Nestled on the shore of North Carolina’s largest natural freshwater lake is a quaint town that boasts beautiful sunset views, outdoor attractions, shopping, historical artifacts and a unique educational facility.

Lake Waccamaw, NC (population 1,469), sits on only three and a half square miles in Columbus County (conveniently located about an hour from Wilmington, NC and an hour from Myrtle Beach, SC) in the eastern part of the Tar Heel State, but includes 14 miles of shoreline on a 9,000 acre lake.  It is also the home of the Boys & Girls Home of North Carolina, a residential and community-based academic facility that helps prepare children for the challenges of adulthood.

I was a guest of the Rotary Club of Whiteville and had the privilege of staying in Weaver’s Landing – a first-class airbnb owned by Ginger Littrell and her husband. It was a delightful garage apartment with privacy, comfort and amazing views, and was just a short walk to the lake.

Not only was I impressed by the amazing philanthropic efforts of this small, but dedicated, Rotary Club, but I also fell in love with the rich history of this small lake community. A state park offers a picnic area, pier, hiking trails, bathroom facilities and a visitor’s center. The Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum houses historical artifacts and marine fossils found in the lake bed (including a 2.75 million year old whale skull), and provides numerous educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

This short visit, filled with breathtaking scenery and southern hospitality, was just enough to entice me to wander back that way again soon. Attending the annual NC Cardboard Boat Championships (Father’s Day Weekend) is definitely on my bucket list!