Join River Dunes NC For Bluegrass, Clays and Que

Energetic souls seeking some great countryside, toe-tapping bluegrass,  clay target shooting and good “ole southern” barbecue should definitely explore the upcoming “Bluegrass, Clays and ‘Que” which will be held the weekend of March 24 through 26.  This “one-of-a-kind” regional event is being hosted at the River Dunes in North Carolina which was developed in 2006 and offers a great time to experience this waterfront community located on the coastline of Pamlico Sound featuring a plethora of amenities and activities year round.  Besides hosting spectacular events, this 1345-acre estate, features preserved hiking trails and incredible waterfront properties with access to the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).   River Dunes located at 43 Old Lighthouse Road, in Oriental, NC,  is considered a superb boating community as well as one of the best towns to live in North Carolina.  River Dunes is located only 7 miles from  the heartbeat of Oriental, NC, which is coined a “Southern Dream Town” by Garden & Gun Magazine and “The Sailing Capital of North Carolina” because boats outnumber people 3 to 1 in this quaint fishing town with historic foundations.

BLUEGRASS, CLAYS AND ‘QUE launches the event on Friday March 24 with a “Porch Party” held on one of the fabulous waterfront homes developed at River Dunes followed by an incredible dinner featuring the best of fresh regional delicacies and produce creating awesome food creations at the prestigious Harbor Club located on the property.  This spectacular evening is highly attended and folks are encouraged to make plans now if planning to attend this fun weekend extravaganza.

On Saturday morning, March 25, the popular clay target shooting event, often termed “golf with a shotgun” will be held on the Riverside and invites all skill levels to attend and join in the exciting yet challenging arena while enjoying some incredible views of the Neuse River which meanders through the region.  Instructors will be present for teaching the basics of this highly acclaimed local sport which is known worldwide and even featured as an Olympic event.  This is a great way to explore this boating community, get a little exercise and socialize with friends and family.

A bit about the history of sporting clays…it began in the early 1900’s when British shooting schools started using “gold targets” to practice game shoots.  In 1925, the first British Open Competition was held and the sport became immediately transparent.  Americans discovered the sport in July of 1980 when Bob Brister wrote an article about it in “Field and Stream” magazine.  This sport since then has expanded and become very popular attracting both genders of all ages and experience levels.  It’s competitive, challenging and a great way to have fun while enjoying the great outdoor landscapes that North Carolina has to offer.   Depending on the event, there can be 50 to 100 shots or more with up to 10 or 15 stations with shots that involve a challenging array of angles, speeds, elevations, distance and target size that are designed to simulate the unpredictability of live prey.  Each station can involve 4 to 8 targets before moving on to the next station.  This event is unique and the rules for participation and involvement can be addressed by calling the phone number listed below for more information.

After an exhilarating day of clay shooting, folks will be able to enjoy an action packed evening at the Pavilion located at the Harbor starting at 4:00 pm.  A mouth-watering barbeque will be served by the infamous PICNIC of Durham, NC along with the stimulating and energetic sounds of live bluegrass music to keep attendees hopping through the evening.

Bluegrass music is a genre that is based on American county music developed through an influence of the Appalachian region combining the roots of Irish, Scottish and English cultures with a twist of the jazz elements of African-Americans.  This musical influence signature to the area provides a unique way to enjoy the elements, good food, great views and an overall escape from reality while imbibing this inviting boating community at this unique event.  It is also a perfect time for home shoppers to explore one of the best towns to live in North Carolina.

For visitors, accommodations are offered at River Dunes which offers 1 to 3 bedroom cottages overlooking Grace Harbor.  The cottages are fully furnished and offer fireplaces, natural surroundings, fully equipped morning kitchens as well as bicycle and kayak rentals.  Guests also can enjoy the privileges offered at the Harbor Club. The cost of the weekend is $299 per couple and includes a 2 night stay in a guest cottage at River Dunes plus tickets to all events.  Call 252-249-0253 to reserve a spot.  Cottages are limited, so CALL today to insure attendance at this fun-filled weekend event.

While visiting, there are some great local restaurants in Oriental, NC for both residents and visitors to enjoy some exquisite regional cuisine.  Here are a few to check out:

• Brantley's Village Restaurant
• M & M's Cafe
• Oriental Farmers' Market -Locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, handmade crafts, art and more!  Each Saturday morning on Hodges St. near the Town Dock - Fall & Winter months 8-11 am
• The Bean -Gourmet Coffees & Teas, Ice Cream, Baked Goods, Bike Rentals & More
• The Toucan Grill and Fresh Bar & Tiki Bar At the Oriental Marina and Inn
• The Silos Restaurant-Fresh Bread, Made From Scratch Meals
• Water Street Grill

River Dunes is a coastal community that was built on the elements, fishing, oyster hunting and sailing.  It is estimated that boats are 3 to 1 to residents and sailors migrate to the region to celebrate and habitat in this historic fishing town.  River Dunes is located only 7 miles from Oriental and provides the ultimate sport to seek a peaceful yet fulfilling retirement.  It’s no wonder this is one of the “hottest” spots for Boomers to settle down and enjoy this serene yet captivating environment.

