Captain Pat’s gives us some excellent info concerning the charming river village of Oriental below. Not only is this place the sailing capital of the North Carolina coastline, but, with its location directly off the AICW, Oriental is a very popular port of call for AICW cruisers. And, lest I forget, Oriental Marina and Toucan Grill (located on the community’s innermost harbor), mentioned very favorably in Captain Pat’s note below, is a valued SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

I know from my last visit [to Oriental] that there are several restaurants within walking distance, the best being Toucan Grill at Oriental Marina. A grocery store is about 1 mile away from
Oriental Marina. Oriental Marina is very animal friendly. Limited number of slips, maybe 10? There are 2 ‘Free’ docks adjacent to Oriental Marina but they have always been occupied and they are shallow. The basin Oriental Marina is in is easy to access and their slips are very well protected. There is also a well equipped ships store and provisioning store 1 block from Oriental Marina. Oriental downtown is small revitalized 3 or 4 block section with some gift, antique, and knick knack shops and some restaurants and snack shops. Fresh seafood available in season otherwise fresh frozen.
Pat Banyas
s/v Marguerite

We spent a week at Oriental Marina. Very nice and helpful marina personnel. The only negative I find is the lack of pump out capability. Especially in light of a week’s stay.
We enjoyed a meal at M&M while enjoying a lovely sunset. Also, there’s a very nice art store, Down East Canvas & Gallery, located just across the main road (at the bridge) from the other Oriental marina. Lovely original watercolors. Additionally, the store owners do marine canvas work.
One item of note. We needed to get to a pharmacy as well as having the desire for a larger grocery store. A lady heard me asking the marina personnel how far a walk it would be. After learning the trek could be at least 10 miles, she offered to drive my wife and I, strangers to her, to handle the errands. One of the many examples of the great people we’ve met along our way.
Perry & Kathy Sellars
M/V Marsh Mellow

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