Information on new businesses and economic development in Rocky Mount.

Retiring in North Carolina: Location, Climate ​, Affordability, and Amenities Point to Belmont Lake Preserve

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Retiring in North Carolina is a trend that consistently sees more parents and grandparents relocating to the Tar Heel State each year. An obvious reason would be location due to the influx of their children and younger families heading to NC first. However, upon further research, we think you’ll find a number of other reasons for Retiring in North Carolina. Similarly, and more specifically there are a number of reasons that once looking in NC, you’ll agree the perfect retirement fit is at the new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve (BLP) golf community.

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Belmont Lake Preserve features over acres of outdoor green space and likewise, the city of Rocky Mount has some of the most spectacular walking and hiking trails in the entire Southeast.

The Perfect Location for Retiring in North Carolina

As earlier stated, there is a great allure to Retiring in North Carolina, especially for those who have family that has made the move prior. In contrast, what many retirees don’t realize is the proximity of NC to almost any major city or area on the east coast.

Thus, if a retired couple has difficulty choosing a location as they have one grown child with a family in Georgia and another in Maryland, selecting one or the other puts them at a greater distance from the location not chosen. As a result, the perfect location would find them Retiring in North Carolina. Even more specifically, the perfect destination in North Carolina, “location-wise,” would be the Belmont Lake Preserve golf community.

The new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve place you ideally within reasonable driving distance from major cities and areas in the state or the Eastern U.S. The statistics below show the actual distance you would be from major NC and U.S Cities once Retiring in North Carolina.=

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The following map shows the ideal location of the new homes in Rocky Mount at BLP in accordance with other major cities along the East Coast of the United States.

Belmont Lake Preserve Distance From U.S. Cities

  • Richmond, VA- 120 miles
  • Norfolk, VA- 130 miles
  • Washington, DC- 225 miles
  • Baltimore, MD- 276 miles
  • Charleston, SC- 280 miles
  • Philadelphia, PA- 373 miles
  • New York, NY- 450 miles
  • Atlanta, GA- 470 miles

Belmont Lake Preserve Distance From N.C. Cities

  • Raleigh- 50 miles
  • Morehead City- 120 miles
  • Greensboro- 123 miles
  • Outer Banks- 136 miles
  • Wilmington- 161 miles
  • Charlotte- 199 miles
  • Asheville- 295 miles
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The mild climate and gorgeous scenery in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve (pictured) are just a few reasons for Retiring in North Carolina.

Whether you are Retiring in North Carolina may depend on the Weather

Most noteworthy for those relocating from further North is the change in climate when Retiring in North Carolina. While NC still enjoys its four seasons, they receive significantly less snowfall than the states to the north.

Likewise, North Carolina’s average winter temperature ranges between 10-20 degrees warmer than those located in the Northeast and is the 11th highest winter temperature nationally. Sure, the NC summer’s can get warm, but comparatively the average temperature statewide is very livable in the mid-70’s.

Average Temperature in state of North Carolina

  • Summer- 75.7 degrees
  • Winter- 42.1 degrees
  • Annual- 59.0 degrees
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The BLP Golf Clubhouse is host to a full golf pro shop and a fantastic restaurant, The Main Course at Belmont.

Average Temperature in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve

  • Summer- 82.3 degrees
  • Winter- 42.6 degress
  • Annual- 61.9 degrees

Why is Belmont Lake Preserve is the “perfect” retirement destination?

We’ve detailed location and climate and those numbers are undeniable. In the paragraph to follow we will discuss affordability. So, in looking at the introduction to this article there is one question for us yet to answer. Why is Belmont Lake Preserve is the “perfect” retirement destination?

For starters, we will preface our next paragraph and talk about the affordability of new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve. Starting in the upper $190,000’s, it is rare to find such an affordable, newly built home with a nationally-acclaimed home builder crafting your house. Well, not at Belmont Lake Preserve it isn’t. At BLP, “America’s Favorite Builder,” D.R. Horton has several affordable and beautiful floor plans for you to select from and if you have your own custom dream home in mind, BLP also has many home lots for sale in a variety of sizes in which you can find the right fit and your own custom builder to come in and makes those dreams a reality.

As if that was not enough, by choosing the new homes in Rocky Mount at BLP, you also get access to the community’s spa-like amenities. These include both an indoor and outdoor pool, a full gym/training facility, an 18-hole professional golf course, and so much more. Consequently, if you combine the BLP amenities, the affordable homes, location, and climate, I think you are starting see why this is the perfect retirement fit.

