VISITNC
AT TRAC T IONS
SOUTH MILLS Local Information: Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Dismal Swamp Canal & Welcome Center. 2356 Hwy. 17 N., (252) 771-8333,
(877) 771-8333. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is the only welcome center in the continental US greeting visitors by both highway and waterway. The canal, part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, is the oldest continually operating canal in the US, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a National Civil Engineering Landmark, honors worthy of its colorful past. www.DismalSwamp.com Dismal Swamp State Park. 2294 US 17 N.,
(252) 771-6593. Miles of hiking and biking trails will be available to enjoy. The new park will be accessed via a unique floating barge bridge across the historic Dismal Swamp Canal.
SOUTHPORT
Ingram Planetarium. 7625 High Market St.,
(910) 575-0033. State-of-the art planetarium with 40-foot dome and multimedia presentation. A science and education center with math and navigational displays. www.ingramplanetarium.org
Local Information: NC Brunswick Islands/Southport Oak Island C of C (See our ad on page 98) North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport. 116 N. Howe St., (910) 457-0003.
SWAN QUARTER
Preserves and interprets the rich maritime heritage of Southport and the lower Cape Fear area through exhibits, artifacts, programs and research library.
Local Information: Hyde County C of C Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. 38 Refuge Rd., (252) 926-4021. The
Progress Energy Visitors Center.
8520 River Rd., (910) 457-6041. Offers more than 30 energy-related exhibits covering production of electricity, electrical safety, alternative energy sources and energy conservation.
refuge contains North Carolina’s largest natural lake, Lake Mattamuskeet, and is a haven for endangered species such as bald eagles, peregrine falcons and American alligators. Completed in 1915, Mattamuskeet Lodge was the largest pumping station in the world but eventually closed in 2000. Visit the grounds to learn more about the lodge. www.hydecounty.org
SUNSET BEACH Local Information: NC Brunswick Islands/Southport Oak Island C of C (See our ad on page 98)
Swan Quarter National Wildlife Refuge. US 264, (252) 926-4021. These 16,411
acres of salt marsh island and forested wetlands are home to a large variety of mammals and hundreds of species of birds. Two undeveloped trails available for hiking and biking during daylight hours. www.hydecounty.org
SWANSBORO Local Information: Onslow County Tourism (See our ad on page 93) Huggins Island Battery-Civil War Trails.
1572 Hammocks Beach Rd., (910) 326-4881. This battery is the only unspoiled Confederate earthen fortification on the North Carolina coast. http://149.168.1.195/~habe/huis.htm
TABOR CITY Local Information: Columbus County TB Grapefull Sisters Vineyard.
4903 Ramsey Ford Rd., (910) 653-4726. Come stroll through our working vineyard, with several varieties of Muscadines planted, including Carlos, Magnolia, Scuppernong and Nesbitt. www.grapefullsistersvineyard.com. See Travel Map for location.
TOPSAIL BEACH Local Information: Topsail Area Chamber & Tourism (See our ad on page 93) Missiles and More Museum.
720 Channel Blvd., (910) 328-8663, (800) 626-2780. Artifacts and exhibits from prehistory to the present including displays and artifacts dating from World War II.
WARSAW Local Information: Duplin County TDC (See our ad on page 93)
BILL RUSS
Duplin County Veterans Memorial Museum. 319 E. Hill St., (910) 293-2190.
North Carolina’s beaches are a great place for rest and relaxation.
102
NORTH CAROLINA TRAVEL GUIDE
A beautifully restored Queen Anne-style house, the museum houses military artifacts and memorabilia from many periods in military history in addition to a restored tribute to the L.P. Best family.