{"id":19376,"date":"2022-09-29T09:40:48","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T13:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/news\/?p=14631"},"modified":"2022-09-29T09:40:48","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T13:40:48","slug":"nc-oyster-week-is-oct-10-through-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/nc-oyster-week-is-oct-10-through-16\/","title":{"rendered":"NC Oyster Week is Oct. 10 through 16"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Enjoying N.C. oysters on the half shell in Stump Sound, North Carolina. Photo by Justin Kase Conder<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/p>\n

Contact: Jane Harrison, jane_harrison@ncsu.edu<\/a>, 919-664-4028<\/em><\/p>\n

Coinciding with the start of the wild-caught oyster season, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has declared October 10 through the 16 North Carolina Oyster Week. This year\u2019s \u201cshellebration\u201d will cover a wide range of activities, with many occurring throughout the month. Engage with oyster growers and harvesters, seafood restaurants and retail markets, recreational outfitters, coastal conservation and education organizations, and seafood festivals.<\/p>\n

\u201cNorth Carolina has a valuable and productive coastal ecosystem and many champions who work to protect it. North Carolina oysters, as a keystone species, benefit the state\u2019s marine and coastal environments with food provision, filtering capacity, and fish habitat,\u201d Gov. Cooper\u2019s proclamation states.<\/p>\n

In 2019, North Carolina\u2019s shellfish industry provided over $27 million in economic impact and 532 jobs in the state, supporting the livelihoods of N.C. watermen and women and sustaining traditional working waterfront communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cOysters benefit our state in myriad ways,\u201d says Jane Harrison, North Carolina Sea Grant\u2019s coastal economist. \u201cNorth Carolina Oyster Week events will highlight the ecology, culture, economy, and history related to this vital resource.\u201d<\/p>\n

North Carolina Sea Grant, the North Carolina Coastal Federation, and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources are organizing the NC Oyster Week festivities in partnership with the NC Oyster Trail. Events are listed on the websites of the NC Oyster Trail<\/a> and NCDNCR<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom N.C. oyster happy hours to volunteer events on the coast to maintain living shorelines, there is something for everyone during NC Oyster Week,\u201d says Harrison.<\/p>\n

North Carolina Oyster Week events will include cultivated and wild-caught oysters alike from new and returning participating organizations and businesses.<\/p>\n

\u201cOcean Fest<\/a> (Oct 7-8) is excited to participate in NC Oyster Week again this year,\u201d says Jan Farmer, Ocean Fest Sustainability & Eco Expo Coordinator. \u201cRestoring, protecting and growing our oyster population plays an essential role in protecting the marine environment we all love. The NC Oyster Trail will have a booth in our Eco Expo with shellfish growers on hand to tell attendees about oyster farming while Ghost Fleet Oyster Company and N. Sea Oyster Co. will serve up BBQ and raw local oysters.\u201d<\/p>\n

For more information on North Carolina Oyster Week 2022 and the NC Oyster Trail visit https:\/\/ncoystertrail.org\/nc-oyster-week\/<\/a> and read the current issue of North Carolina Sea Grant\u2019s Coastwatch magazine<\/a> highlighting oyster-related stories from around the state.<\/p>\n

List of Events<\/h2>\n

Wine and Brine<\/a><\/h3>\n

Friday, Sept. 30 | 6 – 8 pm | The NC Seafood Festival, Morehead City<\/p>\n

Wine & Brine will take place in the North Carolina Seafood Festival Chef\u2019s Tent on the Morehead City Waterfront. Meet oyster and clam growers while sampling their delicious harvest. Each oyster and clam will be expertly paired with wine from the Chapel Hill Wine Hound and M.F. Chappell Wine Merchant. Seaside Sensations will also be on hand to provide delicious food including shrimp and grits and pork loin. A beer and wine bar will also be available. Purchase tickets on their website.<\/p>\n

