Discover one of the most beautiful parts of Southeastern North Carolina. Columbus County, founded nearly 200 years ago in 1808, is rich in history and blessed with uncommon natural beauty. Wild scenic rivers teem with wildlife as they wind through old Cypress, Pines and the beautiful flora and fauna of the coastal plain. Along with the history and natural wonder of Columbus, you’ll enjoy meeting the people of a community renowned for its warmth and hospitality. Come celebrate with us at one of our many festivals, learn about southern life as it once was in our museums, or enjoy almost any type of outdoor recreation, including golf, sailing and fishing. Whether you come for a daytrip (a quick jump from I95, US 74 or US 701), or you stay longer at one of our many hotels and Bed and Breakfast establishments, you’ll discover a place and a community that you’ll definitely want to visit again!

For nearly three-quarters of a century, strawberries have been celebrated in Chadbourn, nicknamed the “Sunny South Colony” in the early 1900’s.  Home to the North Carolina Strawberry Festival, the longest running agricultural festival in the state, is held the first weekend in May.  Make sure and visit the historic Chadbourn Depot Museum and antiques shops in the downtown area.

Fair Bluff, nestled against the banks of the nationally recognized “Wild & Scenic” Lumber River, is home to the Southeastern North Carolina Watermelon Festival, held annually in July.  Walk the beautiful elevated riverwalk, visit the Fair Bluff Depot Museum or enjoy a trip down the Lumber River in a kayak or canoe.

From its sandy shorelines to its tree-lined natural areas, Lake Waccamaw offers peaceful surroundings, an intriguing natural history and fun in the sun.   You can view one of the greatest geological mysteries of the eastern United States—the phenomenon of Carolina bays; it boasts rare plants such as the carnivorous Venus Flytrap and several animal species found nowhere else on earth, such as the Waccamaw Killifish.  Aside from its geological history, the lake is a great place to vacation.  Visit Lake Waccamaw State Park and Visitor Center.  Nearby, you can catch a glimpse of a botanical wonder—the Green Swamp.  Tour the historic 1904 Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum and enjoy the Winter Festival held annually in December.

Tabor City is the southernmost town in Columbus County.  Once known as the “Yam Capital of the World”, Tabor City pays tribute to the area’s sweet potato crop with the annual North Carolina Yam Festival every 4th Saturday in October.  Visit historic landmarks such as Mt. Tabor School, the Horace Carter Museum or enjoy an afternoon of fishing.

Whiteville, the county seat, offers “small town charm with big city connections” and countless opportunities to experience authentic Southern charm in a small town setting.  Visit the North Carolina Museum of Forestry or stroll downtown with its unique shops and restaurants.  Plan a visit to the North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival held annually in November or enjoy the “quirky” Fire Ant Festival held biannually in March.