Town of Washington

At the convergence of US Highway 17 and US Highway 264 is the Heart of North Carolina's Inner Banks, Washington. This scenic town, population 9,836, boasts a rich history and an even brighter future, thanks in part to interest in Washington as a travel destination.

Once known for its large shipping industry, Washington has been able to capitalize on the waterfront presence. Visitors to Washington have more and more places to dine and shop as the waterfront downtown district comes to life again. The development of history and tourist related attractions and events helps to draw more people to city. These unique offerings like the North Carolina Estuarium and East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival have truly put Washington on the map.

It's where the river meet the sea is the definition of an estuary. The Pamlico-Tar River estuary system is the 2^nd largest in the country behind the Chesapeake Bay. The North Carolina Estuarium in Washington, North Carolina is an environmental education center focused solely on the aspects of an estuarine system.

Located directly on the banks of the Pamlico River, the Estuarium is housed in a wharf style building reminiscent of earlier wharves on the North Carolina coast.  Visitors to the Estuarium are greeted by a unique exhibit that incorporates driftwood and other elements to symbolize a raindrops path from the mountains to the coast of North Carolina.

Eleanor Broderick, an employee of the Estuarium, says "The learning opportunities here are endless, but my favorite part is being able to educate people about living here within the estuary system.

Visitors to the Estuarium have over 200 hands-on exhibits to learn from including fish tanks, live animals native to the estuary system, films, and games. A favorite attraction to many is the history room. While the Estuarium is geared towards the environmental aspects of the estuary, the History Room takes a look at the economic impact of our waterways as well as the recreational history.

Our estuaries and waterways can only be protected if people are educated about their importance and impact, says Blount Rumley, manager of the North Carolina Estuarium. Rumley, a Washington native, has been with the Estuarium since it opened in 1998.

The Estuarium sees over 15,000 visitors each year. Rumley says this helps to further their mission by leading the way in nature-based and cultural tourism. From the spring to the fall the Estuarium offers the only guided river tour in Washington. This along with their many creative programs makes the Estuarium a resource for visitors and locals alike.

One of the most popular programs is a decoy painting workshop for children in February. This program is in cooperation with the East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival and NC Decoy Carving Championships held in downtown Washington February 10-11, 2007. The Wildlife Arts Festival is one of the largest annual events held in Washington. The show features artisans and carvers from throughout the east coast. Visitors to the show will enjoy over 100 exhibits including wildlife art, carvings, antique decoys, pottery, photography and more.

Show chairman David Gossett is enthusiastic about additions to this years show.  Two recent additions to the show will certainly increase attendance from across the region. One is the International Wildfowl Carving Association Working Decoy Championship. We have also picked up the regional duck calling event where the winner will go on to compete in Stuttgart, Arkansas.  The annual show draws visitors from more than 20 states and international visitors.

The Wildlife Arts Festival has everything for the waterfowl enthusiast from the duck, swan, and goose calling contests to retriever demonstrations to blue grass music. 

Contact Information:

138 S. Market Street