DISCOVER THE BEST OF
COASTAL CAROLINA
When you’re not relaxing on the deck or casting a line off the private dock, take a short trip into town or nearby New Bern to experience the best in local dining, shopping, and small-town coastal charm.
From boat-accessible restaurants to down-home southern cooking, fresh seafood, and unique boutiques, here’s your guide to making the most of your stay.
LOCAL DINING
IN ORIENTAL, NC
M&M’S CAFÉ
15 MINUTES BY CAR
Waterfront dining with a laid-back atmosphere.
Enjoy sandwiches, seafood, and cold drinks.
(Tip: Great spot after a long day on the water.)
ACCESSIBLE BY BOAT
BRANTLEY’S VILLAGE RESTAURANT
15 MINUTES BY CAR
Home-style meals & comfort food favorites.
Known for their Friday seafood buffet and Saturday breakfast buffet. Come hungry!
TOUCAN GRILL & FRESH BAR
15 MINUTES BY CAR
Dockside eats & casual vibes.
Perfect for burgers, seafood, and a cocktail by the marina.
ACCESSIBLE BY BOAT
THE SILOS RESTAURANT
18 MINUTES BY CAR
Pizza & Italian food in a converted grain silo.
A local icon with great food, live music, and plenty of character.
CHARLIE’S RESTAURANT & CATERING
20 MINUTES BY CAR
Southern staples served with a smile.
Great for breakfast or lunch with all the country fixin’s.
SARA’S BIG APPLE
30 MINUTES BY CAR
Classic New York–style pizza & pasta dishes.
A cozy stop for family-friendly Italian comfort food.
ONLINE ORDERING!
LOCAL SHOPPING & ESSENTIALS
NAUTICAL WHEELERS
15 MINUTES BY CAR
Boutique shopping with coastal flair.
Wine, gifts, clothing, and unique local finds.
VILLAGE HARDWARE & MARINE SUPPLY
15 MINUTES BY CAR
Not your average hardware store.
From home goods to fishing gear and garden supplies.
PIGGLY WIGGLY (ORIENTAL)
15 MINUTES BY CAR
Your local full-service grocery store.
Grab everything you need for a weekend cookout or week-long stay.
DOLLAR GENERAL (ARAPAHOE)
10 MINUTES BY CAR
Quick, budget-friendly essentials.
Located just before you reach the property.
COFFEE, TREATS & QUICK BITES
THE BEAN COFFEE & ICE CREAM
15 MINUTES BY CAR
Start your day or cool off in the afternoon.
Locally brewed coffee, hand-dipped ice cream, and a view of the harbor.
ACCESSIBLE BY BOAT!
ORIENTAL DELI & SUBS
15 MINUTES BY CAR
Fresh sandwiches, snacks & grab-and-go options.
Ideal for a quick lunch before a fishing trip.
IN NEW BERN, NC
DAY TRIP DINING
CHELSEA’S RESTAURANT
35 MINUTES BY CAR
Upscale southern cuisine in a cozy, historic setting.
Great for a special dinner.
MORGAN’S TAVERN & GRILL
35 MINUTES BY CAR
Modern American food with a creative twist.
Casual and consistently good.
BAKER'S KITCHEN RESTAURANT & BAKERY
35 MINUTES BY CAR
Comfort food heaven with famous yeast rolls.
Great for breakfast or lunch.
MJ'S RAW BAR & GRILLE
35 MINUTES BY CAR
Fresh oysters, seafood, and relaxed downtown vibes.
CATCH THE FERRY
One of the hidden gems of Reel Retreat's location is how close you are to the Minnesott-Cherry Branch Ferry—just a 5-minute drive from the property.
This free, scenic ferry takes you across the Neuse River to the Cherry Branch side, providing an easy route to:
-
Havelock – Home to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
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Morehead City – Known for great waterfront dining, fishing charters, and seasonal events
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Beaufort – A historic coastal town full of charm, wild horses, and ferry access to barrier islands like Shackleford Banks
MINNESOTT-CHERRY BRANCH FERRY
5 MINUTES BY CAR
Enjoy a scenic, free ferry ride across the Neuse River to Havelock, Morehead City, and Beaufort. A perfect way to turn travel into an adventure.
BOATING
FROM REEL RETREAT
With direct water access from your private dock, Reel Retreat is the perfect launch point for exploring the Neuse River and beyond. Whether you're taking a casual cruise or planning a full-day adventure along the Intracoastal Waterway, you're just minutes from some of North Carolina’s best coastal destinations.
BOATING DISTANCES FROM REEL RETREAT
Oriental, NC | 20 Minutes
New Bern, NC | 30 minutes
Beaufort, NC | 45 minutes
Whether you're fishing, sightseeing, or just soaking up the view—Reel Retreat makes boating effortless.