About
Oriental
Oriental is known as the Sailing Capital of North Carolina, with approximately 2700 boats docked at any given time. It is a welcoming harbor for cruisers heading north or south, conveniently located on the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).
First settled in 1870 as Smith Creek., the name Oriental came later when, Rebecca Midyette, wife of founder Louis Midyette, suggested the name “Oriental” from a Union Civil War ship that sank off the Outer Banks in 1862 while on its way to blockade the harbor in Wilmington. The new name was approved, and the Town of Oriental was incorporated in 1899 and Louis Midyette served as the first Postmaster.
Oriental is located in Pamlico County, just below where the Neuse River connects with the Pamlico Sound. The Pamlico is the second largest sound on the East Coast after the Chesapeake Bay. The Neuse River is the widest in the United Stated, five miles across.
A quaint village of approximately 1100 residents, Oriental offers a relaxed friendly atmosphere and small town charm. Walk or bike around the village and you will soon have the feeling you belong here. While this area offers exceptional sailing, boating, kayak and canoeing and fishing, there are many other cultural and entertaining events throughout the year:
The Croaker Festival is always held on the weekend nearest the 4th of July and is named after the fish that actually croaks when it is caught. The Croaker Festival hosts thousand of visitors with a parade, races, games , live music and dances, baking contest, Miss Croaker beauty contest and of course, a fish fry. Many vendors and food booths lend to the festivities. The festival ends Saturday night with an exceptional fireworks display over Smith Creek.
The Oriental Cup Regatta is a three-day major sailing event for the Bill Harris Scholarship fund. A scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving local high school senior.
The Spirit of Christmas is sponsored by local merchants, churches and civic groups which turn the village into a Christmas wonderland featuring a parade and open houses with the local merchants offering goodies to eat and drink. The Village is lined with luminaries offering a colorful and whimsical path leading to the waterfront parade of magically decorated boats..
The Running of the Dragon is a celebration that the Town of Oriental annually observes New Year’s Eve. Twice during the evening, a huge dragon magically awakens as the observers bang on pots and pans to bring him to life. Adults and kids alike chase him down the street to pat his nose for good luck. “A good time is had by all”.
The Old Theater is about 60 years old and was the original "Movie House" for the town. The Old Theater is used by the Pelican Players acting group, the Pamlico Music Society, the annual Children's Workshop, Pamlico Sounds and Balcony Records and much more.