Central to an experience of Oriental NC is a visit to The Bean coffee shop. The facility is elevated so it sits above high water of the Neuse River. That affords an excellent view of the small village’s Town Dock. The dock is free for 48 hours and as a result many transient boats stop in.
In warmer months folks sit on the deck and enjoy reading screens (or papers) while sipping any one of a variety of coffees.
On New Year’s Eve, The Bean is the place for families to congregate inside before and after the annual running of the dragons events. The facility is literally in the center of the blocked off street venue.
For New Years Eve 2016, Diann and I finished up a beverage tour by arriving at The Bean around 11:20PM for decaf coffee and desert pastries.
The ice cream box also tempted me. But in all honesty, I’d had more than my share of calories already.
From our outside deck-corner vantage point we had one of the best views of the second running of the dragons. My refill of hot coffee made the wait quit pleasant in spite of the cold night.
You might enjoy seeing the harbor view complements of TownDock.net
The story / blog of Yacht A Fun, a Gemini catamaran sailboat, traveling the ICW and east coast with insights to the extended cruising life. The Bean in Oriental