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

Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle Options Could Increase with Upgrades to Battle Park

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Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle

With the Rocky Mount city council recently discussing possible upgrades to one of the city’s beautiful outdoor spaces that sits only minutes from your new home in Belmont Lake Preserve, the already plentiful options for Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle activities could increase with the proposed changes at Battle Park.

Although the upgrades that would include these Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle options at Battle Park are not likely to occur immediately, the interest from the city officials was genuine. The upgrades that were spoken of at the meeting would see a new “spray ground,” a butterfly garden, a zip line, widened walking paths, and a BMX track.

These proposed items were noted to be in the concept stage still, however, several other short-term efforts that also would offer some new Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle options were also brought up at the August 10 council meeting. An outdoor outfitter, environmental education, and educational hiking trails were the short term Rocky Mount Active Lifestyle ideas tossed around, and Assistant City Manager, Thomas Moton, Jr. explained that many residents have been behind this project because they’d like to see Battle Park made a focal point of Rocky Mount’s tourism industry and economy.

“With ideas for improvements we hope to make this area a destination location,” Moton, Jr. went on to explain. “With possible bike trails and other activities, we hope to attract more travelers and to maximize opportunities for people to enjoy the water.” He added, “Battle Park is also the hub to connect our assets from MLK Park to City Lake, so visitors can use the greenway to enjoy all seven miles of greenway trails that Rocky Mount has to offer.”

Being in such early stages of development, the cost of the Battle Park project that would see the addition of these great Rocky Mount Active Living options was not brought to the table. However, there has been some interest shown by Rocky Mount Mills (which is owned by Capitol Broadcasting Company) in a possible lease or purchase of Panther Island,  which is part of Battle Park. If this were the case, that company would implement improvements by itself and allow the city to focus on the remainder of the park.

Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department Director, Kelvin Yarrell addressed the possibility of the Battle Park upgrades, voicing the following conclusion.  “The true plan would come from working with our citizens, elected officials and the business community, such as Capitol Broadcasting, to look at the entire scope of the project once funding becomes available.”

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Rocky Mount Economic Development Continues on Upswing with Huge Announcement of CSX Terminal

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Rocky Mount Economic Development

With an influx of new jobs and businesses coming to town, Rocky Mount Economic Development continued on a huge upswing last week with the announcement that Rocky Mount has been selected as the location for an all new $272 million CSX rail-to-truck terminal project that will bring about 900 jobs to the area and another 1,500 state wide.

Announced on July 19 in a press conference held next door to the Belmont Lake Preserve North Carolina golf community, at the Dunn Center by Governor Pat McCrory, was the news of the project’s financial awards that were unanimously approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. These include $110 million from the N.C. Transportation Department in performance incentives, $4.3 million in Job Development Investment Grants, and $7.8 million in intermodal tax credits. Ensuring the huge spike in Rocky Mount Economic Development is the fact that for CSX to receive the above incentives, they must invest $160 million into the Rocky Mount facility by 2024, meet all local hiring goals and keep 876 jobs that are already in the state.

CSX CEO, Michael Ward spoke on the selection of Rocky Mount for the 500 acre terminal, which will transfer freight containers that hold a variety of consumer goods between trains and trucks by electric cranes before being  sent to their drop off destination. Ward noted that the ideal location, the growing industrial market in Rocky Mount, and its existing CSX rail operations all weighed into the project that will be a huge boost to Rocky Mount Economic Development.

Leonard Wiggins, the Chairman of the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners spoke on several topics that residents may have been wondering about following the CSX announcement, as he had recently toured a similar facility in Ohio. “We stood right under this massive crane and you couldn’t hear it operate,” he offered up clearing the air for any residents who may have worries about any noise disturbances. Wiggins went on to remind residents that the terminal will also bring Rocky Mount back to its roots. “This is a railroad community,” he said. “ Railroad lines in Rocky Mount date back as far as 1840.”

