Find out the latest happenings in Rocky Mount NC. From restaurant and ding options, real estate, entertainment, events and more.

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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Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility Could be a “Game Changer”

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Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility

Working towards an idea that originally surfaced among city council members as far back as the 1940’s and brought back to the council chambers again in the mid 1970’s and 1990’s, the possibility of a Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility (RMDCF) with an emphasis on hosting incoming sporting events among other activities could stand to bring an economic impact of an estimated $264 million spending dollars to the city with in ten years of its doors opening.

Detailed and referred to at the City of Rocky Mount’s official website as a “conceptual indoor sports destination” that would be located only minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve, in the heart of downtown Rocky Mount, rockymountnc.gov goes on to explain the proposed facility would be “unlike any sporting event center in eastern North Carolina.”

Continuing to explain what would set the Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility apart from any similar in Eastern NC, the website noted it would be “unique in that it not only caters to sporting tournaments, but also has the capacity to accommodate a multitude of other occasions. The piece went on to promote the idea, noting, “This space is ideal for use by both locals and visitors alike, and will set Downtown Rocky Mount apart as the perfect destination location of experience for people of all ages and interests.”

Despite the planning stages obviously taking some time and since the concept has been brought back about by the council, there have obviously been some questions raised by Rocky Mount residents, the “Frequently Asked Questions” section devoted to the concept of a Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility would point towards a very promising economic effect that the new facility could have on the city.

While the document does state that the Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility would require several subsidies in its first few operating years ($872,000 in year one, $682,000 in years two and year three $264,000), the anticipated generated revenue and jobs locally would seem to counteract these and then some.

“In its first year, the projected operating revenue will be $1,646,552. By year 10, the projected revenue is $5,938,327, “ the document states. Equally as promising as that statement would be the section addressing the potential new jobs created by a Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility. “The Downtown Community Facility would create 50 new jobs from the ongoing operations, plus 200 construction jobs. A general manager at the facility would make approximately $90,000 annually. A marketing director would generate $70,000 to $80,000 per year. There are also other high skilled positions that would be available. “

On top of these figures the anticipated economic impact of $264 million in new spending in the city over 10 years, coupled with several other high profile announcements recently of economic development in Rocky Mount and the surrounding community it would seem that things are looking bright for the future of the a Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility and the entire city as a whole.

To view the information at the City of Rocky Mount’s website on the Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility, visit rockymountnc.gov.

(Photo Credit: City of Rocky Mount)

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First Friday at the Imperial Centre offers Holiday Fun for the Whole Family

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First-Friday-at-the-Imperial-Centre-

Normally held on the first Friday evening of each month, the December 1 installment of First Friday at the Imperial Centre will carry a Christmas theme, featuring activities for the whole family, just minutes from your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community in all sections of the downtown Rocky Mount arts center.The Imperial Centre website listed the following special activities that will be taking place on the December 1 First Friday at the Imperial Centre in addition to the lighting of the Imperial Centre Christmas tree, a visit from Santa Claus for the kids, and carriage rides and bounce houses in the courtyard where there has been a forecast for “snow,” to get all in the mood of the season.

In the Childrens’ Museum at First Friday at the Imperial Centre will be:

  • Free admission featuring new exhibit, Ocean Bound
  • Chris “JuggleBoy” Fowler – magic and juggling program at 6:30
  • Kid’s activities
  • Rocky Mount Wildlife Rehabbers
  • Planetarium Show: Season of Light at 7 pm
  • Lasershow: Laser Holiday  at 8 pm
  • Braswell Memorial Pop-Up Library
  • Meet naturalist, Tom Stutz

In the Arts Center at First Friday at the Imperial Centre will be:

  • Live Music
  • Photo Booth
  • Gallery Sketching
  • Craft
  • Hot Cocoa & Cookies

The Imperial Centre is located at 270 Gay Street in Rocky Mount. For more information on First Friday at the Imperial Centre and all their fun upcoming family friendly events, go to imperialcentre.org and for more information on all the great happening around Rocky Mount and happenings surrounding Belmont Lake Preserve check out our news blog here.

