Area Attractions near Columbia, NC

Northern Route on US 64 via Nash, Edgecombe, Martin, Washington, Tyrell counties

In Zebulon, NC US 64 and US 264 split. Take US 64 for the northern route.

In Rocky Mount take the "Benvenue Rd. / Falls Rd. - Exit, cross Falls Road and you are in Falls Park. This is (almost) the eastern-most point where rock can be seen along the Tar-River. A picnic gazebo is near the parking lot with a great view over the falls. Up-and downstream goes a hiking/biking trail for about 2 miles in each direction.

Tarboro is the next town with a historic downtown and an art museum just follow signs.

Williamston: "Wildlife Access Area" on the Roanoke River with picnic area & facilities.

A little detour going north on US-17 leads to Windsor, with the "Partnership of the Sounds" Headquarters and a paddle trail through lowland swamp forest.

Continuing on US-17 one arrives at historic Edenton with beautiful antebellum homes on the waterfront. To continue back to US-64 use NC-32, NC-94 or NC-37.

Downtown Plymouth has several blocks of beautifully restored homes and an historic business district along the river. A park with picnic area and facilities lies at the east-end of downtown, together with an interesting Civil War Museum, and an ironclad-replica in the river. At the west-end of town is a replica river-lighthouse.

Take a side trip to Phelps Lake with camping area at Pettigrew State Park. A display of historic pre-colonial artifacts at Somerset Plantation is very interesting and offers a quick glimpse into eastern North Carolinas history and unique natural beauty.

After you pass the turn off on US 64 to the Eastern 4H Center, you will come to Columbia. Columbia boasts a boardwalk nature trail along the Scuppernong River, which starts at the W.B. Jones Education Center immediately to the East of the bridge. Also here a paddle trail leads up the river.

The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is another 17 miles east of Columbia with excellent opportunity to paddle along marked trails and walk along two short interpretive trails...

Manteo with the replica of the Elizabeth II sailing ship, a maritime museum, and other historical displays related to The Lost Colony are further east. In Manteo is also one of the NC aquariums, with excellent displays in a beautiful setting.

Unfortunately we are a year too late for the centennial of the Wright brother's feat, but the Wright Brothers Memorial can be visited in Kitty Hawk about a dozen miles north on NC-12 from where US-64/264 end at the beach. Also on NC-12, but going South are Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

On the Southern Route along US 264 and NC 94, just before you get to Wilson, NC you will see signs for the Country Doctor Museum along the highway.

Downtown Wilson has an interesting Children's Museum, a block or so west of the AMTRAK station.

Following the northern bypass around Greenville, take a detour to River Park North. The new science center is scheduled to be open by September. The park itself boasts secondary natural areas, which have been developed after sand mining stopped here and there is a great trail through a riparian wetland area. You can also enjoy Down East Barbeque in Greenville at world-famous B's Barbeque on the corner of Hwy 43 and B's Barbeque Rd. Come early, 'cause when it's gone, it's gone. The Greenville Museum of Art offers changing exhibitions. ((252) 758-1946 - www.greenvillemuseumofart.org)

The original Washington hosts the headquarters of the Pamlico Tar River Foundation (PTRF (252) 946- 7211), located in the old train station/depot at the west-end of downtown and the Estuarium at the opposite end of commercial downtown. The river-front walk connects them. The Estuarium ((252) 948-0001) offers natural and historic educational exhibits and interesting artwork. In the lobby of the PTRF office hangs a famous feather-weight canoe build by local craftsmen.

Goose Creek State Park is about nine miles east of Washington off of US 264. This state park boasts an Environmental Education Center that has many educational displays and dioramas that provide information on wetlands and estuaries. The park also has about seven miles of hiking trails including a boardwalk through a marsh.

Instead of following 264 towards Pantego, a scenic detour along NC-92 and NC-99 will take you to Bath. Bath is North Carolina’s oldest incorporated town and claims to have been Blackbeard's headquarters. It offers a picturesque historic waterfront and museum ((252) 923-3971 - www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/bath/bath.htm )

Downtown Belhaven has lots of historical residential homes along the waterfront, including the famous River Forrest Manor (252 923 3971) on the Intracoastal Waterway, where one can often spot interesting ships. The Belhaven Memorial Museum (252 943 6817) is a must for curiosity lovers.

From Swanquarter, the ferry to Ocracoke Island takes off for a nice detour over the Outer Banks.

On NC 94 North, stop at the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. Its headquarters and the old Hunting Lodge are just past the turn-off. Good bird watching along great trails.

The above attractions represent only highlights of region for a variety of interests. More info is available through the local Chambers of Commerce (CoC) and Visitor Bureaus (VB).

Outer Banks VB: - (252) 473-2138 - www.outerbanks.org
Hyde County CoC: - (252) 926-9171 - www.hydecounty.org
Martin County VB: - (252) 792-6605 - www.visitmartincounty.com
Tyrell County VB -: (252) 796-0723 - visitrtc@beachlink.com
Washington/Beaufort County. VB: - 1 (800) 999-3857 - www.washingtonnctourism.com
North Carolina's Northeast Partnership: - 1 (888) 872-8562 info@ncnortheast.com
Coast Host: - 1 (800) 948-1099 www.coasthost.com
Historic Albemarle Tour: - 1 (800) 734-1117 - www.historicalalbermarletour.com.