Columbia NC Walking Itinerary: A Perfect Day of Art, Craft & Food
An easy walking itinerary from the Blue Juniper Inn — no crowds, no car, nothing to do but stroll and enjoy.
There's a particular kind of magic in a day that unfolds at walking pace. In Columbia, North Carolina, you can spend a full day moving between art, craft, nature, and good food — all within a few easy blocks of the Blue Juniper Inn. Here's how we'd spend it.
8:00–9:00 AM — Breakfast at the Inn
Start slow, with fresh fruit, a little protein, and — if you're lucky — one of Dawn's lemon-poppyseed scones fresh from the oven.
9:00–9:30 AM — A Morning Amble Through the Art
Wander through the dining room, hallway, and living room, taking in the artwork that fills the Inn. Give yourself a few unhurried minutes with each piece. When you've found the one that speaks to you, snap a photo and share it on Instagram with a caption about why it caught your eye.
9:30–10:00 AM — Nature Walk Along the Scuppernong
Set out on the mile-long trail along the Scuppernong River and its wetlands. Bring your phone — turtles and egrets are frequent sightings, and on a special morning, you might even spot a blue heron gliding over the water.
10:00 AM–11:30 AM — Regional Art at Pocosin Arts Gallery
Spend the late morning browsing a gallery filled with jewelry and ceramics handcrafted by Pocosin's resident artists and workshop instructors. Whether you're hunting for a gift or a little something for yourself, you'll find one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces worth taking home.
Visiting outside of regular hours? Just email info@pocosinarts.org ahead of time, and they'll gladly open the gallery for your visit.
Photo via Pocosin Arts Gallery
11:45 AM–12:45 PM — Lunch at Stick Burnin' BBQ
Just a block away, this colorful downtown spot has earned more than 2,000 five-star reviews for good reason. Choose from a lineup of sandwiches, plates, and salads, and taste why the locals — and everyone else — keep coming back.
1:30–2:45 PM — Free Time on the Porch
Nothing beats a little "found" time in the middle of the afternoon. Settle into a porch chair, play a round of croquet, or let yourself drift into an uninterrupted nap.
3:00–5:00 PM — A Class at Pocosin Arts / School of Fine Craft
Close out the afternoon in the light-filled, state-of-the-art studios and try your hand at a craft of your choosing — throw your own ceramic mug, hammer out a copper bracelet, or shape a one-of-a-kind cutting board to take home.
5:00–7:00 PM — Dinner at Mexicana Peniel #2
Join the local crowd for an authentic Mexican dinner beneath vivid red, white, and green flags and shimmering piñatas. The food is excellent, the atmosphere lively, and the company always good.
7:00 PM — Back to the Blue Juniper Inn
Pick a book from the upstairs library, scroll back through the day's photos, share a bit about your Columbia adventure, and pour a glass of wine in the living room. This last stretch of evening is entirely yours — your time to stay in harmony with art and nature.
Ready to Plan Your Weekend?
The Blue Juniper Inn on Main Street is the perfect base for all of it — beloved for its warm hospitality and beautifully restored rooms. Book your stay with us here in the heart of the Inner Banks.
