North Carolina's Seafood Trail Promises Ocean-Fresh Oysters, Unmatched Markets, Restaurants, And More

These days, dining has become far more of an interactive experience, especially when it comes to seafood and local ingredients. Oysters, in particular, are enjoying their moment in the sun, thanks to programs like Washington's "shellfish trail" where you can harvest your own seafood to Maine's mouthwatering oyster trail that acts as an interactive guide. If you find yourself in the Southeast, you can now venture through the North Carolina Oyster Trail, which spans almost the entire state and offers a wide array of activities, educational exhibits, and tasty cuisine.

Typically, seafood trails tend to stick to the coastline, allowing you to visit farms and restaurants that feature locally-sourced oysters and other animals. In North Carolina, though, the official trail extends from Native Prime Provisions in Cashiers to Dune Street Raw Bar and Grill in Nag's Head.

Because there are so many spots along the trail, it's nearly impossible to visit them all. However, if you're an oyster lover and in North Carolina, you owe it to yourself to check out at least a handful of places to get the full "tide-to-table" experience.

Broadly speaking, the North Carolina Oyster Trail is broken down into three basic categories: educational experiences, seafood marketplaces, and restaurants. Before you chow down on your next plate of raw oysters, it's a good idea to learn more about how they're harvested and their impact on the local ecosystem. The North Carolina Estuarium or Hatteras Island Ocean Center are perfect places to explore interactive exhibits. However, if you want to see an oyster farm up close, you can book a tour with places like Ghost Fleet Oyster Company or Middle Sound Mariculture.

When it comes to seafood marketplaces, nothing beats buying oysters and other shellfish in bulk to cook and enjoy at home or with friends. Fortunately, there are many spots throughout North Carolina where you can take advantage of farm-fresh prices. From Seaview Crab Company in Carolina Beach to Buddy's Seafood Market in Mooresville to Locals Seafood Markets throughout the state, you can buy a wide selection of oysters, crabs, shrimp, and much more.

But, for many people, the best way to tour an oyster trail is by sampling the freshest and most delicious shellfish at a variety of local restaurants. With over 30 options to choose from, you can feast on oysters until your belly explodes. Along the coast, there are spots like Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill, Tidewater Oyster Bar, and The Froggy Dog. As you venture further inland, you can check out restaurants like St. Roch in Raleigh or Sea Level in Charlotte.

Since the NC Oyster Trail covers so much ground in North Carolina, you can decide what kind of vacation you'll want to have. For most, the best option is to drive up the coastline, touring oyster farms and dining at the best seafood restaurants. In that case, you'll likely want to fly into Wilmington and head north to the Outer Banks, stopping at different farms, markets, and restaurants along the way.

The advantage of a beachside oyster trail trip is that you get to enjoy white sands and pristine waves, even while you eat. Fortunately, farmed oysters are available year-round, so it doesn't matter when you visit if you want the freshest shellfish. However, if you prefer wild-caught oysters, the season runs from October to March, so plan accordingly. You can also donate to the trail to help keep oysters healthy and in stock for future generations.

Beyond touring the coast, venturing further inland enables you to explore more of North Carolina's topography and cities. According to the NC Oyster Trail website, the largest cluster of spots is around Raleigh and Charlotte. If you find yourself in the Raleigh area, you should also check out the Blind Pelican, a famous North Carolina seafood gem with some of the largest and most decadent Bloody Marys in the world. Even though it's not officially on the trail, it's well worth a visit.