• 5th Sunday Sing, March 29 6p, OUMC •It's Sunday March 29, 2026
Dock Quote: “My interest is...
News From The Village Updated Almost Daily
Neighbor says expansion will benefit few. Letters To The Editor
Special Use Permits, unauthorized expenses, and dog dirt. The Story
It's trees in love. The Story
A cool cat at Marine Craft. Pet Of The Month
Commissioner Says Thanks. Letters To The Editor
"Notorious in the best small town way". The Story
Congressman Don Davis visits Oriental. The Story
Property fraud alert, new Chief of Police sworn in. The Story
Year of the Fire Horse. The Story
YouTube DIYer tackles new project in Oriental. The Shipping News
Husband, loving family man, outdoorsman, US Marine. The Story
A request answered. Letters To The Editor
A new Police Chief is named. The Story
Community arrives with help. Letters To The Editor
Pictures from the February snow storm. The Story
Two people, three boats, nine homes, four decades. The Story
Boat canvas & winter weather. Canvas Corner
32 years of a New Year's tradition. The Story
It takes a village to house a dragon. The Story
TV host, sailor, wife, daughter, volunteer. The Story
New board sets a positive tone. The Story
Five Grinches, grits, and a polar bear. The Story
What's happening, where and when. The Story
Teacher, musician, wife & mother. The Story
Road repair fund set, green bin dumper busted. The Story
Pedaling to earn their dinner. The Story
Area Non-Profits That Could Use Your Donations. The Story
Husband, father, sailor, proud grandfather. The Story
Oriental Express 1st Spinnaker, Il Gatto 1st JAM. The Story
A new route for Whittaker Creek Channel. Guest Columnist
Jordan, Moffat, Cooper, Ostendorff and McGuire elected. The Story
Twelve chilis for 300 tasters. The Story
Nine contenders speak to a packed house. The Story
Looking forward. Letters To The Editor
Robert's Rules Of Order restored. The Story
Making Sails in North Carolina's Sailing Capital. The Story
Eleven candidates for five seats. The Story
Outdoorsman, Storyteller, Husband. The Story
Two perfect days draw a crowd. The Story
Loving wife and mother. The Story
Sailor, man of faith. The Story
Sandy Winfrey fills vacancy. The Story
The role of a commissioner in a healthy town government. Letters To The Editor
Mother, wife, respected realtor. The Story
A calm weekly 'race' on the waters off Oriental. The Story
An attempt to change the rules on how it's done. The Story
Husband, father & fisherman. The Story
Father, husband, sailor, pilot, entrepreneur. The Story
Commissioner Roe writes in. Letters To The Editor
A Commissioner asks voters to dig deeper. Letters To The Editor
Resident makes plea for all new Board. Letters To The Editor
Voting for November town elections will be in person only. The Story
Oriental's key art gallery is now on Broad Street. The Story
Cruising, with a flock and a mission. The Shipping News
Born to be a pirate. The Shipping News
Five bands, 95 degrees. The Story
45 years of Croakerfest. The Story
How to file to become a candidate. Letters To The Editor
Driving - and reviving - a classic highway. The Story
Pamlico County Library is open for business. The Story
Eight pounds of pure survival. Pet Of The Month
An inspired boat restoration. The Shipping News
Master woodworker, engineer, loving family man. The Story
Folk & Americana, Jazz & Bluegrass. The Story
Husband, sailor, traveler & friend. The Story
Memories of a fellow Oriental citizen. Letters To The Editor
Navy Captain, sailor, husband, father, town commissioner. The Story
Saturday Night’s Dragon Burn got bad news just over an hour before the event was to start: a State-Wide Burn Ban was declared. Pamlcio Arts was able to segue quickly… and instead had fire dance (as well as some dragon dancing) to entertain the crowds. (Allison DeWeese photos, click photo for more views)7:32a Late yesterday afternoon a statewide open burning ban went into effect, until further notice. This was issued by the North Carolina Forest Service, due to dangerous forest fire conditions.