Nearby towns also offer some fantastic day trips featuring incredible history, shopping, art galleries and impeccable dining options.  Here are a few places to check out nearby:

• New Bern, NC was the first capitol of NC and features historical homes along with a vibrant downtown filled with museums, art galleries, boutiques, shopping centers and restaurants that provide a wide array of selections for even the most discerning palates.  This is also a great place to search for new homes in New Bern NC.
• Beaufort, NC is a historic seaport town that provides rich maritime history, quaint seaside shops and incredible eateries providing the freshest catch of the day along with spectacular scenic views.
• Ocracoke, NC located about 21 miles across Pamlico Sound, is a bike-friendly beach town only accessible by boat.  It features the oldest working lighthouse in the states and according to the Today Show features the number one beach in the country.

While visiting, home seekers must take the time to explore the River Dunes waterfront community rated as one of the best towns to live in North Carolina and discover the many amenities and housing options it has to offer.

Living the life by the sea is the norm at River Dunes. This exquisite scenic property is built on 1,345 acres along Pamlico Sound and features 14 miles of shoreline.  Architecture here reflects coastal designs by Historical Concepts which include wide front porches, tall windows and metal roofs.  The Harbor Club is a 11,500-square foot clubhouse where residents and guests can enjoy both fine and casual dining; pool with private cabanas, pool bar and fireside hot tubs; as well as a fully equipped fitness center so residents here have a socially active lifestyle while they stay healthy, enriched and pampered.  A new addition is in the works and will add The Red Rickshaw featuring gifts and home accessories; 35 North which is a new café, bakery and coffee shop; a new Fitness Center for active residents and 4 new guest suites with meeting spaces.

Shopping for the perfect home in River Dunes is easy with a wide array of choices from waterfront cottages to estates located on the Channel.  All properties are under the supervision of the River Dunes Master Builder Program to make sure that all properties are built within the confines of the existing architectural styles and guidelines.

Considered the “boater’s dream” there is a 28-acre protected deep water harbor off the Pamlico Sound which is the largest protected inland waterway between Florida and the Chesapeake Bay.  Access to nearby marinas allows discerning yachters and sailors access to dockage from 35 to 90 feet.  With a go green philosophy and pristine marinas, River Dunes won the award for the “2008 Sustainable Community of the Year”.

So far 50 of the planned homes have been built.  Boomers shopping for the perfect place to “call home” should consider River Dunes before it’s too late.  This is one of the hottest and most sought after destinations in North Carolina and considered one of the best towns to live in North Carolina.  Here are the incredible amenities that are offered in this waterfront oasis:

RIVER DUNES AMENITIES

• 11,500 Square Foot Clubhouse overlooking the marina with dining
• Grace Harbor Provision Company, a store offering gourmet grocery items, locally made specialties and outdoor apparel
• Harborside Performing Arts Pavilion and Amphitheater
• Grace Harbor Marina and Private 1,100 Foot Boating Access Channel
• 124 Deepwater Boat Slips with utilities
• Outdoor Swimming Pool overlooking the marina
• Fireside Hot Tubs and Cozy Cabanas
• Fitness Center with Steam Showers
• Two Lighted Har-Tru Tennis Courts
• The Lake House for social events
• 238 Acre Nature Preserve
• Guest Cottages
• Harborside Chapel

The price is right at River Dunes!  Homes range from the mid $400K’s to well over a million.  But finding the perfect building site is still available in the low $100K’s.  Here are few homesites that are currently available:

68 MILL CREEK LANE $315,000 located on Mills Creek with the heartbeat of marina village, this wooded home site is embellished with a mixture of hardwoods and pines and provides an exclusive retreat within a stroll to shopping, Grace Harbor Marina and the Harbor Club.   This spot provides ambiance and tranquility while living the dream at River Dunes.

126 OYSTER POINT $195,000 this .69 acre provides a short walk to the boat dock on the peaceful Mill Creek with convenient access to the ICW.  Also nearby, the conveniences found at the Harbor Village are walkable and add the ultimate destination to build the perfect retreat in this award-winning master planned coastal community.  Coffee and bagels are nearby along with new shopping, restaurant and wellness center coming in the spring.  This is the perfect retirement nest.

33 QUIDLEY COVE $119,000 this building spot has water access and incredible views of Mills Creek.  Constant parades of boats and water adventurers navigate through the creek to the ICW and holds amazing energy while enjoying the peace of mind found at River Dunes.  Harbor Village is within walking distance where shops and restaurants satisfy residents who want to get out and enjoy a great meal while socializing with neighbors.  

Spring is the perfect time to explore River Dunes in the infamous city of Oriental, NC.  Join the festivities of the River Dunes BLUEGRASS, CLAYS AND ‘QUE event and discover the ultimate boating community and one of best towns to live in North Carolina.  Take a tour of River Dunes or explore some of the new homes in New Bern NC and realize that this stellar location is the perfect destination for a great getaway or for finding the perfect home spot to enjoy the best that life has to offer in retirement.  This is one weekend worth the journey to enjoy a spectacular turn of season outing and tour the time Bliss Award winner for Best Boating Community of the Year! 

Contact River Dunes right away to check on Discovery Package availablity by calling 800.975.9565