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The Classics to Headline Winter Lineup at Imperial Center in Rocky Mount

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With two legendary tales taking center stage at the theatre at the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Science, the winter schedule for great entertainment, just up the street from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve NC Golf Community, will continue to heat up as the temperature drops with “Pride and Prejudice,” and the holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Starting on October 26 and running through the 29th, Jane Austin’s “Pride and Prejudice is a brilliant tale of a simpler time in history. The Imperial Center home website describes the show as, “ humorous story of love and life among English gentility during the Georgian era. Mr Bennet is an English gentleman living in Hartfordshire with his overbearing wife. The Bennets 5 daughters; the beautiful Jane, the clever Elizabeth, the bookish Mary, the immature Kitty and the wild Lydia.”

Just in time for the holidays, the Winter Lineup at Imperial Centre welcome the Charles Shultz classic, “A Charlie Brown Christamas,” to the Rocky Mount stage, starting on November 30 and running until December 3. 49 years after first stealing the hearts of a nation and becoming a holiday staple on television in its near five decades of existence, the Peanuts crew will no doubt be a crowd pleaser that all ages can enjoy. The Imperial Centre Christmas Choir will also take part in this show, making this a can’t miss part of the Winter Lineup at Imperial Centre.

With these great offerings on the horizon and several familiar stage favorite already scheduled for the Spring, it is safe to say that the fantastic Winter Lineup at Imperial Centre is just the beginning, as 2018 promises to be a talented and entertaining ride for all to enjoy.

The Imperial Centre is located at 270 Gay Street in Rocky Mount. For more info on the Winter Lineup at Imperial Centre and all the other great vents coming up, visit imperialcentre.org

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Rocky Mount Receives Award as One of the Great Places in North Carolina

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Great Places in North Carolina

The American Planning Association (APA) recently recognized the City of Rocky Mount and continued their revitalization and beautification efforts to downtown, which is just a few minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve, making them one of only six communities statewide to receive a Great Places in North Carolina award for Main Street.

The city’s efforts to add to the already beautiful and historic downtown area was the basis for their receiving of the Great Places in North Carolina recognition, as Rocky Mount was honored in the “Professional’s Category,” with Main Street being recognized with the 2016 “Great Main Street In-the-Making Award.”

This honor marks the first time that the city of Rocky Mount has been bestowed one of the prestigious Great Places in North Carolina awards, which first were handed out to municipalities by the American Planning Association in 2012. The APA spoke of the six communities (including Rocky Mount) in the announcement of this years’ winners on their website, stating, “These communities represent some of the best planning efforts in North Carolina, and serve as models for visioning, partnerships, and collaboration.” Rocky Mount was recognized and actually received the award at an event held this summer during “Town Hall Day,” which was held in Raleigh.

The Great Places in North Carolina program was initially created five years ago as a way to honor the great communities across the state and the hard working people who have gone above and beyond to make them even greater. The APA website further explains the program and their reason for starting the program, noting, “North Carolina is full of amazing places that make this state a wonderful place to live, bring important money and jobs into our economy, and keep our communities thriving. Many people work hard to create, sustain, and improve these places, including citizens, planners, business leaders, and elected officials. This is a chance for everyone to celebrate together!”

To read more about Rocky Mount’s Main Street gaining recognition and the Great Places in North Carolina program, visit apa-nc.org.

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“Walk, Wag, Hope : Bark for Life of Nash County at the Rocky Mount Dog Park

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Bark for Life of Nash County

For all of the dog lovers and those who just would like to lend a hand to a great cause under the roof of your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve can head out to the Rocky Mount Dog Park on Saturday, November 5 and take part in Bark for Life of Nash County, and event organized by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Much like their successful, Relay for Life program has raised millions of dollars across the United States to help save lives and for research on those who have been unfortunately stricken with cancer, Bark for Life of Nash County is a noncompetitive walk event to help with this great cause. Bring your favorite “furry friend” out to Rocky Mount Dog Park, located 480 North Lee Street in Rocky Mount at and start the day with the walk and enjoy the rest of the day with contests, games, and other demonstrations you and your dog can partake in together.

Welcoming those who are unfamiliar with the Relay for Life program or Bark for Life, the American Cancer Society explains the goal of this incredible program on their website, saying, “By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.”

