I recently stayed at the Abilena Mansion for a friend's wedding and appreciated how inclusive the…read moreproperty is. The mansion sleeps 14 people with 7 queen beds, but we were able to accommodate more by using the spacious couch in one of the bedrooms and sleeping 3 to a bed another night. It was so nice to have the entire wedding party stay in one place. We had the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception on property, and there was enough lawn parking for all guests. The ceremony space is outside overlooking a peaceful lake that beautifully compliments the sunset. We used the dock for wedding party photos and as a place to hang out and chat on our fist night (tip: bring bug spray). The reception area is also outside but completely covered and with optional side shading. Both areas are the perfect size for small-to-medium size weddings. A big con, should it affect you and your guests: the mansion and grounds are not wheelchair accessible. There are quite a number of steps to get to the ceremony area with no alternative route. Guests who cannot walk or climb steps may not be able to view the ceremony next to everyone else. I also did not notice a ramp leading inside the mansion. We joked that the kitchen has everything you don't need. They have like 3 cheese graters and 50 wine glasses, but no Pam, scissors, or a wine/beer bottle opener. The owners probably don't stock the place with these essential items because guests could easily steal them, so please, for your own good: BRING A WINE BOTTLE OPENER. The kitchen has two refrigerators--enough room to hold 5 bags of ice in each freezer. The mansion also has a washer and dryer and plenty of clean towels. And a piano! And a pool. And tons of room to work on wedding decor projects. Basically this place has almost everything you could want in a wedding location. The owners are available via phone at almost any time and are quick to reply. The husband and wife duo visited every day to clean up, check-in, and help with ceremony set-up. My biggest complaint with the Abilena Mansion is the wi-fi. It worked for about 30 minutes when I first connected and then died for the rest of my multi-day stay. No one's phone could successfully connect to the wi-fi even though it appeared available. This is a huge downside for a place that's supposed to service large groups of people who want to stream music, look up information, post on social media, and activate other celebration-related things.

We just attended a Wedding here and it was beautiful. The backdrop of the water for the ceremony…read morewas perfect. It was about 98 or so degrees out but with all of the shade and the breeze it was tolerable. We ate outdoors under a kind of covered porch with great views of the water and sunset. Parking was easy and they had a golf cart shuttle service to and from the ceremony site. We walked through the house (the bridal portraits we in one of the side rooms) it was a charming older home with early 1900s finishings. To get 5 stars, we would need it to be a bit easier to navigate, there were a lot of large stairs that were hard for those wearing heels. I don't know how much control over the event the owners have but it was a bit confusing knowing where to go and when, maybe bigger signage would help. Overall it was a lovely outdoor venue.

Quaint little Cafe With French music and great apps. All outdoor seating. Amazing cheese plate…read more Will go again.

Perfect venue for a wedding! Mike was great to work with and available whenever we had questions.read more

Lisa and her team were excellent- We used their services for our rehearsal dinner, welcome party…read moreand wedding. The communication was next level- answering all of my questions so quickly and kindly. They bent over backwards making sure not only me, but none of my family or guests felt they had to lift a finger- from swinging by the air b and b to pick up mixers to picking up beer and wine from the store for us- They were one of the best decision made during my wedding planning experience 100/10 recommend!!!

Their customer service was amazing for our Hats, Heels and Derby event and looking forward to…read moreutilizing their services again!

Erin took great pictures of my son at his preschool. Unfortuantely all of the links she provided to…read morebuy them did not work and she hasn't responded to my emails or voicemails so I have no way of actually buying them. I've contacted her about 10 times because I wanted to get the pictures for my parents as a gift, not a word in response. I'm not sure how you would go about getting in touch with this business.

Honest caring photography. Its hard to find caring honest people nowadays, do yourself a favor, if…read moreyour looking for a photographer, you can now stop looking.

Small town little local theater that showcases music, plays and movies…read more They have a events list for the next few months and we went on a Sunday afternoon for a movie. They show an older movie one Sunday a month and tickets are purely by donation so it's great to support local ! They also have popcorn, sodas and wine also by donation. So pay what you like. But obviously be generous ! We saw an oldie but goodie which I hadn't seen in years , Out of Africa. Great movie and they had a nice turn out of locals. I loved I was the youngest person there lol. I was happy to make my friend happy by attending somewhere she'd been meaning to try out. The staff are also so nice . Would definetly do this again!

Had a great time at Movie afternoon at The Old Theater in downtown Oriental. They were showing Out…read moreof Africa with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. The cinematography was fantastic so it was great to see it on a big screen. They had wine soft drinks and popcorn too! Admission and concessions were strictly by donation. A fun afternoon while helping an old landmark stay operational. Hope you'll do the same the next time a movie,comedy night or concert is available. Check website or marque for upcoming events.

I can't say enough about this business. Wonderful to work with. Communication was spot on. They…read moredrop off and set up. They also breakdown and pick up. Very professional and friendly. Will Be renting from them again.

We are very experienced travelers and have spent time across the country and beyond. I have stayed…read moreat 4-star hotels and high-rise apartments in downtown Manhattan. And yet, of all the places I have been, few can match the charm and service of this wonderful couple and this establishment. "Charming coastal" is indeed accurate as another reviewer noted, but so is kind and engaging. At least, that is how I found the host Kim, who is the hostess during your stay. The rooms are modest in size but well appointed and comfy with a wonderful balcony to enjoy a morning coffee and watch the city wake up. The highlight of each morning was the breakfast together. The breakfast is served at 9 sharp and is served with the other guests. It makes for not only a delicious breakfast, but Kim uses it as an opportunity to help direct, guide, and suggest places nearby that meet your interests. This is great as it means you get insider tips and ways to optimize your stay by taking the guesswork out--particularly when you have a small window for activities (we were only there for a few days). In the evenings, Kim hosts a happy hour which includes helping guests secure reservations and dinner plans settled before you go. This is not just a recommendation by Kim--she actively calls and secures the spots and confirms them with you. True concierge service! Setting aside the wonderful host and the rooms, the location is superb. We were there over the weekend, and there is a delightful Saturday market literally ACROSS the street filled with vendors of all varieties. Warming: it is easy to spend. ;) The entirety of the downtown is merely a block away with shops, restaurants, and bars galore along with the cruises, sports fishing, and recreation just a short walk down the road. Bottom line: I adored this place and have already recommended it to friends and family here in Durham (where we live) and beyond. If you can swing it (it is worth every penny) and want to give yourself or your partner a weekend to remember, I cannot more strongly recommend the Inn on Turner.

We're so grateful to have Inn on Turner in our Oriental community. Kim and Jonathan create such a…read morethoughtful, welcoming experience for their guests, and it shows in the care they put into every stay. Their approach to hospitality and presence in town make them such a special part of our community. It's always a pleasure working alongside them and welcoming their guests into Gretchen's.

This has to be the best caterer ever! Last night we were at a Marine Corps Ball with over 700…read morepeople. The staff was phenomenal and the food the best we have EVER had! The hor doerves not only flowed but continued to be refilled all evening from start to finish at the end of the night. Platters of fruit, cheeses, crackers and more served all of us throughout the evening. Mouth watering beef and delicious chicken, fabulous mashed potatoes and carrots that were wonderful. I cleaned my plate and I NEVER eat like that. My food allergy to onions was not only watched carefully but none of the food served had any onions at all! Bravo to the entire staff especially Ms Garner who worked with us when my husband called as this is the only caterer to consider when I'm the area. Thank you from all of us!! A+++

Excellent love visiting when they have Mother's Day , Father's Day buffet will be the for…read morethanksgiving dinner as well.