Annual Running of the Dragon

Oriental NC is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. If you want to experience a relaxed vacation with a bit of fun thrown in for New Year’s, then book a vacation rental here at River Neuse Suites in Oriental, NC and get ready to have some fun!

Long cherished as a beloved town mascot, the “official” Oriental Dragon (pictured above) makes its annual appearance for Oriental’s Annual Running of the Dragon.

The Running of the Dragon is exactly what it sounds like. The town’s mascot – a glittering and shiny forty foot monster – awakes from an eleven month hibernation to make her annual New Year’s Eve appearance in the streets of the village where she greets citizens and visitors alike and offers good luck to all who follow her merrily up and down the streets.

As many pairs of feet as feel compelled jump under the dragon all along her route to help propel her through the streets. The dragon is joyfully accompanied by her hundreds of admirers who bang on pots and pans, blow kazoos and beat on drums to help “chase away” any evil spirits that might lurk nearby. A gentle touch from one of her mighty fangs is a guarantee for luck and good fortune for the coming year.

At 11:30 the mighty dragon makes her second appearance, this time accompanied by a “younger distant cousin.” We understand that the youngster gets into the moment by dancing with abandon as she follows her more regal older cousin through the village. Both dragons “run” the streets of Oriental and share in the joy and festivites of the occasion. Restaurants nearby offer New Year’s Eve parties with good food, live bands and dancing.

Oriental is a destination of choice for a unique, off-season vacation and our vacation rentals offer the perfect, waterfront location from which to venture forth. Reservations should be made well in advance as hotels and restaurants book early.

The “Younger Cousin”

River Neuse Suites

4.8

Based on 66 reviews

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Paul parker

16:01 05 Mar 20

Such an amazing place! Slept in my semi truck with the windows open could here the water through the night

Violet A

11:05 02 Mar 20

Comfy rooms. Soft beds. Friendly people. Great place to stay for very easy walking access to places.

William Powell

02:43 21 Dec 19

A great view of the river. We stayed here for a spur of the moment get away. We enjoyed our vist.

Jesse Willett

04:09 19 Nov 19

It has room with a kitchen net and a bedroom its like economy apartments very nice

Martin Brossman

01:56 12 Oct 19

Great place right on the water within a half a block walking distance

K Koch

23:00 29 Sep 19

Good place, will stay again

Jerry Dowless

13:19 22 Sep 19

Great inn for visiting Oriental NC.

Laurent Berthet

12:43 26 Jul 19

If I must to choice a place to stay the rest of life, it’s here... Place is beautiful,people of the office very friendly and all the people crossed was with a large smile. The rooms clean like new, with nice paintings on walls,large windows with front sea vue.Hard to leave this morning. On four thousands miles it’s with no contest my favor place. So I’m to stay four nights...For sure I’d like to come again. Thanks for all.....

Maranda Hess

03:41 20 Jul 19

Home away from home! Clean, spacious, and very homey! I came for 1 night, staying the week! Beautiful views, walk to the pier, and friendly as ever. My new go to!

Sara Reed

12:53 16 Jun 19

A little slice of Heaven! We loved our stay and can’t wait to return!

Nina Leonard

15:20 11 May 19

Lovely decor. Only complaint is the 2 floor has bathroom downstairs.other than that it was clean and very comfortable. Would stay there again

amanda clemons

16:31 27 Apr 19

Sweet little place rt across from the water, very quiet. Will go back again

Shanelle

21:49 25 Feb 19

Perfect service and a very relaxed and clean atmosphere.If you ever want to get away and feel young again, please come here and take a load off.This was definitely worth the trip.I love the view..the room..and the people hereCome here for PEACE!:)

Johnny Williamson

02:14 22 Dec 18

Fantastic place. Congratulations on the 20 yr old man getting married this weekend. Many years of blessings. Love the one your with

Melissa

23:56 17 Oct 18

Terrific rooms, terrific on site manager who was very helpful. Terrific view and location on the river. Loved the welcoming dog, Lucky. Very reasonably priced and very quiet and relaxing.

Stephen Prout

02:20 22 Oct 17

probably a nice place to stay and good biking and sailing, stayed nearby for the 2017 CNC bike ride

Brent McLamb

21:33 09 Jul 17

Really nice well maintained water front get away. Awesome view of the 4 mile wide river. Stewart is a wealth of knowledge for all things Oriental and Neuse. Located near the freshest seafood available anywhere on the east coast.

Spencer Summey

13:41 22 Jun 17

Stayed here during the Oriental Boat Show and was very pleased with the room. The area is very peaceful and surrounding neighborhood was full of historic homes, restored and some not. Great little getaway!

Ashleigh Nelson

14:04 21 May 17

Excellent experience! Made reservations online, room was ready and waiting for us when we arrived. Room was clean, cool (a/c was on) and comfortable. Love the kitchenette, so nice to have a fridge, coffeemaker and microwave! Bed was super comfortable. Wonderful views right from the room. Bikes available to guests for free. We will absolutely be back soon!

Chuck Nelson

23:31 20 May 17

An excellent place to stay if you are visiting Oriental. They are dog friendly so you can bring your buddies with you, the rooms are pleasant and airy with a kitchenette. They even provided ground coffee for the coffee maker. The hotel is right on the sound with deck chairs and picnic tables to use while enjoying the view. While they do not have a restaurant, their are several within a few minutes walk. You can walk to the public marina in ten minutes and they offer free bikes for tooling around. We will stay with them again.

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