12 Best Things To Do In Rocky Mount, North Carolina

1. Rocky Mount Mills

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Rocky Mount Mills is the place to be if you want to play, brew, and dine under one roof. And if that’s not enough, the property also offers village homes and loft apartments where you can recharge and enjoy modern comforts for the whole month.

This attraction houses the region’s only beer incubator, providing visitors with a unique experience and start-up opportunities for business owners. The attraction also offers special events, such as trivia nights and live music performances. Visitors can also head to the property’s green spaces whenever they want to relax or do a little exploring.

Rocky Mount Mills

Address: 1151 Falls Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States

Website: Rocky Mount Mills

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 7am - 10pm; Fri: 7am - 12am; Sat: 8am - 12am; Sun: 8am - 8:30pm; Mon: 7am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm

2. The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences is an art center in Rocky Mount that is an ideal place to visit for children and adults alike. The place features The Children’s Museum & Science Center, which comes with interactive exhibits for children to learn and have fun with science at the same time. There is also the Live Animal Gallery that displays animal life as well as various natural habitats. The Cummins Planetarium offers regular shows under the planetarium dome for those interested in anything astronomy.

Also found on-site is the Arts Center which focuses on art education for visitors of all ages.

The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences

Address: 270 Gay St, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States

Website: The Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 11 USD

3. Bridge Tar River Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Spanning 231 ft (70.41 m), the bridge Tar River trail is a popular attraction that arches over the Tar River. Vehicles are not allowed in this area, providing a peaceful and safe environment for pedestrians who want to relax in the lap of nature.

The trail is mainly paved, save for the boardwalk section that goes through the marsh habitat. It is highly accessible from several locations in Rocky Mount. Public boat and canoe launches are found on the riverbank for visitors willing to try outdoor adventures. There are also fishing spots available on-site for visiting anglers.

Bridge Tar River Trail

Address: Tar River, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, United States

Website: Bridge Tar River Trail

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 6:30am - 9pm; Sat: 6am - 10pm

4. The Prime Smokehouse

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Nestled in downtown Rocky Mount, The Prime Smokehouse offers delicious Southern fare in the ambiance of live jazz and colorful art pieces. This restaurant boasts Texas-style barbecue grilled to perfection with various drinks to match. Featured house wines are available to complement the mouthwatering cuisine. Appetizers, signature salads, and traditional favorites are included in the menu to complete the whole dining experience. Cakes and pies are served fresh from the oven and paired with vanilla ice cream for desserts.

This restaurant accepts take-outs, dine-in, and delivery services.

The Prime Smokehouse

Address: 1151 Falls Rd Ste 1018, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States

Website: The Prime Smokehouse

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm (closed on Sun)

5. Rocky Mount Children's Museum and Science Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you have children that are joining you on your trip to Rocky Mount, an excellent place to visit is the Children’s Museum and Science Center. Filled with exhibits about the history of North Carolina and the science behind the great state’s vast amount of nature, such as the “Secret of Bees” and “Native Knowledge: Shared Science”, the center is perfect to bring your children to so they can learn new and exciting topics while on vacation. They even have an astronomy center where you can gaze up at the stars! This museum is a must-see if you have children while on your trip.

Rocky Mount Children's Museum and Science Center

Address: 270 Gay St, Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Website: Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center

6. Koi Pond Brewing Company

On the other hand, if you don’t have children with you, an excellent stop while in Rocky Mount is at the Koi Pond Brewing Company. They are just about to open “The Pond,” their taproom room where you can taste the local beer, but if you go before the taproom is up and running, no worries! They still have a lovely area for their tasting right at the brewery itself. You must be 21 and please drink responsibly!

Koi Pond Brewing Company

Address: 1107 Falls Rd, Rocky Mount, NC

Website: Koi Pond Brewing Company

7. Rocky Mount City Lake and Park

Another great way to spend your time in Rocky Mount is to take a stroll and relax at the City Lake and Park. Why not have a picnic by the lake and enjoy some beautiful weather outdoors? You can even feed the birds in the lake, or grab a ball and play some soccer or football. Whatever you choose to do at Rocky Mount City Lake and Park, it will surely be a day to remember long after your trip has ended.

Rocky Mount City Lake and Park

Address: Sunset Ave. at Business 64, Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Website: Rocky Mount City Lake and Park

8. Bel Air Artisan Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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If you are interested in art, a perfect place to go is the Bel Air Artisan Center. They have facilities for artists to work as well as an in-house gallery to purchase local artist’s work. From paintings to sculptures to jewelry, this is an excellent spot to explore your love of art.

Bel Air Artisans Center

Address: 115 Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Website: Bel Air Artisans Center

9. Deb's Funnel Cakes

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Have a sweet tooth? Deb is known for her funnel cakes at Deb’s Funnel Cakes right in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Have all the funnel cake you may want, or try their ice cream and smoothies as well! A perfect stop to relax and eat great food with your loved ones while on vacation. Deb’s is a classic small town, big heart stop with excellent food for all the family to have a sweet treat during your trip to Rocky Mount.

Deb's Funnel Cakes

Address: 300 Sedgefield Dr, Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Website: Deb’s Funnel Cakes

10. Battle Park

Head to Battle Park to have a lovely stroll filled with history! The original location of Rocky Mount, this park has lovely walking paths and tables for picnics and beautiful views of Tar River. It is also a sight of a cemetery dating back to the Civil War where you can learn more about the conflict between the Confederates and Unionists. An excellent place to spend the afternoon!

Battle Park

Website: Battle Park

11. Stonewall Manor

Another great place to visit when in Rocky Mount if you are a history buff is the Stonewall Manor. The Stonewall Manor is a perfect example of Antebellum life on a farm in the south. Close to Tar River and celebrated for its beautiful architecture and scenery, this site is an excellent place to explore if you want to learn more about the history of the south in the United States.

Stonewall Manor

Address: 1331 Stonewall Lane, Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Website: Stonewall Manor

12. Tar River Flea Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are looking to do some shopping while in Rocky Mount, stop by the Tar River Flea Market. This flea market is NOT your average flea market! The indoor and outdoor shopping area has over 200 vendors with all types of things to purchase, sell or trade. A great spot to stop and get lost through tons of vendor spaces while in this unique spot in North Carolina.

Tar River Flee Market

Address: 1820 S. Wesleyan Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27803

Website: Tar River Flee Market

New adventures await in North Carolina!

Rocky Mount in North Carolina in the US is an excellent destination choice if you are traveling through the south. With the town being only an hour outside of Raleigh, this is a wonderful place to relax and explore. From walking through beautiful parks, drinking local brews, and learning about the history of the US, Rocky Mount is an excellent choice! Start packing now!