Let’s Shellebrate NC Oyster Month

🦪 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:  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:  910-620-4385
WEBSITE:  www.ghostfleetoysterco.com
EMAIL:  rachel@ghostfleetoysterco.com

Middle Sound Mariculture

PHONE:  704-914-6174
WEBSITE:  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. Email threelittlespats@gmail.com for tour schedule.

PHONE:  919-697-6810
WEBSITE:  www.threelittlespats.com
EMAIL: threelittlespats@gmail.com

Carolina Beach Oyster Co.

PHONE OR TEXT:  315-651-5741
WEBSITE:  www.eatncoysters.com
EMAIL: sales@cboysterco.com

Salty Sistas

You’ll find Salty Sistas in Sneads Ferry featured as one of the eateries on the NC Oyster Trail. They offer an oyster bar with a variety of oysters from N.C. growers and beyond. They recycle 100% of their oyster shells in partnership with the NC Coastal Federation. At Salty Sistas, enjoy fresh local seafood, Maine lobster steaks, burgers, something yummy from the bakery, or a cold beer or drink at the bar. Seating is available outside and dog-friendly.

ADDRESS:  2004 NC-172, Sneads Ferry, NC
PHONE:  910- 741-0500
WEBSITE:  www.saltysistasfood.com
HOURS OF OPERATION:  Tuesdays & Wednesdays 11 am to 8 pm; Thursdays & Fridays 11 am to 11 pm; Saturdays 7 am to 11 pm; Sundays 8 am to 2 pm.

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 Café 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!