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"I observed that Rocky Mount Mills is an 82‑acre entertainment, dining, and residential campus on the site of a restored cotton mill where venues like Books & Beans have opened, exemplifying how the city is converting historic buildings into creative spaces as part of a broader revitalization." - Alex Temblador
Alex Temblador
Alex Temblador is a mixed Latinx award-winning travel writer for Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and Tripadvisor, among others. She's best known for her coverage of diversity, inclusion, and equity as it relates to travel.
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Best Restaurants Along I-95 in the Carolinas | Eater Carolinas
"The Rocky Mount Mills development (from the same folks who did Durham’s American Tobacco Campus) offers a bevy of options for all hours of the day. Early morning travelers will appreciate Books and Beans Coffee Shop (co-owned by New York Times bestselling author Etaf Rum), while a stronger hunger can be sated at one of three restaurants in the complex — Tap @ 1918, TBC West: Tacos & Taproom, and the Tipsy Tomato. Rocky Mount Mills is also home to a brewery incubator; beer lovers can grab some beer for their final destinations from one of six different breweries and bottle shops." - Matt Lardie
This place is incredible. It has great restaurants including steakhouse and pizza,as well as, several breweries and drinking establishments. They have a huge parkiylit where you can park your RV thru Harvest Host and you can even lease a loft. Many local businesses have offices here as well.
Nicole S.
Google
The Rocky Mount Mills is a really cool place to hang out and to live. The apartments and tiny homes are unique and stylish. The variety of brews and special events offer a vibrant atmosphere. However, something needs to be done about DINING out. Places to eat at The Mill have come and gone lately and thats not good or inviting. The Mill needs a good AUTHENTIC Mexican and/or a good AUTHENTIC Sushie (also serving a VARIETY of egg rolls) dining options. I know that Capital Broadcasting and management can come up with some VERY GOOD, DELICIOUS, AND LONG STANDING dining options for The Mill. So the 3 stars are for the dining options the rest of The Mill is 4-5 stars. Peace and Blessings 🙏🙏
Yvan G.
Google
Rocky Mount Mills is such a unique and charming spot. It beautifully blends history, great food, and a laid-back atmosphere all in one place. The restored mill buildings give it a special character, and there are plenty of breweries, restaurants, and open spaces to relax and hang out. Perfect for spending an afternoon, tasting local beers, and walking by the river. Well-kept, welcoming, and full of authentic Southern charm.
Joseph S.
Google
Food was very good. Seafood gumbo was outstanding. Shrimp cocktail was delicious. Ribs were good and very tasty. Nice atmosphere and very friendly. Ed the chef and owner came and said hello which was a nice touch. Will return next time we are in the area.
Jessie C.
Google
This looks like a pretty cool place, but nothing really opens until after 3:00 p.m. since the coffee shop I tried to go to is temporarily closed. Hopefully I can come back sometime when more locations are open.
MJ W.
Google
Smaller than I expected. Historic and beautiful. Would have loved more signs and insight about Rocky Mount Mill’s past. I understand there is significant history here but not much information was shared or displayed about the history of the people who worked the mill that represent the Rocky Mount community. Food was great! Would love to see history highlighted in a clear and direct way. I love a quality restoration but to leave out the foundation of the location is a disservice to the community.
Rebecca M.
Google
What a fantastic concept! Plenty of choices to eat and drink. Combined business comolex with loft style living and offices. This old cotton yarn manufacturing building is a gem! We found it on Harvest Hosts and were able to secure 1 of 5 RV parking spots forbthe night. We ate over looking the water, listening to the falls on the other side. Prime Choice Smokehouse has plenty of offerings for every palate. Or, you can choose a more upscale dining experience at Jacks. We saw 3 different breweries in the complex to try, which means we need to come back!
Mike M.
Google
Really cool historic area with restaurants and some good breweries. Everywhere is dog friendly which is nice. I wish there would have been a walking trail around the building highlighting the history with some old pictures or something to educate the history.
Banks G.
Yelp
Great place, but genuinely thinking of moving out if they don't stop putting "no fishing" signs up. The one by prime I understand, but the one behind the dumpsters? Ridiculous. We disturb nothing over there! Hope to see this changed, cheaper places have fishing closer than battle park is.
Jonathan W.
Yelp
This area is truly fantastic, and it played a big part in making me adore Rocky Mount during my brief stay. It's an excellent spot to enjoy a beer, indulge in some incredible food (especially BBQ!), and spend quality time with your kids. The cleanliness and upkeep are remarkable. The staff at all the businesses I engaged with were incredibly friendly. Without a doubt, if I ever find myself in Rocky Mount again, I'll be sure to revisit this wonderful area.
Jake P.
Yelp
Great area in Rocky Mount! My first mistake was not allowing enough time to visit...there's plenty to do when it comes to eating and drinking. When I arrived it was almost dark so I didn't make it to the river, but I look forward to visiting again soon and checking out the river front piece. All of the businesses, restaurants, and breweries are housed in historic buildings that were formally part of the mill. I love seeing historic places like this turning into destinations.
I did notice a few places (restaurants and breweries) were closed midweek. It seems like Thursday - Saturday is the best time to visit.
For untapped nerds...there are at least 4 breweries walkable to each other in here! The anchor brewery is HopFly brewing. Great IPAs and I also sampled a solid barrel aged stout. I also visited Koi Pond and Tarboro breweries in there.
There are quite a few food options! I saw sandwiches, Italian, tacos, and a few other places. I settled in at the Prime Smokehouse and enjoyed some pretty good wings and a solid NC beer selection.
J E.
Yelp
On our way south on 95, we stopped in Rocky Mount for lunch. This is a BEAUTIFUL mixed use district, only a few miles east of 95, definitely worth the stop! There are restaurants, shops and it's a beautiful, riverfront place to sit, decompress and enjoy the quiet beauty while dining!
Falan E.
Yelp
This review is for one of many visits during my time as a resident of Rocky Mount and now as a visitor. One of my favorite places for my family and me to visit when we're home bonding. I'm a Rocky Mount native, and the Mills has brought something great to the small city of Rocky Mount that I have grown to appreciate. I saw it from the beginning to a now grown area of local restaurants, breweries, businesses, and event spaces. Everyone is nice and professional. This is a great place to enjoy lunch, dinner, and late night cocktails before heading home.
Nicolette B.
Yelp
Nice place for some drinks ,food!
I saw families with kids that bring games or there iPads!
Katie J.
Yelp
The Mills was part of why we picked Rocky Mount for our new home purchase. The grounds are lovely, spacious, and well-maintained; the food and drink options are many, and there's even stuff for the kids to do safely while parents relax and socialize. We can't wait to bring family and friends for food, drink, and live music!
Stephanie J.
Yelp
Rocky Mount Mills is a restored cotton mill that has so many things to do now. I have only visited for the breweries/bottle shop but there are also restaurants and other things to do. I can't wait for this area to start picking up and for the businesses to expand their hours. I am really enjoying it plus it's beautiful.
Brooke M.
Yelp
this place was a lot cleaner than other dealerships and more friendly especially zavon !
Bridget P.
Yelp
Awful for our wedding. Poor communication, continuously adding charges, and didn't RETURN rentals. So unprofessional and disappointing.
Brent W.
Yelp
This was one of the first cotton mills constructed in the state of North Carolina, dating back to 1816. It closed its doors in the 1990s. It is currently being redeveloped and it is awesome. An amazing historical location with great views of the river. Very good small breweries and food. Working on a hotel on the campus. Worth the drive and with promises of getting even better.