Oriental is a charming, smaller-scale tourist spot that is well worth a trip. You’ll be shocked by some of the unusual activities and locations this hidden gem has to offer.
You may want to come back to Oriental someday to unwind and take a rest. Continue reading if you are unsure if Oriental should be on your itinerary if you are planning a trip to the United States.
We have compiled a list of some of the things to do in Oriental NC and the surrounding areas. We’re betting that you’ll be happy you included this city in your itinerary if you do.
Things To Do In Oriental NC
The Greatest Activities in Oriental the Pamlico Region of North Carolina, United States, contains nine merged districts, including Oriental. Long before Europeans arrived, Native Americans inhabited the area, fishing and farming in the rivulets and streams. Less than 1% of the town’s population now identifies as Local Americans.
A few of the current residents of the area can trace their family’s history back to these periods by consulting the land records, which date awards made to pilgrim ranchers by the Lord of Britain even though the Ruler did not own the land. When European dominance first began, privateers tortured the area.
Shower, to the north of Oriental, was home to the notorious privateer Edward Educate aka Blackbeard. It was much later, in the late nineteenth century that the Midgets (also known as Midyettes) and other older families with connections in the town arrived.
Visiting Pecan Grove Marina in Oriental
Pecan Grove Marina in Oriental is located directly across from the Oriental jetty. Approximately one hundred boats and motor vessels were included in the slips on Sunday, the day following Tropical Storm Irene. Land used for agriculture was formerly dredged for the marina.
The most secure marina in Oriental, North Carolina, is the Pecan Grove Marina. You will be significant for the best marina local area in the Southeast at the Pecan Grove Marina in Oriental.
When it comes to handling the boats and the marina, moor aces are flawless. Shower houses are immaculate and well-maintained. This opening to the hurricane is great. To keep everyone safe, they have strategies in place, excellent interchanges, and a tone of assistance from various skippers.
Oriental United Methodist Church
The Oriental United Methodist Church is a local, trustworthy organization. We strive to be a place where everyone can relate to each other and Jesus Christ.
Oriental United Methodist Church is a group of people from the neighborhood going on an outing together.
You are welcome here regardless of your background, where you are in your journey, and whether you are committed or simply curious!
Sail Craft Service in Oriental
Sail craft is a full-service boatyard that consistently welcomes do-it-yourself boaters. Sailcraft has been serving Oriental sail and power sailors for only over fifty years.
The expert repairs and maintenance provided by Sailcraft’s full-service boatyard will keep your vessel in optimal operating order. Expert maritime specialists include mechanics, riggers, painters, and woodworkers who have experience with a variety of boats and the knowledge to ensure high-quality repairs.
The Oriental RV Park
A recreational vehicle leave (RV Park) or train leave is a location where people with recreational vehicles can stay for a short while, or longer, in dispersed areas called camping grounds.
They’re also called campsites, but a real camping place offers offices for pitching up tents; many establishments calling themselves “RV parks” provide offices or lodges with limited office space.
You should be able to expect certain extras that aren’t usually offered at other RV foundations when a location bills itself as an RV resort.
Oriental Old Theater
Visit The Old Theater, a notable white, incredibly large two-story structure at the crossroads of Wide and Church Roads, to get a sense of Oriental’s small but thriving craftsmanship sector.
All things considered, an excursion to the Old Performance Center can easily satisfy every taste and can act as a tomfoolery and invigorating method for making a plunge squarely into the Oriental craftsmanship scene.
The center regularly exhibits various exhibitions, films, and studios and is equipped towards artists and theater participants.
George Merritt Jr., a neighboring Swansboro, North Carolina, resident, worked in the theater in 1945 when it was first known as the “Store Theater.”
It was given to the Will Smith neighborhood in Oriental, and soon after, it was expanded to include an expanded overhang, a renovated projection room, and indoor restrooms for theater patrons.
Oriental Down East Canvas and Gallery
Activities in Oriental Located at the base of the scaffold in Oriental, Down East Canvas & Gallery is one of the most intriguing places to see handcrafted art in the Pamlico region. It has an interesting past, to say the least.
The goal is to create a hybrid display area that combines elements of a mixed-use marine store and an exciting assortment that spans from the practical (material boat supplies) to the normally moving. The result is an astonishingly remarkable exhibition that evokes a distinct Oriental vibe.
The Harrises temporarily resigned before deciding to return to their amazing source of both blessings and suffering. They soon started operating the store as a combination material store and showcase for handcrafted goods.
After the first format was fixed to accommodate the two fortes, visitors will be greeted by an entirely open, light-filled area that features local and territorial experts in a variety of media.
Croakerfest
Held the first weekend in July every year, Croakerfest is an annual event that adds vibrant color to the list of things to do in Oriental NC. Enjoy food, entertainment, and arts & crafts! Don’t forget to catch the Saturday morning procession.
Every year on the first weekend of July, the Croaker Festival is sponsored by the nice people of the Town of Oriental, just down the road from Arlington Place. Families have been able to attend this festival since July 4, 1980, and enjoy a traditional family Independence Day celebration.
The two-day celebration begins at Lou Mac Park on Friday, July 1st, with sports, a parade, pageants, contests, and vendors. It concludes on Saturday evening at 9:30 with fireworks that genuinely light up the waterfront.
