Discover Nash through a variety of experiences: a remarkably intact mill village, trails along the river and a diverse cultural scene. The Rocky Mount Mills Village Historic District lies on both sides of Falls Road (NC 43/48), south of the Tar River, in the northwestern part of Rocky Mount in Nash County. The term mill village draws attention to an entire settlement structure, not just a single building.
Mill History and Culture
Rocky Mount Mills is a restored 19th-century textile mill campus. Throughout the year, Rocky Mount Mills hosts live music, festivals and special events. It is also home to North Carolina’s largest craft beer incubator. Here, restored industrial history meets today’s cultural and entrepreneurial activity.
The Explore Nash County Visitor Center is a distinctive historic landmark: a yellow, two-story house originally built in 1888 and located in the Rocky Mount Mills District. The Visitor Center is at Exit 468-B on Hwy 64, a few miles east of the I-95 and Hwy 64 interchange. These road details provide specific directions for getting there.
Nature Among Collections, Parks and River
Botanical collections are the focus of the Nash County Arboretum, which is open year-round for self-guided exploration. The Rocky Mount Greenway offers a different experience: this seven-mile system connects parks near downtown Rocky Mount along the Tar River. Here, park connections shape access to nature, while the arboretum invites visitors to explore its collections.
On the Tar River Paddle Trail, paddlers experience rural landscapes, small rapids, and the history of Battle Park and Little Falls. The trail has ten canoe and kayak access points and connects more than 55 miles of the Tar River and Stony Creek. The section in Nash County is accessible via Old Bailey Highway Access and Highway 58 Access. The two offerings differ considerably in scale: the Greenway is a seven-mile park-connecting system, while the Paddle Trail connects more than 55 miles of the waterways named above.
River Access and Recreation
Sunset Park covers 25 acres along the Tar River. A boat ramp provides access to the river; the Amusement Center includes a historic miniature train, an antique carousel and a splash pad. There is also a beetle-themed kiddie ride for guests under 40 inches tall. The park therefore combines river access with amusements—a different focus from the botanical collections at the arboretum.
Art, Theater and Discoveries at the Imperial Centre
At the Imperial Centre, the cultural offerings range from science and exhibitions to art and theater. The Children’s Museum & Science Center features a live animal gallery, the Cummins Planetarium, traveling exhibits and interactive permanent exhibits. The Arts Center produces visual and performing arts programs, with arts education for all ages at its core. The Community Theatre presents comedies, dramas, musicals and children’s theater. These varied formats offer different ways to experience culture, through exhibitions and interactive offerings as well as stage productions.
Discover more destinations: Rocky Mount, Columbus, Wilkes, Greene County, Vance, Craven County, Buncombe, Clay County
For the main travel overview: North Carolina.
