Tyrell County was a recent stop in my travels across the state. It was established in 1729. Columbia is the county seat. It is a rural area with about 3,500 residents.
The county has vast wetlands and many different types of wildlife. You can view some of these wetlands on the Scuppernong River Interpretive Boardwalk. The swampy area provides an ecosystem for various forms of wildlife.
The turtles might be sunning on logs as you walk by, and fish are in the tea colored to black water of the ecosystem. The water is not polluted, but from tannins, stagnant water, and the peat-colored soil, which makes it a very healthy swamp ecosystem. The ancient cypress trees and the view of the water are other highlights, as well as hearing the birds.
If you go a little farther, the refuge is 110,000 acres, and home to a large black bear population and the rare red wolf.
The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft is a premier arts organization in Columbia. It has galleries and a makerspace hub for craft education. There are studios for the community that create ceramics, metalsmithing, jewelry making,and woodworking.
Walking through town, I noticed public art with e murals. The "Living Wall" has hidden creatures to find in it. "Life Flow" is a more vibrant mural that is a tribute to the local ecosystem.
The Columbia Historic District has many buildings (119) on the National Register of Historic Places. The Tyrell County Courthouse was built in 1903. The Building that houses Stick Burnin BBQ was once a grocery store.
If you are looking to visit an area with history, small town charm, natural landscapes and wildlife viewing, Tyrell County might be just what you are looking for. read more