 |
|
|
 |
||||
|
Home > Oriental and Pamlico County |
||||||
|
ORIENTAL Oriental is in Pamlico County, on the northern banks of the Neuse River across from Carteret County. The free Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach Ferry leaves from outside Havelock (see our Getting Here, Getting Around chapter in the Central Coast section), crosses the Neuse River and docks in Minnesott Beach. From there, Oriental is a short 10 miles away — just follow the road signs. The town is situated amid six creeks: Smith Creek, Camp Creek, Raccoon Creek, Green Creek, Whittaker Creek and Pierce Creek. A 10-foot channel connects Oriental with the Intracoastal Waterway. There are 875 residents here and 2,700 boats. Boat people are crazy about Oriental, which is known as the "Sailing Capital of North Carolina." Because it's on the Intracoastal Waterway, Oriental is a convenient and popular year-round port for sailing vessels. In winter, when yachts from the north are southbound, they stop in Oriental for a couple of days; in spring, headed back north again, they linger longer. An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 ICW travelers visit every year. Unlike many other coastal communities that are experiencing newfound popularity and increased demands for housing and services, Oriental is enjoying a relaxed time. In 1910 the town's population was 2,500. Today, year-round residents number about 875. In recent years, new neighborhoods and marinas have sprung up around the town, offering waterfront lots, boat ramps and recreational areas. Oriental is named after the USS Oriental, a Yankee cargo ship that sank in stormy seas off the Outer Banks in 1862. Some years later, Rebecca Midyette, wife of the town's founder Louis Midyette, came across the ship's name board hanging on the wall of a private residence in Manteo, North Carolina. Mrs. Midyette liked the name, and after talking it over, the residents of Smith's Creek (the original name of the town) renamed their village Oriental. In 1899 Oriental was incorporated and the first post office was established with Louis Midyette as the first postmaster. Oriental is a sailor's haven. That fact is apparent by the number of sail makers and chandleries offering marine supplies, equipment and repairs. In the last few years several art studios and crafts shops have opened. In our view, Oriental is the perfect getaway for relaxing, browsing, dining and enjoying the water. On your way to Oriental from New Bern traveling N.C. Highway 55, you'll pass through the towns of Grantsboro, Alliance and Bayboro. Bayboro is not only the county seat of Pamlico County, but also its oldest incorporated town (1881). In Grantsboro, you'll find the Pamlico County Heritage and Visitors Center, located just west of the county's only stoplight. The center, also the home of the Pamlico County Historical Association, is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 PM. Because it is staffed by volunteers whose availability sometimes varies, Insiders recommend you call first, (252) 745-3008, before stopping by. N.C. Highway 55 is currently undergoing widening from two to five lanes from Craven County to the Pamlico County Courthouse in Bayboro. During the weekdays there are some construction delays. It's a good idea to get an Oriental town
map before you begin to explore the village. Free street maps and other
information are available at most of the real estate companies in
Oriental, and the helpful staff at Oriental Town Hall, 507 Church
Street, (252) 249-0555, will also supply you with free information.
(Town Hall's mailing address is P.O. Box 472, Oriental, NC 28571.)
Oriental is also home to the Pamlico News, 406 Broad Street,
(252) 249-1555, a weekly newspaper that comes out every Wednesday. The
News is available by subscription or at stands throughout
Pamlico County. The paper covers Pamlico, Hyde and East Beaufort
counties as well as Aurora and Richland townships. Coverage of Pamlico
County government and events is also provided by the daily New Bern
Sun-Journal. |
||||||
|
|
On
the banks of the Neuse River, Oriental is a tucked-away sort of place.
Quiet, pretty and filled with genuinely friendly people, this small
village is a haven for those needing a bit of tranquility in their
lives. You can get to nearly every place in Oriental by foot or bicycle.
But while not fast-paced, this riverside village is certainly far
from boring. There's plenty to do — should you care to do anything at
all.
|
|
Continue to
Pamlico County |
