Robeson County
Robeson County is the largest county in North Carolina, spreading across approximately 949 square miles or 607,000 acres - only slightly smaller than the state of Rhode Island. Centrally located between New York and Florida on Interstate 95, and conveniently accessible from US Highway 74, Robeson County is a popular “rest stop” for travelers and tourists during the busy summer and holiday travel dates. The major cities and towns of the county and the busy network of highways that link them to the major transportation systems of the east coast are intermingled with fertile farmlands, pastures, forests, diversified farmsteads, and quaint rural homes.
Agriculture is the leading industry in Robeson County, providing $396 million in cash receipts. Robeson County contains the largest amount of farmland in the state - more than 263,700 acres are now being used for crop production. With the loss of tobacco income, several Robeson County farmers have diversified their operations to include fresh fruit and vegetable production. Local food production is now a rapidly growing sector of the agriculture economy. Robeson County farmers offer more than 10 farm or roadside stands and 8 seasonal strawberry local market stands to address the increased local food interest.
Several local festivals and annual gatherings are part of Robeson County’s heritage and appeal. Pembroke, home of the Lumbee Indian tribe and the University of North Carolina Pembroke, hosts several pow-wows throughout the year as well as the Lumbee Homecoming celebration every July. The outdoor drama “Strike at the Wind,” the Lumbee Tribe Cultural Center, and the Museum of the Southeast American Indian located in in the Old Main Building on the UNCP campus all offer information on the rich history and legacy of the Lumbee Tribe. St. Pauls hosts a Folk Art Festival every May, highlighting local artisans’ and crafters’ beadwork, jewelry, paintings, pottery, folk dancing, and more. Fairmont hosts the yearly Farmers Festival every October with beauty pageants, golf tournaments, dinners, dances, a parade, and vendors selling everything from food to local crafts to celebrate the harvest season, acknowledging the importance of agriculture and famers to our area. Robeson County is also home to one of the longest existing farmers markets in the state, located in Historic Downtown Lumberton. Operating from late April through December, it brings local vegetables, produce, meats, and value-added products, such as honey and soaps, together in one location for customers to shop from twice a week. Roadside markets, pick-your-own fruit farms and orchards, local wineries and fisheries, and agritourism related activities such as corn mazes and farm tours, as well as several state parks and landings accessing the scenic Lumber River provide heritage and cultural tourism opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, would like to thank Robeson County Farm Bureau for sponsoring our local farms and agri-businesses on the Visit NC Farms mobile app. Their generous support has made it possible for us to share all the hidden gems Robeson County has to offer. We invite you to explore our beautiful county and experience true southern hospitality!
App Administrator:
MaKayla Gross, Lee County Admin
Email: mrgross2@ncsu.edu
Cell: 919-499-7568
