Columbus offers several reasons to plan a trip: waterside scenery, hands-on experiments, cultural history and an annual agricultural fair. If you’re looking for hotels in Columbus, you can first consider what you want your stay to focus on.
Scenery and hands-on discovery
Lake Waccamaw State Park sits on the shore of the largest Carolina Bay. If you’re primarily looking for a named landscape to guide your travel decision, it’s a specific point of reference. The Investigate Lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville offers a different kind of experience: visitors of all ages can experiment with equipment and techniques such as microscopes and pipettes. The offering is for all age groups and emphasizes hands-on exploration—a different focus from a museum’s historical perspective.
Railroad depot and local history
The Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum preserves the 1904 train station building in the town of Lake Waccamaw and offers free tours. The Horace Carter Museum explores Pulitzer Prize winner Horace Carter’s perspective on the history of Tabor City; it also displays equipment used to produce the Tabor-Loris Tribune. Their focuses differ considerably: one centers on a preserved train station building and tours, while the other explores the town’s history through the perspective of an individual and the work of a newspaper. To visit the Horace Carter Museum, you can schedule an appointment by calling 910-653-3153; check in advance whether a visit is possible.
Art and local literature
In Whiteville, the Columbus County Arts Council’s venue features visual art and books by local authors. Bringing together visual art and local writing offers a different way to experience culture than museums focused on buildings, the press and local history. Check the gallery’s opening hours before your trip.
Agricultural fair and annual program
The Columbus County Agriculture Fair is an annual tradition. Attractions include rides and agricultural exhibits; livestock shows take place during the six-day fair. The specific program may vary from year to year. Food stands offer items such as funnel cake and turkey legs, though the food selection may also change. If you want the fair to determine when you travel, check the dates and program for your desired year. This will help you plan your trip around that year’s offerings.
The Lumber River and its designations
The Lumber River Canoe Trail also has two historical milestones: in 1978, it became part of the North Carolina Trails System; in 1981, it was designated one of the first national water trails in the southeastern United States. The years reflect different designations—first, inclusion in the state Trails System, followed by national designation. The Lumber River itself is accessible via interstate and other highways, as well as state and county roads.
Discover more destinations: Whiteville, Burke County, New Hanover, Vance, Clay County, Orange, Cleveland, Pender
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