Tyrrell County Visitors Center — Local services in Columbia

We stopped by this welcome center on the way back from the Outer Banks to have a break from travels, to use the restrooms, and check on some information about the Laurel Point Lighthouse which was near this area and where in the 1880s my wife's gg grandfather was a keeper of the light and in his free time made furniture, one piece (a wardrobe) which we have seen. When I mentioned the lighthouse and that my name was Cox one of the ladies there (Joyce or Janice I think) was quite knowledgeable about it and asked if I was related to Benj. Cox who was a keeper of the light there about the turn of the century------about 15-20 years after my wife's ancestor was there. It was very interesting to talk with her about it and I was going to send her copies of information I had so she would have more info on the earlier days of the lighthouse and its keepers. Still haven't gotten it to her yet as I seem to only get to work on it in spurts the last of which was Fall 2014. She even gave me copies of some info she had there on Ben Cox at the lighthouse which I found very interesting. Hopefully after tax time this year I will be able to spurt again and maybe get her data copied and compiled. Very nice place...

I have never been to a more beautiful rest stop. There is a spectacular wooden trail (complete with handrails) that takes you through the adjacent wetlands and out onto the Albemarle Sound. If you’re on your way to the Outer Banks, the trail is a peaceful “palate cleanser” that will put you in the right frame of mind for a vacation. The visitors center is a hybrid museum/gift shop/tourism information center, with friendly staff who will gladly answer your questions. From the perspective of basic amenities, the restrooms are clean, there is a wide variety of cold soda in the vending machines, and it’s a great place to walk your dogs. Very easy to find: from I-64 East, cross the Sound via the long bridge, then turn right onto Ludington Drive. There will be...

This is the best rest stop I have ever been to. This is the last rest stop before you reach the coast. The restrooms was very clean and smelled clean. You go thru the restroom area to get to the visitors center. To your right there is a wildlife refuge you can visit. The ladies staffing the visitors center were very friendly and welcoming. There are lots of brochures and information about the area. If you walk thru the visitors center they have a beautiful porch on the water. You can access a boardwalk to enjoy a walk. If you go right the boardwalk takes you downtown to shops and restaurants. This is a great...