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OUR CITIES & TOWNS
Town of Boardman
Boardman is one of Columbus County’s hidden gems — a peaceful rural community where southern hospitality runs deep and life moves at a gentler pace. With its tree-lined roads, open farmland, and close-knit neighborhoods, Boardman offers visitors a glimpse into the authentic heart of small-town North Carolina.
Whether you’re exploring the countryside, enjoying a quiet drive along winding backroads, or stopping by for a local gathering, Boardman’s friendly spirit and sense of community shine through in every smile and wave. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate its proximity to the Lumber River State Park, where kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching bring you closer to nature’s beauty.
Town of Bolton
Surrounded by towering pines and steeped in a proud heritage of forestry, Bolton is a charming small town that celebrates its deep roots in North Carolina’s timber industry. Known as the home of the beloved Pine Tree Festival, Bolton honors the hardworking spirit that shaped its past while looking forward to a bright and connected future.
With its welcoming neighbors, rich traditions, and peaceful pace of life, Bolton reminds visitors of what makes small-town North Carolina truly special — deep roots, strong community, and plenty of heart.
Come to Bolton — where the pines whisper stories of the past, and every visit feels like coming home.
Town of Brunswick
Nestled in the heart of Columbus County, Brunswick is a friendly small town where history, community, and southern charm come together. Once a thriving hub along the railroad, Brunswick has long been known for its hardworking people, deep roots, and the kind of neighborly spirit that makes visitors feel right at home.
Today, Brunswick offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by open fields, tall pines, and wide Carolina skies. Its sense of place is grounded in the pride of its past and the promise of its future — a town where stories are shared over front porches, local gatherings, and church suppers.
Discover Brunswick — a small town with a big heart, where history lives on and every visit feels like a homecoming.
Town of Cerro Gordo
Tucked among the fields and forests of western Columbus County, Cerro Gordo is a town with a rich agricultural heritage and a proud sense of community. Its name — meaning “Fat Hill” in Spanish — reflects both its unique character and the rolling farmland that surrounds it. For generations, Cerro Gordo has been home to hardworking families, deep traditions, and a way of life that values honesty, friendship, and faith.
Visitors will find the charm of true rural North Carolina here — quiet streets, family farms, and neighbors who still greet you by name. It’s a place where local history runs deep, and where gatherings at the church, the ball field, or the barbecue pit bring everyone together.
Come to Cerro Gordo — where the roots are strong, the air is fresh, and every sunrise feels like a promise.
Town of Chadbourn
Bursting with small-town charm and a proud agricultural legacy, Chadbourn is known far and wide as the Strawberry Capital of the Carolinas. For more than 90 years, this friendly town has celebrated its heritage with the annual North Carolina Strawberry Festival — one of the state’s oldest and sweetest traditions.
Each spring, Chadbourn comes alive with music, parades, pageants, and, of course, plenty of fresh, ripe strawberries. The festival captures everything that makes Chadbourn special — community pride, Southern hospitality, and a deep appreciation for the land that sustains it.
Come to Chadbourn — where every season is sweet, and every visitor feels like part of the family.
Town of Fair Bluff
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Set along the winding Lumber River, Fair Bluff is one of Columbus County’s most picturesque towns — a place where history, hospitality, and natural beauty flow together. Known for its scenic Riverwalk, this charming community invites visitors to stroll beneath the cypress trees, watch the sunset over the water, and experience the tranquil rhythm of small-town life.
Fair Bluff’s story is one of resilience and renewal. Once a bustling river port and trading center, the town has weathered challenges with remarkable strength and spirit. Today, it stands as a testament to community pride — a town rebuilding with heart, welcoming all who come to enjoy its peaceful beauty and Southern warmth.
Visit Fair Bluff — where the past flows gently into the present, and every smile feels like home.
Town of Lake Waccamaw
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Cradled within the heart of Columbus County, Lake Waccamaw is a natural wonder — a vast, shimmering freshwater lake unlike any other in the world. Known for its stunning blue waters and unique ecosystem, Lake Waccamaw offers visitors a peaceful escape where nature takes center stage.
From sunrise paddles to sunset strolls, the lake’s beauty invites exploration and reflection. Lake Waccamaw State Park provides miles of scenic trails through cypress forests and wetlands, while the boardwalk offers breathtaking views and birdwatching opportunities. Whether you come to fish, kayak, or relax by the water’s edge, you’ll find serenity and Southern charm in every ripple and breeze.
The community that surrounds the lake is just as special — friendly, welcoming, and deeply connected to the natural treasure at its heart. With local eateries, cozy cottages, and a warm hometown spirit, Lake Waccamaw is the perfect place to slow down, reconnect, and make lasting memories.
Come to Lake Waccamaw — where the water is a dark tea colored hue, the air is calm, and every moment feels timeless.
Town of Sandyfield
Tucked along the quiet stretches of eastern Columbus County, Sandyfield is a peaceful community where life moves at a gentler pace and neighbors still know each other by name. With its friendly atmosphere and close-knit spirit, Sandyfield embodies the best of small-town North Carolina — where family, faith, and fellowship are at the heart of daily life.
Surrounded by open countryside and just a short drive from the Lumber River and Lake Waccamaw, Sandyfield offers a serene escape for those who love vast skies, country roads, and simple living. It’s a town that celebrates community, where gatherings at the local church, school events, and neighborhood cookouts bring everyone together like family.
Whether you’re passing through or staying awhile, you’ll find that Sandyfield’s charm lies in its people — warm, welcoming, and proud of the place they call home.
Discover Sandyfield — a small town with a big heart and a spirit that shines as bright as the Carolina sun.
Town of Tabor City
Known as “The Friendly City,” Tabor City blends small-town warmth with a lively spirit that reflects its proud agricultural roots and welcoming community. Just a few miles from the South Carolina border, Tabor City serves as a gateway to both country charm and coastal adventure — where the farm meets the sand.
Tabor City is home to the long-running North Carolina Yam Festival, a celebration of heritage, harvest, and hometown pride. Each fall, the streets fill with music, parades, and laughter as locals and visitors come together to honor the town’s farming traditions and the sweet potato that helped put it on the map.
Beyond the festival, Tabor City offers something for everyone — from its historic downtown and family-owned restaurants to nearby parks and trails that showcase the beauty of rural Columbus County. Whether you’re exploring its rich history or meeting its friendly residents, you’ll quickly see why Tabor City lives up to its nickname.
Visit Tabor City — where every handshake feels like an old friend, and every visit feels like coming home.
City of Whiteville
As the vibrant heart of Columbus County, Whiteville blends small-town charm with a welcoming energy that makes it a true Southern gem. With its tree-lined streets, locally owned shops, and friendly faces, Whiteville offers a perfect balance of hometown warmth and modern convenience.
At the center of town lies Courthouse Square, where history meets community. From seasonal festivals to outdoor concerts and holiday parades, Whiteville’s downtown is alive with activity all year long. Visitors can explore the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville, stroll through beautiful Downtown, explore the Arts Council, or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the town’s local cafés and restaurants.
Whiteville’s story is one of connection — to its people, its heritage, and its natural surroundings. Located just a short drive from Lake Waccamaw and the Lumber River, it serves as the perfect starting point for any Columbus County adventure.
Come to Whiteville — where Southern hospitality is more than a tradition; it’s a way of life.