There is still time to help out with Bark for Life of Nash County as a sponsor if interested, as the generosity of the surrounding communities at these events is truly what helps to save live as the ACS also explains, “The success of the American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life depends on individuals, teams, and, of course, the generous support of our sponsors. Our lifesaving work in the fight against cancer would not be possible without the generosity of sponsoring businesses and community organizations.”

The opening ceremony for Bark for Life of Nash County begins at 9:00 a.m. and the day’s activities will run until 1:00 p.m. For further details on Bark for Life of Nash County, visit the American Cancer Society events page at acsevents.org. For specific questions or more information on the event you can also contact Bennita Dunham by phone at 252-314-5740 or via email at [email protected].

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Go Fresh and Go Local at the Rocky Mount Farmers Market

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Rocky Mount Farmers Market

Open every Saturday through the month of November, and located conveniently at 1006 Peachtree Street, just a short drive from your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve new home community, the freshest produce, meats, seafood, and all other local products you could imagine are available at the Rocky Mount Farmers Market.

Running each Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the Rocky Mount Farmers Market gives area farmers a “storefront” in which to sell their fantastic produce and local residents can not only get their fresh items straight from the farm, but also support the hardworking members of their community in doing so.

The philosophy of the Rocky Mount Farmers Market is simply described on the official Nash County website as a place where “local farmers sell products they actually produce.” Going on it explains, “This market philosophy is consistent with long term economic development and preservation of our local farming community.”

Over the years, the Rocky Mount Farmers Market has become a tradition and somewhat of an institution on Saturday mornings, with residents enjoying not only the goods for sale, but the friendly, community feel and the social aspect of the market as well.

“This market is not just a building,” the Nash County website explains. “It’s the dynamic activity of all of the people involved in growing, harvesting, buying, selling and sometimes socializing. Shoppers come to enjoy the farmers market experience.”

Throughout the Rocky Mount Farmers Market annual schedule, which runs from April through November, they also have a variety of activities periodically that take place at the market including live music and entertainment, opportunities to tour the farms of some of the participants following the Saturday sales, and much more.

The Rocky Mount Farmers market is a great place to get in touch and support the local community and its also a great place to get some unique items and some of the most delicious, homegrown fruits, veggies, meats, and more. For more information o the market or to see some photos of some of the produce and goods you’ll find there each Saturday, vista the Rocky Mount Farmers Market Facebook page here.

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9th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown is a “Smokin’” Good Time in Rocky Mount

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Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown

One of the most anticipated and for sure tastiest annual events on the Town of Rocky Mount calendar will be returning to town for a “smokin’” good time, as just a few minutes from the Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community, the 9th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown takes place on Friday and Saturday, October 7-8.

The Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown festivities kick off this year on Friday at noon, at 101 Coastline Street in Downtown Rocky Mount, directly in front of the Helen P. Gay Historic Rocky Mount Train Station. And the “delicious” fun on opening day goes until 8:00 p.m. Saturday morning The “Throw Down” continues and swings into full effect as will be evident by the incredible smell wafting through town from the countless BBQ pros plying their craft from 10:00 a.m until 6:00 p.m.

For those who have not yet had a “taste” of the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown, it is a professional cooking competition based on the Kansas City Barbeque Society’s (KCBS) official categories, which are chicken, pork ribs, pork brisket, and beef brisket. Awards are given out annually for the Grand Champion, Reserved Grand Champion, and the People’s Choice Award, decided upon by the attendees of the tops in Fall Events in Rocky Mount. Additionally, prizes to include cash awards, trophies, and plaques will be given out to the top ten finishers in each of the above categories.

Returning for the second consecutive years on the heels of its success at last year’s Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown will be the 2nd Annual Home Brew Competition, as once again, local beer enthusiasts and brewers will compete on Saturday. Each entrant in this competition may submit any style beer of their choosing, and each will be judged in different categories based upon the style they enter. If the entry does not fit into one of the specific categories they still are eligible for the overall “Best in the East” award that will awarded by a panel of judges representing this events sponsor from Rocky Mount Mills.

