The 'Sailing Capital Of North Carolina' Is A Haven For Outdoor Enthusiasts With Small-Town Charm

Visit Oriental, North Carolina, at your own risk; there is a high likelihood you will never want to leave. Fewer than 1,000 residents live in Oriental full time, and a good number of those only planned on a short visit. Outdoor enthusiasts find it easy to fall in love with this quaint fishing village, which somehow retains its small-town charm despite the influx of visitors. In the 1960s, the town was home to only a few sailboats. Now, the almost 3,000 boats docked in the village's marinas outnumber the residents of Oriental more than three to one. This once sleepy fishing village, which celebrates its nautical roots at every opportunity, is now a haven for sailors and has been dubbed the "Sailing Capital of North Carolina."

In the 1870s, when Louis "Uncle Lou" B. Midyette docked at what is now known as Oriental to escape strong winds, he fell in love with the area. In particular, he loved all the small creeks twisting together to form the waterfront area. He convinced several people from his hometown to move there with him, and the new community was called Smith's Creek. Midyette's wife, Rebecca, felt the town needed a better name. According to folklore, she was walking along a beach on the Outer Banks and found a nameplate from a sunken ship called "Oriental". She suggested the name to her husband, and the name change became official in 1899 when the village was incorporated.

Nestled on the banks of the Neuse River, Oriental has numerous navigable creeks winding through the area. Because of the nearby Pamlico Sound, sailors can use Oriental as a home base for a quick cruise to a nearby port or even a trip around the world. Virtually all homes in the community have their own boat docks and/or a great view of the river, and sailors (both new and seasoned) call the area home. Oriental draws visitors from up and down the East Coast, as does Shallotte, another coastal town bursting with charm and outdoor activities.

Not surprisingly, life centers around the water in Oriental. Visitors and residents alike can spend carefree days fishing for flounder or tarpon. Sailing clubs hold regular competitions, with the town's flagship annual competition, the Oriental Cup Regatta, taking place on the final Saturday in June. The creeks that crisscross the area are perfect for kayaking and canoeing; those who want to venture out farther can paddle on the wide channel of the Neuse River. Guests new to sailing can attend a week-long instructional school, and there are plenty of guided fishing charters for those who want someone else to "do the driving." Watching the boats from the comfort of the waterfront Lou Mac Park is also a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. 

Despite the town's love of all things nautical, there are plenty of land-based activities to enjoy while in Oriental. Pickleball is a popular sport in Oriental, with courts available at Camp Caroline's gym and Lupton Park. Between the two locations, people can play pickleball seven days a week. If you're not the athletic type, head to Oriental's History Museum to explore the history of the village. Spend some time roaming around, taking in the historic homes before making your way to the pier. There's even a sandy beach area that allows visitors to relax and unwind. 

Croaker Festival, held each year during the Fourth of July, is a must-attend event. Line up early along the parade route to get a great spot. Other activities and attractions include live music, arts and crafts, food and drink vendors, and a kids' park. The festival concludes with a spectacular harbor-front fireworks show that rivals those of much larger communities. If possible, arrive toward the end of June and attend the Oriental Cup Regatta during the same trip.

Like Morehead City (another nautical North Carolina getaway), Oriental has plenty of lodging options including campgrounds, inns, bed-and-breakfast establishments, and short-term vacation rentals. You can easily reach Oriental by boat via the Intracoastal Waterway; just look for mile marker 182. Guests can also fly into the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, less than 30 miles away in New Bern, or the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, located around 150 miles away. How you get to Oriental isn't important; enjoying the nautical adventures waiting for you when you arrive is the focus. For more fun on North Carolina's coast, head to the artsy town of Kitty Hawk for shopping and waterfront dining.