23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Rocky Mount (NC)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Rocky Mount?

Rocky Mount is a city in North Carolina; the city is part of the Edgecombe and Nash Counties. At the last census in the area, in 2020, the city’s population was 54,341.

Rocky Mount was incorporated in the year 1867; the community which became this city has been in the area since the 1700s.

Rocky Mount is recognised for its strong history of rail transportation, agriculture, and textiles; the city’s economy is diversified into manufacturing, biomedical pharmaceuticals, and logistics.

During your trip to Rocky Mount, take to exploring its top attractions such as the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center, Rocky Mount City Lake and Park, Stonewall Manor, Rocky Mount Mills and others on this checklist.

For a fun time, here are the fun things to do in Rocky Mount.

Things to Do in Rocky Mount

1. Explore Rocky Mount Mills

Rocky Mount Mills
Credits: Joseph / Flickr
Rocky Mount Mills

Rocky Mount Mills is located near the Tar River in Rocky Mount. It is a multipurpose destination as it combines entertainment, residential, commercial, and cultural amenities.

Rocky Mount Mill has a landmass of over 80-acres, and it houses outdoor and indoor event centres, light-filled workspaces and dwellings, craft breweries, the River and Twin hotel, a public gathering area, and several various restaurants.

Rocky Mount Mills is a restored cotton mill dedicated to preserving the area’s history; this is a prominent destination for visitors.

Rocky Mount Mills is a place that provides visitors with fun, history, and entertainment, and it is a wonderful place to spend time in the city.

Address: 1151 Falls Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

2. Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center

Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center
Credits: Sharomka / Shutterstock

Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center was founded in 1952 and is one of the most popular destinations to visit with family members and children.

The Museum has many historical exhibits and science about wildlife and nature like Secret of Bees and Native Knowledge: Shared Science.

The Museum is more fun for children as it houses an astronomy Center where visitors can look at the stars; schools on learning trips visit this museum.

Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center make science, art, and history fun and easy for children to learn.

The Museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 10:00 am till 5:00 pm and on Sunday from 1:00 pm till 5:00 pm, when you visit the museum during their working hours you’ll be welcomed by their polite and knowledgeable staff.

This is one of the best places to visit with kids, add to you list of things to do in Rocky Mount, NC.

Address: 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

3. Ultimate Backyard Warriors

Ultimate Backyard Warrior
Credits: Ultimate Backyard Warrior / Facebook
Ultimate Backyard Warrior

Do you love the feel of adrenaline coursing through your veins? Or are you a Ninja Warrior Fan? If so, Ultimate Backyard Warriors is the perfect for your bucket list of things to do in Rocky Mount, NC.

You try to overcome the indoor and outdoor obstacles; this facility has a cross-training space, rock walls, weight training and air-conditioned cardio.

The most popular obstacle course is their two Team-Ninja-Warrior-Style courses near each other. They also host competitive events for professionals.

They offer lessons for both children and adults to help them improve and become professionals. They provide all you need to prepare for obstacle courses like Mud runs.

If you also want a more interesting gym workout routine, they help you achieve it; this is a fun and adventurous place in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Address: 2550 N Church Street #2034, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

4. Bel Air Art Center

Bel Air Art Center
Credits: guruXOX / Shutterstock

Bel Air Art Center is located in an old building dating back to 1924; this art centre has a mission to provide an opportunity for every artistic facet to prosper and inspire.

The studio artists are the centre’s foundation as they produce a free and comfortable atmosphere through their interactions.

A large gallery is also housed in this art centre, and it showcases various professional artwork in a comfortable and neat environment.

The Bel Air Art Center is open from 10:00 am till 5:30 pm on Tuesday to Friday and from 10:00 am till 3:00 pm on Saturdays.

Address: 115 S Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

5. Best Friends Dog Park

Best Friends Dog Park
Credits: Joy Brown / Shutterstock

Best Friends Dog park is located on the outskirts of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. This Dog Park is open for Dog lovers from sunrise till sunset daily.

Best Friends Dog Park is a great place to walk your dog and enjoy the outdoors; the park allows Dogs to be Off-leash; the park has three gated parts, each of which is about nine acres in size.

They have a separate place for little dogs and large ones in this Dog Park; the park has every amenity needed by you or your pet to have a great day.

Some of the fun activities available include agility equipment, swimming pools, Dogs water fountain, relaxation spots, and many more.

Best Friends Dog Park is a great place to visit with your dog, so add to your checklist of fun things to do in Rocky Mount, NC.

Address: 480 N Lee Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

6. Hopfly Brewing Company

Hopfly Brewing Company
Credits: tb-photography / Shutterstock

The Hopfly Brewing Company is a popular brewery in Rocky Mount, North Carolina; the brew space and tasting room were about 750 square feet when they originally started.

