Catch a breeze in Oriental, the Sailing Capital of North Carolina

In the 1870s, Louis B. Midyette anchored his sailboat in a protected area near Oriental to escape a gale on his way from New Bern to the Outer Banks. The story goes that he went ashore, climbed a tree, was captivated by the beautiful waterfront landscape and moved his family to the quiet coastal town. Here, boating season never ends. Sailing, cruising, kayaking, canoeing and racing regattas fill the waters year-round and visitors can enjoy festivals, events and other activities to kick back and relax along the beautiful Neuse River.