Recreation

  • Downeast Guide Service
    Capt. George Beckwith, Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-3101
    www.pamlicoguide.com
  • Minnesott Golf & Country Club
    At the end of Country Club Dr., Minnesott
    Phone: (252) 249-0813
    www.minnesottgolf.com
  • PT-1 Charters
    USCG Approved Courses, OUPV & Up To 100 Ton Master (Pre-registration Required)
    111 Pittman Circle, P.O Box 159, Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1597
    Email: rrpittman@coastalnet.com
  • Spec Fever
    Capt. Gary Dubiel
    9506 Connie Cove, Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1520
    www.specfever.com
  • World Wide Marine Training
    Captain’s Licenses – They give The Test. (Pre-registration Required)
    801 Broad St., P.O. Box 917, Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-2135 or (866) 249-2135
    www.wegivethetest.com
    Email: schedule@wegivethetest.com

  • Local Services

    Following is a list of basic services you may need during your visit to Oriental.

    Accommodations

  • Oriental Marina & Inn (Condotel)
    Hodges St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1818
    www.orientalmarina.com
  • The Inn at Oriental (B&B)
    508 Church St., Oriental
    Phone: (904) 206-1708
    www.innatoriental.com
  • River Neuse Suites
    201 Mildred St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1404
  • Banks

  • First Citizens
    (Full-service ATM Machine. Bank is closed on Saturday)
    409 Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1462
  • Wells Fargo
    (Full-service ATM Machine. Bank is closed on Saturday)
    715 NC Hwy. 55, Bayboro
    Phone: (252) 745-3141
  • Churches

  • Oriental First Baptist Church
    605 Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1005
  • Oriental Free Will Baptist Church
    Ragan Rd., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-2588
  • Oriental United Methodist Church
    404 Freemason St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-0213
  • Pamlico Presbyterian Church
    1085 Kershaw Rd., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-2402
  • St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Parish
    Church is located on White Farm Rd., Oriental, (Parish House)
    Phone: (252) 249-3687
  • St. Thomas Episcopal Church
    402 Freemason St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-0256
    www.stthomas-oriental.net
  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, St. Andrew Lutheran, Temple B’nai Sholem, Unitarian-Universalist and more churches may be found in New Bern. Please refer to the Yellow Pages.

    Dining

  • The Bean
    304 Hodges St, Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-4918
    www.beanonc.com
  • M&M’s Cafe
    205 Water St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-2000
  • The Silos
    1111 Broad St Ext, Oriental, NC
    Phone: (252)249-1050
    www.silosnc.com
  • Village Restaurant
    900 Broad St, Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-3509
  • Toucan Grill/Tiki Bar
    (Adjacent to the Oriental Marina & Inn)
    103 Wall St, Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-2204
    www.toucangrill.com
  • Groceries

  • Mini Mart
    902 Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-0720
  • Piggly Wiggly
    Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-3100
  • Hardware & Marine Supplies

  • Inland Waterway Provision Company
    305 Hodges St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1797
    www.theprovisioncompany.com
  • Village Hardware & Marine Supply
    804 Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1211
  • West Marine
    Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-3200
  • Health Clubs

  • The Village Club
    1006 Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1869
  • Medical Centers – Dial 911 for Emergencies

  • Craven Regional Medical Center
    2000 Neuse Blvd., New Bern
    General Info: (252) 633-8111
    www.cravenhealthcare.org
  • Oriental Medical Center
    901 Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-2888
    After Hours: 633-8817
  • Pamlico Medical Center
    606 Main St., Bayboro
    Phone: (252) 745-3191
    After Hours: 633-8817
  • Pharmacies

  • Bayboro Pharmacy
    Main St., Bayboro
    Phone: (252) 745-5539
  • CVS/Pharmacy
    11560 NC Hwy. 55, Grantsboro
    Phone: (242) 745-3911
  • Post Offices

  • Merritt
    NC Hwy. 55, Merritt
    Phone: (252) 745-4409
  • Oriental
    Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-0454
  • Stonewall
    NC Hwy. 55, Stonewall
    Phone: (252) 745-3842
  • Veterinarians

  • Oriental Pet Clinic
    (No Boarding)
    Dr. Dorothy Dimond
    510 Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-2775
  • Oriental Village Veterinary Hospital
    (No Boarding)
    Dr. Sherri Hicks
    407 Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-2149
  • Craven Animal Hospital
    (Boarding)
    1003 NC Hwy. 70 East, New Bern
    Phone: (252) 637-4541
  • Visitor Information

  • Visitor’s Center
    10642 NC Hwy. 55, Grantsboro
    Phone: (252) 745-3008
    Home to the Pamlico County Visitor’s Center, and Chamber of Commerce.

