Things To Do
From the Blue Juniper Inn in Columbia, North Carolina, guests have easy access to a wealth of arts, culture, history, and nature.
Explore nearby destinations such as the North Carolina Estuarium, showcasing the area's rich aquatic life. Immerse yourself in history at the Tyrrell County Visitor Center or take a stroll through the charming downtown area to discover local art galleries and quaint shops.
For a nature-filled adventure, head to Pettigrew State Park for hiking trails, birdwatching, and stunning views of Lake Phelps. Whether you're seeking artistic inspiration or outdoor exploration, the area surrounding the Blue Juniper Inn offers something for everyone to enjoy and create unforgettable memories.
Things to Do
The Blue Juniper Inn is located at the center of hundreds of thousands of readily accessible acres of wilderness, teeming with wildlife and just waiting to be explored by the active traveler.
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (113,000 acres) ¼ mile
Palmetto-Peartree Preserve (10,000 acres) 7 miles
Pettigrew State Park (6,000 acres) 15 miles
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge (158,000 acres) 30 miles
Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (58,000 acres) 40 miles
Unspoiled and uncrowded, these 350,000 acres offer unparalleled engagement with unique flora and fauna, more than 250 species of birds, including elegant migrating swans and magnificent Canadian Geese, America’s largest population of black bear outside of Alaska, and the only population of red wolves in the United States. All within this vast, sometimes haunting, and always alluring wetlands environment. A true ecological wonder!
Hiking, Biking, & Paddling
The Blue Juniper is perfectly located for the active traveler. The possibilities for the hiker are endless. From the one-mile Scuppernong River Interpretive Boardwalk Trail at the edge of town to the five-mile Sandy Dike Trail along the banks of Lake Mattamuskeet, to the ten-mile Cypress Point trek beginning and ending on the shore of Phelps Lake, options abound, all within less than an hour’s drive. While we suggest guests bring their own bicycles or kayaks, the Blue Juniper has cruiser bikes and basic kayaks for guest use.
Music & Art
Pocosin Arts and School of Fine Craft is nationally recognized for its outstanding arts education program which includes instructors literally from all over the world. Study with teaching artists from across North Carolina and the US, Canada, Greece and China. Classes and workshops (on site and online) are available in ceramics, woodworking, metallurgy, even guitar and dulcimer making.
Inner Banks Mercantile presents local and regional musicians on the first Friday of each month. The lineup includes popular local bands, touring groups and individual singer-songwriters and acoustic musicians.
Scuppernong River Festival, always on the third weekend in October features arts and craft vendors, music performances, midday Saturday parade and a twilight fireworks display.
History & Local Culture
The Tyrrell County Public Library, just across Main Street from the Blue Juniper is one of the most active libraries in the region. Their Tuesday night film series screens recent major studio releases. For those interested in local history, the Library also houses the sizable Tyrrell County Historical and Genealogical Society archives.
Discover the Albemarle Sound’s Unique Harbor Towns
Hop aboard! At the riverfront docks, just four blocks from the Blue Juniper, Harbortown Cruises board one of the new Hysu Cat and immerse yourself in an exciting exploration of the scenic Albemarle Sound coastline and visit our five unique harbor towns of Hertford, Plymouth, Edenton, Elizabeth City and return to the town docks of Columbia, just four blocks from the Blue Juniper. Cruises last from 45 minutes to two hours, with snacks and beverages available on board!