The ban landed just two hours before Pamlico Arts annual Dragon Burn was scheduled. The event went on… just without the dragon burning. There were fire dancers, the small dragon danced, and music played.
But that special dragon, modeled for the Year Of the Horse, will burn. Pamlico Arts will wait til the ban is lifted, and then schedule a new date. The new Dragon Burn date will be a free community event, all invited.
Behind The Silos/Red Rooster, that dragon/horse is waiting:
3:08p Burn a Dragon? Join the Pet Parade. Listen to the blues. You can do all of it in Oriental this weekend.
Tonight, Uncle Man’s Food Emporium is at the Brewery, serving 4-8p.
Big Jim Kohler will be in the beer garden, 6-8p.
Over at the Old Theater, the Pamlico Community Band performs under the direction of Dave Falardeau at 7p.
Saturday morning, the Oriental Farmer’s Market provides produce and more from 8-11a. The PAWS Pet Parade is 11a at Lou Mac Park. Arrive early to register ($5 per pet), and try to bribe the judge for your chance to win. All proceeds benefit PAWS, the Pamlico Animal Welfare Society.
The Oriental History Museum shows off their collection of hand-stitched items from 1-4p. The Neuse Sailing Association hosts their annual Shrimparoo at the Oriental Marina & Inn / Tiki Bar from 2-4p. The Jerk Truck serves jerk chicken at the Brewery, 4-8p. TerraTones plays the beer garden 6-8p.
At 6p Saturday night, the gates open for the Pamlico Arts Festival’s annual Dragon Burn. The dragon burns at sunset. At 7:30p, the John Jorgenson Quartet performs at the Old Theater.
Sunday, join the churches of Oriental at Oriental United Methodist Church for their 5th Sunday Sing, starting at 6p.
Mariposa serves fresh baked goods Saturday, Sunday, & Monday 7-11a, and charcuterie & wine flights in the evenings, 3-9p.
Details for all these events – and what events are in the weeks to come – are in What’s Happening.
10:01a We are sad to report that Judge Jim Ragan passed away Thursday. He was 84.
A retired attorney and judge, Ragan was a beloved character in Oriental and Pamlico County. We look forward to sharing more about his life when the family is able to provide it.
Above is Jim Ragan at a storytelling night at the Old Theater, May 2016.
2:24p Friday is the second day of the Town’s Budget Retreat.
At 8:45a at Town Hall, members of the local Pickleball League are scheduled to give a presentation to Commissioners requesting an expansion of the courts in Lupton Park.
Some neighbors are opposed, and write in with their concerns.
2:07p Dogs eating dirt. Some unauthorized expenses, and an ABC permit for the Taco Tower.
These were among the subjects at Oriental’s March Town Board Meeting. The report is here.
9:24a The Wednesday Night Sail Race returns for 2026, today. It’s kind of a race, and kind of a just show up and go sailing thing.
It starts at 5p (that’s 1700 in military talk).
After a partly cloudy morning, a mostly sunny afternoon is ahead. Mid 60s high today, mid 70s Thursday.
8:01a Oriental’s Piggly Wiggly rolls out new weekly specials every Wednesday.
Here are the Piglet deals for Mar 25 – 31.
2:22p There is a stink of smoke in the air. It’s coming from many miles north… a controlled burn near Lake Mattamuskeet:
Cool weather again tonight, expect a low near 40.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
8:01a Water levels are down a few inches. The ferry is back on a regular two-boat schedule.
5:12a No Cherry Branch / Minnesott Beach Ferry this morning…. high water levels are the culprit.
How high? Levels are up 2 ft since last night:
There’s pollen in the air. And on your car, and most any horizontal surface.
Ben Casey took the pine photo on the TownDock cover today. It inspired Oriental resident (and arborist) Bob Miller to write in.
Bob tells us about pines & pollination. Even about tree love.
Friday was the first day of Spring for 2026. When’s the last time you took your sailboat out?
Springs welcomes in the first Wednesday Night Sail for 2026. Just be out there near Marker 1 a few minutes before 5p.
