront, an on-site fitness center and club, a large swimming pool and access nearby Sunset Beach. He says there are also plenty of fishing, golfing and dining opportunities, as well as pickleball. [the] “Calabash offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle.”

You can choose to spend your money on anything you want. retirement chapter in this part of North CarolinaIf you want to experience the Calabash seafood culture or if you just want to visit, here’s how to plan a perfect trip.

Where to Stay

The Sunset Inn at Sunset Beach

Spalti says that “Calabash does not have many accommodations” but there are some in the area.The Sunset Inn It’s very nice. “Set back from the beach it gets sunsets over marsh,” says she.

Rental Properties

Calabash visitors can also rent a condo, house or room through Airbnb or Vrbo. Do not be afraid to look for properties in other nearby towns, such as Sunset Beach Ocean Isle Beach Shallotte or Little River South Carolina. 

What to do?

Visit Vereen Memorial Gardens.

You’ll be able to see Little River just across the border Vereen Memorial Gardens. The waterway is close by with walking and hiking trails. The area is a haven for bird watchers, with plenty of picnic tables. Spalti says that strolling through the park is a calming and wonderful experience. The park is open from dawn until dusk and there is no entrance fee.

Take a boat ride.

Bellamy recommends exploring the Calabash River waterfront on a tour boat or in a kayak. You can enjoy “the views and sunsets as well as a laid-back lifestyle,” says Bellamy. Calabash Fishing Fleet You can also rent kayaks from Summertide Adventure Tours Sunset Beach is a great place to relax.

Attend an art fair.

Sunset River Gallery hosts two 3-day art fairs every year, the Holiday Art Market and the Summer Art Market. Spalti explains that locals visit the art market to shop for gifts, view the latest pottery, glass art and paintings, watch art demos and more.

Play a round or two of golf.

Calabash is a popular retirement town because of its golf courses. Book a tee-time at Crow Creek Golf Club, The Pearl Golf LinksIf you want to know more about a specific topic, please click on the link. Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort.

Best Shopping

Sunset River Gallery

Art lovers will enjoy the art pieces in this book. Sunset River Gallery. “We have 140 local and regional artist in 10,000 square foot of space. We have been able create a selection of art suitable for the home and smaller pieces which are easily transportable by tourists. People tell us all the time it’s their ‘happy place,'” says Spalti. “We offer art workshops and classes all year long, as well as displaying artwork by North Carolina and South Carolina’s most renowned artists. Jazz Night is a free evening of jazz and refreshments every other month,” she says.

Victoria’s Ragpatch

“We also love Victoria’s Ragpatch. It’s an outfitter for women. There’s one in Calabash and one in Ocean Isle Beach—on the upscale side, very fun stuff,” says Spalti. The boutique sells brands such as Lily Pulitzer or La Mer Luxe.

Calabash Art and Curios

You can find a great gift for a loved one or something for yourself at Calabash Art and Curios. “They have all types of beachy food and art. Spalti says the best part of their expansion is that now they offer a wine shop, and Thursday night wine samplings are free.

Best Restaurants

Calabash Seafood Restaurants

If it’s Calabash style seafood [you’re] Spalti recommends three spots to satisfy your craving. She recommends that Calabash Seafood Hut“A busy old-time restaurant with an exterior window when it’s crowded,” Waterfront Seafood Shack. Captain Nance’s Seafood RestaurantBellamy also suggests getting your seafood fix at, which is “right on waterfront with a lovely deck outside and gorgeous marsh view.” Bellamy suggests that you get your seafood fix by visiting Beck’s RestaurantSince 1940, the restaurant has been serving up fried Calabash style dishes.

The Original Famous Bagel Dock Café

“For breakfast, bagels are the best.” Bagel Dock Bellamy says that the restaurant “does not disappoint”. Stop by to grab a breakfast sandwich, or a wrap before heading to Sunset Beach.

Grapevine

“Ofcourse you can have a more expensive dinner.” The gallery is a big hit. Grapevine. This is a Mediterranean style restaurant with great pasta dishes and salmon. There’s also a lively bar. Spalti adds that they also play great music.

Calabash Creamery

Calabash has the best homemade icecream. Calabash Creamery,” says Bellamy. Since 2003, this ice cream shop offers all kinds of delicious homemade flavors such as birthday cake, blueberry icecream, and Southern Bourbon Pecan.

The Best Time to Visit

Calabash will be at its best during the summer. Bellamy warns that while the restaurants and stores are crowded, you may have to wait a bit in some restaurants. Visitors to the city during the peak season should be aware of a few important things. “If you’re coming in summer, just be prepared for humidity … and traffic increases every year,” Spalti adds.

Calabash enjoys a pleasant shoulder season, as do many other coastal towns in the Carolinas. “I love April and May—not too hot, not too cold—and the beach is incredible,” says Spalti, referring to Sunset Beach, just a 10-minute drive from Calabash. Bellamy suggests coming early in the fall. It’s a great time to come to the island as locals are starting to unwind after a long season. There is plenty of fresh seafood available on the docks. You will also have less wait time at the boat landing and enjoy warm days with cooler evenings.

How to get There

Myrtle Beach International Airport is the nearest major airport to Calabash. It is approximately 30 miles from Calabash. Depending on traffic, the trip should take anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour. It’s best to rent a vehicle if you arrive by plane. This way you can explore all the small towns that are located in the Brunswick Islands.

How to Get Around

Calabash is best experienced by car. You can walk along the Calabash River and the immediate downtown, but greater Calabash has a lot of hills. Ubers and Lyfts can also be used.