Mostly sailing books, but a few are adventure or exploration books that we think a sailor might enjoy.
There are plenty of good restaurants within sailing distance of the Neuse River, and my plans are to try them all...
Here's a newcomer to Havelock worth visiting. Double J Texas BBQ has established itself in an old fast food restaurant just east of the Slocum Creek Bridge in Havelock. What we call "eastern style" barbecue is well entrenched in the the area and there is a Smithfields on the other edge of town that does a bang-up business. So these boys have a hard row to hoe, but I think they stand a good chance of prospering. They mainly serve beef brisket, Texas-style, but there is a chopped pork sandwich on the menu which I tried recently. I'd rank it 5 out of 5. The combination of Texas sauce and down east white slaw made for a different flavor from the vinegary barbecue available at most local establishments. Next time I'm going to give the brisket a try. The only thing that will keep me from visiting frequently is the prices, but it seems like barbecue all over is getting dear. Double J Texas BBQ opens at 10:30 Monday through Saturday and serves until the barbecue runs out.
Some quick takes on a couple of Oriental locations. M&M's is the longtime queen of dining establishments in Oriental. The food is good, the beer is wet and the seating is comfortable, inside or out on the screen porch. I've enjoyed every visit, and there have been plenty. It's a local tradition to sail over to Oriental for lunch or dinner at M&M's. The only problem is, they don't have a dockage arrangement with any of the local marinas. That's not an issue if there is a spot open on the town dock or if you tow a dinghy, but otherwise, it makes things difficult. I'd sail over there for lunch a lot more frequently if I was sure I had a place to tie up for a couple of hours...Toucan Grill is part of the Oriental Marina and Inn complex, so you can dock there if there is space - generally so. I have only eaten there once, and the food (burger and fries) was excellent. I'm looking forward to another visit...Finally, there is Oriental institution The Bean. This coffee shop overlooks the town dock and is a great place for a pastry, a cup of joe and some serious people watching. The front porch is the place to be for endless street entertainment.