3:31p Warm weather ahead: highs around 80 this weekend, with winds between 5-10 mph. Nice weather for a chowder cook-off.
Capone’s: A Taste of Philly is at the Brewery tonight, 4-8p. 
Arcis Saxophone Quartet performs at The Old Theater at 7:30p. Tickets available online or at the door.
Saturday morning, the Oriental Farmer’s Market takes over Hodges Street by the Provision Company, 8-11a. Drop off your hazardous household materials at the County Courthouse in Bayboro, 9a-1p.
The Chowder Cook-off happens on the lawn of the Oriental Harbor & Marina, 11a-1p. See handmade quilts and clothes made by Oriental’s former residents at the Oriental History Museum, 1-4p. French wines are on offer at Nautical Wheelers’ monthly Wine Tasting, 2 & 3p.
Saturday afternoon may be your last chance to get Girl Scout Cookies. Troop 4131 has them at the Grantsboro Walmart, 11a-5p and at the Oriental Piggly Wiggly 11a-3p.
Saturday evening, tour New Bern Battlefield Park during The Hallowed Grounds Lantern Tour, 6-9p. Tickets still available for Saturday night.
Over at the Brewery, Jasmine Tasty Thai serves 4-8p while Noah Jackson Cobb provides live entertainment 5-7:30p. Join in with the crew of the Pamlico Library as they celebrate Peggi Carmen’s retirement, 5-7p.
Mariposa serves fresh baked goods Saturday, Sunday, & Monday 7-11a, and charcuterie & wine flights in the evenings, 3-9p.
It’s all in What’s Happening.
2:09p It’s been called Casa Que Pasa. It’s soon to be called, what folks are already calling it: The Taco Tower.
Tacos on Hodges Street are back this weekend, open Friday through Sunday, 8a – 2p. Taco’s (and burritos) will be served from the food truck, with seating on site.
The new Taco Tower building is not yet open, it is expected to be ready in about a month. Meanwhile, just have your taco at ground level.
1:14p Property taxes. Most folks in Pamlico County have received a notice from the county in the mail… with this headline:
The county assesses property values every 8 years. Everyone’s will be a bit different, but we’ve heard of valuation increases of 50% and more. Some have doubled. Some just went up a bit.
So, lets say your property valuation went up 50%. Will your property tax bill go up 50%?
The fortunate answer… is no. TownDock spoke with county commissioner Kenny Heath, who says the tax rate will be adjusted down so that this year’s tax bills will be “close to revenue neutral.” That doesn’t mean your taxes won’t go up, but the expected rise should be just a few percentage points.
The actual new rate will be set by the county commission, date TBD. We are still investigating this, and will report more as info comes in.
8:02a Looks like you survived. High wind yesterday 41 mph, at 6:41p. We didn’t get much rain, about a quarter inch.
Water levels were down two feet last night, from the strong south winds. They are almost back to normal this morning.
The cold front… brought cold. High today and Wed just near 50, with lows both nights about 30. Warmer stuff returns later in the week & weekend.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
3:42p No Pamlico County board meeting tonight:
Today’s high wind just a bit higher: 39mph at 3:14p.
2:02p Now til late this evening is peak time for possible severe weather. Scroll below for more info… the forecast has not changed since this morning.
High wind so far today, 38 mph at 1:00p.
9:52a Oriental received a visit from Congressman Don Davis last Wednesday, March 12. It was unexpected.
It was also due to the work of the Harbor and Waterfronts Advisory Board and Town Manager Miller. Commissioner Paul Jordan writes in with thanks to both.
9:14a High wind so far today, 32mph at 3:53a. The forecast suggests today’s high winds, will get higher.
Gusts to 45 this afternoon & tonight, and NOAA indicates isolated wind peaks to 70mph possible.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Weather Radar
7:17a Chaos. The forecast has elements of that. It might just be windy rainy with a touch of lightning. But there is some chaos potential.
The stormy probability is this afternoon and evening, from 2p until late tonight.
NOAA says these potential storms will be capable of:
Does “tornadoes” need an adjective before it?
