Summer Events at The Happiest Community in America - River Dunes
Summer is the time of year that everyone relishes. Family get togethers, vacations, weddings and reunions are all special events that gravitate towards the warmer months of the year. Traveling “to the shore” are always fond childhood memories recreated when visiting places on the East Coast. While living near the ocean, the senses are escalated by the scent of fresh sea air, beautiful sunsets, exotic wildlife species, outdoor water sports, fishing, boating, snorkeling or simply strolling along a natural white sandy beach are all memories that can be recreated by visiting the quaint yet picturesque seaport town of Oriental, NC. This is also where home shoppers come to visit to explore Pamlico Sound waterfront homes for sale to anchor their roots. This staycation destination on the coastline has rapidly become the spot to find the ideal place to call home in one of the many waterfront retirement communities that have popped up throughout coastal North Carolina.
Living near the waterways off the North Carolina coastline is simply captivating. Sailing along the Pamlico Sound with blue herons, snowy egrets and white pelicans flying gracefully overhead while spending the day fishing for the freshest “catch of the day”. Paddle boarding along the Neuse River while enjoying the lush scenery that borders the shoreline or kayak through the pristine river to get some quality exercise while bonding with this rich naturally preserved environment. These are all activities that are enjoyed by the residents of Rivers Dunes, a five time honoree as Best Boating Community of the Year. In 2018, by an overwhelming response from residents, River Dunes is named Happiest Community in America.
River Dunes in Oriental in North Carolina is a high quality waterfront community that offers the ultimate seafaring lifestyle. From the nautically themed architecture to the world-class amenities, this resort development has set the standard of living a quality life on all bases. Its award-winning Harbor Club is the anchor of the community and is a private yacht club overlooking Grace Harbor. The Club features the captivating 28-acre Grand Harbor Marina with 400 slips capable of docking yachts up to 150 feet. The Marina offers easy access to the 7-mile stretch of the Neuse River leading to the Pamlico Sound, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean.
Exploring River Dunes is an adventure in and of itself. Did you know the seaport town of Oriental where River Dunes is located is known as the “Sailing Capital of North Carolina” with sailboats outnumbering residents 3 to 1? There are several nautical-themed neighborhoods to choose from that are built on the 1,345 acres of preserved natural topography surrounded by the protected 28-acre deepwater Grace Marina making this the prime spot to retire for boaters while enjoying the 5-star maritime lifestyle offered here. Residents enjoy an enriching existence without ever having to leave the property. The amenities offered at this Pamlico real estate development are unmatched by any others in the region.
Additionally, nearby cities offer great adventures, exquisite dining, chic boutiques, art galleries, cultural events, health care, nearby marinas in New Bern, NC and annual festivals which keeps the neighboring communities connected throughout the seasons providing all the resources needed for living a great life ever after.
The boating community offers a prime location for living on the Inner Banks of the North Carolina coastline. It is bordered with 14 miles of shoreline and every distinctive neighborhood has easy access to the 1,100-foot channel which accesses the Pamlico Sound and the pacifying Neuse River. The Sound is considered the largest protected inland waterway between Florida and the Chesapeake Bay providing the perfect place to explore the Eastern seaboard by boat. The unique architecture and rich social culture has made this one of the distinctively recognized as a “Southern Living Inspired Community” by Southern Living Magazine.
Upon visiting River Dunes, home shoppers can explore the wide selection of nautically influenced home designs that sets the standard for seaside living. From massive waterfront estates, to cozy Cape Cod cottages, the neighborhoods radiate traditional seaport charm and Southern Living appeal with open floor plans, inviting front porches, and impeccable craftsmanship which has made River Dunes homes some of the “fastest selling” properties in Oriental. There are nine distinctive neighborhoods found at River Dunes.
One of the newer developments, Boathouse Row offers 6 cottage styles ranging from 2300 to 2500 square feet with prices ranging from the low $200k’s to $500k. The houses are selling as quickly as they are listed so home shoppers interested in living in this North Carolina haven need to come visit, explore and experience the sublime yet active lifestyle offered at River Dunes.
In addition to Boathouse Row, River Dunes proudly features eight distinctively designed coastal neighborhoods to choose from which include; Chapel Square, Ballast Point, Summer Place, Broadwaters, Oyster Point, The Channel, The Row and Preservation. Under the direction of River Dunes Master Builder Program, each home built embraces the stringent guidelines established to protect the lush landscaping and natural wildlife while insuring uniformity in the community.
Preserving green space is also a priority with over 365 acres set aside to protect the environment with hiking trails that allow residents to explore the natural topography surrounding the development and to protect the wildlife species that inhabit the region. Houses here range from 1,600 to 4,000+ square feet and lot sizes vary from 1/10 of an acre to well over 3 acres and homesites can still be found in the low $100’s. New homes prices start from the mid $400k’s to well over a million for sprawling waterfront estates.
River Dunes is known not only for the superb craftsmanship, they have also been recognized for the active lifestyle they offer that includes boating, fishing, kayaking, swimming in the pool, playing tennis, work out at the fitness center, enjoying spa services, exquisite cuisine, and live entertainment at the Pavilion while bonding with neighbors who enjoy the luxury of living in a community who simply enjoy life at its finest. This is a place where neighbors are friends who enjoy the active lifestyle and the serenity of living by the sea.
