Explore the Area

North Carolina’s best kept secret…the Inner Banks.

Grab a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe and take a tranquil tour of the spectacular scenery along the Neuse River. Meander through our many creeks, streams, and estuaries. Relax you’re on Oriental time now…

The gorgeous Neuse River provides an incredible backdrop for you to explore the area. Fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating are just a few of the great ways to explore our slice of heaven. Contact Beth Frazer Real Estate & Rentals at (252) 249-1001 to plan your water excursion and explore the way it was meant to be seen — by water.

Life on the Water

Sailing

Constant breezes, sunny skies, and friendly people in an eclectic, coastal village where nary a stoplight is to be found. Welcome to Oriental. The home of the Dragon. Where registered boats out-number residents three-to-one, and where our days are planned around the wind…Oftentimes referred to as the Sailing Capital of North Carolina, our shores run parallel to the Intracoastal –the interstate-95 of the east coast waterway. No need to winterize your boat here. Locals and semi-locals enjoy extended sailing conditions with four distinct seasons. Seven miles across at its widest point, and with a wind velocity second only to San Francisco Bay, the Neuse makes an optimal sailing destination for those who love the water and casual, coastal living.

Explore Sailing
Explore Fishing

Fishing

World-class fishing conditions await watermen and women alike who relish the sport. The Neuse River is where fresh waters meet salt waters, creating a variety of estuaries hosting Red Drum, Tarpon, Croaker, Channel Bass, Trout, Spanish Mackerel, and Spot just to name a few species. Enjoy saltwater fishing? Twenty-three nautical miles east of Oriental brings you to the boating community of Ocracoke Island, rich in history including the haunts of the legendary pirate, Blackbeard, unique eateries, and great art. The Gulf Stream lies 45 miles away where avid fishing enthusiasts are apt to find Bill Fish, Sail Fish, Grouper, Cobia, and Stripers aplenty.

The Sporting Life

Hunting and shooting sports have been a long-standing tradition for the local sportsman and visitors to Eastern NC. Although there is a huge population of deer and small game, the waterfowl population is what has drawn sportsmen worldwide to the North Carolina Inner Banks and its Pamlico Sound. As early as 1920, wealthy northern businessmen were building luxury Waterfowl Hunting Clubs. The shallow waters of the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuary with many islands and lush vegetation are a popular feeding and resting area for hundreds of thousands of ducks and geese using their Atlantic Flyway to stop on their southern migration. The marshes, creeks, open water, and protected sounds make the Oriental area a world-class waterfowl destination. On any day, it is not unusual to see as many as 27 different types of species in the area including Bluebills, Buffleheads, Redheads., Canvasbacks, Widgeon, Teal, Pintail, Gadwal, and Sea Ducks. Waterfowl hunting the local area offers a true expedition filled with miles of uninterrupted and breath-taking natural scenery. While most locals and vacationers would prefer to relax during the winter, locals and semi-locals know that the Pamlico Area has always been one of the best hunting destinations in the country.

Food, Wine, & Spirits

Tempt your taste buds with some Southern Cuisine. Our area is blessed with a variety of eateries from which to choose.  From down-home fare and hearty breakfasts at Brantley’s Village Restaurant to seafood dishes to tempt the taste buds at M&M’s (…tell Dave we sent you…)  and Toucans Restaurant.  Or grab a quick but tasty lunch at the Oriental Deli.  Numerous options to dine exist in Oriental and our surrounding areas of River Dunes, New Bern, Beaufort, and Morehead City. Whatever you choose is sure to hit the spot and add even more flavor to your day. Begin your day with some griddle-cooked favorites at Yawl’s Café and some lively conversations. Enjoy lunch and dinner that caters to your whims in Oriental Village, from simple-but-spectacular soups and salads all the way to five-course meals and fireside s’mores at River Dunes. Complete your epicurean experience with a healthy variety of fine wines, delicious and refreshing craft beers, and unforgettable classic and creative cocktails.

Early Morning Coffee

The Bean is open for those who meander early and require their morning cup of Joe. Centrally located on the harbor front, the Bean is well-positioned to observe the comings and goings of local trawlers and a parade of vessels seeking overnight refuge at its docks. Caffeinated discussions of sailing, art, world events, French films, and local lore are at no additional charge.

Campfire
Food Truck

Local Brews

The Village Brewery consistently delights our locals and semi-locals by hosting a variety of weekend food trucks complimented by local brews and a diverse ensemble of musical entertainers. Put this excursion on your short list.

Wellness

Balanced living, health and wellness opportunities are important to our residents and semi-locals who seek an active lifestyle. Oriental has a Yoga Studio and Village Fitness center.

Ready to be kind to yourself and indulge in a massage?  Look no further.  Oriental has a number of options you can take advantage of to indulge yourself.

 

Arts and Culture

Eastern North Carolina is home to an extraordinarily diverse cast of artisans, musicians, and performers. Countless blues, jazz, southern rock, country, and bluegrass concerts have been enjoyed by locals and semi-locals alike. Numerous dedicated music and art-loving volunteers keep the performances coming to both large and small venues throughout the year. This curated collection of personalities brings spirit and culture to our area…

The Silos

Home of the ever-popular Wednesday-night open mike night, the Red Rooster outdoor musical venue and host of the annual Silospalooza never fails to enchant and delight. And, for the record, if you’re feeling the vibe you are free to unleash your inner disco. No judgement.

Violins
People paining

The Village Gallery

A fine art cooperative, The Gallery is home to a cast of talented Resident and Visiting Artists. It is located within a stone’s throw of the waterfront. The Gallery boasts feature works in oil, pastels, acrylic, photography, jewelry, watercolor, pottery, glass, and more. Make the world a better, kinder place and support a struggling artist. It is sure to provoke a sense of civic pride.  You’ll be supporting the Arts….which is always a good thing, and you will have a memory of your time in our fair town.