Community Overview

Community Overview

Spectacular water views and southern coastal charm define the town of Oriental. You can relax in lawn chairs along the riverfront, visit local shops and galleries, walk or bike throughout the village or enjoy time on the water. Friendly, smiling faces and laid-back locals greet you wherever you go. And once you’re here, you’ll find most everything you need – from local art to local seafood – just a leisurely walk or bike ride away.

With protected Inner Banks waters and safe harbors filled with hundreds of boats, this small coastal village is unique and fun-loving, boasting a sense of humor, and a quirky obsession with dragons. Oriental is the perfect destination for boaters, fishermen, kayakers, and cyclists alike.

Sailing has long defined the town, known as “The Sailing Capital of North Carolina.” Our constant breezes are a sailors delight, and Oriental’s location on the Intracoastal Waterway provides boaters access to any coastal port and the open seas. The town has long been one of the most popular stops for boats traveling the ICW. Fishing the local waters rich with shrimp, crab, trout, drum and tarpon also draws many folks to area waters; and hunting and golfing are also popular here and just a short drive away.

As a thriving center of the arts, dozens of painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry makers, potters and musicians call the area home. Whether you’re sketching on the porch of the local coffee shop, listening to a great band at the bar on the harbor, attending a world class musical performance in the Old Theatre or shooting photographs of wildlife on the waterways, you can nurture your creativity here.

Special events throughout the year fuel both the competitiveness of coastal sports and the frivolity of “old time, small town fun”. Our sailing clubs host local sailboat races, cruises and major regional regattas. Dragon boat races are held in the summer and fishing tournaments occur during the season. Seasonal festivities and parades, street fairs and art shows draw large, fun-loving crowds. Sometimes a large dragon even puts in an appearance!