Entertainment options and events for children and family in the Rocky Mount area.

Retiring-in-North-Carolina-Belmont-Lake-Preserve

Retiring in North Carolina is a trend that consistently sees more parents and grandparents relocating to the Tar Heel State each year. An obvious reason would be location due to the influx of their children and younger families heading to NC first. However, upon further research, we think you’ll find a number of other reasons for Retiring in North Carolina. Similarly, and more specifically there are a number of reasons that once looking in NC, you’ll agree the perfect retirement fit is at the new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve (BLP) golf community.

Retiring-in-North-Carolina
Belmont Lake Preserve features over acres of outdoor green space and likewise, the city of Rocky Mount has some of the most spectacular walking and hiking trails in the entire Southeast.

The Perfect Location for Retiring in North Carolina

As earlier stated, there is a great allure to Retiring in North Carolina, especially for those who have family that has made the move prior. In contrast, what many retirees don’t realize is the proximity of NC to almost any major city or area on the east coast.

Thus, if a retired couple has difficulty choosing a location as they have one grown child with a family in Georgia and another in Maryland, selecting one or the other puts them at a greater distance from the location not chosen. As a result, the perfect location would find them Retiring in North Carolina. Even more specifically, the perfect destination in North Carolina, “location-wise,” would be the Belmont Lake Preserve golf community.

The new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve place you ideally within reasonable driving distance from major cities and areas in the state or the Eastern U.S. The statistics below show the actual distance you would be from major NC and U.S Cities once Retiring in North Carolina.=

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The following map shows the ideal location of the new homes in Rocky Mount at BLP in accordance with other major cities along the East Coast of the United States.

Belmont Lake Preserve Distance From U.S. Cities

  • Richmond, VA- 120 miles
  • Norfolk, VA- 130 miles
  • Washington, DC- 225 miles
  • Baltimore, MD- 276 miles
  • Charleston, SC- 280 miles
  • Philadelphia, PA- 373 miles
  • New York, NY- 450 miles
  • Atlanta, GA- 470 miles

Belmont Lake Preserve Distance From N.C. Cities

  • Raleigh- 50 miles
  • Morehead City- 120 miles
  • Greensboro- 123 miles
  • Outer Banks- 136 miles
  • Wilmington- 161 miles
  • Charlotte- 199 miles
  • Asheville- 295 miles
Retirement-in-North-Caroilina-Belmont-Lake-Preserve
The mild climate and gorgeous scenery in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve (pictured) are just a few reasons for Retiring in North Carolina.

Whether you are Retiring in North Carolina may depend on the Weather

Most noteworthy for those relocating from further North is the change in climate when Retiring in North Carolina. While NC still enjoys its four seasons, they receive significantly less snowfall than the states to the north.

Likewise, North Carolina’s average winter temperature ranges between 10-20 degrees warmer than those located in the Northeast and is the 11th highest winter temperature nationally. Sure, the NC summer’s can get warm, but comparatively the average temperature statewide is very livable in the mid-70’s.

Average Temperature in state of North Carolina

  • Summer- 75.7 degrees
  • Winter- 42.1 degrees
  • Annual- 59.0 degrees
Retiring-in-NC-BLP-amenities
The BLP Golf Clubhouse is host to a full golf pro shop and a fantastic restaurant, The Main Course at Belmont.

Average Temperature in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve

  • Summer- 82.3 degrees
  • Winter- 42.6 degress
  • Annual- 61.9 degrees

Why is Belmont Lake Preserve is the “perfect” retirement destination?

We’ve detailed location and climate and those numbers are undeniable. In the paragraph to follow we will discuss affordability. So, in looking at the introduction to this article there is one question for us yet to answer. Why is Belmont Lake Preserve is the “perfect” retirement destination?

For starters, we will preface our next paragraph and talk about the affordability of new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve. Starting in the upper $190,000’s, it is rare to find such an affordable, newly built home with a nationally-acclaimed home builder crafting your house. Well, not at Belmont Lake Preserve it isn’t. At BLP, “America’s Favorite Builder,” D.R. Horton has several affordable and beautiful floor plans for you to select from and if you have your own custom dream home in mind, BLP also has many home lots for sale in a variety of sizes in which you can find the right fit and your own custom builder to come in and makes those dreams a reality.

As if that was not enough, by choosing the new homes in Rocky Mount at BLP, you also get access to the community’s spa-like amenities. These include both an indoor and outdoor pool, a full gym/training facility, an 18-hole professional golf course, and so much more. Consequently, if you combine the BLP amenities, the affordable homes, location, and climate, I think you are starting see why this is the perfect retirement fit.

