Hi Quent: I live in Oriental and have the 424 “MOJO”. We have a very good anchorage just past the breakwater, good holding and there is a free dinghy dock. It gets a little crowded this time of year with folks going South. There are two Oriental Marinas both with great facilities and accepting transit boats. Actually the original Oriental Marina answers 16 for both locations. We have a free town dock(for 48 hours) that is very popular but it has no electricity or water and can usually only accomodate 2 or 3 boats. “The Bean” is the local coffee shop right on the water front. The “Tiki Bar” at the Oriental Marina is the local watering hole. For boat stuff try The Waterway Provisioning Co on the waterfront. We have a West Marine but it’s about 1 mile hike from the water front. Same for groceries, the Town and Country is about a mile walk. New hot spot eatery is The Silos, great Italian and Pizza. M&M Cafe is on the waterfront and is always good. You can get fuel at the original Oriental Marina. If you need parts, service, or a haul out try Deaton Yacht Service on Whitaker Creek. Enjoy your stay it’s a fantastic boating village.
Best Regards/ Jack Coulter
Calico Jack