Oyster Specials All Month Long<\/a><\/h3>\n

Monday, Oct. 1 – Oct. 30 | Coquina Fish Bar, Wilmington<\/p>\n

During NC Oyster Week (Oct. 10-16), try our delicious chef created specials highlighting N.C. oysters like our oyster salad or our smoked oyster chowder. Every Sunday in October come in for $1.50 select oysters by the half or full dozen. Enjoy Stump Sound, Rose Bay, or amazing Beaufort Selects! Not an Oyster fan but still want to eat local? Be sure to try our N.C. black ribbed mussels!<\/p>\n

Oysters Uncovered<\/a><\/h3>\n

Thursdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 | 2 – 3:30 pm | N.C. Coastal Federation, Wanchese & Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, Manteo<\/p>\n

Every Thursday during the month of October, the N.C. Coastal Federation will partner with Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar to offer a unique farm to fork experience. As part of this event, you will tour the Federation’s demonstration oyster farm, learning about oysters and how a typical farm works, then retire to Blue Water for a sampling of a half dozen North Carolina oysters and Blue Water’s signature oyster shooter. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase, but are not included in the $50 event ticket. Purchase tickets on their website.<\/p>\n

$2 Tackle Box Lures: Local N.C. Oysters<\/a><\/h3>\n

Tuesdays – Saturdays, Oct. 4-29 | Catch Restaurant, Wilmington<\/p>\n

Enjoy our signature “Tackle Box Lures” – N.C. oysters prepared specially by award winning Chef Keith Rhodes. Oysters are $2 each Tuesday through Saturday during regular business hours.<\/p>\n

Oyster Reef Restoration<\/a><\/h3>\n

Friday, Oct. 7 | 11 am – 3 pm | Public Creek Access, Bald Head Island<\/p>\n

Join Bald Head Island Conservancy staff at the Village Creek Access on North Bald Head Wynd to help build oyster reefs in Bald Head Creek from bagged shells. Please wear closed-toe shoes (SCUBA booties or old sneakers are best) and bring or wear protective gloves if you have them. We will need bag movers, kayakers, and people who don’t mind getting wet and muddy. Volunteers must already be on BHI or have their own transportation to\/from the island and the creek access. Sign up online using the Event page.<\/p>\n

Intracoastal Realty Annual Oyster Roast<\/a><\/h3>\n

Friday, Oct. 7 | 5 – 8 pm | Carolina Yacht Club, Wrightsville Beach<\/p>\n

Awwww Shucks Ya’ll. You know it\u2019s about to be fall on the coast when you get your first invitation to an oyster roast. And here it is\u2026Intracoastal Realty will host an oyster roast benefitting the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. Enjoy oysters from Middle Sound Mariculture Oyster Company and Musser’s famous fried chicken buffet. Live music + cash Bar. Tickets are available only in advance online and all proceeds benefit the Wrightsville Beach Museum.<\/p>\n

$2 Oyster Special at Locals Seafood<\/a><\/h3>\n

Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 11 a.m. \u2013 8 p.m. | Locals Seafood, Durham Food Hall<\/p>\n

Join Locals Seafood every Wednesday for $2 oysters on the half shell at our Durham restaurant! Locals serves N.C. oysters year-round, alongside a menu of cooked seafood dishes.<\/p>\n

Locals Seafood Pop-Up<\/a><\/h3>\n

Fridays, Oct. 7 and 21 | 5 \u2013 8 p.m. | Raleigh Wine Shop, Raleigh<\/p>\n

Join Locals Seafood for a dinner pop-up at Raleigh Wine Shop the first and third Friday of October! Locals serves N.C. oysters year-round, alongside a menu of cooked seafood dishes.<\/p>\n

Eco Expo at Ocean Fest<\/a><\/h3>\n

Saturday, Oct. 8 | 10 a.m. \u2013 5 p.m. | Downtown Surf City\/Roland Ave. Access<\/p>\n