  • Visitors Guide


    How To Get Here


    How Oriental Got It's Name

    Oriental was settled in the 1870s by Louis B. Midyette. Legend has it that “Uncle Lou” was sailing from New Bern to his home in Dare County and anchored his sailboat in the protected waters of Oriental to escape a gale. Storytellers claim that Lou went ashore the next morning, climbed a tree and was captured by the beautiful landscape and waterfront created by the many creeks. He returned home to persuade others to join his family in moving to the area.

    The United States Post Office Department established a post office here back in 1886. Lou Midyette was named postmaster of what was then known as Smith’s Creek. But Lou’s wife, Rebecca, thought the village needed a better name. She had found the nameplate from the sunken ship “Oriental” on the beaches of the Outer Banks and thought that name was more suitable (other stories say she just saw it in a Manteo home – but either way the name “Oriental” made an impression on her). The village became known as Oriental a few years after the post office was established and was incorporated in 1899.

    From the early 1900s Oriental’s economy was supported by lumber, fishing and farming. Fishing remains an important part of the town. Today fishing trawlers still grace the harbor, bringing in a catch of shrimp, crab or perhaps flounder depending on the season.

    The last sawmill closed just about the time that sailors began to discover the village – in the early 1960s. Just four sailboats called Oriental home back then – today that number has grown to over 2,700, giving Oriental its reputation as the “Sailing Capital of North Carolina.”

    Oriental is still a popular stop for “snowbirds” cruising south for the winter or heading north for the summer. Many residents will tell you that their first visit to Oriental was by water while cruising coastal North Carolina and that they, too, decided to make Oriental their home. The population is about 875, with many newcomers settling in areas surrounding the incorporated village.

    About The Steamer Oriental
    The sailing steamer Oriental was built in Philadelphia in 1861 and was used as a Federal transport ship in the Civil War. She met her fate in May of 1862 when she was shipwrecked off Bodie Island, 33 miles north of Cape Hatteras. Her passengers and crew were saved.

    Today, one of her portholes is on display in Oriental’s History Museum. Unfortunately, the fate of her nameplate is unknown.


    Pamlico County Primer

    Pamlico County was named for Pamlico Sound, which in turn was named for an Indian tribe that once inhabited the northern fringes of the county. Perhaps four to five hundred Indians occupied the area during the time of exploration and early settlement. Belonging mainly to the Algonquians, the tribes were the Pamlico, Neuse, Bay River, Coree and possibly the Secotan, Pamouick, Tuscarora and Woccon. Until the smallpox hit them around 1686, the Pamlico were the most numerous.

    The Pamlico Sound provided an entry point for the English explorers who “discovered” the area in the late 1500s — some have theorized that the ships of Sir Walter Raleigh’s first expedition may have touched the shores of Pamlico County in 1584 or 1585. But their large vessels found the shallow sound difficult to navigate, so settlement didn’t begin in earnest for another century. The first permanent European settlers arrived in the early 1700s. At Nottingham Point near Arapahoe, the earliest known gravestone in the county is dated 1745. But historians know the area was settled long before that. Land records still exist of grants made by the King of England to colonial farmers and many residents can trace their roots back to those days.

    Initial relations between European settlers and Indians were good. As more settlers made their home at the mouths of rivers and creeks and along the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers, tensions increased and resulted in the Tuscarora War of 1711-1713. This war saw four tribes unite against the encroaching settlers. The tribes were defeated and by the middle of the 18th century no distinct tribes remained in the area. Colonization forged ahead and, in 1872, Pamlico County was formed from parts of Beaufort and Craven counties.

    During the “Golden Era of Piracy” Edward Teach, more commonly known as “Blackbeard,” is said to have sailed these waters before he died in 1718. Local lore has it that some of his treasure was buried under “Teach’s Oak” at the point in Green Creek where Smith Creek forms.

    Climate
    The county is largely bordered by water with Goose Creek and the Pamlico River on the north; the Upper Broad Creek forms the county’s western boundary with Craven County; Pamlico Sound lies to the east; and the Neuse River to the south. All this water has a moderating effect on the climate.

    Average annual temperature: 62 degrees.
    January average: 45 degrees.
    June average: 80 degrees (with about 40 days a year when the temperature exceeds 90).
    Average annual rainfall: 50” per year and a mean relative humidity of 75%.
    Average snow: Perhaps one snowfall a year with about 2’ and a good excuse to stay home from school.

