

It's Thursday June 19, 2025 Dock Quote: “Even the darkest...
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH LATE TONIGHT
Upcoming Events
- 3rd & 5th Thursday Open Jam Session @ PCC
- This Week @ New Village Brewery, June 19-22
- Silospalooza 2025 - June 21
- Beer Tasting @ the Provision Company - June 20
- Wine Tastings @ Nautical Wheelers - June 20 & 21
- Oriental Farmer's Market - Saturday
Miss June 2025: Rosie:

Eight pounds of pure survival. Pet Of The Month
SV Mysto:

An inspired boat restoration. The Shipping News
Tom Lathrop, 1931 - 2025:

Master woodworker, engineer, loving family man. The Story
2025 Ol' Front Proch Music Festival Lineup:

Folk & Americana, Jazz & Bluegrass. The Story
Ralf Heit, 1951 - 2025:

Husband, sailor, traveler & friend. The Story
Letters: Remembering David Cox:

Memories of a fellow Oriental citizen. Letters To The Editor
David R. Cox, 1937-2023:

Navy Captain, sailor, husband, father, town commissioner. The Story
The 2025 Oriental Boat Show:

Saturday was cold, Sunday's sunshine made it all feel better. The Story
PAWS Pet Parade 2025:

Banana Bandit Top Dog. The Story
Seeking STEM Speakers:

Just speak for 5 minutes about your career. Guest Columnist
Whittaker Creek Channel: Dredging and a Reroute:

Grants and community funding combine, just a little more needed. The Story
2025 SailPack Regatta:

Schools from 3 coasts and a Great Lake compete. The Story
Taking the Tension out of a Canvas Install:

A guide to installing canvas. Canvas Corner
1926 Motor Yacht Mariner III:

Almost a century on the water. The Shipping News
Navigating a Valentine's Day Gift:

Finding love's way. Captain's Blog
January 2025 Town Board Meeting:

Ordinance revision tabled, Water projects move ahead. The Story
SV Skookum Takes On The World:

Mini Globe Competitor With Pamlico Connections. The Shipping News
48 Hour Film Project - 2025:

Small Town Filmmakers on the Big Screen. The Story
Jimmy, Millard and Sam built some houses:

President Carter and Habitat For Humanity. Guest Columnist
Friends Of The Dragon 2025:

It takes a village to house a dragon. The Story
December 2024 Town Board Meeting:

Auditor gives updates, SUP burden shifted. The Story
2024 Spirit of Christmas Schedule:

What's happening, where and when. The Story
Giving Locally 2024:

Area Non-Profits That Could Use Your Donations. The Story
Zac Schnell New Acting President At PCC:

Neil Callahan is Acting VP of instruction . The Story
SV Naia:

RV world travelers become sailors. The Shipping News
Letters: Keep Oriental's Elections Non-Partisan:

A two year term for this board is enough. Letters To The Editor
The 2024 Chili Cook-off:

Ten teams spice it up. The Story
Oriental Cup 2024:

Twenty-five Boats Compete. The Story
Skip Bailey, 1947 - 2024:

Friend, home builder, lobsterman. The Story
Ol' Front Porch Transportation:

Parking, Golf Carts, Getting Around. The Story
Letters: The Latest From A Dysfunctional Town Board:

A volunteer Oriental board remains in need of a member. Letters To The Editor
Rolf Anselm, 1930 - 2024:

Artist, Gadgeteer, Inquisitive Mind. The Story
August 2024 Town Board Meeting:

Elections not changed, Board of Adjustment up in the air. The Story
Letters: Not Without a Public Vote:

Changing the year will change the terms. Letters To The Editor
Letters: The Dock Cats of Hodges Street:

A few too many felines. Letters To The Editor
July 2024 Town Board Meeting:

Short Term Dock Usage & a Dumpster Dialogue. The Story
A Long, Hot Hit Parade:

The 2024 Croaker Festival & Parade. The Story
Early Morning Lights:

Not a comet. The Story
Letters: Thank you to the Minnesott Ferry crew:

Looking out for a dog in need. Letters To The Editor
Sylvia Jane (Williams) Wright, 1942 - 2024:

Wife, mother, friend. The Story
Letters: Thanks for Saving A Life:

'An example of the best humankind''. The Story
Virginia Jenks Goodwin, 1934 - 2024:

Wife, mother, and a founding member of St. Thomas Episcopal. The Story
Basketball Sailing:

Handle Hard Better. Captain's Blog
2024 Dragon's Breath Regatta:

Thirteen Races for Thirteen Vessels. The Story
June 2024 Town Board Meeting:

New Business Application, New Deputy Finance Director. The Story
SailPack Coach Dana Magliola Named To The ICSA Hall Of Fame:

Dana receives the Outstanding Service by a Volunteer Award. The Story
Letters: Defunding Pamlico Schools?:

Two views on what's happening with schools. Letters To The Editor
May 2024 Town Board Meeting:

Statements called rumors, and how about an outdoor movie?. The Story
DANGER SHOAL: A New Sign in Whittaker Creek Channel:

Change to Whittaker Creek Channel Mark #3. The Story
Janice Frazier Coakley, 1960 - 2024:

Animal advocate, twin sister, loving wife & mother. The Story
2024 Town Wide Yard Sale:

Trinkets & Treasures. The Story
2024 Sailpack Regatta:

Collegiate sailors compete on the Neuse. The Story
Rezonings Denied, SUP Review Coming:

April Town Board Meeting 2024. The Story
Rumors Addressed, Questions Answered:

March Town Board Meeting 2024. The Story
Sailpack 2024 This Weekend:

Everything you need to know about this weekend. Guest Columnist
The 2024 Oriental In-Water Boat Show:

Motorboats, Sailboats, and a Masthead Float. The Story
Thanks to Neuse Neighbors Volunteers:

April is Volunteer Month. Letters To The Editor
2024 Pet Parade:

A pirate ship, a pun, and an impersonation. The Story
Douglas 'Doug' Wayne Gaither, 1945-2024:

Repairman, Husband, Helper. The Story
RV Park Proposed Near Whittaker Creek:

Residential to Multi-Use Rezoning Requested. The Story
Josephus "Jos" J. H. P. Muffels, 1953 - 2024:

Adventurer, Craftsman, Loving Husband. The Story
The Spring Break 'Trophy' Regatta:

Collegiate sailors train in Oriental. The Story
The 2024 Dragon Burn:

Smoke, fire, and ash. The Story
Chowder Chow-Down:

The 2024 Oriental Woman's Club Chowder CookOff. The Story
Letters: Thanks from the Friends of the Library:

Appreciation for the helping hands. Letters To The Editor
Wes Barbour and SV Summer Wind:

A boy and his sloop. The Shipping News
"You Are Wrong.":

February Town Special Meeting. The Story
Phillip Ira Sax, 1948 - 2024:

Solo sailor, celestial navigator, dear friend. The Story
2:12p Oriental’s History Museum closes its current exhibit, “Oriental’s Remarkable Women”, at the end of June.
Tonight the Museum holds a reception from 7 – 9p to say “goodbye” to the exhibit and to the legacy of those women who changed the face of this town and the county. You’re invited. Light refreshments served.
Oriental’s History Museum is at 802 Broad Street, open: Friday 11-3 and Saturday 1-4. Admission free with donations gratefully accepted.

10:14a If you’re trying to reach Dr. Hicks at Oriental Village Veterinary Hospital, you’ll need to use their alternate number: 252-515-6044.
There are problems with their main phone line. They expect phone service to be restored Thursday afternoon.
6:22a It’s Wednesday, and Oriental’s Piggly Wiggly has new weekly specials.
Here are the Piglet deals for June 18 – 24.

11:27a Julie Williams.
In 2023, she was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country.
In October 2024, Billboard named her the Country Rookie of the month.
In 2025, she’s playing The Old Theater in Oriental. Have a listen:
You can hear her this Sunday, June 22 at The Old Theater at 4:30p. Find out more, and how to get tickets, here.

8:03a Rainy. Humid. Bleh. That would be the grumpy commentary.
Cheer up, Bunky. You don’t need to water your lawn.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Weather Radar
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Pamlico Sound Marine Forecast
• Neuse River at Oriental Water Level Gauge

6:32p Saturday night we got 2 inches of rain. Add another quarter inch this afternoon. The weather summary:
If you need a bit more detail:
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Weather Radar
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Pamlico Sound Marine Forecast
• Neuse River at Oriental Water Level Gauge

7:01a Oriental has a bakery, now in its second month. This morning scones, cinnamon rolls and donuts are among the temptations.
Mariposa Bakery & Wine Bar is open 3 days a week as follows: Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Bakery hours: 6a – 11a, Wine bar hours: 3p-9p.
Summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21, but Mom Nature may not need that calendar. Hot~ish today, partly cloudy, upper 80s.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Weather Radar
Tropical Storm Outlook? Nothin’ goin on. Yet.

