Calabash, North Carolina
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NESTLED ON THE TIDAL tations arrived by wagon and were enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
w
plains in the southeast corner of shipped to market in Wilmington. In 1940, a famous entertainer and his
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.
North Carolina lies a small fishing Seafood, prepared “Calabash-style,” troupe stopped by Lucy Coleman’s
R
etir
village with a timeless legacy and was always a local staple but did not restaurant. Before leaving, Jimmy
a rich tradition. Situated between become a driving force until the Durante promised Lucy he would
ing t
the bright lights of Myrtle Beach to 1930s. make her famous and, not long after,
the south and the historic charm of The Great Depression did not he began signing off his radio pro-
Wilmington to the north, Calabash spare Calabash, and much of the lo- gram with “Good night, Mrs. Cala-
remains a pleasant respite from the cal labor was forced out of the fields. bash, wherever you are.” A true story?
N
o
modern world. Many turned to the sea in order to Calabash residents still think so.
Known as the Seafood Capital of feed their families, and it wasn’t long Today, this fishing village of just
ORTH
the World, Calabash has become a before small shacks sprang up on the under 800 people retains its simple,
prime destination for those seeking a river banks, serving fresh seafood Southern charm. In addition to its
more relaxed pace. prepared in the local style. With fish- claim to fame as the center of the
Legend has it that the town–and ermen selling their catch right on the seafood universe, the Calabash area
the Calabash River–are named for dock, the seafood market flourished. offers a wide range of recreational
C
the Calabash gourd, which grew wild While each of the more than activities, from horseback riding to
throughout the area. Nineteenth 20 restaurants that prosper today golf, and its proximity to the Cala-
century slaves used the gourds as serves its special version of Calabash bash River and the Intracoastal Wa-
AROLINA
drinking vessels or bottles. By the end seafood, the eating experience always terway makes it a paradise for boaters
of the century, when peanut farming starts with fish fresh from the boat, and fishermen.
was an important part of the local which is lightly battered and deep And, in the afternoons–when the
economy, the area was known as Pea fried. Hush puppies are required. boats come in–Calabash lives up to
Landing. Peanuts, indigo, rice and Great seafood at affordable prices its reputation as the Seafood Capital
other crops grown on nearby plan- remains the hallmark of Calabash, of the World.
At A Glance
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Calabash, NC
om
Population: 772
Average Temp: 74 F
Average Age: 58
Nearest Hospital:
Brunswick Community Hospital
Nearest Major Airport:
Myrtle Beach
International Airport
Calabash Info:
South Brunswick Chamber
of Commerce
www.sbichamber.com
(800) 426-6644
SUZY KING- CALABASH PHOTOGRAPHY
www.RetiringToNorthCarolina.com I www.HotRetirementTowns.com I www.CoastalRetirementTowns.com
81_CalabashNC.indd 81 1/14/08 4:43:14 PM
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