Having recently moved to Raleigh from Georgia I was eager to see more of the Tarheel state. I found that Nash County was a great quick getaway with less than an hour drive from where I live in Raleigh. So I hopped in my car with a couple of friends and decided to check things out; without wasting a lot of time getting there, we hit the ground running exploring what Nash County has to offer.

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STOP 1:
Imperial Center

Our first stop was The Imperial Center. This 135,000 sq. ft. facility is one-part Science Center and one-part Art Gallery. It is located in a converted tobacco mill and offers guests a chance to touch a moon rock, peer into other galaxies at the planetarium, and do yoga in a gallery filled with priceless art. None of us were in the mood for a downward dog pose, so we chose to browse the exhibits and take a selfie with a Giraffe. The perfect moment for our Instagram story.

STOP 2:
Sunset Park

(Amusement Park) My friends and I are all in our 30's. But in our hearts we are all still twelve. So the Amusement park in Sunset Park had to happen. Sunset Park is a 25-acre oasis in the middle of Rocky Mount. The $5-entry fee to the Amusement Center--open between Memorial Day and Labor Day--is well-spent. We cooled down in the spray ground. We squeezed into cars on the miniature train. We hopped a ride on a century-old county fair carousel. (The white horse on the outside definitely went the fastest)

(Disc Golf) The only thing better about going on a trip with your friends, is beating those friends at a game of disc golf. To achieve this level of "damn, I'm good" I recommend a visit to Sunset Park's disc golf course. This 18-hole course winds through the woods and around the park. You'll find long straightaways, doglegs, and one heavily obstructed hole. But most of what you will find is a way to talk about your now proven sports superiority for the rest of the time together.

STOP 3:
Rocky Mount Mills

After a fun packed afternoon in the sun we were in need of some chill time. We found Rocky Mount Mills. It was originally built in 1818, as a cotton mill. Today, it boasts 82 acres of residential, commercial and entertainment amenities with: 5 breweries, 3 restaurants, a coffee shop and a bookstore. A place to wander alone or with friends.. Plan on making a stop here to taste the latest craft brews, sample a gourmet taco or possibly spot Sasquatch (depending on how many craft beers you sample).

STOP 4:
River and Twine

To our surprise Nash county is home to the largest "tiny house" hotel. River and Twine is located right behind Rocky Mount Mills. This was my chance to find out how much I loved my friends with only 188 sq. ft between us. I am happy to report back that no one was harmed in this overnight stay. River and Twine consists of 27 unique boutique houses in an idyllic setting on the banks of Eastern North Carolina's Tar River. We had all the common hotel amenities but it also came complete with board games and Adirondack chairs around a fire pit. Cannot forget to note that there were eight breweries, homemade tacos and woodfired pizzas, just across the parking lot!

STOP 5:
Tar River Trail

The Tar River Trail is part of an outdoor system that covers over 300 acres and offers over seven miles of trails. The trail runs, in part, next to the Tar River and links five different city parks. Along the path you'll encounter Stonewall Manor, an Antebellum plantation house that is almost 200 years old as well as one of the longest wooden pedestrian bridges in the United States. Bring your hiking boots and prepare to give your fitbit a workout.

(Kayaking) Get ready for a day on the water to see if your relationship floats. Paddlers can explore over 55 miles of waterway along the Tar River and Stony Creek. You can drop in at 10 public access points for a fun time on the water. We chose to use Tar River Life, the local outfitter. Their knowledgeable staff shuttled us from Rocky Mount Mills to the launch point upriver for a three-hour adventure. We got to choose from: single or tandem kayaks, stand up paddle boards or intertubes (life jackets are provided). I recommend you bring your own cooler packed with beverages and snacks if you want to bank up for a bite and a swim at any point along the trip. The flat waters of the Tar River were perfect for beginners like us. At the end got a shuttle back to Rocky Mount Mills. This is how we row in Rocky Mount.

STOP 6:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park

Prepare to be a perch for a parakeet at Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Our next stop in Nash County. This 18-acre park gave us an unforgettable up-close experience with over 2,000 waterfowl, parrots, toucans, flamingos, and other exotic birds from around the world. We strolled aimlessly through spacious walk-through aviaries and gawked at the iridescent colors and songs of birds from around the globe. The aviaries were surrounded by tranquil gardens and a lush natural area, which enhanced the beauty of the birds on exhibit and immersed us in a native North Carolina wildlife habitat.

STOP 7:
Segway Tours

Today we traded in our hiking shoes for a Segway. If you can lean forward, you can ride these motorized miracles. This three-hour tour ventures around many parts of the Tar River Trail including Battle Park: at 57 Acres, it's Nash County's largest park and is centered on the Falls of the Tar River. We took in the scenery and enjoyed the sounds of the rushing water without taking a single step. Be thankful you don't have to walk back to your car. Make a reservation online before you go at https://ttcsegwaytours.com/tours/

STOP 8:
Corner Cafe

After a long day of colorful birds and motorized leaning, we stopped in the quaint town of Nashville. No, not the one in Tennessee. This little town was minutes from our tiny house and is filled with cute shops, street murals and, as it turns out, giant milkshakes. Picture a massive mason jar milkshake piled high with a waffle and whipped cream and chocolate syrup drizzled on top. Now go directly to the Corner Coffee Café in Nashville. You'll find sweet treats of all flavors and types from cookies to cinnamon rolls to iced coffee frappes, but the loaded milkshakes are the real showstoppers. These creative concoctions--with names like "Red Velvet Flame," "Mystical Mermaid," and "Cookie Craving"--will tempt just about anyone. We suggest heading over on your diet cheat day. We might have gained a few pounds and that night and our tiny house felt a little tiny'er.

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Our visit to Nash County couldn't have been any better. A place that has something for everyone! We filled our Insta with photos of giant milkshakes. We had splash fights on the river while paddling. We got even closer as friends in our own Tiny house. Literally. It was the perfect weekend filled with natural beauty, adventure, and unique experiences. So, pack your bags and get ready to create unforgettable memories of your own in Nash County, NC!