Relaxing
Take a leisurely stroll through the village, one of the delightful things to do in Oriental NC, and allow yourself to relax. You will be shaded by the trees, delighted by the vintage houses, and immediately at home among the warm and welcoming locals.
Additionally, you can take a stroll down our newly constructed pier, which is another great option among the various things to do in Oriental NC.
From there, you can take in the serene views of the Neuse River or settle into one of the dance chairs at our riverfront Lou Mac Park to further enhance your experience of things to do in Oriental NC.
Sailing
The Sailing Capital of North Carolina is Oriental, offering a wide range of things to do in Oriental NC. All year long, local sailing clubs host races, providing an exciting experience for sailing enthusiasts.
Some sailors prefer to cruise, and Oriental serves as a convenient base for sailing excursions to neighboring towns like Ocracoke and Beaufort, further expanding the list of things to do in Oriental NC.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor who has circumnavigated the globe and returned from Oriental or someone looking to simply sail to a neighboring stream, moor, and enjoy a peaceful evening beneath the stars, Oriental’s maritime charm offers an array of activities for everyone to enjoy.
Biking
Some people hire bikes in the village, or they bring their own for an enjoyable way to explore the sights and get some exercise while discovering things to do in Oriental NC.
It’s worth noting that the location is level because it is a coastline, making it perfect for biking. In addition, some enthusiasts even ride over the bridge a few times to build up their “mountain biking” muscles.
And when you reach the top of the bridge, the breathtaking view is something not to be missed, even if you’re not a trainee. Your breath will be taken away by it.
Hunting
Relocating to Pamlico County in the 1930s, Babe Ruth settled in Oriental due to the excellent duck shooting in the area. Hunters are still welcomed and accommodated at the area’s hotels and inns.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Oriental NC, you’ll find that although carrying a gun inside Oriental town boundaries is forbidden, there are plenty of great seasonal shooting spots in the neighboring county.
Other Things to Do In Oriental NC
Check out the Old Theater’s Summer Nights Outdoor Cinema showings at The Red Rooster
An excellent lineup for outdoor flicks. Located behind the Silos, one of the town’s restaurants, the Red Rooster provides an excellent menu of food and beverages that can be purchased at the outdoor theatre.
Visit the Oriental History Museum to discover more about the history of the area:
Along with a variety of seasonal and permanent exhibits, the museum also offers walking history tours and a programm for municipal historic plaques.
Learn to sail or hire a boat from Bow to Stern Boating:
Oriental prides itself on having more sailboats than residents, so it would be difficult to avoid spending some time on the water during your visit. Kayak rentals, boat charters, and sailing instruction are all provided by Bow to Stern. It is the ideal method to take advantage of everything the Neuse River has to offer.
Hang out at the neighborhood beach:
The John Bond Town Beach is a wonderful, quiet location to enjoy a picnic or the sea and is situated a little further down from Lou Mac Park. To avoid the sun, there is a covered picnic area there. Just a brief reminder that while parking is somewhat scarce; most sections of town are only a short stroll or bike ride away.
Catch Live Music & Pizza At The Silos
The most adorable place in Oriental to have pizza and a salad is The Silos Restaurant. It’s a nice place for picnics in the parks or for takeaway that you can take back to your boat. On Fridays and Saturdays, live music is held at the Red Rooster, which is situated right behind the Silos.
Where To Stay in Oriental NC
Situated in the center of Oriental, just on the Intracoastal Waterway is the Oriental Marina and Inn. It gives a beautiful spot to watch the boats come and go from the harbor and is conveniently close to the stores, galleries, and outdoor activities.
The Toucan Grill and Tiki Bar are located within the Oriental Marina & Inn. There are numerous room choices available, and guests of the inn have access to the pool. Whether you are arriving by boat or vehicle, this is a terrific place to stay.
Magnolia House Bed And Breakfast
Magnolia House is a luxury bed & breakfast set in the charming community of Oriental, North Carolina, in a historic mansion. With its convenient location among eateries, retail establishments, and the waterfront, Magnolia House offers the ideal “getaway” experience.
There are three rooms and one suite offered, along with a daily wine and cheese reception and a gourmet breakfast that is served at 8:30.
Other Places To Stay in Oriental NC
The Oriental Inn:
Regardless of the season, all ten of the rooms at our adorable, small hotel are priced the same! There are pet-friendly accommodations with outdoor decks available. Staying in town is a terrific alternative.
Port Harbour Suites:
In the centre of Harbour Village, the River Dunes rooms provide much-needed space for rest and renewal together with breathtaking views of the river. These opulent third-floor hideaways have roomy breakfast kitchens and seating sections with breathtaking views.
The Suites are situated above Yawl’s Cafe and Natural Elements Spa & Wellness, and across from the Harbour Club & Pool area.
Waterfront Cottages:
With its custom coastal appeal, antique and North Carolina antiques, fireplaces, morning kitchens, and soaking tubs, these River Dunes villas provide an opulent cottage experience.
The cottages include individual front porches overlooking a communal courtyard and a gas-lit bonfire with big Adirondack chairs. They are situated across the street from the Harbor Club, marina, dining room, and pool.
Conclusion
If you have a lifetime to spare, this bustling metropolis is full of fun and intriguing sights that may keep you busy for a lifetime. You might go there again and again and discover something fresh and interesting to do each time.
With so many attractions available, we’ve put up a guide to make sure you can easily traverse the city and find the highlights. So there you have it: the best things to do in Oriental NC.