Within the last two and half years, they have worked hard to expand; currently, they have doubled their brewing capacity, and the tasting room is now a separate 1700 square feet building adjacent to the brewery.

The brewery has all the required facilities and equipment like a 10-BBL Main Brewhouse, Fermentation Capacity of 164-BBL, 1-BBL Pilot Brewhouse, and a professional canning system to package the Beers.

Hopfly Brewing Company is another fun facility to visit in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Their taproom is opened between 4:00 pm till 9:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 4:00 pm till 10:00 pm on Friday, 1:00 pm till 10:00 pm on Saturday and between 1:00 pm till 7:00 pm on Sunday.

Address: 1147 Falls Rd #121, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

7. Stonewall Manor

Stonewall Manor
Credits: Kathy Sunderman / Flickr
Stonewall Manor

The Stonewall manor is a historic building located in Rocky Mount. The manor is also a popular destination for people who want to learn about the history of the building and the city.

The Manor is a typical example of nineteenth-century, Antebellum life on a farm in the United States; Stonewall manor is located near the stunning Tar River.

The Manor is acknowledged for its wonderful views and architecture, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Stonewall Manor offers guided tours by knowledgeable tour guides; the manor gets its name “Stonewall” from the heavy granite wall adjoining the front terrace.

This answers what to do in Rocky Mount for some historic time, makes one of the top things to do in Rocky Mount, NC, for history lovers.

Address: 1331 Stone Wall Lane, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

8. Sky-Vue Skate land

Sky-Vue Skate land
Credits: Goolia Photography / Shutterstock

Sky-vue Skate land was established in 1958, and it’s a perfect place to spend time with friends and family in a fun way. This place offers some of the best recreational activities in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Roller skating is not only a fun recreational activity; it’s also a means to exercise your body; sky-vue skate lad offers fun body exercise and also a way of socialising with friends or family.

Roller Skating helps free the body of stress and enables you to relax. Roller skating also helps your endurance, burns calories and helps loose your joints. It’s also a great activity to perform with co-workers because it helps bring people closer.

You can make roller skating a new hobby; Sky-Vue Skate land has a classic wood floor and a nice, friendly atmosphere. Equipment needed (mainly skates) can be rented at the arena if you don’t have one.

The Sky-Vue Skate land is a family-friendly environment where you can skate away from your worries; this place has been around for over 60 years in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Sky-Vue Skate Land is a lovely and exhilarating way to spend time in Rocky Mount.

Address: 13734 US Highway 64 Alt W, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, United States.

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9. The Prime Smokehouse Barbecue and Beyond

The Prime Smokehouse Barbecue and Beyond
Credits: JeniFoto / Shutterstock

The Prime Smokehouse Barbecue and Beyond is located in downtown Rocky Mount; the restaurant was created by three friends who have known each other for several years.

The Restaurant is a famous dining location for people looking for tasty and high-quality food in North Carolina, especially soul food, Southern specials, and great barbecue.

The Prime Smokehouse Barbecue and Beyond is also a fun and entertaining place as they host touring entertainers during the weekends. The Restaurant is open from 11:00 am till 9:00 pm on Monday to Thursday and from 11::00 am till 10:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

This restaurant has amazing service and staff members; their staff are polite and professional. The Prime Smokehouse Barbecue and Beyond is a popular dining area for friends and families.

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

10. Larema Coffee House

Larema Coffee House
Credits: Oliveshadow / Shutterstock

Larema Coffee house is one of the most popular destinations for coffee lovers looking for specialty coffee and a comfortable atmosphere.

According to the Acholi language spoken in Uganda, Larema translates to “my friend”, which helped reinforce the coffee shop mission to treat every customer as a friend.

The shop’s current owner has travelled to different countries worldwide to find his favourite coffee beans. The coffee shop is located in a renovated 110-year-old building.

Larema Coffee House offers various coffee options from caramel lattes to drip to pour-overs to red-eye and much more.

For a cool coffee drink, add Larema Coffee House to your list of fun things to do in Rocky Mount, NC.

Address: 106 S Washington St, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, United States.

11. Rocky Mount City Lake and Park

Rocky Mount City Lake and Park
Credits: Harris Walker [CC BY-SA 2.0], Wikimedia Commons
Rocky Mount City Lake and Park
Rocky Mount City Lake and Park was established in 1937 under the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The park is near Sunset avenue on the Tar River; the Works Progress Administration originally managed the Rocky Mount City Lake and Park.

In 1993, various projects were introduced to beautify the area, and the Rocky Mount City Lake and Park have gone through lots of renovations over the years.

Paths for walking, Jogging, and other similar activities are currently available, and it covers half a mile around the lake. Picnicking and other outdoor activities are popularly seen within the park being performed by visitors or locals.

