There are numerous fresh seafood shops, from Atlantic Beach to Swansboro. As far as when to visit. I can't speak for September, but October is wonderful. The weather is great and the beach is pretty much empty. We go in mid October.

Regards,

You will find fresh seafood being sold, all over the place in Sept./Oct. About mid Sept. the fall fishing is getting started so there will be plenty of seafood, at great prices. This past year there were tons of places selling small to medium shrimp for $1.99/lb, heads still on. Additional dollar or two/lb to take the heads off.

As far as the best time to go, I really like the end of Sept./first of Oct. Generally speaking the weather is still warm, the water is still some what warm, and the beaches are not crowded, and fishing is decent. The only thing to keep in mind is Sept./Oct. is still hurricane season, so be sure to find out what your rental company's/hotel's hurricane policy is.