This latest project in Rocky Mount Economic Development, the terminal, will be known as “The Carolina Connector” will also bring more public benefits and economic output for both the Rocky Mount community and the surrounding area. The Carolina’s Gateway Partnership noted that more than $310 million in public benefits and upwards of $125 million in statewide economic output. Gateway Partnership CEO, Norris Tolleson spoke to the huge effect this will have on the Rocky Mount Economic Development and the surrounding municipalities, stating, “This is the beginning of a new era of quality jobs in the Twin Counties.

The terminal is set to open for business in 2020 and CSX will host two open house events for the public to find out more and ask any questions they may have about the project. These will be held on Wednesday, July 27 at 6-8 pm at the Edgecombe County Administrative Building in Downtown Tarboro and on Thursday, July 28 in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount from 6-8 pm.

(Photo Credit: Nate Beal)

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Moorefield Real Estate named by Halle Companies as Exclusive Realtor at Belmont Lake Preserve

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Moorefield Real Estate

The Halle Companies has recently announced a partnership with Moorefield Real Estate of Rocky Mount, naming the company as the Exclusive Realtor at Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community.

“We are excited as the leaders’ in Rocky Mount Real Estate for over four decades to represent the premier development in our city, and absolutely thrilled to work along side, the Halle Companies, who also bring over 40 years of experience and excellence in residential development with them to the table,” said Kenneth Moorefield, Founder of Moorefield Real Estate. “With the unique amenities that are exclusive to this community- it’s golf course, the swimming pools, the restaurant, and so forth- we just can’t wait to put our brush to the canvas and paint this picture that we have been envisioning for all the families and residents of Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve.”

Upon their purchase of Belmont Lake Preserve in late 2011, the Halle Companies have invested millions of dollars into the development of the 1400-acre forested community. In a prepared statement released at the time of the purchase, Halle spoke of the difference between the community’s previous developer who struggled with financial issues and the Halle Companies, explaining, this was a cash purchase and that The Halle Companies continue to operate on a debt-free basis with no lenders. Halle added that by purchasing the community with cash it allows us to move at the proper pace and keep the community on a sound financial footing.

Once the purchase was finalized, the Halle Companies began focusing on providing retreat-like amenities that include both an indoor and outdoor pool and a full fitness facility at the Belmont Lake Community Clubhouse, which finished construction in 2014. The Golf Clubhouse also was added to the community and finished in 2014, hosting a full golf pro shop and the highly acclaimed Main Course at Belmont Restaurant. The 18-hole David Johnson golf design, Belmont Lake Golf Club has previously been named to the “Top 100 You Can Play” by the NC Golf Panel and also was recognized among the top course designs across Eastern NC.

About Moorefield Real Estate

With an emphasis on integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, and a “client-first” approach, Moorefield Real Estate and its Founder/Manager, Kenneth Moorefield brings an unmatched customer and broker relationship with Rocky Mount residents and the surrounding area for nearly 44 years in his training of every broker on his team.

A multi-million dollar producer in each and every one of his 43-plus years in real estate, Moorefield, the 2011 Realtor of the Year, and the exceptional Moorefield Real Estate management team that will represent Belmont Lake Preserve includes Broker-in-Charge, Jay Hooks, who has been a multi-million dollar producer for seven consecutive years and the 2011 and 2014 REALTOR Associate of the Year, Trevor Foote, who likewise has been a multi-million dollar producer for all seven years she has been with the company.

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Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo Racing into Downtown

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on Saturday, July 30 for the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo

on Saturday, July 30 for the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle ExpoThe downtown Rocky Mount community will once again be “revving up their engines” in anticipation for one of the area’s great summertime traditions as auto enthusiasts will gather just a few short minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve North Carolina golf community on Saturday, July 30 for the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo.

The day of “fast fun” at the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo will start at 8:30 a.m. where participants can register their cars. Registration runs for two and a half hours, finishing up at 11:00 a.m.. The Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo will not only feature a cool assortment of classic cars and motorcycles on display in the downtown area, but the morning and afternoon will see some fantastic local live bands and area vendors serving up delicious food and refreshments throughout the day as well.

