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About the
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Map Crystal Coast
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Havelock
New Bern
Annual Events
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and
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On the
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Oriental
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Oriental, North CarolinaWelcome to North Carolina's Central Coast and New Bern! Carteret County's coastline, also called the Crystal Coast, consists of narrow islands and includes favorite beach-vacation spots, such as Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach, Salter Path and Emerald Isle. Nearby is Beaufort, a quaint seaport brimming with charm, history, a boardwalk and tree-lined streets. And we can't forget Morehead City, Swansboro and the Down East area each with its own distinct character. If you've already visited or researched a trip to the Crystal Coast, the historic city of New Bern, the charming waterfront town of Oriental, or Havelock, home of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, you've probably seen the 400-plus page book, The Insiders' Guide® to North Carolina's Central Coast & New Bern. Now you've discovered the site of the online version of the updated 14th edition of the entire book that will answer your questions, help you plan and lead you to the area's best attractions, restaurants, shops, kids activities, recreation options and all of our favorite nooks and crannies! On the banks of the Neuse River, Oriental is a tucked-away sort of place. Quiet, pretty and filled with genuinely friendly people, this small village is a haven for those needing a bit of tranquility in their lives. You can get to nearly every place in Oriental by foot or bicycle. But while not fast-paced, this riverside town is certainly not boring. There's plenty to do -- should you care to do anything at all. Oriental is in Pamlico County, on the northern banks of the Neuse River directly across from Carteret County. It is only a 20-minute ferry ride from the Crystal Coast (or a short drive from New Bern). The free Cherry Branch–Minnesott Beach Ferry leaves from outside Havelock (see our Getting Around chapter in the Crystal Coast section), crosses the Neuse River and docks in Minnesott Beach. From there, Oriental is a short 10 miles away -- just follow the road signs. The town is situated amid six creeks: Smith Creek, Camp Creek, Raccoon Creek, Green Creek, Whittaker Creek and Pierce Creek. A 10-foot channel connects Oriental with the Intracoastal Waterway. Boat people are crazy about Oriental, which is known as the "Sailing Capital of North Carolina." Because it's on the Intracoastal Waterway, Oriental is a convenient and popular year-round port for sailing vessels. In winter, when yachts from the north are southbound, they stop in Oriental for a couple of days; in spring, headed back north again, they linger longer. An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 ICW travelers visit every year. Unlike many other coastal communities that are experiencing newfound popularity and increased demands for housing and services, Oriental is enjoying a relaxed time. In 1910 the town's population was 2,500. Today, year-round residents number about 900. In recent years, some new neighborhoods and marinas have sprung up around the town, offering waterfront lots, boat ramps and recreational areas.
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