So, we might just get some rain and wind and anxiety. But, to quote NOAA, we have Severe Weather Potential.
Supercells? Whats a Supercell?
It’s bad enough here, but it gets worse inland:
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Weather Radar
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
5:20p From PCC:
From Pamlico County Schools:
4:45p The barometer is diving. “Interesting” weather is incoming.
We had a tornado touch down in Pamlico County just this past Thursday. Mom Nature has more plans.
Severe storms are forecast for Monday afternoon and evening. Rain, thunderstorms, winds up to 40 (with higher gusts possible). A risk of tornadoes. This weather pattern, a cold front, will hit locations from South Carolina to Maryland.
That would include us. The highest threats here are from 2p Monday until late night.
Once we survive Monday, cooler days will be with us:
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Weather Radar
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
4:22p A celebration, a tribute, and where you can stock up on your yearly stash of Girl Scout Cookies.
Empanadas and churros – you can grab both tonight at the Brewery starting at 4:30p. 
The Oriental Farmer’s Market takes over Hodges Street near the harbor Saturday morning, 8-11a. Handmade quilts and clothes are on display at Oriental Museum’s newest exhibit,1-4p.
Russ Stevenson’s Celebration of Life begins at 2p at Oriental United Methodist Church and moves to the Brewery at 4p. La Cocina del Coqui starts serving on site at 4p and Brant Island Strings plays in the beer garden until 6:30p.
While Girl Scout Cookies won’t be at the Pig until next weekend, you can find them nearby at the Pamlico Library from 10a-2p and at the Grantsboro Walmart from 8a-5p.
Sunday, catch the Sgt. Pepper / Beach Boys tribute at the Old Theater at 3p.
Mariposa serves fresh baked goods Saturday, Sunday, & Monday 7-11a, and charcuterie & wine flights in the evenings, 3-9p.
It’s all in What’s Happening.
10:45a There was one man in Oriental known for sporting a distinctive cap – a Scottish “Tam o’ Shanter”. That man was Russ Stevenson, who recently passed away, age 93.
He sailed, drove a tiny British sports car, performed on stage. Learn more about Russ’s life here.
7:08a Yesterday afternoon a tornado took out multiple phone poles in Pamlico County. Last night Tideland Electric had over 2,500 customers without power.
They worked hard. This morning almost all is restored, just 42 homes without power.
It was cold last night… temps dipped down to 32.
Today sunny & cooler, highs just near 60, Saturday 70.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
7:01p From today’s high winds and a reported tornado, there are thousands without power in the county – the outage map from Tideland here.
A tornado touched down near Florence NC today. From Pamlico County:
The county adds that folks are urged to avoid impacted areas to allow emergency responders and utility crews to safely perform their work.
3:42p On Wednesday Congressman Don Davis visited Oriental. Davis sat down with folks at Town Hall to learn more about the town’s efforts to secure funds to help fix Hodges Street flooding.
TownDock was there… here’s the report.
3:35p At 2p this afternoon, it was 75. Then wind & rain (and a tornado warning). Just 90 minutes later… a drop to 50 degrees.
click image for the big view
Tonight gets colder… down to the upper 30s.
• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
11:08a A congressman is visiting Oriental today.
From Town Hall:The Congressman’s meeting at 2:30p is open to the public.
Craving tacos for lunch? El Taco Loco food truck is at Triton Yachts boat yard now.
3:32p Josh Kali completed the round the world Mini Globe race today, onboard SV Skookum, a 19 ft boat Josh hand built himself.
Josh left Oriental January 28, 2025, departing Beaufort the next day for Antigua. That’s where the Mini Globe Round The World Race began February 23, 2025.
Today, he arrived back at Antigua, completing his ‘round-the-world mission.
Here is Josh’s Antigua arrival earlier today:
Josh arriving at the docks today in Antigua:
Here’s the story about Josh Kali published in January 2025:
• Skookum Takes On The World
After rest and celebration, Josh plans to sail Skookum back to Oriental.