As in prevous years at the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo, some of the area’s top collectors and enthusiasts in addition to others traveling from all across the state of North Carolina are expected to be on hand to showcase their classic automobiles and cycles . These will be judged throughout the days’ festivities, starting once registration ends at 11:00 a.m. This years’ categories which the entries will be judged upon include, Best Import, Best Ford, Best Chevy, Best of Show, Sport Bike, Harley Cruiser and more. The general public will also have a chance to select the winner of the “People’s Choice” award, and trophies will be handed out for all winning entrants.

The live music and entertainment at the Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo will begin at 12:30 p.m. and run until 2:00 p.m., when the presentation of the winning entries will take place on the event’s Main Stage. Once all winners have been announced, the annual Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo parade will commence at 2:45 p.m., with all entered vehicles and bikes being shown off as they maneuver through beautiful downtown Rocky Mount.

The full schedule of events for the 2016 Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo is as follows:

8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.- Car Registration

10:00 a.m. -Rockin’ Classic Begins

11:00 a.m. – Judging Begins

12:30 p.m.-2:00 p.m. -Live Entertainment

2:00 p.m. – Presentation of winners

2:45 p.m. – Motorcycle & Car Parade

The Rocky Mount Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo is only the next in what is a continuous string of great events held in Downtown Rocky Mount NC. For full details on this event and all on the upcoming schedule, visit the Downtown Rocky Mount NC website at downtownrockymount.com.

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Braswell Memorial Library to Kick off Summer with Rocky Mount Children’s Event

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Rocky Mount Children's event

Ringing in the new season, this Friday, June 17, Braswell Memorial Library will host its Summer Reading Kick-Off Party, marking the start of their a Summer Reading Club with the annual Rocky Mount Children’s Event taking place just minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve.

The Rocky Mount Children’s Event, which is held every June, will start at 10:00 a.m. and run until 1:00 p.m. on the back lawn and pavilion area of the library located at 727 North Grace Street. The “Summer Reading Kick Off Party is aimed at encouraging the children to sign up for the Reading Club, which this Summer is following the theme of “On Your Mark, Get Set…READ!”

This Friday’s Rocky Mount Children’s Event will feature much more than just sign-ups, however, with games, snacks, and fun activities for the kids throughout the day. Several special guests will also be on hand to greet the kids, including, the Chik-Fil-A Cow, Sparky the Firedog, McGruff the Crime Dog, the “Balloon Lady, a stilt walker, and a magician.

The Summer Reading Club at Braswell Memorial Library kicks into full gear immediately following the Kick Off Party on this upcoming Tueday, June 21 and will run throughout the remainder of the month and for the entire month of July as well. For those who sign up for the club, there are prize giveaways for five different age groups ranging from toddlers to adults, where each member and age group has goals set for them to reach, goals earns the prizes once they have reached their different goal throughout the program. A full schedule for the Summer Reading Club can be seen here.

The five different groups for the Summer Reading Club are:

  • Read-to-Me Group– This group consist of toddlers and preschool age children whose parents, older brothers or sisters, or caregiver reads to them. Once they have had 30 books read to them this Summer, they receive a prize book of their choosing.
  • Elementary Reader Group– This is the first age group that reads by themselves. They get to choose their prize book once they have finished 15 books this summer.
  • Young Adult Group– This group gets into reader longer and more advanced books and once they have finished seven of these, they get to select their prize.
  • Adult Group– Adults are encouraged to get in on the reading club as well. By turning in their “Reading Record Sheets” weekly, they earn a small prize and are entered into the grand prizes drawing to be held on the club’s final day, July 30.
  • Genealogy/History Group– Another group for the adults, this one focuses on those readers interested in their family lineage and history. These members will also earn a small prize for turning in “Reading Record Sheets” each week and in doing so will be entered in the grand prizes drawing as well.

 

 

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Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights are Family Fun Under the Stars

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Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights

Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie NightsBeginning on June 17, the summer season of fun is officially upon our area residents, as just minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve at the Imperial Centre for Arts and Sciences, the first installment of the Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights, “Lawn Chair Theatre” kicks off with the George Clooney hit, Tommorrowland.

