Some say romance is dead. But we think it’s alive and well here in Nash County. To prove our point, here’s a date to help guaranteed to ignite some passion. Take a stroll along the Tar River and have a romantic lunch on the boulders. Swing by Sunset park and discover your inner child on a century old wooden carousel. Then end the day with a candlelight meal prepared by a Celebrity Chef –but the only stars you will be seeing are in each others eyes.
STOP 1: Stroll along the 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.
STOP 2: Picnic on the Boulders
What's better than a picnic to get to know someone? How about a picnic in the middle of a river. Grab some lunch from Tipsy Tomato or TBC West on the Rocky Mount Mills campus and head over to Battle Park. There, you can hop out to the boulder just below the dam and enjoy a romantic lunch date --just you, the sound of rushing water, and a few jealous heron.
STOP 3: The "County Fair" Carousel
The circa 1920 Herschell-Spillman “County Fair” style carousel was bought for the City of Rocky Mount in 1952 by the Rocky Mount Civitan Club. The Carousel was severely damaged in the flood of 1999 and required extensive restoration which was completed by Carousel Magic of Mansfield, Ohio. Renovated rounding boards were added to include paintings of images found on 1920’s postcards depicting Rocky Mount landmarks and activities of that time.
STOP 4: Koi Pond
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. Or 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.
