Lisa and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Oriental, NC. It is a beautiful little town along the ICW that bills itself as the Sailing Capital of North Carolina and this seems to be true. I think there are about 10-20 boats for every resident of Oriental. This is a huge destination for weekend cruisers. The population of 800 swells to a couple thousand every weekend in the summer. Oriental is lined with great restaurants, a local coffee shop, dockside chandlery, a West Marine and a Piggly Wiggly that will deliver your groceries directly to your dock. If you’re anchored out in the harbor you can still have delivery service, but only to the free dingy dock. Speaking of free docks there is a 48 hour free dock right in downtown Oriental. This dock is right across the street from the Bean, which is a savory coffee and ice cream shop. If you need some work on your boat there are a couple yards with Deaton Yachts and Sailcraft. Sailcraft will let you do your own work with professionals available for the jobs that are just outside your skill level or if you just need a hand to knock off some projects and get in the water as soon as you can. I have been to Sailcraft with Starjewel and Unwritten Timeline and have never been disappointed. Everyone there is friendly, professional and artists in their own right. My only complaint is they don’t have a lift wide enough for Unwritten Timeline. But you can’t knock them too much for that.
There are a few must haves when you’re planning your trip along the ICW and are looking at stopping by Oriental. The Bean for coffee and nightly ice cream for dessert. Stop inside, and get a hot cup of coffee and sit on their front porch. It overlooks the harbor and you can watch the workers on the fishing boats or any new visitors as they pull up to the 48 hour free dock. They are also dog friendly with a fresh bowl of water on the front porch. If you’re up for a nice stroll after your coffee you can make the trip to The Oriental Deli. They have several different sandwiches but Lisa and I always stop by for the Farmer’s Breakfast with Sausage. It’s kind of like a McDonald’s Sausage and Egg Biscuit if McDonalds made theirs with Love and Unicorn smiles. Seriously, if you don’t have room for a full pancakes and bacon breakfast this place is fantastic. For lunch you can always stop by the iconic M&M restaurant on your way back to the boat. M&Ms is situated about 50 feet from the free dingy dock. They offer a wide variety of delicious food with daily specials. After lunch or dinner you can stay for a drink or two at their bar. Don’t be surprised if they know your name after a few visits.
After your breakfast and lunch, you might be in the mood to burn off a few calories. Oriental has you covered again. Their town mascot is the dragon and if you’re there on New Year’s Eve you can see them parade through town. Every other day of the year though you can conduct your own scavenger hunt for the Oriental Dragon Eggs. Throughout the town there are Dragon Eggs scattered about the town with plaques describing their origins. Lisa and I have found only 4 different ones so far. Let us know how many you come across on your walks around town.
If you’re passing through North Carolina, Oriental should be a must see on your travels. This quiet little town always has something going on for the weekends; farmer’s market, art show, or haunted tours. There is something for everyone here.
Enjoy!!
There are a few must haves when you’re planning your trip along the ICW and are looking at stopping by Oriental. The Bean for coffee and nightly ice cream for dessert. Stop inside, and get a hot cup of coffee and sit on their front porch. It overlooks the harbor and you can watch the workers on the fishing boats or any new visitors as they pull up to the 48 hour free dock. They are also dog friendly with a fresh bowl of water on the front porch. If you’re up for a nice stroll after your coffee you can make the trip to The Oriental Deli. They have several different sandwiches but Lisa and I always stop by for the Farmer’s Breakfast with Sausage. It’s kind of like a McDonald’s Sausage and Egg Biscuit if McDonalds made theirs with Love and Unicorn smiles. Seriously, if you don’t have room for a full pancakes and bacon breakfast this place is fantastic. For lunch you can always stop by the iconic M&M restaurant on your way back to the boat. M&Ms is situated about 50 feet from the free dingy dock. They offer a wide variety of delicious food with daily specials. After lunch or dinner you can stay for a drink or two at their bar. Don’t be surprised if they know your name after a few visits.
After your breakfast and lunch, you might be in the mood to burn off a few calories. Oriental has you covered again. Their town mascot is the dragon and if you’re there on New Year’s Eve you can see them parade through town. Every other day of the year though you can conduct your own scavenger hunt for the Oriental Dragon Eggs. Throughout the town there are Dragon Eggs scattered about the town with plaques describing their origins. Lisa and I have found only 4 different ones so far. Let us know how many you come across on your walks around town.
If you’re passing through North Carolina, Oriental should be a must see on your travels. This quiet little town always has something going on for the weekends; farmer’s market, art show, or haunted tours. There is something for everyone here.
Enjoy!!