When visiting the Rocky Mount City Lake and Park, visitors are offered the chance to scour small islands through piers, old bridges, and a gazebo. The Lake and Park have beautiful views and are one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Rocky Mount City Lake and Park is a great place to spend time in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Address: City Lake, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

12. Koi Pond Brewing Company

Koi Pond Brewing Company
Credits: Viiviien / Shutterstock

The Koi Pond Brewing Company is a well-known brewing company in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The brewing company uses locally produced ingredients to create tasty and high-quality beer.

The Koi Pond Brewery Company was established in 2016, and it is recognised as the first craft brewery to open in the town; the brewery’s taproom known as The Pond is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

The Koi Pond Brewery taproom has a nice, pet-friendly, family-friendly atmosphere of trying a different selection of brews. Non-alcoholic drinks and wines are also available in The Pond.

The Koi Pond Brewing Company frequently hosts trivia nights and live music; this is another great place to have fun in Rocky Mount, perfect for your list of things to do in Rocky Mount, NC.

Address: 1107 Falls Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

13. Tar River Trail at Rocky Mount Reservoir

Tar River Trail
Credits: Terri Everts Camp / Facebook
Tar River Trail

Tar River trail is a great path to follow if you want to enjoy nature outdoor in Rocky Mount; the trail covers a distance of three miles starting from the City Lake on Sunset avenue and ending at MLK Jr. Park.

This trail is perfect for walking, biking, hiking, jogging, skating, and many other activities, and it’s wheelchair accessible.

The trail passes through the Tar River, where the Tuscarora natives resided before colonisation. Most trail parts have been paved except a single broad walk section that passes over marshy lands.

Performing outdoor activities at the Tar River trail is another way to have fun in Rocky Mount.

Address: City Lake, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

14. The Imperial Center for the Arts and Sciences

The Imperial Center for the Arts and Sciences
Credits: Harris Walker [CC BY-SA 2.0], Wikimedia Commons
The Imperial Center for the Arts and Sciences
The Imperial Center for the Arts and Sciences is located at the heart of downtown Rocky Mount and is deemed one of the Eastern Seaboard’s premier cultural facilities.

The Building is about 135,000 square feet, and it houses a public performing arts theatre, the Arts Center, and the children’s museum and science centre. The art Center hosts different events, exhibitions, and classes throughout the year, and it has been around for almost half a century.

The art Center produces various performing and visual arts programming and loves educating people regardless of age about art. The Imperial Center for the Arts and Sciences is another lovely place to spend time in Rocky Mount.

Address: 270 Gay Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

15. Tar River Flea Market

Tar River Flea Market
Credits: Ewa Studio / Shutterstock

Visiting or shopping at the Tar River Flea Market is a great way to have fun and get a souvenir to remind you of your experiences.

The Tar River Flea Market is situated in the middle of Sharpsburg and Rocky Mount and has both indoor and outdoor shopping facilities with more than 200 vendors.

This Market covers over 15 acres of land. Almost everything is sold at the market, from antiques to technology to collectibles and many other things; you can also sell items.

Tar River Flea Market is a great place to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local vendors; furniture, books, toys and many other similar items are sold at the indoor market.

A snack bar where one can relax and enjoy drinks and snacks is also available at the indoor market, the outdoor flea market has a variety of goods for sale, but it’s only open on weekends.

The Tar River Flea Market is a wonderful place to shop in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Address: 1820 S Wesleyan Boulevard, Rocky Mount, NC 27803, United States.

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16. Battle Park

Battle Park
Credits: Gary/ Flickr
Battle Park

Rocky Mount is full of amazing parks full of fun activities, and Battle Park is an example; in Battle Park, you can have a stroll in a history filled environment.

The Park has gorgeous walking paths, picnic tables and breathtaking views of the Tar River, and several fun outdoor activities can also be performed in the park.

Battle Park also has a sight of a graveyard dating back to the American Civil War, where you can learn about the war and the dispute between the Confederate and Unionists.

Battle Park is one of the fun places to visit in Rocky Mount, and will make a perfect add to your checklist of the best things to do in Rocky Mount, NC.

Address: Battle Park, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

17. Smith’s Red and White

Smith's Red & White
Credits: Smith’s Red & White / Facebook
Smith’s Red & White

When Smith’s red and white started in 1954, it was located near a local fertiliser and feed store. Sherwood Smith opened the grocery store; with help from his family, he broadened the business into an over 20,000 square feet, standard grocery store.

The Smith’s Red and White Restaurant was opened near the grocery store in 2010; the restaurant prioritised old-fashioned cooking like meat load, barbeque, chicken, country ham, and more.