Many folks who visited River Dunes discovered that this was the place to retire where life is an adventure every single day. There is a relaxed, stress-free attitude prevalent at River Dunes inviting Boomers to search for a home that they know will be a lifetime of eternal bliss.
There is endless fun not only during the summer, but year-round at the 11,500-square foot Harbor Club and Grace Harbor Marina which is the anchor of this boating community. This incredible showcase features both fine dining and casual fare with spectacular regional cuisine, a pool with private cabanas and pool bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa services, fireside hot tubs and the Village Center offering unique shops as well as guest accommodations.
The award-winning Grace Harbor Marina offers all the conveniences for boating enthusiasts including a high-speed fueling dock and 400 boat slips capable of housing vessels up to 150-feet. With easy access to the Pamlico Sound from the protected 28-acre deep water harbor via the 1,100-foot channel surrounding the property, boaters find that River Dunes provides the perfect spot to live and enjoy travelling through the Intracoastal Waterway leading to the Atlantic Ocean. Boaters love the freedom of being able to get up and “set sail” from their own backyard. River Dunes is the ideal location for Boomers who love living by the sea, hands down
With favorable year-round temperatures, outdoor activities invite good health which is another reason active folks are choosing to live here. Tennis is a favorite pastime and a great way for residents to bond and socialize. There are beautiful walking and jogging paths that meander throughout the neighborhoods with preserved natural landscaping to enjoy. Kayaking is fun and provides the perfect way to bond with nature and get some good exercise while taking in the impressive scenery and the wildlife species that share this magnificent region. Get a great workout at the fitness center than meet friends by the pool for a refreshing cocktail. Every day is fun day for the residents of River Dunes.
Summer is a fun time to visit River Dunes in Oriental and the nearby marinas of New Bern NC. There are so many activities for families of all ages taking place at this highly social community. Here are a few things going on in the month of July:
“Dive-In Movie at the Pool” – Come enjoy outdoor movies with friends and neighbor on select Friday nights each month starting with the first flick offered on June 15 at 8:15. Family friendly screenings will be held poolside, so swimsuits are welcome. There will also be a Cabana Concession Stand offerings snacks for enjoying this starlit night at the movies at River Dunes.
A highly popular event for the season, is the Pamlico County Croaker Festival 2018 which will be held on the weekend of June 29th through July 1st in the festive waterfront village of Oriental. This annual event is traditionally held the first weekend in July and is one of the best 4th of July celebrations in Eastern North Carolina. Last year over 10,000 folks enjoyed this colorful event. This year, the locally acclaimed beach music band, The Embers will be playing some awesome tunes for “dancing in the streets.” There will be a parade, a First Annual Croakerfest Golf Tournament, live music, street vendors featuring fabulous regional cuisine, arts and crafts and a fabulous fireworks display. This is the perfect time to visit this seaport town and shop for the impressive Pamlico Sound waterfront homes for sale found at River Dunes.
Fourth of July at River Dunes is a week-long celebration that starts on Friday, June 29th and lasts until July 8th. There will be live music for all residents and their guests at the Pavilion making this the ultimate summer celebration. Boating, fishing, swimming, or just sipping a cool refreshing cocktail with neighbors are all ways to enjoy this spectacular resort community. There will be a chance to show off cooking skills at the grill-master challenge and the festive display of artistic patriotic expression at the Annual Golf Cart Parade. Come explore the lifestyle enjoyed at this stellar waterfront retirement community.
First Friday is a happening social event that is held every first Friday of every month at the prestigious Harbor Club from 5:30pm to 7pm. At this highly attended soiree, residents enjoy refreshing cocktails and tasty appetizers while bonding with neighbors.
2018 Summer Concert Series “Rockin on the Rivers” is a fun event for music lovers. There will be held on the waterfront in the nearby downtown New Bern. On July 20th, the New Chamber of Commerce partnered with WRNS 95.1 to host a concert featuring PARMALEE along with Bryan Mayer and 3 Day Weekend. This is the second concert of the season and promises to be a show-stopping extravaganza with great food, dancing, and incredible music. The concert starts at 4:30pm and ends at 10pm. The ticket cost is $15 and are still available.
Ready to come and experience the lifestyle at River Dunes? Their upcoming Coastal Discovery Weekend provides the perfect opportunity to come and enjoy all the amenities that residents are offered and shop for some incredible real estate values found at this all-inclusive waterfront retirement community by the sea in North Carolina. The event will be held July 13th through the 15th and is a fun-filled weekend with first class accommodations, a sunset cruise, dinner at the grandeur Harbor Club, breakfast at Yawl’s Café one of the newest restaurants at River Dunes, tours of the community, plus the chance to enjoy the wide selection of amenities including cabanas by the pool, fitness classes at the wellness center, spa services, kayaking on the river, shopping, boating or just sitting back enjoying the scenery. There is also a “Meet and Greet” wine and cheese reception to mingle with current residents followed by another fabulous dinner at The Harbor Club on Saturday. After breakfast on Sunday, visitors are invited to explore the community by biking, hiking or kayaking throughout this glorious piece of real estate found on the coast of North Carolina.
Summer is the time to visit this quaint yet sophisticated coastal town of Oriental. Come see why this has become one of the most exclusive waterfront retirement communities on the coast of North Carolina where yachts and fishing trawlers share the waterways. With beautiful sunsets and an overall peace of mind discerning Boomers have discovered that living by the sea, is a dream become reality in the hidden treasure found at River Dunes.
