This tour’s for all those folks who want something a little out of the ordinary. Funky birds from far away places, a chance to spot a sasquatch, a milkshake named after a mermaid. Nash County is full of weird, wonderful things for you to discover and make your own.
Day 1
STOP 1: Morning Addiction
Morning Addiction Coffee House is a quaint place to get your morning coffee. Order your favorite flavor of liquid energy, or get one of their frozen versions, and then head out to their cheerful patio to enjoy it. If caffeine is a no-go, try a fruit smoothie with a kick of antioxidants and grab a muffin to go with it
STOP 2: Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Prepare to be a perch for a parakeet at Sylvan Heights Bird Park. This 18-acre park gives visitors an unforgettable up-close experience with over 2,000 waterfowl, parrots, toucans, flamingos, and other exotic birds from around the world. Stroll through spacious, walk-through aviaries and gawk at the iridescent colors and songs of birds from South America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The aviaries are surrounded by tranquil gardens and lush natural areas, which enhance the beauty of the birds on exhibit and immerse visitors in native North Carolina wildlife habitat.
STOP 3: Barley and Burger
Nosh on gourmet burgers with a movie themed twist at Barley and Burger. Start with the fried pickles and one of the local beers on draft before debating the merits of the burgers like the Goonies-inspired “Truffle Shuffle” (caramelized onions, fried mushrooms, swiss cheese and truffle aioli) or the “Marty McFly” (American cheese, chili, slaw and mustard). One bite in one of these 100% black angus beef burgers and your taste buds will be as electrified as 1.21 gigawatts.
STOP 4: Sunset Park Carousel
Life’s a carnival. Now’s your chance to hop on the ride. Bob up and down on a century-old county fair carousel. 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. Beyond the carousel, there’s an antique miniature train and a spray ground. Year-round hit the rest of the park for tennis, volleyball, basketball, and a shaded 18-hole disc golf course.
STOP 5: Imperial Centre
Get up close to the moon at the Imperial Centre for Arts and Sciences. This 135,000 square foot converted tobacco mill offers guests a chance to touch a moon rock and get a peek through a telescope at what lies beyond the atmosphere. The science and art center make for a good half-day of hands-on learning that will ignite everyone’s imagination.
STOP 6: Tipsy Tomato
The Tipsy Tomato is the perfect example of the food you want, precisely where you want it. This little artisan, wood-fired pizza restaurant is located just minutes off the Tar River Trail and right beside the largest Craft Beer campus in this part of North Carolina. Located in a cute, little white house, this place makes you feel both at home and hungry at the same time. Order a large wood fired pizza for the family or build your own personal pie or turnover. Then enjoy your order from a table on their large wooden deck with a view of the Rocky Mount Mills campus. So get your steps in and pop over for a couple slices and a cold one.
Day 2
STOP 7: Country Doctor Museum
Long before waiting rooms and insurance forms and co-pays, the country Doctor was the highest form of medical care. He would travel by buggy to your farm to fix what ails you. Broken bones, aches and pains, random rashes–they were all diagnosed and treated in the comfort of your home. What did all of this cost? There were no surprise emergency room bills with zeros to infinity. Most transactions were settled with a bushel of apples, a few pounds of ham and a little cash. Whatever was available. The job of a country doctor was to care for the people first and worry about payment later. Imagine that.
STOP 8: Michael's Showside Grill
The more you weigh, the harder you are to kidnap. EAT DESSERT. That’s the feeling here at Michael’s Showside Grill. Take their advice. Though it’s a full service grill, you’ll be tempted to skip the meal and go straight to dessert. Chocolate mousse pie, oreo cheesecake, blackberry cobbler. . . drooling yet? Before entering a sugar coma, load up on their fresh seafood or burger of the day. Think hard about coming back Friday and Saturday nights. You can say it’s for the live music, though we all know it’s for the coconut creme pie.
STOP 9: Antique and Art Market
Located in the heart of the historic district of downtown Spring Hope, Antique and Art Market specializes in North Carolina antiques, pottery, country collectibles, and country store items. Their large inventory means bargain hunters don’t have to hunt too hard. Furniture, glassware, rugs, even fine art come to the market from estate sales. A great place to find those brass candlesticks you remember from your grandmother’s mantle or a unique bowl thrown by a local potter for your entryway.
STOP 10: Scavenger's Antiques
Grandma had it. Mom threw it out. Now you can buy it back. Scavengers Antiques is your next stop to find the unexpected. A gnome village in a baking dish. A 100-year-old dresser distressed and painted turquoise. Antique toys and children’s books. Each booth has its own personality and treasures to find.
STOP 11: Lou Reda's American Table
Craft bourbon cocktails. Fried Kung Pao Brussel sprouts. Brisket and short rib burgers. Everything is made in-house on the daily at this modern American restaurant. The menu is constantly changing depending on the inventive, inspired whims of owner Lou Reda and Chef Justin Gaines, who hails from NYC where he worked in Michelin Star restaurants in Manhattan. When the plate hits the table you know that the food is the star of this show. The finest and freshest local ingredients make your plate a pretty picture.
