A parade of minivans and SUVs pull in beside one another in the parking lot. The vehicles immediately shimmy as doors slide open and nervous, excited, young voices flit through the air with, "Where’s my water bottle? What field are we on? There’s coach!" Parents and family members pull out camp chairs, spray sunscreen, and wear team colors with pride. Dads cheer. Moms soothe wounded pride. Teams strive, improve, come together, and celebrate here. It’s another game day at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex.
Located just off HWY 64 and I-95, this 143-acre multi-use facility hosts a wide variety of recreational programming. Baseball. Soccer. Football. Volleyball. Disc golf. If it involves running, throwing, spiking or scoring of any kind, chances are you’ll find it here.
Each year thousands of spectators and participants alike are drawn here by the games, but soon find that there’s much to discover beyond the Complex. Between games they’re exploring Nash County and learning that their greatest weekend story lies not just in the wins and losses, but in adventures they had off the field.
Here’s the between game guide to all the fun things to do before, between, and after the games while you’re in Nash County. Play, eat, stay –we have it all.
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PLAY:
Off the field, there are plenty of ways to play in Nash County.
Explore the Tar River
Hike the Tar River Trail. This 3.1-mile paved path takes you through Rocky Mount, starting at Sunset Park and connecting five city parks. Or book a half-day trip with Tar River Life and venture down the river on a self-guided kayak tour.
Shop local in Nash County
There are plenty of rare finds to be found at the Stockyard Flea Market and Tar River Flea Market.
Keep up the competition
Let the good times roll with the kids at the Bowling Center. 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. Keep the kids moving at Game Day Adventure and Arcade. Race up one of the indoor climbing walls and leave your fear of heights grounded.
Expand your mind at the Imperial Centre
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.
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EAT:
Grab some sweets
Do not pass go and head directly to Webby’s Sno and Dough for a between game pick-me-up. They’ll have a food truck 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.
Pick up a pick me up
Coffee lovers should check out Larema Coffee House and Books and Beans. Locally roasted coffees and pastries are percolating at these popular coffee shops.
Live dangerously, grab a taco outside of Tuesday
Tacos on the brain? Try TBC West Taproom and Tacos where you can get shrimp, short rib and other inventive taco fillings along with test run beers from Tobacco Brewing Company’s Rocky Mount micro brewery.
In the mood for melted cheese
Wood-fired pizza and local craft beers are flowing at Tipsy Tomato, which boasts a killer porch for outdoor dining at Rocky Mount Mills.
Burgers with an 80s throwback
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).
Moo to plate
Dodge City Steakhouse 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.
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STAY
Come early or leave later, there’s lots of reasons to stay a few days in Nash County. Spend a night or two in your very own tiny house at River and Twine, or one of 2,500 hotel rooms nearby.