Coming up later this month, at the summer solstice… it’s Silospalooza, Saturday June 21. It all starts at 2:30p and goes til late. Astute readers (like you) will know Silospalooza is at… The Silos.
Five bands will play… Post 12 Band (90s alternative rock), Smokehouse (classic rock), The Pauls (acoustic 90s rock), Southern Hellcats (50s/60s rockabilly) and then Bridge Atlantic (rock, girl vocals). Y’all write it down on your kitchen calendar.
Meanwhile, this weekend. Big Jim Kohler plays tonight at the brewery, with Tanja’s German Street Food truck out front. At The Silos/Red Rooster, Mike Bramble on stage.
Saturday morning the Farmers (and semi farmers) will show at the Farmer’s Market on Hodges St, 8a-11a. Mac plays the brewery beer garden Saturday evening, with all About Churros food truck serving. Sunday at the brewery its Capt Jim’s Fresh Seafood Truck, 1-5p.
Sunday evening, have a chill pill… join the group walk at the Labyrinth, 7:30p.
It’s all in What’s Happening..

Some boat interiors have dark teak. Bronze. Not this one.
Down below on SV Mysto, one is greeted with flower power painting… and a disco ball. Meet sailor Claire Forehand and her rejuvenation of a Newport 27 sailboat.
For the past few weeks Harborcam has been a bit limited. The view was blocked by vertical fronds from a palm tree growth spurt.
This week Jay Jones (and a hand saw) agreed to rescue the view. Thanks Jay – once again Harborcam can see the harbor.

11:58a Oriental’s Community Labyrinth is in need of a little polish.
Completed in 2019, the Labyrinth is open to the public 24/7. It’s seen several town festivals, severe weather, and thousands of footsteps. A bit of restoration work is needed to make it ready for the next several years of use.
The Oriental United Methodist Church’s Labyrinth Committee is looking for volunteers who have an hour or two (or more) to donate to the cause.
On the To Do list: cleaning, re-staining, and waxing. The whole project is estimated to take about ten days, weather dependent. Not everyone will work every day.
If you would like to help out, contact the OUMC office at 252-249-0213.

2:34p It’s an almost summer weekend in Oriental. The folks at Nautical Wheelers host two kinda big deal wine events. Today is a South African Braai… BBQ food and real South African winemakers there to talk and drink wine. Saturday is a Wine Showcase. Both are ticketed events… more info right here.
New Village Brewery has BokaNinas Pacific Island Fusion food truck today. The Mad Fiddler was gonna play tonight, but rain has moved his fiddlin’ to Sunday. Red Rooster rained out tonight.
Saturday & Sunday the Oriental Dinghy Club hosts the Dragon’s Breath Regatta, all headquartered by the harbor on the Oriental Marina grounds. At the brewery Jasmine Tasty Thai serves, with Terratones playing in the beer garden.
Sunday the brewery is open (this continues all summer), with Capt. Jim’s Fresh Seafood Truck, and the Mad Fiddler rosin’ uop the bow Sunday afternoon.
Sunday evening go for a peaceful stroll with the group walk at the Oriental Labyrinth.
8:55a It may be spring, but summer~ish weather is with us. Partly sunny and low 80s today (some rain may visit tonight), the sunny and low 80s Saturday through Monday. Mid 80s Tuesday. Mid to upper 80s Wednesday – Friday.
On the Neuse 10-15 today, but tonight & Saturday morning looks a bit intimidating: West winds 15 To 20 knots, gusts to 25. Saturday afternoon should ease to 10-15, Sunday calms down to 5-10, Monday even lighter winds.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Weather Radar
Tropical Storm Outlook? All is calm.