    Population
    Countywide: Approx. 13,000

    Topography
    The area now known as Pamlico County was formed in 1872 from parts of Beaufort and Craven counties. Pamlico County is a destination for those who love wide-open spaces and soothing expanses of water. As a matter of fact, it is made up of about 340 square miles of land and about 225 square miles of water.

    Agriculture & Manufacturing
    Primary farm production in Pamlico County consists of corn, soybeans, wheat, potatoes, cotton and forestry. Seafood processing and marine services account for most of the manufacturing output of the county.

    Estimates vary, but as much as 10% of Pamlico County’s total population is directly or indirectly involved in the commercial fishing industry. Some common seafood manufactured and harvested in Pamlico County are Flounder, Grouper, King Mackerel, Sea Bass, Sea Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass, Croaker, Blue Fish, Red Drums, Black Drum, Mullets, Catfish, Common Eel, Crabs (Blue hard and soft), Shrimp (Brown, Pink, White and Rock), Conchs, Octopus, Oysters, Sea Scallops and Squid.

    Ferry Facts
    North Carolina boasts one of the largest ferry systems in the United States. The NC Ferry Division operates 21 vessels, one dredge and numerous support vessels. There are 7 routes in the system. The shortest crossing is between Minnesott Beach and Cherry Branch (2.3 miles, 20 minutes) and the longest is between Swan Quarter and Ocracoke Island (27 miles, 2.5 hours). Ferries operate at an average speed of 10 knots. The ferries can operate in as little as five feet of water.

    Pamlico County Communities

    Alliance
    Latitude/Longitude: 35.15 N 76.80 W
    The Town of Alliance, named after the Farmers Alliance movement, was incorporated in 1965. It is the home for The Pamlico County Department Social Services and Senior Center. The town has grown into the hub for many of the county’s medical services ranging from doctor’s offices, chiropractic services, family eye care, and dentists. Let’s not forget our pets; Alliance is also has a veterinarian office. There is shopping for everyone, there, you will find Pamlico County’s largest hardware and building supply, marine sales, auto parts, dry cleaning as well as several small shops, restaurants, and thrift stores. In the evenings, you’ll notice lights and cheers coming from the county’s only baseball and softball fields located in Alliance Recreation Park.

    Arapahoe
    Latitude/Longitude: 35.02 N 76.82 W
    This community was settled early in the 18th century, not long after New Bern. Arapahoe’s post office was established in 1886. The town was incorporated in 1920. When riding through Arapahoe today, it appears to be just a cross roads town with an old fashion grocery store and a country cooking restaurant. You will soon discover Arapahoe is a hidden gem in Pamlico County. This sleepy little town is home to the YMCA’s Camp Sea Farer camp for girls, the Arapahoe Charter School, as well as river and creek front properties located on high bluffs overlooking expansive, pristine waters. Oh, that country cooking restaurant and oyster bar produces some of the best sea food in Eastern North Carolina.

    Bayboro
    Latitude/Longitude: 35.18 N 76.88 W
    Bayboro, named after the Bay River, became the first town in the county to incorporated 1881even thought it had been settled years before.   In 1876 Bayboro became the County Seat and is still there today. You will find our county court house, Sheriff’s department and many of the government offices in Bayboro . The primary, elementary and High schools are located within walking distance from most of the neighborhoods. The restaurants, professional services, shopping and a variety of parks and recreational areas make this a wonderful town for professional, retirees and families with children.

    Hobucken & Lowland
    “Goose Creek Island” was formerly part of Beaufort County. In 1874, Hobucken and Lowland citizens voted to become part of Pamlico County. Around 1900, a post office was established for the area. The island is a magnet for fishermen and duck hunters and is home to a unit of the U.S. Coast Guard, which is located on the Intracoastal Waterway.

    Minnesott Beach
    Latitude/Longitude: 34.96 N / 76.83 W
    The town’s name is derived from an Indian word said to mean, “Land of sky-tinted water.” It was developed as resort area on the Neuse River by the Hardison family after World War 1 and is a still a happening place in Pamlico County today. Here you will find the county’s only golf and country club and YMCA’s Camp Sea Gull for boys on the shores of the Neuse River. Minnesott Beach is known for its protected, deep water marina and boat yard as well as the county’s ferry to Cherry Point Marine base. With high bluffs over-looking the Neuse River, protected harbor, inland lakes and establish neighborhoods, you can understand why Minnesott Beach is home to a wonderful mix of young families and retirees alike.

