Known as the “Seafood Capital of the World,” Calabash, NC, is renowned for its fresh ocean catches — and for its distinctive way of cooking them. And providing some great news for seafood lovers visiting the Myrtle Beach area, the delicious destination is also within easy reach of nearly anywhere on the Grand Strand.
The quaint coastal fishing village of Calabash, found just 22 miles north of Myrtle Beach’s Grande Cayman Resort, offers a perfect day-trip destination for vacationers looking to taste some of the best seafood available anywhere. And the town features plenty of reasons to visit beyond, too. Read on to learn why Calabash might be worth putting on your Grand Strand vacation to-do list.
Where to Eat
Calabash is acclaimed for serving the freshest of seafood dishes cooked up in a unique way — coated with a light, flavorful batter, then deep fried to a crunchy golden brown — that’s been dubbed “Calabash style.” And a number of the town’s restaurants are celebrated for the seafood they prepare in this way.
Just a handful of the leading spots to reel in Calabash-style cooking in the town it’s named for include:
- The Oyster Rock Waterfront Seafood — 9931 Nance Street, Calabash
- Calabash Waterfront Seafood Shack — 9945 Nance Street, Calabash
- Bennett’s Grill and Cafe — 10009 Beach Drive, Calabash
- Calabash Seafood Hut — 1125 River Road, Calabash
· Ella’s of Calabash — 1125 River Road, Calabash
Where to Shop
Calabash also offers a fun selection of boutique and specialty shops that are great for grabbing gifts and/or souvenirs. A few of the town’s top shopping opportunities can be found at:
- Callahan’s of Calabash (9973 Beach Drive in Calabash) — This is a great place to shop for souvenirs, nautical gifts, Christmas ornaments, fudge, collectibles and more.
- Sunset River Gallery (10283 Beach Drive in Calabash) — Featuring the works of 100-plus local and regional artists, this gallery and marketplace offers art in an array of styles and mediums, as well as a selection of crafts such as earrings and other jewelry for sale.
- Calabash Antiques (10138 Beach Drive SW in Calabash) — This antique mall features the offerings of a dozen different antique vendors, with furniture, pottery, jewelry and clothing among the items up for grabs.
What to See
After taking in the seafood and shopping, visitors to Calabash can also find a range of activities to pursue in the coastal town. A few top options include:
- Visit Bird Island Coastal Reserve to take in nature’s beauty
- Take a deep-sea fishing trip or dolphin adventure with Calabash Fishing Fleet
- Hit the mini-links at Tropical Adventure Mini Golf
· Find fresh produce at Indigo Farms Market
Grande Cayman Resort is Calling
Ready to start planning your next Grand Strand adventure? With the wide range of comfortable accommodations and long list of on-site amenities available at Grande Cayman Resort on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront, it’s easy to create unforgettable memories during your beach escape with us. Book your vacation at Grande Cayman Resort today!
