Exploring Pamlico County


Oriental was discovered and settled in 1870 by Louis and his wife, Rebecca (Aunt Becky) Midyette. "Uncle Lou" had earlier been moved by the beauty of the area when waiting out a storm during a trip from New Bern, NC to Dare County. He later moved his family and, accompanied by a few others, named the town Smith Creek.

The town was later renamed for the Civil War ship Oriental that was sunk in a storm off Cape Hatteras in 1862. Aunt Becky was moved to commemorate the Oriental after she saw the ship's name board hanging on the wall of a home she was visiting in Manteo, NC.

Aunt Becky got her way; the name Oriental was approved, the town was incorporated in 1899 and Uncle Lou, ever the Founding Father, served as Oriental's first Postmaster.

Everybody Here Waves

The people of Oriental exude friendliness. Walk or drive through the village and people actually wave and smile. (Something's afoot here; many of those who wave and smile are transplanted northeasterners and other assorted "Yankees" from places with reputations for toughness and unfriendliness). The atmosphere in the village is quaint. Shrimp boats with their catch share the harbor with boaters who are traveling the Intra Coastal Waterway that passes just outside the breakwater.

Our residents include lifelong natives and retiree snow birds. Homeowners may live year 'round or keep summer homes here.

Quality of Life

Oriental, North Carolina and surrounding Pamlico County still offer a quality of life that's rapidly vanishing elsewhere. Here you'll find a mild, seasonal climate in a wonderful setting of rivers and creeks-- with a relaxed pace that's easy to get used to. Talk to our average resident and you'll typically find a person who came for a visit and ended up staying a lifetime.

The signature attraction of Oriental is its waterfront real estate. Many of our homes on the shores of the six navigable creeks and the Neuse River have their own boat docks. Several subdivisions have their own marinas. Our creeks lead to the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound, a world-class protected sailing, fishing and water sports area just inside the Outer Banks. We're known as "The Sailing Capital of North Carolina." The village of Oriental has about 900 residents and around 2,700 sailboats.

Oriental and Pamlico County are a Mecca for other outdoor sports as well. Kayaking, cycling, sport fishing, hunting and hiking are part of the lifestyle here.

Call or visit us and learn more about why Oriental is the best kept secret in Coastal North Carolina!