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

North Carolina has its fair share of coastal towns, several of which are grouped into what’s known as the 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. Though small, Calabash has a rather large claim: It’s been deemed the Seafood Capital of the World, thanks to a very specific method of frying fish and shrimp that involves a light dusting of flour or cornmeal before dunking it in hot oil.

“Calabash is interesting. 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. “That being said, it is expanding, but quietly.” As Calabash grows and new businesses come to town, it continues to attract retirees—which Ty Bellamy, a broker associate at Re/Max Southern Shores, says is driven by various factors.

“Retirement in Calabash can mean very affordable housing and taxes. For example, Kingfish Bay Development sits right on the Calabash River and offers housing options ranging from $399,000 and up, with average prices in the $500s,” he explains. “Homeowners have great amenities such as a waterfront park, a riverfront pier with fishing access, boat slips and a kayak launch, an on-site club and fitness center, a large pool, and access to nearby Sunset Beach.” Plus, he says, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, golfing, dining, and playing pickleball, adding that there “aren’t many areas that offer both affordability and [the] laid-back coastal lifestyle that you find in Calabash.”

Whether you’re interested in spending your retirement chapter in this part of North Carolina, or you’re simply interested in experiencing the iconic seafood culture, read on for how to plan the perfect trip to Calabash.

Where to Stay

The Sunset Inn, Sunset Beach

While Spalti notes “Calabash doesn’t have much in the way of accommodations,” there are a few spots in the surrounding area. “The Sunset Inn is very nice. Set back from the beach, it gets the sunsets over the marsh,” she says.

Rental Properties

Renting a house, condo, or room on Airbnb or Vrbo is another option for those visiting Calabash. Don’t be afraid to widen your search, though, looking at properties in nearby towns such as Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte, or even Little River, South Carolina. 

Best Things to Do

Visit Vereen Memorial Gardens.

“Just over the border in Little River, you’ll come to Vereen Memorial Gardens. It’s on the waterway with easy walking and hiking paths. There’s lots of shade and picnic tables, and it’s a great place for birders. To stroll through is just a wonderful, calming experience,” says Spalti. It’s open from dawn to dusk, and there’s no admission fee.

Venture out on the water.

One of Bellamy’s top recommendations for things to do in Calabash is to explore the Calabash River waterfront by tour boat or kayak; it allows you to experience “the views, sunsets, and laid-back lifestyle,” he says. Calabash Fishing Fleet offers scenic dolphin cruises and fishing charters, and you can rent kayaks at Summertide Adventure Tours in Sunset Beach.

Attend an art market.

“Here at Sunset River Gallery, we have two three-day art markets every year: the Holiday Art Market in November and the Summer Art Market in July. Folks come from around the area to find gifts; see the new pottery, glass art, and paintings; watch art demonstrations, and more,” says Spalti.

Play a round of golf.

Part of Calabash’s appeal as a retirement town is its access to golf courses. Those who want to hit some balls while in the area can book a tee time at Crow Creek Golf Club, The Pearl Golf Links, or Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort.

Best Shopping

Sunset River Gallery

Those with an eye for art will appreciate all of the pieces inside Sunset River Gallery. “We have over 140 local and regional artists in 10,000 square feet of space. And we’ve been able to curate an offering of fine art for people’s homes, along with smaller pieces that are easy for folks on vacation to take home with them. People tell us all the time it’s their ‘happy place,’” says Spalti. “Throughout the year, we offer art classes and workshops, and feature artwork by well-known North Carolina and South Carolina artists. Every other month, we feature Jazz Night, a complimentary evening of live jazz and refreshments,” she adds.

Victoria’s Ragpatch

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

Calabash Art and Curios

If you’re shopping for a gift for someone special or something to treat yourself, pop into Calabash Art and Curios. “They have all sorts of beachy art and specialty foods. But the best part is they’ve expanded to include a wine shop and have free Thursday night wine tastings,” says Spalti.

Best Restaurants

Calabash-style Seafood Restaurants

“If it’s Calabash-style seafood [you’re] craving, there are three great spots,” says Spalti. She recommends the Calabash Seafood Hut, “an old-time busy little restaurant with an outside window for when it’s busy,” Waterfront Seafood Shack, and Captain Nance’s Seafood Restaurant, which she explains is “right on the waterfront with a nice deck outside and gorgeous view of the marsh.” Bellamy also suggests getting your seafood fix at Beck’s Restaurant, where they’ve been serving up the famous fried Calabash-style dishes since 1940.

The Original Famous Bagel Dock Café

“For bagels in the morning, the Bagel Dock does not disappoint,” says Bellamy. Stop here to pick up a breakfast sandwich or wrap before heading out to nearby Sunset Beach for the day.

Grapevine

“Of course, for dinner you can go more upscale. Everyone at the gallery loves Grapevine. It’s a Mediterranean-style place with great salmon, pasta dishes, and a busy bar. Plus, they play super music,” says Spalti.

Calabash Creamery

“For the best homemade ice cream, you can’t leave Calabash without visiting the Calabash Creamery,” says Bellamy. Open since 2003, the ice cream shop has all sorts of delicious homemade ice cream flavors, including birthday cake, blueberry cheesecake, and Southern bourbon pecan.

Best Time to Visit

“In the summertime, you’ll see Calabash at its finest. The restaurants are bustling and the stores are fully stocked, but be prepared for a little wait at the restaurants,” says Bellamy. Those coming during peak season, however, should keep a few things in mind. “If you’re coming in summer, just be prepared for humidity … and traffic increases every year,” Spalti adds.

Like many coastal towns in the Carolinas, Calabash has relatively pleasant shoulder seasons. “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 also recommends coming in early fall. “It’s the perfect time to catch locals starting to relax after a busy season, have ample fresh seafood on the docks, enjoy a little less waiting time at the boat landing, and experience warm days and a bit cooler evenings,” he says.

How to Get There

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the closest major airport to Calabash. It’s about 30 miles away; depending on traffic, it should take between 45 minutes to an hour to navigate between the two. If you are flying into the area, it’s recommended to rent a car. That way, you can also explore the other small towns within the Brunswick Islands region.

How to Get Around

Having a car will be paramount to your experience in Calabash. While you can stroll along the Calabash River or the immediate downtown area, greater Calabash is not particularly walkable. Ubers and Lyfts are also available.