Amenities at Belmont Lake Preserve (BLP) Golf Community in Rocky Mount, NC

BLP Community Clubhouse features:

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The BLP Community Clubhouse features a spectacular outdoor and indoor pool, training facility and more.
  • Meeting, gathering and activity rooms
  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
  • A state-of-the-art fitness facility
  • Full catering and dining facilities
  • A billiards room

BLP Golf Clubhouse features:

  • “The Main Course at Belmont” Restaurant
  • Indoor and Outdoor Dining Areas
  • Full Golf Pro Shop
  • Golf Lessons available
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The. Belmont Lake Golf Club was recently named by Golf Advisor as the #11 Top Golf Course in North Carolina for 2019.

BLP Golf Course features and accolades:

  • David Johnson Championship 18-hole design
  • Golf Instruction by PGA Pro Tim Wilke
  • Named #11 Top Course in NC for 2019 (Golf Advisor)
  • Named #12 of 2019 Courses for Pace of Play in U.S. (Golf Advisor)
  • Given a 4.7 of 5 stars rating (Golf Advisor)

Is Retiring in North Carolina an Affordable Option?

Certainly, the cost of living is a big question anyone will ask when considering relocation. Above all, this may be a deal breaker or deal maker when thinking about Retiring in North Carolina.

From what you’ve seen already, the answer is an obvious, yes. North Carolina does have a low cost of living and is very affordable for those in the retirement years. However, don’t take our word for it…for further analysis on the cost of living and affordability, the following paragraph was quoted from the digital personal finance publication, moneywise.com. (In actuality, moneywise also backs us up on the location and climate too!)

“North Carolina is one of the few places where you can visit rugged mountains and sandy beaches in the same day,” the blog posting says. “With its hot and humid summers and mild-to-chilly winters, the Tar Heel State has the perfect climate for enjoying its charming towns and waterfronts.”

Moving along to cost of living, moneywise concludes, “…Social Security benefits are not taxed, and property taxes are comparatively low.”The cost of living in North Carolina is 5% below the national average and studies put the state in the top 20 for affordability.”

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Affordability is a key I for Retiring in NC. Beautiful homes by “America’s Favorite Builder,” DR Horton at BLP like the one shown are available.

New Homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve

Finally, you have answered each of these important questions about Retiring in North Carolina. Yes, the location and climate are both exactly what you were seeking. Likewise, it is affordable and the fantastic new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve also give you incredible on-site amenities.

So, in answering these questions, ironically, it raises two more questions to be answered. First, would be, “How could Retiring in North Carolina be such a perfect fit?” Futhermore, question two will be, “What is taking you so long to get here ?!?

To view the new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community, visit the “Available Homes” section of belmontlakepreserve.com.

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Living in Rocky Mount NC: Lifestyle Redefined

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The city of Rocky Mount NC, its desirable location and affordability are finally getting the recognition it deserves. Also, efforts of authorities working with residents have helped make Living in Rocky Mount NC a safer choice than ever. All this combined with the resort-like, on-site amenities that led you to seek out new homes in Rocky Mount NC at the Belmont Lake Preserve new home community has you on the path to “Lifestyle Redefined,” and in this series of blog posts, we will detail the great things happening in the city you now call home.

Rocky Mount NC Location- NC Cities and Landmarks

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The famous Cape Hatteras lighthouse on the Outer Banks NC is just one of many landmarks conveniently reached from your Rocky Mount NC Location, sitting under 140 miles from Belmont Lake Preserve

Under an hour from Raleigh, about two hours from the Outer Banks NC, and four hours from the mountains, Rocky Mount NC Location puts you a short drive from all the state’s most desirable spots. Below, you can see exactly how far you are from major NC cities when Living in Rocky Mount NC.

  • Raleigh  50 miles
  • Moorehead City 120 miles
  • Greensboro 123 miles
  • Outer Banks 136 miles
  • Wilmington 161 miles
  • Charlotte 199 miles
  • Asheville 295 miles

The “Halfway” Point – Rocky Mount NC Location to US Cities

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Rocky Mount NC Location finds you at what many refer to as the “Halfway Point” between New York and Florida.

Likewise, being geographic “halfway point” between New York and Florida gives you easy access to friends or family basically anywhere on the east coast. Here, you can see the close proximity that you are from some major US Cities while Living in Rocky Mount NC.

