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🦪 The month of October is officially North Carolina Oyster Month! Let’s shellebrate the history, culture, economy, and ecology of oysters, both #OnlyinOnslow and throughout the state!  Find out more about the NC Oyster Trail and check out our list of local events, oyster farms & tour operators as well as local eateries serving local fresh seafood and oysters!
Learn All About the Oyster Highway Project
Sturgeon City represents a unique concept, the conversion of a wastewater treatment plant into an environmental education center that provides hands-on science education programs and promotes the protection of coastal waters.
WEBSITE:Â Â www.sturgeoncity.org
Ghost Fleet Oyster Company
Ghost Fleet Oyster Company farms oysters in Topsail Sound, with a focus on sustainability and education. They offer customized farm tours year-round. Take a sunset cruise, stop at a local restaurant, or stroll along a deserted island with your sweetie. Schedule your tour now on their website.
PHONE:Â 910-620-4385
WEBSITE: Â www.ghostfleetoysterco.com
EMAIL:Â rachel@ghostfleetoysterco.com
Middle Sound Mariculture
Middle Sound Mariculture grows oysters in Masonboro, Stump, and Topsail Sounds. We especially enjoy their salty, buttery-rich Masonboro Pearls – eating these oysters is like getting a kiss from a mermaid. Plus they are named after the farmer’s daughter Pearl. Middle Sound Mariculture sells oysters direct to you.
PHONE:Â 704-914-6174
WEBSITE: Â www.middle-sound-mariculture.business.site
EMAIL: middlesoundmariculture@gmail.com
Three Little Spats Oyster Company
Three Little Spats Oyster Company is the largest oyster farm in Stump Sound, producing oysters for year-round consumption. In Stump Sound — a shallow, mud-bottomed inlet long known for shellfish harvesting because of its location between the fresh waters of the New River and the salt waters of Topsail Inlet — you will see oyster farming on the rise. The unique environment of Stump Sound contributes to oyster flavor notes like salt, butter, and umami.
PHONE:Â 919-697-6810
WEBSITE: Â www.threelittlespats.com
EMAIL: threelittlespats@gmail.com
Carolina Beach Oyster Co.
Hold Fast Oyster Co.
WEBSITE: Â www.eatncoysters.com
EMAIL: hello@holdfastoysters.com
More Eateries Known for Oysters Throughout #OnlyinOnslow
When oysters are in season, Riverview Café in Sneads Ferry serves “oysters in the shell” pulled from Stump Sound, which is almost within view of the restaurant. Among oyster lovers, the Stump Sound variety is as good as it gets. “They have a unique quality to them because of how the water washes in,” owner Andrew Terwilliger says. “There’s something special about them. I had a guy the other night who only wanted oysters if they were Stump Sound oysters.”
Jordan’s Smoke House & Seafood in Swansboro receives rave reviews for their great combination of North Carolina barbecue as well as seafood. Slide on up to their oyster bar and eat as many as you can! They serve oysters raw, steamed, and fried.
Relax dockside along the New River in Jacksonville, NC at Captain Bob Beck’s Marina CafĂ© and enjoy the great fall weather and the views along with a platter of freshly shucked or fried oysters, and a cold drink. Other attractions at this pet-friendly local eatery include riverboat cruises and live music.
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👋🏾 From our rural coastal plains all the way to the coast, we look forward to seeing you, #OnlyinOnslow!