    Oriental
    Latitude/Longitude: 35.03N / 76.70 W
    Once called Smith Creek and settled in 1870, residents wanted to establish a post office when they found the town first needed an official name. Uncle Lou Midget’s wife found the nameplate from the steamship “The Oriental” on the shores of Manteo, NC. The ship had sunk off the coast of Cape Hatteras in 1862 while under the commission of the Union army. The residents agreed on the unusual name and the town of Oriental was officially named incorporated in 1899.

    With just 875 residents and over 2,700 boats, it’s obvious how Oriental earned its name of “The Sailing Capital of North Carolina”. Oriental not only has boating of every kind, Oriental has active theater, music, and fine arts communities. We take pride in our many quirky ways to celebrate just about every holiday and occasion, including regattas, the 4th of July’s Croaker Festival, Dragon Boat races and the Spirit of Christmas celebration. Living in Oriental is enjoying riding a bike to the Bean for coffee, early church on the river or sitting at the Tikki Bar listening to the Soul Shakers. Most importantly, living in Oriental is about slowing down and celebrating life.

    Reelsboro
    No one seems to know how Reeslboro got its name, but it seems likely that it was named for the Reel families. Reelsboro is situated in a very sandy area. Before the hard surfaced roads were built, cars had to wind (or perhaps “reel”) around to keep from getting stuck in it. When the railroad came to Pamlico County, one of the stops was named “Reelsboro.” Its post office was established in 1891.

    Stonewall
    Stonewall was incorporated in 1870 when it was still part of Craven County. Citizens first wished to name the town “Jackson” for the owner of a local mill. But since there was already a town with that name in North Carolina, “Stonewall” was selected — presumably in honor of General T. J. “Stonewall” Jackson. It was home to Pamlico County’s first post office, which was established after the Civil War, and the original site of the county courthouse before it was moved to Bayboro.

    Vandemere
    At one time, the Indian village of ”Secotan” was located here. Later, it was renamed by the wife of a former Union Army surgeon who settled here in the 1870s. Its new name was derived from the words “van” (the Dutch word for “village”) and De Mere” (French for “by the sea”). Vandemere is situated on a point where Vandemere Creek flows into the Bay River. It was incorporated in 1874 and was the county seat from 1872 (when Pamlico County was formed) to 1876.


    Relocation Guide

    Information and services that may be helpful in getting you started in your new community.

    CHURCHES

    Alliance United Methodist Church
    687 Main St.
    Phone: (252) 745-1024

    Arapahoe United Methodist Church
    Minnesott Beach
    Phone: (252) 249-1024

    Bayboro United Methodist Church
    106 Vandemere Rd.
    Phone: (252) 745-7466

    Oriental First Baptist Church
    605 Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1005

    Oriental Free Will Baptist Church
    Ragan Rd., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-2588

    Oriental United Methodist Church
    404 Freemason St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-0213

    Pamlico Presbyterian Church
    1085 Kershaw Rd., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-2402

    St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Parish
    Church is located on White Farm Rd., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-3687

    St. Thomas Episcopal Church
    402 Freemason St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-0256
    Online at http://www.stthomas-oriental.net.

    Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, St. Andrew Lutheran, Temple B’nai Sholem, Unitarian-Universalist and more churches may be found in New Bern. Please refer to the Yellow Pages.

    DRIVER’S LICENSE

    All new residents who plan to drive must obtain a N.C. driver’s license within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence here. Most newcomers, unless they drive commercial vehicles, will want a Class C license, which permits operation of personal cars and small trucks. If you drive a motorcycle, you’ll also need a motorcycle endorsement.

    North Carolina has switched from four-year to five-year driver’s licenses. Until the change is complete, licenses will vary in length from four years to eight years. To get a license, apply in person at a driver’s license office and take the vision, sign recognition and written tests. (It will help to study the Driver’s Handbook available at DMV offices.) When you apply, present your current out-of-state license or two other accepted forms of ID, as well as proof of liability insurance from an insurer licensed in North Carolina. You’ll also need to supply your Social Security number. (NOTE: If you are paying for your license by check, the address on your pre-printed check must match the address on your new driver’s license.)

    Locations
    Pamlico County: For dates and locations call the Greenville DMV at 252-830-3456.
    New Bern: Any weekday at the Driver’s License Office, 2106 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, 252-514-4734

    MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION

    You must register your vehicle before the reciprocity agreement between North Carolina and your former state expires (usually 30 days). Registration is renewed annually.

