Charming Coastal Village

Visit Oriental, tucked into the inner banks of North Carolina's Pamlico Sound.

Most people first find Oriental by water. Ask a local, and he'll probably share his story about discovering this cute little village while sailing up or down the Eastern seaboard. While boats outnumber residents 3 to 1, you don't have to be a skipper to enjoy an afternoon here.

Paddling in the Pamlico

"People want a place to decompress," says Dawn Keller of Pirate Queen Paddling. "And they seem to find it here." That's easy to do with Dawn, one of the outfitters who leads kayak and canoe trips along the Neuse River and into the Pamlico Sound. Rentals start at $30 per half day and guided tours at $55. One of her best trips, though, the Sunset Festival ($40), begins at 7 p.m. and ends just before dark.

Shopping Oriental

As you walk down Hodges Street, you might spy a lively group holding up numbers outside The Bean, a great specialty coffee shop. Known as the Porch Pirates, they critique boats docking at the marina just across the street. "It's all in good fun," says owner Patti Bragaw. The harmless harassment usually draws boat owners over to relax with a cup of joe.

Just around the corner, peruse the racks at Marsha's Cottage, which offers, as owner Marsha Paplham says, "clothing for everything from backyard barbecues to black-tie affairs." In addition to the sporty tank tops and elegant evening dresses, you'll find jewelry, accessories, and small gift items.

Be sure to drop by the Circle 10 Art Gallery, which has been a cooperative art gallery in Oriental for more than 20 years. Fourteen local artists showcase their paintings, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and photography.

Check out the gifts and sportswear at Inland Waterway Provision Company. What better way to decompress than to slip on a pair of boat shoes and slide out to the harbor to gaze on Oriental's peaceful waters? -TANNER C. LATHAM

Pirate Queen Paddling: 310 Hodges Street, Oriental, NC 28571; (252) 670-8465 or www.piratequeenpaddling. com. The Bean: 304 Hodges Street; (252) 249-4918. Marsha's Cottage: 204 Wall Street; (252) 249-0334. Circle 10 Art Gallery: 1103 Broad Street; (252) 249-0298. Inland Waterway Provision Company: 305 Hodges Street; (252) 249-1797. For more information: Visit www.visitoriental.com.

Getting to Oriental

By car: From New Bern, take State 55 east to Oriental. From Morehead City, take the free Cherry Branch Auto Ferry near Havelock to Minnesott, and follow signs to Oriental.

By boat: Oriental is located at Mile Marker 182 on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation May 2006
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