Although the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown begins at noon on Friday, and the judging will commence throughout the two-day festival, there will also be other great food and entertainment ongoing throughout. The “Kick Off Party and Concert” has become almost as much of a tradition as the ribs, chicken, brisket, and other delicious food, with great live, local music being played throughout the day. Always a family friendly event, there will also be an assortment of vendors, and kid specific activities throughout the weekend as well

The 9th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown is free to the public. For a full schedule of events and more information on the Eastern CarolinaBBQ Throwdown, visit their website at bbqthrowdown.net.

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A “Day for the Dogs” at Rocky Mount Community Event

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Rocky-Mount-Community-Event

Taking a cue from the success of a similar Rocky Mount Community Event, “Paws in the Park,” the city’s Parks and Recreation Department invite pet owners and their dogs to be a part of the first ever “Splash Bark,” being held just up the street from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community at Sunset Spray Park on Sunday, September 18.

This unique Rocky Mount Community Event will feature many fun activities for you to enjoy with your dog throughout the three-hour festivities. These would include many of your favorite Sunset Park activities that you’ve come to love over the years, including taking a ride through the park on the train, circling around the carousel, and of course cooling off while splashing around with “man’s best friend” in the spray park.

This very special day for a pet and his owner begins at 2:00 pm. and wraps up at 5:00. Upon arrival to this Rocky Mount Community Event at Sunset Park it is asked that you and your pet enter through the concessions building. Also, for obvious safety precautions, a proof of your dogs’ rabies vaccination is required for entry. Your dog will be required to be on a leash in all areas of Sunset Park except for the spray park area, where they are free to splash and frolic at this Rocky Mount Community Event, “leash-free.”

In discussing the first ever “Splash Bark” event recently with the Rocky Mount Telegram, Event Organizer Alex Langley said, “We have a vibrant and excited dog lovers’ population in our community.” Langley continued, “Events like this enable us to provide increased activities for our four legged friends and their owners.”

For further information on “Splash Bark,” or any other upcoming Rocky Mount Community Event, visit the “Splash Bark” Facebook Event page or contact Alex Langley at [email protected].

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Custom Home Design Trends to Consider When Building at Belmont Lake Preserve

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Custom Home Design Trends

As 2016 heads into the end of summer and toward the fall, there are several popular Custom Home Design Trends that have become increasingly popular, that you may want to consider as work through the building and construction process at your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve in Rocky Mount.

The kitchen as many of you know has become one of the main focal points not only when building a new home, but also among the Custom Home Design Trends that have been noted throughout 2016 thus far. One such trend that has consistently remained popular in kitchens this year is “white on white spaces.” This “clean look” with the usage of white cabinets with a light colored or white counter top or back splash has returned in a big way. The main factor attributing to making this one of the most frequently seen of 2016’s Custom Home Design Trends, is the overall desire of new home buyers and builders to use the kitchen as the center of the home for entertaining guests, as the brightness of the “white on white” helps in opening up and making the appear large.

Double islands in the kitchen is another of this year’s Custom Home Design Trends that has seen many who have built a new home include, for much of the same reason. One island for seating and entertaining, with a second for much of the same and in some cases even for a sink, makes for more overall space when trying to be a good host.

As far as Custom Home Design Trends in regards to flooring this year, reclaimed lumber continued to be the choice of many. First gaining major popularity a few years back, this eco-friendly option in floors adds a unique look, and a bit of character and personality also.

It was not very long ago that brass fixtures in a newly built home were considered outdated and less than savory as far as Custom Home Design Trends go. However, they are back with a vengeance this year, mainly due to how “unique look of the brass when partnered with a more contemporary style fixture.

Continuing to take priority among the new homeowners in 2016 was a focus on indoor/outdoor living spaces. As is commonplace here among each of the Custom Home Design Trends discussed, this too plays into the open space concept that has become so important in recent years. Allowing indoor and outdoor spaces to flow seamlessly such as an outdoor living room type area around a fireplace or the indoor dining area opening to a patio space.

With these and so many other Custom Home Design Trends to consider in building a home at Belmont Lake Preserve, you can add some of these ideas to the existing floor plans or discuss other ideas with the builder team working on your new house. To see the floor plans and for more information on the Halle Building Group, visit belmontlakepreserve.com.

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