Amenities at Belmont Lake Preserve (BLP) Golf Community in Rocky Mount, NC

BLP Community Clubhouse features:

Retiring-in-North-Carolina-BLP
The BLP Community Clubhouse features a spectacular outdoor and indoor pool, training facility and more.
  • Meeting, gathering and activity rooms
  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
  • A state-of-the-art fitness facility
  • Full catering and dining facilities
  • A billiards room

BLP Golf Clubhouse features:

  • “The Main Course at Belmont” Restaurant
  • Indoor and Outdoor Dining Areas
  • Full Golf Pro Shop
  • Golf Lessons available
Retiring-in-North-Carolina-Belmont-Lake-Golf-Club
The. Belmont Lake Golf Club was recently named by Golf Advisor as the #11 Top Golf Course in North Carolina for 2019.

BLP Golf Course features and accolades:

  • David Johnson Championship 18-hole design
  • Golf Instruction by PGA Pro Tim Wilke
  • Named #11 Top Course in NC for 2019 (Golf Advisor)
  • Named #12 of 2019 Courses for Pace of Play in U.S. (Golf Advisor)
  • Given a 4.7 of 5 stars rating (Golf Advisor)

Is Retiring in North Carolina an Affordable Option?

Certainly, the cost of living is a big question anyone will ask when considering relocation. Above all, this may be a deal breaker or deal maker when thinking about Retiring in North Carolina.

From what you’ve seen already, the answer is an obvious, yes. North Carolina does have a low cost of living and is very affordable for those in the retirement years. However, don’t take our word for it…for further analysis on the cost of living and affordability, the following paragraph was quoted from the digital personal finance publication, moneywise.com. (In actuality, moneywise also backs us up on the location and climate too!)

“North Carolina is one of the few places where you can visit rugged mountains and sandy beaches in the same day,” the blog posting says. “With its hot and humid summers and mild-to-chilly winters, the Tar Heel State has the perfect climate for enjoying its charming towns and waterfronts.”

Moving along to cost of living, moneywise concludes, “…Social Security benefits are not taxed, and property taxes are comparatively low.”The cost of living in North Carolina is 5% below the national average and studies put the state in the top 20 for affordability.”

Retiring-in-North-Carolina-new-homes-in-Rocky-Mount
Affordability is a key I for Retiring in NC. Beautiful homes by “America’s Favorite Builder,” DR Horton at BLP like the one shown are available.

New Homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve

Finally, you have answered each of these important questions about Retiring in North Carolina. Yes, the location and climate are both exactly what you were seeking. Likewise, it is affordable and the fantastic new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve also give you incredible on-site amenities.

So, in answering these questions, ironically, it raises two more questions to be answered. First, would be, “How could Retiring in North Carolina be such a perfect fit?” Futhermore, question two will be, “What is taking you so long to get here ?!?

To view the new homes in Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community, visit the “Available Homes” section of belmontlakepreserve.com.

New-Homes-in-Rocky-Mount-Belmont-Lake-Preserve-Main-Course

The Main Course at Belmont restaurant has been described as a “hidden gem” in the Belmont Lake Preserve community. Located in the Belmont Lake Preserve Golf Clubhouse, the Main Course at Belmont first opened in 2014. Since its inception, the restaurant has continued to get rave reviews and deliver a fine dining experience in Rocky Mount.

A “Taste of Lifestyle Redefined

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The bar at the Main Course at Belmont is waiting for memories to be made, while your friends and family gather before or after an afternoon game for a great time

Though located on-site at Belmont Lake Preserve, the Main Course is open to the public. They are open Tuesday-Sunday, for lunch and Thu-Sun for dinner at the Main Course. Proprietor Mark Piatkowski and his staff headlined by Chef Robert “Buck” Gibbs have created a menu and atmosphere that is both inviting and fulfilling for all tastes.

Whether looking for a bite to eat with the family or a cold beverage with a friend, The Main Course at Belmont is the perfect spot for anyone and any occasion. The Main Course has a full bar if you want to enjoy a drink before or after 18 holes. Likewise, whether your taste is the ‘gourmet burger’ menu or the popular specials, the service and food are second to none.

Lunch: Tue-Sun: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Tee Off with the Lunchtime Classics

Offering great salads, entrees, sandwiches or burgers, it is no wonder The Main Course at Belmont has become the hot spot among Rocky Mount restaurants. Looking to go lighter? Try the popular Chef’s Salad or Belmont Beet Salad with the Soup of the day that is made from scratch daily. The salads available for lunch at the Main Course are:

Rocky-Mount-restaurants-Belmont Lake Preserve

Lunch specials at the Main Course at Belmont are served daily liked this Grilled chicken cordon bleu on a sourdough panini. (Grilled chicken, ham, swiss cheese, lettuce with a bourbon honey glaze dressing.)

