Nash County Farmers Market
The last coffee shop that caught my attention was Books & Beans. The artsy coffee house in mill village is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon lost in a good book.
According to their Instagram, Books & Beans offers espresso drinks, diverse books, local pastries & signature sandwiches. The homey coffee shop is a great place to spend a quiet afternoon relaxing.
Smith’s Red & White Rocky Mount North Carolina
Smith’s Red & White originally began in a corner of a local fertilizer and feed store in 1954, opened by Sherwood Smith. With the help of his family, Smith was able to expand his grocery business over the years into the over 20,000-square-foot, full-fledged grocery store it is today. In 2010, the Smith’s Red & White Restaurant was opened next door to the market with a focus on old-fashioned home cooking, including meat loaf, country ham, barbeque, chicken, and more. Smith’s Red & White is particularly famous for its sausage, made fresh every day for more than sixty years.
3635 N Halifax Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, Phone: 252-443-4323
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Outdoor Things To Do In Rocky Mount
There are plenty of fun ways to explore nature in Rocky Mount! Whether youre one for games, water, or hikes, we have you covered below.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park is a mini amusement park complete with a train, splash pad, carousel, skate park, playground, disc golf course, tennis courts, and more! Enjoy the park for just $5 a day or rent it out for your next gathering.
Multi-Use Trails
You can paddle, bike, and hike the trails of Rocky Mount. The 7-mile Tar River Trail connects three of the citys big parks: Sunset Park, Battle Park, and Martin Luther King Jr Park. Theres no better way to explore nature in Rocky Mount!
On nice days, youll see plenty of people on the riverbanks, wading in the water, or riding it with a boat in search of some fish. Well get to that last part shortly!
Kayaking on the Tar River
If youre into kayaking, you can launch a boat via the Tar River Paddle Trail. There are ten canoe and kayak access points. Feel free to bring your own kayak or canoe or book a tubing or kayaking trip via Tar River Life.
Disc Golf
Disc golf courses are spread throughout through Rocky Mount. Courses like Sunset Disc Golf Park, Farmington Disc Golf Course, Englewood Park, and the Sports Complex Disc Golf Course are all highly rated and a great way to spend a day in Rocky Mount.
City Lake
City Lake is a beautiful piece of land where you can meet some ducks, explore some sculptures, and take a relaxing stroll.
Fishing
Stonewall Manor
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Unique And Delicious Things To Do In Rocky Mount Nc
Megan Starr This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Not too many people opt for a trip to Rocky Mount as a final destination but, there are some really cool things to do in Rocky Mount NC! This guide will detail some of our favorites in the North Carolina city!
Rocky Mount is more than just a pit-stop, but it took me years to discover that! I actually had the worst sushi of my life in the city so I stayed away for quite some time but it was an inevitable stop on I-95, so I kept going back. And, Im glad I did!
This guide details what to do in Rocky Mount for first-time visitors! It is a diverse array of attractions and activities and even includes a really amazing coffee shop!
Are you from Rocky Mount or have you been? Let us know your favorite things to do in Rocky Mount NC in the comments!
Contents
Breweries In Rocky Mount Nc

We have several different breweries in Rocky Mount! If you love craft beer, then a stop in Rocky Mount is a must!
Located at the Rocky Mount Mills, you will find:
- Koi Pond Brewing
- TBC West: Taproom and Tacos
- BDD Brewing Company
Local Insider Tip: We personally love Koi Pond because it is both a kid and dog friendly brewery. Locally owned and operated, Koi Pond Brewery often hosts live music and events. Spending a Sunday afternoon at Koi Pond is one of our favorite things to do in Rocky Mount!
You can also pop into Goat Island Bottle Shop at the Mills and grab some craft beer to go!
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Oak View Artifact Adventure
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Description
Face masks are required inside all buildings.
- Stay home if youre not feeling well.
- Adhere to social distancing guidelines by sitting at designated seats and/or tables.
- When possible, avoid sharing supplies with people from different households.
- Alert staff immediately if you start to feel ill during programming.
Age Category
Picnic At Rocky Mount City Lake And Park
Rocky Mount City Lake and Park, a Works Progress Administration project, is situated at the banks of the Tar River.
If youre looking to walk or run any time of the day, the park has a half-mile concrete route around the lake.
It is also one of the best places in the city for picnicking.
While enjoying your snacks or reading a book, you may rest beneath the trees and take in the lakes splendor.