Learn about ways to better protect Mother Ocean and meet nonprofits doing great work for our marine environment. Visit the NC Oyster Trail booth to meet oyster growers and play NC Oyster trivia. You can win some fun oyster swag and get educated on environmental initiatives happening across our coast. Great event for families and kids!<\/p>\n

Oyster BBQ at Ocean Fest<\/a><\/h3>\n

Saturday, Oct. 8 | 12 \u2013 8 p.m. | Downtown Surf City\/Roland Ave. Access<\/p>\n

Ghost Fleet Oyster Co is teaming up with Berserkr BBQ food truck to cook up some tasty BBQ oysters at Ocean Fest in Surf City. Come celebrate the ocean and NC Oyster Week with us at Ocean Fest October 8!<\/p>\n

UNCW’s Center for Marine Science Open House<\/a><\/h3>\n

Saturday, Oct. 8 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | UNC Wilmington<\/p>\n

UNCWs Center for Marine Science is a world-class leader in marine and coastal research, especially in areas of marine technology, coastal sustainability, natural products discovery, aquaculture and living resources, and coastal hazards and flooding. Join us for self-guided tours, as well as tours of the Shellfish Research Hatchery Tours with our oyster experts.<\/p>\n

Bivalves & Brews<\/a><\/h3>\n

Sunday, Oct. 9 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Wrightsville Beach Brewery<\/p>\n

Join this family-friendly \u201cshellebration\u201d at Wrightsville Beach Brewery in Wilmington, where Bald Head Island Conservancy Chief Scientist Beth Darrow will give a presentation about oysters while we enjoy bivalves and brews.The presentation is free; food and drink are available for purchase. Please RSVP by emailing marketing@bhic.org. You can also simply show up!<\/p>\n

NC Oyster Week: Volunteer Event at Morris Landing<\/a><\/h3>\n

Monday, Oct. 10 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Holly Ridge<\/p>\n

Volunteer with the N.C. Coastal Federation at Morris Landing Clean Water Preserve to kick off NC Oyster Week while celebrating Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day. Archaeologists have now found that the ancient harvesting practices of Native Americans likely promoted the health of oyster reefs for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The results of these findings could help inform today\u2019s efforts to restore habitats and sustainably harvest oysters. Join us for this special event to dive deeper into the history and culture of local native tribes and their relationship with oysters while actively working to protect and restore Stump Sound oyster populations.<\/p>\n

Oyster Specials All Week Long<\/a><\/h3>\n

Monday, Oct. 10 – Sunday, Oct. 16 | Wrightsville Beach Brewery<\/p>\n

We’ll be offering a half dozen oysters on the half shell from Middlesound Mariculture and N. Sea Oyster Co. for $15 all week long! We’ve also got live music with David Dixon on Thursday 10\/13 from 6-9pm, and Mac & Juice Duo Saturday 10\/15 from 3-6pm.<\/p>\n

Oyster Farming 101<\/h3>\n

Monday, Oct. 10 | 2 – 4 p.m. | Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center<\/p>\n

Come learn about oyster farming in NC and how this important industry has a positive impact on environment as well as providing a wonderful addition to the culinary seafood industry. Learn about oyster grow-out from seed to shuck and the daily activities of oyster farmer Mandy Uticone to grow the best oysters!<\/p>\n

Oyster Happy Hour at Seabird<\/a><\/h3>\n

Monday, Oct. 10 & Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 13-16 | 5 \u2013 6 p.m. | Seabird, Wilmington<\/p>\n

$1 shucked oysters always from North Carolina! Be sure to try the \u201cSeabirdies,\u201d an exclusive from Hold Fast Oyster Company.<\/p>\n

$1.50 Oyster Happy Hour<\/a><\/h3>\n

Monday, Oct. 10 – Friday, Oct. 14 | 2 – 6 p.m. | Sea Level NC, Charlotte<\/p>\n

Join Sea Level NC for $1.50 house oysters: Sea Level Salts from Morris Family Shellfish Farm in Sea Level, NC. No minimums, no limits, dine in only.<\/p>\n