Smith’s red and white is well known for its great sausage freshly made daily for over sixty years; this is another great dining spot in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Address: 3635 N Halifax Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

18. Rocky Mount Events Center

Rocky Mount Events Center
Credits: Aegreen [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Rocky Mount Events Center
Rocky Mount Events Center is the City’s main entertainment location; it’s a great place to enjoy entertainment, music, and many more.

Both the City’s Residents and tourists visit the Rocky Mount Event Center for various reasons like concerts, rock climbing, and more.

The Event Center features sixteen volleyball courts, eight basketball courts, a rope course, and climbing walls; corporate conferences and trade exhibitions are also hosted in the Rocky Mount Event Center for the regional business district to attend.

A visit to this event center is one of the best things to do in Rocky Mount, NC. Their monthly activities are available on their website.

Address: 285 NE Main Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27801, United States.

19. Brian’s Cheesesteak

Brian’s Cheesesteak
Credits: Jennifer Tepp / Shutterstock

Brian’s Cheesesteak is a famous restaurant in Rocky Mount, known for serving quality fast food for affordable prices in a calm and relaxing environment.

The raw materials used are fresh, like the burgers and cheesesteaks are made with certified Angus beef and are never refrigerated.

Other homemade dishes served at the restaurant include Soups, Chili, Chicken Salad, Desserts, Pimento Cheese Sandwiches. Brian’s Cheesesteak is open from 7:30 am till 8:00 pm on Monday to Friday and from 7:30 am till 2:00 pm on Saturdays.

Rocky Mount is filled with great restaurants, and Brian’s Cheesesteak is one of the best in the city and its a place worth adding to your list of fun things to do in Rocky Mount, NC.

Address: 1129 Jeffreys Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

20. The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts

The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts
Credits: antpkr / Shutterstock

The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts is located inside North Carolina Wesleyan College campus; this performing arts theatre is a popular venue for shows, conferences and concerts in North Carolina.

The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts is a proud host of the Wesleyan Season Series of Cultural events and concerts; apart from these performances, this theatre also features different campus and community spectacles.

Some of the popular spectacles featured by this theatre include Concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra, Wesleyan Players Productions, and other amazing performances by popular artists.

The Dunn Center for the Performing Arts is one of the fun places to visit in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Address: 3400 N Wesleyan Boulevard, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States

21. Sunset Park

Sunset Park
Credits: Suti Stock Photo / Shutterstock

Sunset Park is another popular park in Rocky Mount; this park is an amazing outdoor location.

Some activities are available year-round, while some are only available during the summer. In the summer, you get to enjoy the train, splash park, carousel, and Kids bug ride.

Playground, Basketball courts, skate park, and tennis court are all available year-round; this park is a wonderful location to host birthday parties, picnics, and other family-fun activities.

This Park is an incredible place to visit in the City with family members, friends, or even co-workers.

Address: 1550 River Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

22. Golden East Crossing

Golden East Crossing
Credits: Kamil Macniak / Shutterstock

Golden East Crossing is a shopping mall located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina; the mall features various popular stores like Belk, Books-A-Million, J.C. Penny, Dunham’s Sports, and many more.

The mall was opened in 1986, and the first stores in the Golden East Crossing Shopping Mall were J.C. Penny, Belk, and Roses; in the fall of 1987, Sears also opened a store in the mall.

Cadillac Fairview created the Mall; many stores have been added to the mall since its inception, like Best Buy and many others.

General Growth Properties owned golden East Crossing before it was sold to Cadillac Fairview after nine years, then it was sold again in 2005 to Hendon Properties, who are currently the owner.

This shopping mall is equipped with all your shopping needs, visit the shopping ball and shop comfortably. The golden east crossing is another great place to shop in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

One of the fun things to do in Rocky Mount, NC, is shopping at Golden East Crossing, so do add to your bucket list.

Address: 1100 N Wesleyan Boulevard, Rocky Mount, United States.

23. Deb’s Funnel Cakes

Deb's Funnel Cakes
Credits: Linda Hughes Photography / Shutterstock

Deb’s Funnel cakes is another lovely place to visit in Rocky Mount; Deb is popularly known for her amazing funnel cakes.

This cake shop offers lots of unique funnel cakes, you can have any type you want, or you can also have their equally amazing ice cream and smoothies.

Deb’s Funnel Cakes is a perfect place to relax and eat tasty food with friends or family; this place offers excellent food to be feasted upon by visitors.

A taste of Deb’s Funnel cakes will leave your taste buds wanting more. Deb’s Funnel Cake is a fun place to hang out, relax and have good food in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Address: 300 Sedgefield Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, United States.

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 Plan a Trip to Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount is a wonderful place to spend time; the city is filled with many fun activities, businesses, and people.

They have wonderful parks, diners, breweries, museums, and event centres. Have you made on where to add to your bucket list of things to do in Rocky Mount? Or are you planning to explore them all? A fun time in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, awaits you.

Happy Travels!