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

North Carolina has its justifiable share of coastal cities, a number of of that are grouped into what’s referred to as the Brunswick Islands. Situated on the southeastern a part of the state, the area is made up of 5 barrier islands and various communities that sit extra inland—together with the roughly 2,400-person fishing city of Calabash. Although small, Calabash has a slightly giant declare: It’s been deemed the Seafood Capital of the World, due to a really particular methodology of frying fish and shrimp that includes a lightweight dusting of flour or cornmeal earlier than dunking it in scorching oil.

“Calabash is attention-grabbing. It’s form of a throwback to previous Southern cities, stuffed with attraction and never overly ‘gentrified,’” says Samantha Spalti, the gallery director at Sundown River Gallery on the town. “That being stated, it’s increasing, however quietly.” As Calabash grows and new companies come to city, it continues to draw retirees—which Ty Bellamy, a dealer affiliate at Re/Max Southern Shores, says is pushed by numerous elements.

“Retirement in Calabash can imply very inexpensive housing and taxes. For instance, Kingfish Bay Improvement sits proper on the Calabash River and gives housing choices starting from $399,000 and up, with common costs within the $500s,” he explains. “Owners have nice facilities corresponding to a waterfront park, a riverfront pier with fishing entry, boat slips and a kayak launch, an on-site membership and health middle, a big pool, and entry to close by Sundown Seaside.” Plus, he says, there are many alternatives for fishing, {golfing}, eating, and enjoying pickleball, including that there “aren’t many areas that provide each affordability and [the] laid-back coastal life-style that you simply discover in Calabash.”

Whether or not you’re fascinated by spending your retirement chapter on this a part of North Carolina, otherwise you’re merely fascinated by experiencing the long-lasting seafood tradition, learn on for the right way to plan the right journey to Calabash.

The place to Keep

The Sundown Inn, Sundown Seaside

Whereas Spalti notes “Calabash doesn’t have a lot in the way in which of lodging,” there are just a few spots within the surrounding space. “The Sundown Inn could be very good. Set again from the seaside, it will get the sunsets over the marsh,” she says.

Rental Properties

Renting a home, apartment, or room on Airbnb or Vrbo is another choice for these visiting Calabash. Don’t be afraid to widen your search, although, taking a look at properties in close by cities corresponding to Sundown Seaside, Ocean Isle Seaside, Shallotte, and even Little River, South Carolina. 

Finest Issues to Do

Go to Vereen Memorial Gardens.

“Simply over the border in Little River, you’ll come to Vereen Memorial Gardens. It’s on the waterway with simple strolling and mountaineering paths. There’s plenty of shade and picnic tables, and it’s an excellent place for birders. To walk via is only a great, calming expertise,” says Spalti. It’s open from daybreak to nightfall, and there’s no admission price.

Enterprise out on the water.

One among Bellamy’s high suggestions for issues to do in Calabash is to discover the Calabash River waterfront by tour boat or kayak; it lets you expertise “the views, sunsets, and laid-back life-style,” he says. Calabash Fishing Fleet gives scenic dolphin cruises and fishing charters, and you’ll hire kayaks at Summertide Journey Excursions in Sundown Seaside.

Attend an artwork market.

“Right here at Sundown River Gallery, we’ve two three-day artwork markets yearly: the Vacation Artwork Market in November and the Summer season Artwork Market in July. Of us come from across the space to seek out presents; see the brand new pottery, glass artwork, and work; watch artwork demonstrations, and extra,” says Spalti.

Play a spherical of golf.

A part of Calabash’s enchantment as a retirement city is its entry to golf programs. Those that need to hit some balls whereas within the space can e book a tee time at Crow Creek Golf Membership, The Pearl Golf Hyperlinks, or Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort.