  • Richmond, VA120 miles
  • Norfolk, VA 130 miles
  • Washington, DC225 miles
  • Charleston, WV 280 miles
  • New York, NY 450 miles
  • Atlanta, GA 470 miles
  • Miami, FL 880 miles

Rocky Mount Among Most Affordable Places in NC

On top of being ideally located for convenience getting to all NC landmarks and east coast destinations, cost of living is another big selling point when deciding to seek out new homes for sale in Rocky Mount NC. Supporting the p[receding statement is the annual movoto.com rankings which placed Rocky Mount as number 13 on its list of Most Affordable Places in NC.
The prestigious annual Most Affordable Places in NC list cited several reasons for Rocky Mount being 13th. Its top overall rank was for “miscellaneous costs.” This includes entertainment, clothing, restaurants, repair costs, etc. Additionally, the blog explaining the results gave high marks for the affordability of new homes in Rocky Mount. This would also support your move into a new home at Belmont Lake Preserve new home community.

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Median Home Costs and affordability of a beautiful home like this new home for sale in Rocky Mount NC at Belmont Lake Preserve were major factors in Rocky Mount being named among the Most Affordable Places in NC

These are the areas for Most Affordable Places in NC rankings where Rocky Mount improved their score from 2017-18.

  •  Miscellaneous  Costs (Entertainment, Clothing, Repairs, etc.)
  •  Median Home Costs
  •  Utility Costs
  •  Adjusted median income
  •  Unemployment Rank

A City on the Rise: Rocky Mount Continues  to Climb

With improvements consistent over the past few years in these areas, Rocky Mount is no question a city on the rise. In our next post in this series, we will look at other areas the city has received praise for. It will detail the city’s ranking among Best Cities to Raise a Family and Safest Cities in NC. For more information on new homes for sale in Rocky Mount NC at Belmont Lake Preserve, visit the “Available Homes” page at our website or arrange a visit here.
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“ASPIRE for Lifestyle Redefined” in the New Year with Adult Studies at NC Wesleyan College

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With the countless options in outdoor living and active lifestyle in Rocky Mount, the reasons to choose the premier NC golf and retirement community,Belmont Lake Preserve are plentiful, however, for those looking to continue or revisit your education, North Carolina Wesleyan College offers up maybe the top reason to Retire in North Carolina.

Located directly next door to Belmont Lake Preserve, and ranked fourth statewide for return on investment for their graduates, North Carolina Wesleyan College (NCWC) specializes in those returning students choosing to Retire in North Carolina and others their adult years through their highly accredited ASPIRE programs. (Adult Student Programs: Innovative, Respected, and Engaging).

According to the NCWC website these programs aimed at returning students who Retire in North Carolina or otherwise, “are nonresidential baccalaureate degree programs designed to meet the educational needs of adult learners.” The explanation at ncwc.edu continued to say,  “ASPIRE under the Office of Adult & Professional Studies allows mature women and men to tailor their degree work to meet personal, career, and life goals. Learners work at their own pace with the option of maintaining full-time or part-time course loads.”  They piece went further to detail that “Because mature adults like those set to Retire in North Carolina are highly motivated and capable of self-directed learning, ASPIRE learners can take advantage of 5-week, 8-week, hybrid, and online classes, as well as opportunities for earning credit through alternative options such as CLEP and DSST testing.”

So, if academically “re-inventing” yourself as you Retire in North Carolina in hopes of pursuing a new business venture or if you just would like to learn about new subjects and take some courses at NCWC, your next move in your education is literally minutes away from your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve. The school offers degree programs in Business Administration, Psychology, Religious Studies, Criminal Justice, Education, Accounting, and Computer Information Systems, and individual on site courses on Management, Organizational Development, and Human Resource Management through its Corporate Advantage Program (CAP).

On top of the conveinience of both location and choices to continue your education at NC Wesleyan as you Retire in North Carolina, the actual time involved in completing the courses also weighs heavily in your favor, as courses can be completed in just eight weeks, night classes from 6-10 p.m., and college credit can be earned and applied to a degree through the CAP courses if desired.

To see a detailed description of ASPIRE and all the adult education options at NCWC, visit the adult studies page on their website at www.ncwc.edu.

