Oriental, North Carolina is called the "Sailing Capital of North Carolina." Sport fishing, including the annual tarpon tournament, and power boating are popular pastimes here, as well.
Another good thing about Oriental is its walkability. Just a few blocks from Oriental Harbor, through tree-lined streets, you'll find well-kept Victorian homes, bed-and-breakfast inns, exceptional dining and shops. The town's cultural calendar is filled nearly year-round with art shows, and musical, theater and dance productions at the Pamlico County Civic & Cultural Center.
Oriental is home to commercial fishermen, small business owners, birdwatchers, and of course, recreational and competitive sailors. It's a bit quirky. Very friendly. And very real.
Here are some links to places and events in Oriental and surrounding areas that you may be interested in:

TownDock.net - The "unofficial" guide to everything that's going on in Oriental.

Visitoriental.com - The official site of the Town of Oriental.

towndock.net/stbarts - St. Bart's yacht brokerage located at The Village Center.

SailingSchoolOriental.com - The Sailing School Of Oriental located at The Village Center.

StuartHardy.net - Stuart Hardy Construction, builder of many of the areas finest residences.

CaptainsWeather.com - Marine weather for the entire east coast.

visitNC.com - The State of North Carolina's official tourism site.

specfever.com - Fishing Guide Captain Gary Dubiel.