    To register your vehicle, apply in person at the license plate agency and present your title (unless title is held by a lien holder) and a valid registration card from your former state. If your title is held by a lien holder, you must provide the lien holder’s name and address on a state form for title release. You also must present proof of vehicle liability insurance at or above minimum standards.

    Fees due when you receive N.C. registration include title and registration fees and highway use tax. The DMV registration office will accept a check. You must also get a vehicle safety inspection within 10 days of receiving your N.C. license plate. This can be done at any state-authorized inspection station. Inspection is required annually.

    The state does not levy sales tax on motor vehicles. However, NC counties assess property taxes annually. Your car will be registered when you receive your license plate and you’ll receive a bill in about three months.

    Location
    Register any weekday at the License Plate Agency, 117 Virginia Avenue, Alliance, 252-745-4539

    NEW CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

    Building Permits
    Pamlico County Building Inspector
    Pamlico County Courthouse
    202 Main Street, Bayboro
    Phone: (252) 745-3861.

    Dock & Bulkhead Permits
    Pamlico County Building Inspector
    Pamlico County Courthouse
    202 Main Street, Bayboro
    Phone: (252) 745-3861

    E911 Addressing
    Emergency Management/E911, 252-745-4131

    Septic Permits
    Pamlico County Health Department
    Pamlico County Courthouse
    202 Main Street, Bayboro
    Phone: (252) 745-5111

    NEWSPAPERS

    Pamlico News (Published Weekly)
    406 Broad Street, Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-1555
    Online at http://www.pamliconews.com

    Sun Journal (Published Daily)
    3200 Wellons Blvd., New Bern
    Phone: (252) 638-8101 Ext. #231
    Online at http://www.newbernsunjournal.com

    Raleigh News & Observer (Published Daily)
    Phone: (800) 522-4205

    POST OFFICES

    Alliance
    NC Hwy. 55, Alliance
    Phone: (252) 745-4524

    Arapahoe
    Kershaw Rd., Arapahoe
    Phone: (252) 249-1711

    Bayboro
    NC Hwy. 55, Bayboro
    Phone: (252) 745-4641

    Grantsboro
    NC Hwy. 55, Grantsboro
    Phone: (252) 745-4711

    Hobucken
    51 Hobucken School Rd., Hobucken
    Phone: (252) 745-5654

    Lowland
    Phone: (252) 745-4470

    Merritt
    NC Hwy. 55, Merritt
    Phone: (252) 745-4409

    Oriental
    Broad St., Oriental
    Phone: (252) 249-0454

    Stonewall
    NC Hwy. 55, Stonewall
    Phone: (252) 745-3842

    Vandemere
    Phone: (252) 745-5889

    REFUSE REMOVAL

    Municipal services within most incorporated towns. Refer to your phone book for a refuse removal companies if you do not have municipal services.

    UTILITIES, PHONE & INTERNET SERVICE

    Cable & Satellite TV
    Time Warner of Pamlico
    84 Gatlin Road, Bayboro
    Phone: (252) 745-5842
    Online at http://www.twceastnc.com

    Refer to your phone book for satellite service providers.

    Electric
    Progress Energy
    Customer Services
    Phone: (800) 452-2777
    Online at http://www.progress-energy.com

    Tideland Membership Corp.
    10948 NC Hwy. 55, Alliance
    Phone: (252) 745-4127
    Online at http://www.tidelandemc.com

    Internet
    The NetShoppe
    Phone: (252) 745-7175
    Refer to your phone book for other internet providers.

    Propane Gas
    Eastern Propane
    Alliance
    Phone: (252) 745-7346

    Jenkins Gas & Oil
    Bayboro
    Phone: (252) 745-5842

    Refuse Removal
    Waste Management
    Phone: (252) 699-6330

    GDS
    Phone: (252) 638-1366

    Telephone, Cell & Internet Service
    Sprint, Residential Customers
    Phone: (252) 633-9011
    Refer to your phone book for cell service providers.

    Water
    Pamlico County Water Dept.
    102 N. 4th Street, Bayboro
    Phone: (252) 745-5453
    (NOTE: A copy of your deed will be required in order to get service.)

    VOTER REGISTRATION

    To vote, you must be 18 years or older, a legal resident of the county where you register and a U.S. citizen. You also must register at least 25-30 days before an election (the exact deadline varies for each election).

    Location
    Register any weekday at the Board of Elections Office, Pamlico County Courthouse, 202 Main Street, Bayboro, 252-745-4821.