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Rocky Mount Event Center Looking Like a “Slam Dunk”

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On the heels of its grand opening just this past week with some Halloween events and a free show featuring the legendary George Clinton and P-Funk, the spectacular new Rocky Mount Event Center located just minutes from your new home at the NC golf community, Belmont Lake Preserve will be welcoming two big attractions to the venue here in its first full month of operation.

Located downtown at 285 Northeast Main Street, the Rocky Mount Event Center has without question been the talk of the town over the past few weeks as it neared and then held its ribbon cutting and grand opening event. Giving a sneak peek at the world class talent that is sure to start being booked to appear at the arena, there will be a sporting event coming in first, followed by one of R&B’s most decorated artists later in October.

The always family friendly and fun Harlem Globetrotters are the first sporting event to take place at the new Rocky Mount Event Center, as they will bring the athleticism and a lot of laughs to center court on Sunday, November 4 at 4:00 pm. Ticket prices range from $16-55 making any seat in the house very affordable for the whole family to come out and see the game.

On Saturday, November 17, starting at 7:00 pm, will be the first official concert to be held at the Rocky Mount Event Center, with Keith Sweat and Friends taking the stage. Included in his “friends that will be appearing on November 17 will be, R&B star Dave Hollister, North Carolina’s Black Diamond Southern Southern Soul Band, AJ Jackson AKA Ezell from The Movie Friday, social media star, Eddie Harris, T Ray Saunders from Comic View BET and North Carolina’s DJ Faab.

These two world class events are just the beginning of great things to come to town at the Rocky Mount Event Center. To keep up will all of the news on upcoming artists, events, and everything happening at the new venue, visit rockymountevents.com.

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Brews with the Board: Meet the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce

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In a continued effort to get the residents of Rocky Mount more familiar with its board members, and thus get all involved and on the same page with all of the new businesses and opportunities coming to town, the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to join on Thursday, September 13 at 5:30 pm them just minutes down the street from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve on the Rocky Mount Mills Campus, where they will be there to socialize with the public over a few refreshing beverages in a very casual setting as a part of their “Brews with the Board” meet and greet event.

This innovative and very casual Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce Event, at 1151 Fall Road in Rocky Mount, will give residents a chance to meet all of the board members in a setting that everyone can relate to. On top of introducing themselves and both the board members and residents getting a chance to know one another on a far more personal level, the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce will also be happy to bring all of those on hand up to speed on the happenings, both recent and that will be coming in the future to all that are present.

For those planning to attend, all will meet for this Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce gathering at the Beer Garden beginning at 5:30 pm. To register and attend the “Brews with the Board” event or fore more information on this, visit the official Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce site at web.rockymountchamber.org.

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New Grant and Addition at Harrison Family YMCA adds to Rocky Mount Outdoor Living options

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Rocky Mount Business One of Just 13 in U.S. Selected for EPA Grant

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Showing the strength of the growing and bustling local business community in Rocky Mount Business, Babington Technology, was one of just 13 small businesses from across the United States recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to receive a grant from the allotted $1.3 million dollars to be part of a project to aid in the reduction of electrical power consumption, reduce the emission of carbon, and lower the price for consumers associated with cookstove combustion technology.

On the EPA’s official website, it was noted that “The 13 businesses we are funding today are producing innovative and creative solutions for our country’s environmental problems,” said Thomas Burke, EPA science advisor and deputy assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “Small businesses play an integral role in creating technologies that will help ensure a sustainable future for our country.”

The article continued in explaining the grants, saying, “Each of the 13 companies will receive a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract for up to $100,000 to develop their green technology. If Phase I is successful, companies will be eligible to apply for a Phase II contract of up to $300,000 to develop and commercialize their technology for the marketplace.”

For more information on these grants including more on Rocky Mount Business, Babington Technology, visit the official site of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, epa.org.

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D.R. Horton Now Selling New Homes in BLP

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D.R. Horton’s Raleigh division is pleased to announce it is now selling homes in the Rocky Mount community of Belmont Lake Preserve. Offering popular single-story ranch and two-story home plans, the beautiful golf community offers resort-style amenities everyone can enjoy.

Belmont Lake Villas features four- and five-bedroom, two-story home plans ranging from 1,927 to 2,361 square feet, with prices in the high $180s to the low $200s. For customers interested in D.R. Horton’s highly sought after ranch style plans, Belmont Lake Villas Estates features single-story homes from the high $190s to the low $200s. Homes in this section of the community range from 1,588 square feet to over 2,600 and offer two to four bedrooms and two-car garages.

