Visit Pamlico County

In October 1978, Brantley and Sylvia Norman opened  The Village Restaurant .  What quickly grew to be a local’s favorite, also became a destination for those outside of Pamlico County seeking fresh local seafood and down - home cooking.  But the story of The Village Restaurant isn’t so much about the food, but really about the owners.     Norman Brantley, who quietly passed away in 2018, was a legend in the Town of Oriental.  Although he was the welcoming and smiling face behind the cash register at The Village Restaurant, right up into his 80 years, he was also a Town Commissioner, Fire Chief, a Police Commissioner, former service station owner, shrimp boat captain and mentor to many.  His work ethic has had an impact on countless folks who knew him or worked for him.       But behind every good man is a great woman and that woman is Sylvia “Miss Sil” Norman.  She has served up countless heaps of fried oysters, made hundreds of crab cakes, fried more chickens and rolled out thousand

Ten years ago, in August of 2009, the Pamlico County Heritage Center  opened its doors to the public.  Since its opening, the Center has served the public as the gathering place of the history and the traditions of Pamlico County.  With Pamlico County’s history being centered on half land and half water, the Center embraces the rich farming, fishing and forestry heritage of the area. In a place where the land and the water meet the sky, the Center is a story of how Pamlico County’s communities are adapted to its natural resources.   Pamlico County Heritage Center 10642 NC Hwy. 55 East Grantsboro, NC 28529 Serving as Pamlico County’s official Visitor Center, the Heritage Center is dedicated to the history of Pamlico County. Within the museum,  artifacts related to the region’s major livelihoods; farming, fishing and forestry are displayed.  Exhibits on family life are also preserved, including displays of school memorabilia, stores, clothing and local activities.  Also

About 7 miles outside of Bayboro, heading northeast on Hwy. 304, when you near Cash Corner and Vandemere, you will stumble upon McCotter Farms / Sackett Potatoes .  This week, trucks from all over the country have made their way here to pick up one of Pamlico County's largest agricultural assets, “taters”. For generations, Pat McCotter and his family worked one of the most productive farms in Eastern North Carolina.  With the rich black, organic soil of Pamlico County, McCotter Farms has produced potatoes and corn for many years.  Potatoes love Pamlico County sunshine and soil.  Photo courtesy Cathie Hopkins, Sackett Potatoes Vandemere, North Carolina  Potatoes ready for harvest. Photo courtesy Brian Sackett, Sackett Potatoes Vandemere, North Carolina In 2012, Sackett Potatoes, a 6th generation Michigan based potato farm was able to carry on the McCotter family legacy.  In February and March, the farm begins planting acres of potatoes.  By mid-June, the harve

Looking for a camping experience in Pamlico County?  Look no further.  Whether you are looking for a primitive tent location or need a full RV hookup, you will find an array of campground options in Pamlico County. With warm coastal breezes, a sky full of bright stars and the sounds of crickets, camping can connect you to our natural resources that is hard to describe.  Whether you are planning a trip for a kayaking adventure or looking to wet a hook, our campground offer a scenic and pleasant stay. Bay River Campground 682 Weaver Camp Rd. Merritt, NC Moonlight Lake RV Park & Cottages   180 Moonlight Lake Dr., New Bern NC Rivers Edge Family Campground  149 Tempe Gut Rd., Bayboro NC Stonewall Campground  16301 NC Hwy. 55, Stonewall, NC Photo Courtesy Pamlico Chamber of Commerce Rivers Edge Family Campground Photo Courtesy Pamlico Chamber of Commerce Rivers Edge Family Campground

For 39 years, locals and visitors alike have celebrated summer at the Croaker Festival in Oriental.  Pamlico County is known for hosting great events and the upcoming festival is one of them. Held in Pamlico County, in the Town of Oriental on June 28th - July 1st, the long time event has evolved into a destination for locals and visitors who enjoy our hospitality and good old fashioned fun.  The weekend event features kids activities, live music, dancing, performances, arts and crafts, food, fireworks and much more.  So come on down to the Town of Oriental and enjoy a wonderful weekend of fellowship and fun. Photo courtesy of Cindy Lark Hartman For more information and schedule of events go to  Croaker Festival schedule  for up-to-date information.