Top 5 places to rediscover in Nash County (plus a bonus for golf lovers!)

This article was written for our sponsor, Nash County Economic Development

When was the last time you explored Nash County? If you had to pause and think, then it’s time to rediscover this growing gem of North Carolina. From the largest tiny home hotel in the state (you might need to read that again) to the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Science and from a movie studio to Sunset Park, Nash County is the perfect destination for a day or weekend trip.

Clear a day or weekend in your calendar and enjoy these recommendations.

1. Visit Rocky Mount Mills: the land of tiny homes and multiple breweries

If you haven’t done it yet, experiencing the simple life of a tiny home -even if only for a night- has got to be a bucket list item. The quaint cottages of River & Twine provide opportunities for bonding, romance or group activities (giving participants their own space.) The hotel boasts 21 tiny homes on the banks of the Tar River and is the largest tiny home hotel in Carolina.

Just steps from each doorstep is the largest craft beer incubator in the state. Read that again. Rocky Mount has the largest tiny home hotel and the largest craft beer incubator in the state. And they’re within footsteps of each other, all with a scenic river backdrop. While there, don’t forget to enjoy the great restaurants, beautiful scenery and art installations.

2. Celebrate moms at the Annual Blooming Festival in Nashville

Every second weekend in May, Nashville welcomes over 10,000 people to this three-day event designed to delight visitors of all ages. Serendipitously scheduled the same weekend as Mother’s Day, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the remarkable woman or women in your life. Mom will think you planned all year, and all you did was read this article. If you’re the mom, just copy and send the link to give a not-so-subtle hint for a great family outing. The event includes food and art vendors, rides, live concerts, a parade, games and competitions.

3. Grow in knowledge at the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences

Located in Rocky Mount, the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences provides awesome opportunities for art and theater lovers and for those who just love to learn something new. Within the Centre, you can enjoy:

The Children’s Museum. Founded in 1952, the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum is one of the nation’s oldest children’s museums. Exciting exhibits and programs ensure fun for all ages.

PNC Live Animal Gallery. From reptiles and mammals to birds and bugs, learn about (and even gently interact with) animals of all kinds.

Star parties and solar viewing. Check the schedule for exciting opportunities throughout the year for guided constellation tours and a chance to safely witness solar flares.

Art & Theater. Classes, exhibits and performances can fill your day with new ideas and wondrous experiences at the Maria V. Howard Arts Center and the performing arts theater.

4. Antique and boutique your way through adorable downtown shops

Tired of the same shopping experiences? Downtown Nashville (the original Nashville, by the way), Spring Hope, Bailey, and Rocky Mount all offer an eclectic array of antique and art stores, boutique shops, and locally-owned restaurants.

Nash County Tourism Director Barbara Green advised that if you can’t decide where to go next, ask anyone you see! “The people of Nash County are so friendly and helpful to our visitors. They appreciate them and want them to have a great experience while visiting. They will offer suggestions of places they should dine or experience. The traffic is light, so you can visit a lot of places in one day. However, we prefer you get the whole experience by staying longer.”

If you choose to linger in Spring Hope, you’ll not only enjoy the exciting revitalization that is happening right now, but you may spot a movie star in town for work at Ascent Studios.

5. Enjoy hours of outdoor adventures at Battle Park and on the Tar River

When the plans emerged to renovate Battle Park, Joel Dunn, Director of Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department, said the goal was clear. “The renovations at Battle Park took extensive input to make sure we were providing a project that enhances the natural health and beauty of the park while providing outstanding recreational opportunities.”

Some of those opportunities included renovating 8,760 linear feet of greenway trail to connect multiple parks, five miles of professionally-built natural surface trail for cross-country running and mountain biking, dispersed picnic areas, a natural play area, and an advanced-play disc golf course.

Bonus: If you’re a golfer (clubs or discs), the courses in Nash are a best-kept secret nominee!

Interest in golf has reached a new high. And while some places make it nearly impossible to find a tee time, the beautiful fairways and forests of Nash County provide golf lovers of all kinds with great opportunities to spend a day practicing their putts.

Check out Belmont Lake Golf Club, Northgreen Country Club, and Peachtree Hills Country Club for traditional links.

Or, for disc golf, find eight courses within a nine-mile radius with varied levels of distance and difficulty. For a full day, visit Sunset Park, which has two disc courses. While you’re there, explore the 25 acres featuring lighted basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts and an amusement center with a historic miniature train, antique carousel, spray play water park, kiddie rides, and a skateboard park.

This article was written for our sponsor, Nash County Economic Development