The community boasts an 18-hole public golf course, with a 7,000-square-foot clubhouse including a full pro shop, grille room and beautiful patio. Stay active with a state of the art fitness facility, relax by the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, or socialize in the clubhouse dining room, billiard room or many activity rooms. Nearby attractions include the historic Tar River Trails along its namesake river, stretching over 20 miles of waterways connecting the Tar River and Stony Creek.

For more information, visit www.drhorton.com/North-Carolina/Raleigh-Durham/Rocky-Mount /Belmont-Lake-Villas.

D.R. Horton, “America’s Builder,” has been building families beautiful homes in desirable locations for more than 35 years. America’s largest homebuilder for fifteen years in a row by volume, D.R. Horton has built more than 600,000 homes with quality, functionality, value and style in mind.

For more information about D.R. Horton’s Raleigh division, please visit www.drhorton.com/North-Carolina/Raleigh-Durham. Home and community information including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Square footage dimensions are approximate. D.R. Horton is an equal housing opportunity builder.

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New Rocky Mount Mills Incubator to Support North Carolina Breweries

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The bustling industry of craft beers across the state gained another boost from Rocky Mount Mills as it was recently announced that the venue will begin with its first “class,” consisting of several North Carolina Breweries joining a brewing incubator.

There will be four North Carolina Breweries sharing a refurbished, on site, 6,000 square foot shipping warehouse, and each will be able to produce up to 1,000 barrels annually and have a keg cooler featuring eight taps to serve their finished product from. In addition, they will be given the opportunity to take classes in the Nash Community College Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation program and be serving up their brews in a public beer garden.

The four North Carolina Breweries involved will be, Planetary Elixirs, HopFly Brewing Company, BDD Brewing Company and Bull Durham Beer Company. The Bull Durham Beer Company is already up and open for business, Planetary Elixirs will be soon bottling their product, and HopFly just “opened up shop,” on November 18. The fourth of the North Carolina Breweries involved, BDD Brewing Company is set to debut later this winter.

“Our inaugural class of brewers comes from all walks of life and bring with them different approaches, methods, and philosophies towards brewing,” says Sebastian Wolfrum, executive brewmaster of Rocky Mount Mills. “We see the spirit that built Rocky Mount Mills 200 ago, and that continues to make our community one of hard work and triumph in each of them. We’re looking forward to seeing and, more importantly, tasting what they have to offer.”

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Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail Would Add Beauty and Expand Active Lifestyle Options

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Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail

In what would add to the already plentiful active lifestyle options and picturesque scenery of the city, the proposed Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail would be a project adding trails and potentially another beautiful city park, linking downtown Rocky Mount to the Rocky Mount Mills site.

The potential addition to the city is detailed at the official City of Rocky Mount website, where it describes the Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail, stating, “The Monk to Mill Trail is a conceptual greenway and urban trail project that will serve as a location of experience for cyclists and pedestrians between Downtown Rocky Mount and the Rocky Mount Mills. The Monk to Mill Trail provides a “linear commons” that will weave the fabric of central city living in Rocky Mount. “

Continuing on about the exciting prospect of a greenway and trail linking downtown to the mill site, it reads, “This dynamic platform designed for creativity and active living will be the point of assembly for locals and visitors alike to observe and experience the vibrancy happening along this linear park and throughout downtown. Monk to Mill Trail will be the place for recreation, relaxation, and fellowship.”

The name for the Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail would come from a salute of sorts to the city’s rich history in two different areas, with one obviously being the cotton mills and the mill site and the other being its ties to jazz music and legendary musician, Thelonious Monk, who was born in Rocky Mount.

An editorial/opinion piece which ran recently in The Rocky Mount Telegram,  spoke of these ties and recognizing the city’s history in offering a vote of support for the Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail and its tip of the cap to its storied past. “Other cities with more resources would love to be known as Monk’s hometown.” The Telegram opinion piece went on to voice its support, saying, “Monk’s pioneering music is still celebrated and loved by jazz scholars and aficionados all over the world. The idea to tie Monk Park to the Rocky Mount Brewmill is a creative means of linking past and future in entertainment and recreation. A trail would beckon to music fans, fitness buffs, craft beer enthusiasts and many more tourists.”

Further details of the proposed Rocky Mount Monk to Mill Trail including renderings of the proposed trail and greenway and the park among other information can be seen at rockymountnc.gov.

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