So it’s January 5 and the air temperature is 66°F in beautiful Oriental. Nothing else to do so I might as well go fishing. With the first hard decision of the day behind me, I face my second one: boat or kayak? My wife decides she wants to go paddleboarding so I decide to use my kayak so we can go together. Wow, two decisions already made and it is just mid-morning. Then she asks me what creek? Man, another decision. There’re so many choices but we finally decide on Broad Creek. At the end of our adventure, Heather has paddled 10 miles and I have caught zero fish….but I did not fish the entire time. Sometimes when I go fishing, I put my rods away, sit in my boat, and just look around at this beautiful area where I am blessed to live. Man it’s sweet! The new year has arrived whether we wanted it to or not. Let’s all take some time to cherish the past, live in the present, and dream (big fish) about tomorrow. Oh man she’s done it. If you know my wife, I think I am talking like her now…but good advice.
Luxury Living at River Dunes – Oriental, NC
An unexpected surprise in a rural area, the beautiful community of River Dunes is exceptional. With over 14 miles of shoreline, this community is situated on 1300 acres on the Pamlico Sound where the broad mouth of the NeuseRiver ventures soundside. Minutes away from the Intracoastal Waterway, located in the center of the North Carolina Inner Banks, River Dunes is only 23 nautical miles from Ocracoke and the Outer Banks.
River Dunes was once a pine plantation, known as the Gum Thicket area. The development concept is an ecofriendly design balancing the protection of nearly 400 acres of wetlands, the watersheds of Gum Thicket Creek, Broad Creek, Mill Creek, Paris Creek, Cedar Creek, and Tar Creek. Upon entering River Dunes, one can see a mock village that resembles turn-of-the century tidewater architecture and the atistic renderings of Doug Alvord that depict the vision for the development. 
Historically oriented, the homes at River Dunes include low country and tidewater bungalows as well as stately Beaufort style homes. The existing architecture offers deep front porches for outdoor living, many with panoramic views of the Channel, Grace Harbor, and Broad Creek. Inspired by coastal architectural styles, the neighborhoods are charming and pedestrian friendly.
There are guest cottages in MarinaVillage, a Clubhouse with fine dining, a pool, hot tub, cabanas, and pool bar, a chandlery, library, and billiards available for members of the Harbor Club.
There are boundless opportunities for a day of kayaking, canoeing, fly fishing, sailing, bicycling, bird watching and more.
Featured in Yachting, Coastal Living, and Marina Life Magazine, the marina at GraceHarbor is referred to as a “boater’s dream come true”offering year round boating and a 28-acre harbor with state of the art floating docks. From the Intracoastal Waterway, one can enter the Harbor via MM 173. There are currently 120 slips at the marina with plans for up to 400 slips. Daily, monthly and yearly slip leases are available.
The marina is well protected in all weather conditions, has an 8 foot MLW depth; and offers dockage for transient vessels up to 150 feet. Steam shower and laundry facilities; a 500 foot fuel dock, 30-50-100 amp service, Wi-Fi and cable television , and .a courtesy car are provided. River Dunes provides superior accommodations and amenities for recreational boaters.
Seeing is believing. Plan your visit now.