N.C. Buck-a-Shuck Happy Hour<\/a><\/h3>\n

Monday, Oct. 10 – Thursday, Oct. 13 | 4 – 6 p.m. | Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, Manteo<\/p>\n

As a proud member of the North Carolina Oyster Trail, Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar will celebrate NC Oyster Week October 10, 2022 \u2013 October 13, 2022 with $1 select N.C. oysters from 4 \u2013 6 PM. Our favorite oyster shooter will also feature a N.C. oyster. Enjoy the views and stay for dinner! Reservations can be made online at www.BlueWaterGrillOBX.com or by calling us at 252.473.1955.<\/p>\n

\u00bd Price Oysters<\/a><\/h3>\n

Tuesday, Oct. 11 – Thursday, Oct. 13 | 5 – 9 p.m. | three10, Wilmington<\/p>\n

Join us at three10 restaurant in downtown Wilmington, NC for half-price raw & broiled oysters on October 11-13, from 5 PM-9 PM to celebrate National Oyster Week. No limits, dine-in only.<\/p>\n

NC Oyster Happy Hour at Mandolin<\/a><\/h3>\n

Tuesday \u2013 Thursday, Oct. 11 \u2013 13 | 5:30 \u2013 6:30 pm | Mandolin, Raleigh<\/p>\n

Mandolin is known for its hyper seasonal menu and delicious N.C. seafood. Local oysters are $1.50 each during happy hour.<\/p>\n

Grits with NC Oyster Gravy at Saltbox<\/a><\/h3>\n

Tuesday \u2013 Saturday, Oct. 11 – 15 | 11 am \u2013 8 pm | Saltbox Seafood Joint, Durham<\/p>\n

Drawing inspiration from classic American fish camps and waterside seafood shacks, Saltbox celebrates local, fresh seafood. Get a taste of Chef Ricky Moore\u2019s take on NC Oyster Week with his grits and oyster gravy, a special available all week long!<\/p>\n

New River Oyster Highway Open House<\/a><\/h3>\n

Thursday, Oct. 13 | 1 – 5 p.m. | Sturgeon City Education Center, Sturgeon City<\/p>\n

The New River Estuary Oyster Highway is a chain of 13 one-acre oyster reefs from Wilson Bay to Stones Bay in the New River. Visit Sturgeon City Education Center to go on a self-paced walking tour and observe the oyster reefs from the observation deck. Educational displays and oyster experts galore will be at this event, ready to share the importance of our coastal habitat to oysters, and the science behind wild oyster reef restoration. A food truck will keep you from getting hungry!<\/p>\n

Outer Banks Seafood Festival<\/a><\/h3>\n

Saturday, Oct. 15 | 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Nags Head<\/p>\n

The Outer Banks Seafood Festival provides a fun educational experience promoting, honoring, and celebrating coastal seafood heritage and community. Visit the NC Oyster Trail table to learn more about the Trail and take home some fun oyster swag!<\/p>\n

Oysters on the Mountain<\/h3>\n

Sunday, Oct. 23 | 12 – 4 p.m. | Native Prime Provisions, Cashiers<\/p>\n

An Oyster-Palooza in Western North Carolina!! Live jazz with Tyler Kittle and a parking lot party with fresh shucked N.C. oysters. Oysters will also be grilled with many amazing preparations. Enjoy special paired oyster & wine tastings as well as local mountain craft beers.<\/p>\n

Oyster Roast<\/a><\/h3>\n

Sunday, Oct. 30 | 12 – 5 p.m. | Blue Water Grill & Raw Bar, Manteo<\/p>\n

Save the date! We will hold our 4th Annual Oyster Roast on the docks at Mimi\u2019s Tiki Hut. We will close down the Hut with this All-You-Can-Eat event which will feature shucked N.C. oysters served raw or fire-roasted, great drink specials and our full menu will be available. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door.<\/p>\n

Media Photos<\/h2>\n