Nash: Mill History, Museums and Nature
Accommodation in Nash
Nash combines an impressive industrial history, museums for different age groups and a variety of experiences along the Tar River. Anyone planning a trip with culture, nature and activities for the whole family will find several themes here for planning their days. When searching for a vacation rental, you can therefore first consider whether mill history, a museum visit, walks or water-based experiences should be the focus for you.
Mill History and Culture in Nash
A defining site is the Rocky Mount Mills Village Historic District. This remarkably intact mill village lies on both sides of Falls Road (NC 43/48), south of the Tar River in the northwestern part of Rocky Mount in Nash County. Rocky Mount Mills itself is a restored 19th-century textile mill campus. The site hosts live music, festivals and special events throughout the year and is also home to North Carolina’s largest craft beer incubator.
The Imperial Centre’s cultural offerings include the Arts Center and the Community Theatre. The Arts Center produces visual and performing arts programs with an emphasis on arts education for all age groups. The Community Theatre presents comedies, dramas, musicals and children’s theater. At the Children’s Museum & Science Center, a gallery with live animals, the Cummins Planetarium, traveling exhibits and interactive permanent exhibits complement the program. This allows you to combine different forms of culture and educational experiences during your trip.
The Country Doctor Museum also adds its own historical focus. It is housed in two restored 19th-century doctors’ offices and presents the history of medicine in rural America. Group tours for students include a hands-on educational activity for children of elementary and middle school age. The Explore Nash County Visitor Center is housed in a historic, two-story yellow house that was originally built in 1888 and is located in the Rocky Mount Mills District. For orientation, it is at Exit 468-B of Hwy-64, a few miles east of the junction of I-95 and Hwy-64.
Arboretum, Greenway and Tar River
For quieter hours, the Nash County Arboretum offers botanical collections and is open year-round for self-guided exploration. The Rocky Mount Greenway is a seven-mile system connecting parks near downtown Rocky Mount along the Tar River. These two offerings have different focuses: the arboretum centers on plants and independent discovery, while the greenway connects several park areas along the river.
Those who want to experience Nash from the water can include the Tar River Paddle Trail in their trip plans. The trail includes ten access points for canoes and kayaks and connects more than 55 miles of the Tar River and Stony Creek. The section in Nash County is accessible via the Old Bailey Highway Access and Highway 58 Access points. Along the trail, paddlers experience rural landscapes, small rapids, and the history of Battle Park and Little Falls.
Outings with Children and Shared Experiences
Sunset Park is located on the Tar River and is a 25-acre park. A boat ramp provides access to the river. The Amusement Center includes a historic miniature railway, an antique carousel, a splash pad and a children’s bug train for guests under 40 inches tall. Together with the Children’s Museum, the planetarium and the interactive exhibits, these offer various possibilities for a day of travel with children of different ages.
When choosing your accommodation, you can take your desired travel rhythm into account: A cultural program can be combined with a visit to Rocky Mount Mills, the Imperial Centre or the Country Doctor Museum, while the arboretum, the greenway and the Tar River offer different points of focus. If you would like to focus your search on a specific place, you can also consider Rocky Mount as a nearby destination.
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