Rocky Mount, Oh My! – Part Two

Jackie B — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 19:32:35 +0000

You may recall from last month’s post that I stayed an extra day in Rocky Mount because there was so much to experience. That decision was a good one, and it began with my nighttime accommodations.

Oh My! #3 – A Tiny Night

A minimum of space affords a maximum of enjoyment at the River and Twine, a tiny house hotel!

How excited I was to read about River and Twine, a tiny house hotel in Rocky Mount Mills. I had never been in a tiny house before, and here before me were over a dozen of them! How lucky I was that they had an opening. I stayed in “The Tar,” obviously named after the Tar River that it overlooks. From the outside, you would never imagine how spacious such a small space could be. The quaint living area had a sofa and eating area, along with a kitchen and conveniences. Up in the loft, I enjoyed a peaceful night sleep on the queen bed. It felt like part campground, part vacation rental, in the sense that the setting encouraged conversation with other guests at the outdoor sitting area, while also enjoying comfortable privacy in my own house.

Oh My! #4 – A Big Day

After the tiny house, I felt it was appropriate to continue my “closer to nature” experience. I wanted to see the place where the town began. Rocky Mount was founded by Native Americans, who referred to it as Rocky Mounds. The mounds are located in Battle Park, a scenic green space with the fantastic Tar River running through it. And, if you are feeling so bold, you can climb the mounds (rocks) along the river! While this park is the only one I visited, this town has a plethora of green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.

On my drive back, I had one final Oh My! moment. With Rocky Mount only 90 minutes away, I would soon be back to enjoy the sights of my favorite North Carolina town, New Bern!

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Rocky Mount, Oh My! – Part One

Jackie B — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 21:20:04 +0000

Of all my childhood travels to Eastern Carolina, along with my frequent visits to New Bern, I had yet to head northwest up the road to Rocky Mount. As with the other cities and towns visited in North Carolina, this one had quite a few surprises up its sleeve.

Oh My #1 – Beer!

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Rocky Mount, population of about 55,000, is home to several breweries. I also learned that Rocky Mount Mills houses many of them. Actually, it is a brew incubator program with Nash Community College, where students learn the brewing business while earning their AA degree. They had me at beer, but simply put, this place is really cool. I was able to tour the different incubator warehouse spaces and learn about the intricate process of making beer. With all this newfound knowledge, I had worked up a thirst and appetite. Luckily, there are tap rooms and restaurants on-site. I got my fill at TBC West (Tarboro Brewing Company) Tacos & Taproom. Yes, tacos are in the name, however go for Nana’s Ribs, a short-rib delicacy that does not disappoint.

Oh My #2 – Ghosts!

I loved touring this beautiful home, restored to its 19th Century splendor.

Being a history buff, I had read online that Stonewall Manor was a must-see on the itinerary. However, I also read a couple of stories about ghosts inhabiting the home and grounds. I am sure that intrigues some of you, but me, not so much. I was not going to let a few haunts stop me, so off I went to see the place. This home is indeed spectacular, beginning with the granite wall as you approach it (and therefore the name). It was a plantation home right in Rocky Mount for the Bunn family, the most prosperous planters in the area. The manor has been magnificently restored to 19^th Century living. Everything from the ornate furniture to the bone china brought me to another place and time. As for the ghosts, I did feel a chill pass by me, but I was determined to think it was cold air from the floor vent.

I had more Oh My moments ahead, as I stayed the night. For the rest of my adventure in Rocky Mount, stay tuned for next month’s post!