You may also explore tiny islands, in addition to enjoying the splendid scenery.
One of Rocky Mounts most popular attractions, the locals refer to it as a place for them to gather.
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Where Is Rocky Mount North Carolina
Rocky Mountain, NC? Nono, its Rocky Mount, NC! Rocky Mount is often confused with Rocky Mountainsits a very common mistake!
Rocky Mount, NC is situated at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Highway 64 in North Carolina in both Nash and Edgecombe Counties. Rocky Mount is an easy day trip from Raleigh, NC, the perfect addition to any North Carolina road trip, or stop during your travels up and down the east coast of the USA!
We love visiting and exploring small towns all over the USA. You can find so many unique and fun things to do. They often are quite affordable and offer a more laid back vibe than big cities.
Rocky Mount City Lake And Park
The wonderful and green Rocky Mount City Lake and Park is located on the Tar River next to Sunset Avenue and was originally a project of the Works Progress Administration. It was started in 1937 under President Franklin D. Roosevelts administration.
Until 1993, beautification projects began giving the area a facelift and the lake and park have seen many renovations over the decades.
Nowadays, there is a concrete path for walking and jogging that stretches for half a mile around the lake. Also within the park, locals can be found picnicking and relaxing under the pines and hardwoods and enjoying the beauty of the lake.
Aside from its lovely nature, Rocky Mount City Lake and Park offers visitors the chance to explore small islands through old bridges, piers, and a gazebo. This is one of the most famous attractions in Rocky Mount and the locals say it is a place for us to come together.
Address: City Lake, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States
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Taste The Local Flavors Of Rocky Mount At Smith’s Red & White
If you want to taste the dishes that speak of Rocky Mounts history, look no further.
Smiths Red & White is a homegrown restaurant with humble beginnings.
In 1954, Sherwood Smith established Smith’s Red & White in a small area of a local fertilizer and feed shop.
Over the years, Smith was able to develop his grocery company with the aid of his family, resulting in the over 20,000 square foot shop it is today.
Later, he opened a restaurant next to the market, called Smith’s Red & White, that serves a variety of old-fashioned, home-cooked meals, including meatloaf, country ham, barbecue, chicken, and more.
With over 60 years of experience in the sausage business, Smith’s Red & White is a household name.
Star City Skate & Play
Another favorite family thing to do in Rocky Mount is to visit Star City Skate & Play. Located at 1131 N Wesleyan Boulevard, the local roller skate rink is amazing fun and offers many amenities.
Aside from skating, the rink also has a pro shop and laser tag. They are usually open from 1 pm to 5 pm, and admission is about $6 and skate rental about $3.
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Goat Island Bottle Shop
Next, visit the spacious Goat Island Bottle Shop. The bar offers stunning outdoor seating that is pet and child-friendlymaking it the perfect place to enjoy a night out with both friends and family.
They offer a delicious selection of craft beer and specialty wine in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The wine bar has varying operating hours so check their website before visiting.
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Bridge Tar River Trail

The Tar River Trail is a must-visit if youre an outdoors person.
The trail goes along the Tar River and spans about 7 miles of walking trails, jogging paths, and cycling routes. The trail connects three parks in the area: Sunset Park, Battle Park, and Martin Luther King Jr. Park. There are benches set up along the way so you can stop for a rest or to take in some nature views. You can also go fishing from parts of the trail. Its a great way to spend a morning or afternoon outside.
- Address: Tar River, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, United States
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Take The Tar River Trail
Do you want to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate nature while in Rocky Mount?
The Tar River Trail is the place to be.
The three-mile waterway begins at City Lake and finishes at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
It’s an ideal location for people who want to stroll, cycle, or inline skate.
It’s also accessible to those with walking difficulties.
Following the path along Tar River, the home of Tuscarora Native Americans prior to the arrival of Europeans, the trail is a popular tourist destination.
Even though most of the route is paved, one section comprises a boardwalk that travels through swampy areas.
Catch Your Favorite Events In Rocky Mount North Carolina
Rocky Mount, North Carolina, has many amenities and activities to choose from. Rocky Mount Event Center hosts a variety of sporting events, concerts, weddings, and much more. Before you spend your free days in a hotel, take a tour of Rocky Mount and try some of these fun things to do while you are here. For more on the Rocky Mount Event Center, contact us today!
