Oriental, NC

We remain in River Dunes Marina today, the rain has stopped, at least for a while, and the wind may decrease this evening.  So we decided to check out the town of Oriental NC, population 910 people and 3000+ boats.

Pencil drawing by Betty Brown

We visited EVERY place in town and had a fun couple of hours.  There are several marine stores, some nice shops and a couple of good restaurants.  The highlight was “The Village Gallery”.  It’s a local artists coop with exceptionally talented artists from this area on display.  The lady tending the shop today was one of the artists and she does black and white sketches of local scenes.  Some of them have watercolor added to enhance.  She was very welcoming as well as being talented.

There were paintings and woodcarvings as well as art from a fine potter, and a jeweler who used seashells in a wonderful fashion.  We purchased a basket done in the Carolina style with woven native grasses and pine needles.  It is similar to the seagrass baskets of Charleston, but much more delicate and detailed.

Shell Jewelry

This evening we will have dinner at the Marina restaurant with Marcy and Rich, a couple from Michigan who already have their Gold Loop burgee.  They are on “Tanuki” which comes from the Japanese words for “fun, mischief and prosperity”.

Marcie and Rich from Tanuki

"Forever" by Lynn Stiller from Oriental, NC