Calabash, North Carolina is known for several things.  For one, their seafood-- it's the birthplace of Calabash-style shrimp.  In fact, local legend tells the story of how Jimmy Durante stopped in Calabash for dinner one evening in the 1940's.  He met the restaurant owner, a woman named Lucy Coleman, and enjoyed some conversation with her.  When he left, he said, "Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash."  And so began his legendary sign-off, "Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are."

But there's yet another thing that the quaint town of Calabash can boast-- an amazing Christmas store called St. Nick Nacks.  St. Nick Nacks is actually part of a larger store called Callahan's Nautical Gifts (which has great fudge, by the way).  I look forward to shopping at St. Nick Nacks every time we go to the beach.  It's one of my very favorite places!


According to their website, St Nick Nacks has 100 decorated trees and over 3 million ornaments.  I can tell you from experience that if you can't find it there, it probably doesn't exist.


The way that the store is organized, each tree is located next to a display of the ornaments that are used on it.  But if you see an ornament on a tree that you can't find on a display, you can always pluck them from the tree.  I've done it many times myself.


The trees are wildly varied in color palette and theme.  You can find traditional trees, modern trees, whimsical trees, rustic trees-- you name it, they've got it.




Not only do they have beautiful trees, but they have lots of Christmas housewares, too.  You can find all kinds of decorations and tableware for any taste.








 Need a dinosaur ornament?  They have those, too.


The store keeps going on-- in the back you'll find a delightful display of Dept. 56 villages.  Their village displays are amazing-- multi-layered complete little towns.  So much fun.


They have a section devoted to Thanksgiving and Halloween decor as well. 


There's so much to see that it's a little overwhelming.  But don't forget to look up, because some of the fun stuff is hanging from the ceiling!  Like this bicycle, wrapped in colored lights and dressed up with greenery.


If you're ever near the coast of the Carolinas, don't miss the opportunity to visit St. Nick Nacks!  It's a quick drive from Myrtle Beach.

Thanks to the folks at St. Nick Nacks for allowing me to take photos inside the store (they usually prohibit photography).  I love you, St. Nick Nacks!

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