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Rocky Mount Nc Guide: A Locals Perspective
Just a heads up what you will find in this guide to Rocky Mount NC:
- the best things to do in Rocky Mount
- where to eat in Rocky Mount
- where to stay in Rocky Mount
- things to do near Rocky Mount
To me, Rocky Mount is home.
When I first moved here, I had no idea what to do in Rocky Mount, NC. Over the years, I have learned to love my small town in Eastern North Carolina and have found plenty of things to do to occupy my days. It has grown and changed so much over the last 20 years. Whether youre visiting, passing through, or just a bored local, there are some very exciting things happening in Rocky Mount!
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Fun Things To Do In Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is full of fun attractions, beautiful scenery, and intense sporting events. This city of 55,000 people, about an hour east of Raleigh, brings visitors from across the country. The tourism boost can be attributed to the Rocky Mount Event Center, along with other fun family activities. If you are visiting Rocky Mount, we want you to take advantage of everything the city has to offer. In todays blog, Rocky Mount Event Center lists five fun things to do in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
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Things To Do Near Rocky Mount Nc
There are a ton of fun things to do near Rocky Mount NC if you have time to explore! Be sure to check these fun places out:
- Head just 10 minutes away to the adorable town of Nashville. Explore their small but unique downtown and grab one of their epic milkshakes at the Corner Coffee Cafe.
- Head south on I-95 just 30 minutes and check out Whirligig Park in Wilson, an unique roadside attraction.
- Get into nature and get active at Medoc Mountain State Park.
- Spend the day in Triangle! Only an hour away, there are tons of fun things to do in Raleigh and the surrounding area!
- Check out historic Tarboro, NC!
- Road trip just two hours north on I-95 and check out all the fun things to do in Richmond Virginia.
Local Insider Tip: Corner Coffee Cafe is located at 201 W Washington St, in Nashville, NC. Not in the mood for a milkshake? Try their incredible slices of cake from local caterer Around the Table!
Rocky Mount Disc Golf
Disc golf is a fun game, if you havent tried it yet, you must have a go! Its similar to golf but you throw a frisbee instead of a ball.
Great game to play with friends and family, it definitely gets you into the competitive mood. Its for sure one of many family things to do in Rocky Mount NC.
The City of Rocky Mount currently has four disc golf courses. There are also many disc golf events held in the city throughout the year.
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Visit Rocky Mount Childrens Museum And Science Center With Your Kids
For families with children in Rocky Mount, the Rocky Mount Childrens Museum and Science Center, founded in 1952, is a must-visit destination.
Youll find a wealth of information on North Carolinas history as well as science exhibits, such as Native Knowledge: Shared Science and The Secret of Bees.
You may also explore interactive exhibitions, get close to animals, and learn numerous logical games here.
In addition, theres an astronomy facility where students may gaze at the sky, observe the space’s origin, and gain information about the planets.
The center adds new shows now and then, so make sure to check back frequently to remain up to current on the most recent additions.
Rocky Mount Childrens Museum and Science Center is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 am to 5 pm, and from 12:30 pm to 5 pm on Sundays.
Get Your Caffeine Fix: The Best Coffee In Rocky Mount

For a small town, Rocky Mount has a great coffee scene!
And if youre like me, I love checking out local coffee shops. My personal favorites are Larema Coffee downtown and Books and Beans at the Rocky Mount Mills. Both locally owned, each coffee shop is unique in their own way and serve up a delicious cup of coffee! You cannot go wrong with either of these two coffee shops in Rocky Mount!
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The town of Rocky Mount, North Carolina is approximately one hour outside of Raleigh and is an excellent location if you are looking for some relaxation and beautiful views filled with the comfort and sophistication of southern charm in the United States. From enjoying all the outdoor activities the town has to offer, to tasting local brews and enjoying the vibrant arts culture, here are 8 of the best things to do while in Rocky Mountain.
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Take Home The Bath Places Specialty Products
If you love body care products or are someone with sensitive skin, The Bath Place provides handcrafted, spa-quality natural bath and body products made with simple, healthy ingredients.
Before even entering the shop, you can already smell its wonderful goods.
This family-owned small business has the objective to offer its customers safe, healthy personal care products.
It features a variety of scents, including Lemongrass and Apricot Seed, Oatmeal Stout and Beer, and Spearmint & Eucalyptus.
Additionally, aromatic candles, lotion, and hand sanitizers are available here.
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