Oriental

Oriental, North Carolina, N35 01 W76 41
November 10. Oriental is a nice little fishing village with perhaps 1,000 people living “downtown.” The city harbor is filled with shrimp boats. The harbor and the surrounding creeks are also filled with sailboats. There are marinas, boatyards, marine supply stores, marine repair businesses, and outfitters. It appears that nearly everything in Oriental is oriented around boats.

Last February, when we were shopping for Westsails, we stopped in Oriental. Libby and I were charmed by the place at that time and it hasn’t changed. It is an unspoiled little paradise. Compare it to Boothbay Harbor from 40 years, but North Carolina rather than Maine style. Kathy Messitt said that Oriental is also a real estate hot spot with soaring property values. We hope is remains unspoiled.

We can ride our bike to the local stores. We’d like to stay here another night and go to a performance from the local amateur theater tonight.

We’re considering hanging around Oriental or nearby North Bern for some weeks. New Bern might be somewhat more affordable because it is off the Intercoastal Waterway.