With the doors opening for the Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights at 7:00 p.m., and the films beginning at 8:30 p.m., Lawn Chair Theatre is set to provide fun for all ages every other Friday night through the month of July. The movies are free of charge and shown on the lawn outside of the Imperial Centre, so it is advised that you bring chairs or a blanket to sit on during the showings.

In addition to a great family flick being shown every other Friday as part of the Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights, there is always a little something more for the kids to enjoy at each Lawn Chair Theatre event. During the 90 minutes from when the doors open until the 8:30 start time of each movie, there are a variety of different fun filled games and activities for the youngsters on hand that are coordinated by the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center (which is also located at the Imperial Centre). Also, concessions, including food, drinks, and treats are available for purchase during the Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights.

The full schedule of showings for this summer’s Lawn Chair Theatre is:

The Imperial Centre, which hosts the Rocky Mount Outdoor Movie Nights is located in downtown Rocky Mount at 270 Gay Street. In the case of inclement weather, the scheduled Lawn Chair Theatre movie for the week will be shown inside at the Imperial Centre’s Education Building. For more information on Lawn Chair Theatre and all the great upcoming events taking place here, visit imperialcentre.com.

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Rocky Mount Mills 5K Promoting Active Lifestyle and a Sense of Community for a Great Cause

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Rocky Mount Mills 5K

Advertised as “Not Your Run of the Mill 5K,” the Rocky Mount community will come together just minutes away from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve to enjoy a day combining active lifestyle, with great local music, and some delicious local food, all to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis as a part of the Rocky Mount Mills 5K on Saturday, June 4.

The Rocky Mount Mills 5K race itself will begin at 9:00 am, following a 90 minute period that starts at 7:30 where any entrants can come to pick up there packet for the day. The actual running/walking portion of the days events at the rocky Mount Mills 5K will start and finish at The Rocky Mount Mills. The course is set to honor the deep rooted history and scenic beauty of the city of Rocky Mount, as participants will begin by heading down Falls Road and over the Tar River. Heading next to the scenic greenway, which features both wooden paths and paved trails, all who are ”running the course” will enjoy a spectacular view of the Tar River on this route.

From the greenway, the race heads to most major points of historic and scenic value across city limits, as the Rocky Mount Mills 5K takes its runners through or past such local iconic landmarks and sights as City Lake, Sunset Park, and eventually back to Mill Village. There will be awards for the top three finishers in age categories ranging in five year increments, from under 13 years old all the way through 70 plus. The race to the finish line however will only be the beginning of the days festivities at the Rocky Mount Mills 5K, as great food, beverages, live music, and fun awaits once the run is completed.

In case the run at the Rocky Mount Mills 5K worked up anyone’s appetite or thirst, upon return, there will be a Food Truck Rodeo going on from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., featuring a wide variety of both food and beverages. The participants at the “rodeo” will be: Bull Durham Beer Company, Chirba Chirba Dumpling, Chick-N-Que, Chick fil A, Healthy Grill Food Truck, JAM Ice Cream, Koi Pond Brewery, On the Square, and Sweet Taters Brewery and Restaurant.

On top of all of the great exercise and then the scrumptious tatstes of the food truck offerings, there will also be the grooving sounds of a band with local roots right in Rocky Mount and the Wilson area, Matty Begs. Described as having a “funky beach jam sound,” Matty Begs has played at colleges, taverns, and beaches across the southeast and will be providing the live soundtrack on Saturday, June 4, for the great time being had by all at the Rocky Mount Mills 5K.

The Rocky Mount Mills 5K will start at the “Mills,” located at 1151 Falls Road in Rocky Mount. Although not directly affiliated with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, due to many personal connections to friends and family of those involved with the event battling this awful ailment, all proceeds will be donated to the charity. For further information on signing up for the Rocky Mount Mills 5K or any other details on the event, visit mill5k.com.

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Downtown Live Signals the Official Start of Rocky Mount Summer Events

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Rocky Mount Summer Events

A sure sign that the sunshine and warmth of the new season is growing near is one of the great outdoor traditions just a few minutes away from your new home in the Belmont Lake Preserve North Carolina golf community, as the Downtown Live concert series will kick off the Rocky Mount Summer Events this Thursday, May 12.