10:25a Round-the-world sailor Josh Kali stopped in Oriental over the winter, before starting the Mini-Globe race in February in Antiqua (he departed January 28 from Beaufort to Antiqua).
This past weekend TownDock talked with Josh and got an update. Since the race started in February, Josh has gone across Panama, and on to the Pacific. He has made it to Tahiti:Sailing a 19 ft boat around the world is an expensive (and not remunerative) mission. Unlike mega yacht races with mega sponsorships, the Mini Globers are mostly self funded. Josh gets by with a little help from his friends.
To put sponsorship into perspective, a couple of his largest sponsors are TownDock.net and B&B Yacht Design (near Bayboro). It’s different than say AT&T and Volvo.
Josh estimates he’ll need another $10,000 to finish the round the world voyage (its about another 10 months).
You may choose to help out Josh & SV Skookum’s voyage, at this link.
TownDock crew will be donating more. He’s our town’s lad in a round the world race, and we look forward to his successful return.
Here is the Mini-Globe round-the-planet race course:
Here’s the story about Josh when he was in Oriental in January, about to depart.

Tom Lathrop passed away Wednesday. His memorial is Sunday at 3p.
Tom was a larger than life sailor, engineer, builder, creator. More about his life here.

There is a wooden boat design called the Ocean Pointer. It’s a 19’ 6” workboat.
If you are wooden boat builder, this may be for you. Oriental resident Doug Sligh writes in:
More information in the TownDock classifieds.
Update: “Sold” – the boat has found a new home.

2:41p Oriental’s own bakery launched earlier this month. It’s getting rave reviews (and good coffee too).
Mariposa Bakery & Wine Bar is open 3 days a week as follows: Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Bakery hours: 6a – 11a, Wine bar hours: 3p-9p.
2:22p The Will & Tony Show comes to the Silos/Red Rooster tonight, 7p. They say it’s 4 guys, 4 instruments and lotsa fun. The 2025 Ol’ Front Porch T-shirt is unveiled at 4p today at New Village Brewery, with artwork by Marguerite Garrett. It’s all from 4 – 7:30p at the brewery today, with Hoff ‘n’ Finch in the beer garden and the La Cocina Food Truck serving.
Saturday the summer farmers are out in force at the Farmer’s Market on Hodges St. The brewery hosts a fundraiser for YNTO (Youth Navigating Towards Opportunity) Saturday 5-6:30p. Jim Kellenberger and crew serve up BBQ chicken & fixins for $15 a plate. In the beer garden “NottaBand” (it’s Dave, Orv & Mac), 6-8:30p.
Sunday at 3p is the memorial & celebration of life for Tom Lathrop. At 7:30p Sunday night a group walk at the Oriental Labyrinth.
Monday is Memorial Day: Taps will be played from the top of the Oriental Bridge at noon.
1:47p Ever heard of a Braai? Think South African barbecue and you’re getting close:
Nautical Wheelers hosts a Braai during their Big South African Wine Event, Friday and Saturday, May 30 & 31.
This is a big deal… the Wheelers have enticed three South African winemakers to town. They will be sampling the Braai and the wines with you. The Braai is Friday May 30 at the Womans Club, then Saturday May 31 is the Wine Showcase at Nautical Wheelers Oriental store. Find out more, including how to get tickets, here.

3:49p Memorial Day is this Monday, May 26.
TAPS will be played from the Oriental Bridge at noon to honor those who died in service to their country.
Oriental’s next big sailing event starts Friday, May 30: The Dragon’s Breath Regatta.

Sailors compete in the Spinnaker, Jib and Main, and cruising classes in this annual race around the government marks.
There’s still time to register. Find out all you need to know here.

11:14a The Ol’ Front Porch Music Festival is set for October 3-4. With each new festival, comes a new T-shirt commemorating the event.
As the festival moves into its second decade (this is the festival’s 11th year), organizers are introducing the 2025 T-shirt design.
You can see it first at the unveiling this Friday, May 23 at New Village Brewery from 4 – 7:30p.

Com-Pac Yachts Sun Cat 17 ft daysailer 2003
RV site available in our small Bay River community
Waterfront Condo with Boat Slip in the Village
MGA 1962
Cook/Shift Leader: Don Lee Camp & Retreat Center
Free 26’ 1978 Chrysler sail boat
Sail Repair
Boat Slip For Rent
88 Bottle Wine Cooler by: Pioneer Works
Compac 27, Exceptional condition. $27,500
Marine Canvas, Sail Repair and Upholstery
Mackie Onyx 1620i mixer
Recent cover photos: See more cover photos...