Finest Purchasing

Sundown River Gallery

These with an eye fixed for artwork will admire all the items inside Sundown River Gallery. “We’ve over 140 native and regional artists in 10,000 sq. ft of house. And we’ve been capable of curate an providing of nice artwork for individuals’s houses, together with smaller items which might be simple for folk on trip to take dwelling with them. Folks inform us on a regular basis it’s their ‘joyful place,’” says Spalti. “All year long, we provide artwork lessons and workshops, and have art work by well-known North Carolina and South Carolina artists. Each different month, we function Jazz Night time, a complimentary night of stay jazz and refreshments,” she provides.

Victoria’s Ragpatch

“We additionally love Victoria’s Ragpatch. It’s a ladies’s clothes store. There’s one in Calabash and one in Ocean Isle Seaside—on the upscale aspect, very enjoyable stuff,” says Spalti. The boutique sells items from manufacturers corresponding to Lily Pulitzer and La Mer Luxe.

Calabash Artwork and Curios

In the event you’re looking for a present for somebody particular or one thing to deal with your self, pop into Calabash Artwork and Curios. “They’ve all types of beachy artwork and specialty meals. However the perfect half is that they’ve expanded to incorporate a wine store and have free Thursday night time wine tastings,” says Spalti.

Finest Eating places

Calabash-style Seafood Eating places

“If it’s Calabash-style seafood [you’re] craving, there are three nice spots,” says Spalti. She recommends the Calabash Seafood Hut, “an old-time busy little restaurant with an out of doors window for when it’s busy,” Waterfront Seafood Shack, and Captain Nance’s Seafood Restaurant, which she explains is “proper on the waterfront with a pleasant deck exterior and lovely view of the marsh.” Bellamy additionally suggests getting your seafood repair at Beck’s Restaurant, the place they’ve been serving up the well-known fried Calabash-style dishes since 1940.

The Authentic Well-known Bagel Dock Café

“For bagels within the morning, the Bagel Dock doesn’t disappoint,” says Bellamy. Cease right here to choose up a breakfast sandwich or wrap earlier than heading out to close by Sundown Seaside for the day.

Grapevine

“After all, for dinner you’ll be able to go extra upscale. Everybody on the gallery loves Grapevine. It’s a Mediterranean-style place with nice salmon, pasta dishes, and a busy bar. Plus, they play tremendous music,” says Spalti.

Calabash Creamery

“For the perfect home made ice cream, you’ll be able to’t depart Calabash with out visiting the Calabash Creamery,” says Bellamy. Open since 2003, the ice cream store has all types of scrumptious home made ice cream flavors, together with birthday cake, blueberry cheesecake, and Southern bourbon pecan.

Finest Time to Go to

“Within the summertime, you’ll see Calabash at its best. The eating places are bustling and the shops are totally stocked, however be ready for a bit of wait on the eating places,” says Bellamy. These coming throughout peak season, nonetheless, ought to hold just a few issues in thoughts. “In the event you’re coming in summer season, simply be ready for humidity … and site visitors will increase yearly,” Spalti provides.

Like many coastal cities within the Carolinas, Calabash has comparatively nice shoulder seasons. “I really like April and Might—not too scorching, not too chilly—and the seaside is unimaginable,” says Spalti, referring to Sundown Seaside, only a 10-minute drive from Calabash. Bellamy additionally recommends coming in early fall. “It’s the right time to catch locals beginning to calm down after a busy season, have ample recent seafood on the docks, get pleasure from rather less ready time on the boat touchdown, and expertise heat days and a bit cooler evenings,” he says.

How you can Get There

Myrtle Seaside Worldwide Airport (MYR) is the closest main airport to Calabash. It’s about 30 miles away; relying on site visitors, it ought to take between 45 minutes to an hour to navigate between the 2. In case you are flying into the world, it’s beneficial to hire a automobile. That means, you can even discover the opposite small cities inside the Brunswick Islands area.

How you can Get Round

Having a automobile shall be paramount to your expertise in Calabash. Whilst you can stroll alongside the Calabash River or the quick downtown space, higher Calabash shouldn’t be notably walkable. Ubers and Lyfts are additionally accessible.