Get outside and enjoy the North Carolina sunshine in Rocky Mount. Walk around the historic downtown district, check out family-friendly museums and paddle along the picturesque Tar River. Beer lovers will be in their element at some of the top craft breweries on the Eastern Seaboard.
Things to do in Rocky Mount
Shop, dine and play in the rejuvenated Rocky Mount Mills development. Set on the Tar River, the former 19th-century cotton mill is reimagined as a trendy cultural district with boutiques, bistros and craft breweries. The entire complex is beautifully renovated and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Entertain the kids at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences. The family-friendly centre occupies a former tobacco factory and features a dedicated children’s museum with interactive exhibits. Learn about animals, astronomy, science and more.
Rent a kayak and explore the Tar River Paddle Trail. Guided overnight excursions offer a chance to sleep under the North Carolina stars. Tubing along the river is a popular summer pastime. Depending on the season, you might encounter small rapids. Don’t want to get your feet wet? Stretch your legs on the Tar River Trail at Rocky Mount Reservoir. The five-kilometre trail skirts the banks of the Tar River and takes you through forests, marshlands and urban parks.
Hunt for treasures at the Tar River Flea Market. The enormous six-hectare market features hundreds of vendors selling everything from antiques, collectibles and vintage clothing to fresh produce. You’ll find treats like salt-studded pretzels, hand-dipped ice-cream cones and freshly popped kettle corn in the indoor section.
Getting around Rocky Mount
Downtown Rocky Mount is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is in Edgecombe County, a one-hour drive from Raleigh. Trains run between Raleigh and Edgecombe in under 1.5 hours. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.