You’re here to cheer, but every sport-supporting parent knows there can be a lot of downtime on tournament weekend. We’ve got your between game guide to all the fun things to do with and without your kids while you’re in Nash County. Whether you’re ready to play, shop, eat, or unwind, this two-day tour has you covered.
Day 1
STOP 1: Game Day Adventure and Arcade
Happy. Tired. Kids. That’s the dream for any parent. Well, that dream is alive and well at Game Day Adventure and Arcade at the Rocky Mount Event Center. Race up one of the indoor climbing walls and leave your fear of heights grounded. Tell those butterflies in your belly what for as you dig deep, jump and grab a punching bag suspended two stories in the air. The entire family is, of course, wrapped, harnessed and tethered together for safety. But, for those feeling competitive and a little more in love with gravity, we suggest aiming for the high-score at the arcade located on the ground level.
STOP 2: D Chill Spot
If you're looking for authentic Jamaican cuisine, look no further than D Chill Spot. You can find everything from your favorite Jerk Chicken, to Curry Chicken Pattys, to vegetarian options. We can't forget to mention this Fried Chicken; crispy, tender and will transport you to another place.
STOP 3: Imperial Centre
The Imperial Center is one-part Science Center and one-part Art Gallery. This 135,000 sq. ft. converted tobacco mill offers guests a chance to touch a moon rock, take a selfie with a Giraffe and then do yoga in a gallery filled with priceless art. This is a good half-day of hands-on learning that will ignite everyone’s imagination.
STOP 4: Bowling Center
Let the good times roll! The Bowling Center is the place to be when you can spare a minute to bowl a few frames. The classic set-up is right up your alley if you want to grab a bite at the snack bar or play a few arcade games. Bring your friends and knock a few down.
STOP 5: Koi Pond Brewing
Koi Pond features an ever-changing variety of unfiltered ales made with local ingredients. This includes pale ales and IPAs, stouts and Belgian beers, Saisons and more. Try an Angry Squirrel. Toss back a Bozo Brown. Then challenge a friend to a game of giant Connect Four. Not into strategy? Grab a flight and settle in for some trivia and local music. Snacks are for sale. But locals and visitors alike simply bring in food from the fabulous local restaurants next door at Rocky Mount Mills.
STOP 6: River and Twine – Tiny House Hotel
Ready to feel like a giant? River and Twine is the world’s largest tiny home hotel and it’s located right here in Rocky Mount. You can choose from one of 27 different tiny homes located in a cozy, wooded setting right beside the Rocky Mount Mills campus. Your accommodations come complete with board games and Adirondack chairs around a fire pit. All you have to bring is a sense of adventure and conversation. Did we mention there are breweries just across the parking lot?
Day 2
STOP 7: Books and Beans
If you like a good book with your morning coffee, this is your place. Perk up your morning at Books and Bean. Breakfast sandwiches, smooth coffee drinks, and inspiration await. Owner and New York Times’ best-selling author Etaf Rum curated this calm space to awaken customers’ senses with locally brewed coffees and teas, as well as a rotating wall of books for sale. She encourages you to borrow a book from the community shelf or donate one you’re ready to pass along. Not a bad way to start the day.
STOP 8: Sunset Park Disc Golf
It doesn’t matter if you are the best disc golfer or just the world’s okayest, we have a course for you. Sunset Park’s 18-hole course winds through the woods and around the park. You’ll find long straightaways, doglegs, and one heavily obstructed hole. Bring your best game. Loser buys the first round.
STOP 9: Nashville Exchange
Cheering sure can work up an appetite. Luckily, the Nashville Exchange has a delicious, hearty menu. Fried chicken salad sandwich with homemade chips, anyone? Locals love the crab cake sandwich and salad bar. There are also wraps, salads, and soup/salad/sandwich combos to satiate everyone in your group. This warm restaurant will have you wanting to stay a while and make it the lunch spot on every Nashville shopping trip.
STOP 10: Stockyard Flea Market
Treasure hunters, this one’s for you. This open air flea market has just about everything you never knew you wanted. Golf clubs, bicycles, vintage typewriters, toys, clothes. . .all available to seasoned and novice bargainers. With plenty of parking and food vendors on site, plan to stay a while. What will you find?
STOP 11: Tar River Flea Market
Who says shopping is not a workout? Get your steps in at the Tar River Flea Market which spans over 15 acres and offers spaces for more than 200 vendors. That includes outdoor shopping as well as over 41,500 sq.ft. of indoor shopping. Great finds can be found everywhere. Antique signs, furniture and clocks vie for attention. Toys and collectibles take you back to your childhood. You’ll even find a larger selection of clothes, fine jewelry and more. You just need the ability to bargain and a sharp eye to spot treasure.
STOP 12: Webby’s Sno and Dough
Need a between game pick-me-up? Webby’s Sno and Dough food truck is parked by the Rocky Mount Sports Complex during seasonal games and tournaments. Webby’s serves up shaved ice with your choice of sweet syrup, be it Tiger’s Blood or Pina Colada. Try and resist the hot fresh mini donuts, we dare you. When you cave, get them sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and a drizzle of chocolate.
STOP 13: Dodge City Steakhouse
If you’re the kind of person that wishes Vegetarians would stop eating your food’s food, then this is the place for you. Dodge City is an experience for steak lovers. It’s just a few minutes away. Open the door and you can hear the sizzle of a top choice cut of 100% Hereford beef over an open flame. You can smell the beef seasoned to perfection with all of your favorite sides. We think you’ll agree: Becoming a Vegetarian now would be a huge missed steak.
