Discover Calabash, North Carolina—a quaint fishing town with a population just shy of 2,500, yet famed worldwide as the Seafood Capital of the World. Situated in the Brunswick Islands region on North Carolina's southeastern coast, Calabash offers a unique blend of old Southern charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for visitors and retirees alike. Its secret? A distinctive way of frying seafood, where fish and shrimp receive a delicate dusting of flour or cornmeal before hitting the hot oil, producing a crispy, golden crust that locals prize.

The town’s modest size belies its growing appeal. According to Samantha Spalti, gallery director at Sunset River Gallery, Calabash maintains its authentic Southern character without falling prey to overdevelopment. Quiet growth continues to bring new businesses and residents, particularly retirees. Ty Bellamy of Re/Max Southern Shores highlights the allure: affordable housing with average prices in the $500,000 range, low taxes, and an enviable coastal lifestyle with ample amenities. Kingfish Bay Development exemplifies this, featuring riverfront parks, fishing piers, boat slips, kayak launches, a fitness center, and a pool, all just minutes from Sunset Beach.

Accommodations within Calabash are limited but charming. The Sunset Inn in nearby Sunset Beach provides a serene escape with marshland views and vivid sunsets. For greater variety, vacation rentals in surrounding communities—Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte, and Little River, SC—offer plenty of options, ideal for flexible stays.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep active. Tee off at nearby public golf courses like Crow Creek Golf Club or Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort, offering well-maintained greens with scenic coastal backdrops. Kayakers and boaters can explore the calming Calabash River or join dolphin watching tours offered by Calabash Fishing Fleet. Vereen Memorial Gardens over the border in Little River delivers shaded walking paths and abundant birdwatching opportunities.

For those drawn to culture, Sunset River Gallery hosts twice-yearly art markets showcasing works by local and regional artists. If shopping’s on your list, Victoria’s Ragpatch curates upscale women’s wear, while Calabash Art and Curios blends beachy art with a wine shop featuring free Thursday night tastings.

No visit would be complete without savoring the seafood heritage. Grab a seat at Calabash Seafood Hut or Waterfront Seafood Shack for heaping platters of the famous fried fish, or dine waterfront at Captain Nance’s. For breakfast, The Original Famous Bagel Dock Café fuels early beach trips with sandwiches and fresh bagels. After sunset, Grapevine offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with live music, perfect for a lively night out. And don’t miss the Calabash Creamery, serving homemade ice cream flavors like Southern bourbon pecan for a sweet finish.

The best time to experience Calabash balances warm weather with manageable crowds. Spring and early fall deliver pleasant temperatures and less humidity, while summer bustles with energy but brings higher humidity and longer waits in town.

Access is straightforward via Myrtle Beach International Airport, about a 45-minute drive. Renting a car is essential to explore the broader Brunswick Islands comfortably. While Calabash's core is walkable, the surrounding area’s spread demands wheels for full discovery.

Calabash offers a compelling mix of affordable coastal living, authentic dining, and engaging outdoor activities. Whether planning retirement or a memorable getaway, this modest North Carolina town provides a practical yet adventurous coastal escape.