Where did Calabash get its name? 

A "calabash" is actually a type of gourd! When dried out, it serves as a perfectly formed utensil for drinking well water. The Calabash River was named for this crooked-necked gourd, and soon after, the town was named after the river. 

What is the town's history?

In the late 1700's, Calabash was home to a very large plantation that farmed indigo, peanuts and other crops. Towards the middle of the 1800's, the growth of these plantations helped create a large shipping center working out of Calabash (at Pea Landing). When they built a post office (in 1883), the Village of Calabash was official! 

What is Calabash famous for? 

Calabash is most famous because it's the "Seafood Capital of the World"! Many have tried to imitate the fresh, local, battered and deep fried fish and seafood for which Calabash is so famous, but it has been deemed impossible. Only in Calabash will you get the true flavor and atmosphere that makes it so special. 

Jimmy Durante (a popular American singer, pianist and comedian in the 1940's) made Calabash even more famous because every night he would sign off his radio show with “Good night Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.” Legend tells us that he ate an amazing meal right here in Calabash and wanted to make it famous! 

We aren't sure if it's Jimmy Durante or the fabulous seafood. Either way, Calabash has made its mark here in North Carolina. 

What type of seafood makes Calabash famous? 

The trademarks of Calabash seafood are the freshness, the huge portions, and the family-style serving methods. If you visit a Calabash seafood restaurant, you will be greeted by the smell of deep-fried, locally harvested fish and seafood. 

Shrimp, clams, fish and oysters are coated in a light batter and quickly fried to lock in their freshness. True Calabash-style means that the seafood is first dipped in evaporated milk. Then, it's coated in flour that has been seasoned with salt and pepper. Next is a dip in some cornmeal, and finally, the fish goes into the deep fryer for about two minutes. 

What restaurants serve Calabash-style seafood? 

Try these spots, you won't be disappointed:  

What are the best places to shop in Calabash? 

You can easily spend hours shopping in Calabash! Here are a few local gems we love. 

What else is there to do in Calabash? 

Since Calabash is only 10 minutes from your vacation rental in Sunset Beach, it's easy to take advantage of their restaurants and shopping. 

🏌Golf:  There are several award-winning courses in Calabash. Try the Farmstead Golf Links or Brunswick Plantation. Click here for a full list of Calabash golf courses. 

🎶 Free concerts:  The Calabash Summer Concert Series are every Tuesday night and the concerts start at 6 pm. Featuring great beach and rock and roll music, the concerts are the perfect on a summer evening! (Don't worry, our Sunset Beach summer concerts are on Wednesdays, so you can do both!) The concerts start on June 4th and go through August 6th, 2019. To check cancellations, please visit www.calabashconcerts.com or call 910-579-6747.

🎣 Charter a Dolphin Adventure boat ride: Starting on Nance Street (on the Calabash waterfront), you will embark on a two hour cruise where you are guaranteed to see dolphins or your next cruise is free! Why are you sure to see dolphins? Well, they LOVE the shrimping and fishing boats and will eagerly await any discarded shrimp, all while putting on a show for spectators. Kids love this tour! For more information, click here. 

☀️ Go to the park:  The Calabash Community Park, located at 868 Persimmon Road, has a large picnic shelter, a grill, restroom facilities, a children's play area with slides and swings, horseshoes, shuffleboard and bocce ball. If you need a break from the sandy beach, the park is a nice alternative for a picnic or evening stroll. 

🍦 Get some ice cream: The Back Porch Ice Cream Shoppe is famous for their fresh ice cream, friendly staff, and rocking chairs in which to enjoy your dessert, southern-style!