Running every other Thursday night throughout the late spring, into the summer and straight through until early fall, the Downtown Live concert series has become one of many community themed Rocky Mount Summer Events that is greatly looked forward to by residents. The Summer Music Series is free of charge and takes place in the heart of downtown on the lawn at the Imperial Centre for the Arts & Sciences, located at 270 Gay Street. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. each Thursday and the music starts rocking at 6:00. While there are not coolers allowed, food and beverages are available each week at these Rocky Mount Summer Events.

The schedule for the Downtown Live series has been announced and week one of the Rocky Mount Summer Events will feature the popular grooves of Legacy Motown Revue this Thursday. Then, following a week off on May 19, the concert series returns on Thursday, May 26 with The Entertainers. The June lineup for Downtown Live will see Jim Quick and Coastline take the Imperial Centre stage on June 9 and The Castaways on June 23.

Keeping the Rocky Mount Summer Events schedule “red hot” heading into the month of July, The Band of Oz will headline the July 7  Downtown Live concerts, with the sounds of Liquid Pleasure filling downtown Rocky Mount on July 21. August’s lineup should prove to be equally as fun, with Hip Pocket playing on the 4th and The Tams on the 18th.

Rounding out the Rocky Mount Summer Events at the Imperial Centre lawn for Downtown Live will be three September concerts. These include Steve Owens and Summertime on September 1, East Coast Rhythm and Blues on the 15th, and then closing out the series will be The Embers featuring Craig Woolard.

For further information on the Downtown Live concert series and all the great upcoming Rocky Mount Summer Events, visit rockymountnc.gov.

(Photo Courtesy of the City of Rocky Mount)

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Belmont Lake Preserve NC named among the Best Lake Communities in the US by Ideal Living Magazine

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NAMED ONE OF THE BEST LAKE COMMUNITIES IN THE US

Best Lake Communities in the USThe premier North Carolina golf and retirement community, Belmont Lake Preserve has been selected by Ideal Living magazine as one of 2016 Best Lake Communities in the US among retirement living areas.

The recognition as one of the Best Lake Communities in the US for 2016, comes following a year that saw Belmont Lake Preserve as the recipient of several accolades. Most recently, the Rocky Mount NC golf community was named to the prestigious “Short List” by Where to Retire magazine as one of the 50 Best Master Planned communities in the United States. Likewise, the spectacular 18-hole, David Johnson Golf Design, Belmont Lake Golf Club weighed heavily into the community being honored by Ideal Living last year as one of 2015’s Best Golf Course Communities in the nation.

In their listing of the Best Lake Communities in the US, which will be featured in the upcoming annual “Best of the Best” Summer edition of Ideal Living, the selection process was based on the following ideas. “For many active adults, the appeal of lake living is in the availability of boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports. Other retirees may wish to live lakeside in order to enjoy the serenity offered by living near a peaceful, natural setting.” Given Belmont Lake Preserve’s 1400-acres of scenic, forested land which is set around the beautiful 80-acre Belmont Lake and the wide array of both on-site and near by outdoor living options, its inclusion among the Best Lake Communities in the US would come as no surprise to those familiar with its stunning natural beauty.

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Also Named among the 50 Best Master Planned communities in the United States

In addition to its beautiful natural setting, the resort like amenities at Belmont Lake Preserve also make it an obvious choice for this and the other recent accolades received by the North Carolina Living community. The luxurious, BLP Community Clubhouse features both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art-fitness facility, a billiards and game room and much more. The Golf Clubhouse with a full golf pro shop, indoor and outdoor dining facilities, the highly acclaimed “Main Course at Belmont” restaurant and on staff PGA professional, Tim Wilke is equally as impressive, as is the aforementioned golf course, which has been named among the Top 100 to Play in NC and as one of the Best Course Designs in Eastern NC.

For more information on the upcoming “Best of the Best” edition of Ideal Living magazine to feature the Best Lake Communities in the US, visit ideal-living.com. To plan a visit or get more information on available homes, home sites, or floor plans at Belmont Lake Preserve, visit here.

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