You can never go wrong with any of the sandwiches offered at The Main Course at Belmont. ‘The Rich Boy” (beer battered flounder), “Ruth Anne’s Rueben,” “Buck’s Shrimp Salad,” the “Palmer” (1/4 Angus beef hot dog), or a “Belmont Club” (ham, turkey, bacon, cheese, double-decker) are just a few among the favorites. Sandwiches offered for lunch Tuesday-Sunday are:

  • The Southerner (Fried Green Tomatoes/Candied Bacon/Pimento Cheese)
  • Buck’s Shrimp Salad
  • Belmont Club (see above paragraph)
  • The Rich Boy (see above paragraph)
  • Tomato Basil Wrap (Tomato basil tortilla filled w/smoked ham/dry, cured genoa salami/mild cheddar)
  • Fairway Turkey Sandwich
  • Ruth Anne’s Reuben
  • Prime Rib Sandwich
  • The Palmer (see above paragraph)

Also, try the amazing  “Wobbie’s Ribs,” a half-rack smothered in the house made bourbon BBQ sauce, or the southern classic, “Shrimp-n-Gritz.” This is available in either Cajun or Charleston style. For the full lunch menu at the Main Course at Belmont, click here.

Dinner: Thurs – Sat: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm

The ‘Front 9’ (or 10): Appetizers at The Main Course at Belmont

main-course-at-belmont- Belmont Lake Preserve

The appetizers even have a ‘special’ here and there in addition to the everyday favorites at the Main Course. (Pictured are breaded chicken wings)

The Main Course at Belmont has become known for its great dinners, and always draws a nice crowd on Thursday-Sunday nights. One of the most popular ways to start the night is the incredible appetizers. Much like the entire menu, the appetizers are very unique as compared to the more common fare seen at other Rocky Mount restaurants. Appetizers offered at the Main Course at Belmont are:

  • Hot Crab Spread
  • Buck’s Shrimp Salad
  • Fried Pickles & Fries
  • Chip Basket
  • Firecracker Shrimp
  • Duck Bacon Wonton
  • Glazed Pork Belly
  • Chicken Wings
  • Onion Rings
  • Mac & Cheese Bites

 Going for the ‘Green’: A ‘Lighter Side’ for Dinner

main-course-at-belmont-Belmont Lake Preserve

Sometimes a salad is special…in this case, it was a special at the Main Course, a Blackened Belmont Salad, blackened chicken on a bed of fresh mixed greens, roasted peppers, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles and avocado with your choice of dressing.

The Main Course offers many delicious dinner options, too.  Much like the array of appetizers that many can’t be found at any other Rocky Mount restaurants, their ‘lighter side’ or salad choices are also as unique as they are delicious. Yes, you can get the classics like “Grilled Chicken” or “Chef’s Salad,” but the variety again set the Main Course apart.

Salads being offered. for dinner hours at the Main Course include:

  • Petit Chateau Salad (fresh greens and veggies, shaved parmesan, tossed in white balsamic vinaigrette, topped w/ beef tenderloin)
  • Grilled Chicken Salad
  • Citrus Salmon Salad (grilled Canadian salmon on top of fresh greens/veggies/orange slices)
  • Garden Salad
  • Chef’s Salad

Steaks, Seafood, and Chops that are Anything but ‘Par for the Course’

rocky-mount-nc-restaurants

The always popular Main Couse at Belmont, Friday night Prime Rib special keeps them coming back for more…and more!

While the nightly specials are many times to difficult to pass on, the steaks, seafood, and chops at the Main Course are pretty close to a “hole-in-one.” Straight off the  Main Course at Belmont dinner menu, the following mouth-watering items are available “From the Grill.”

  • Pork Rib-Eye Chop
  • St. Louis Ribs
  • Belmont Chicken (8 oz breast, smothered in cheddar, grilled onion, bacon, honey mustard)
  • Clubhouse Burger (1/2 pound brisket blend)
  • Filet Medallions
  • Filet Mignon (Center Cut, Certified Angus, 8 oz.)
  • Angus Ribeye (10 oz. Prime Cut)
  • Prime Rib *(Served every Friday)

restaurants-in-Rocky-Mount-Belmont Lake Preserve

Depending on the season and the availability, the fresh seafood ‘Weekly Catch’ special (such as oysters pictured here) are always some of the more popular menu items

Likewise, just as many ‘look to the grill,’ repeat customers at the Main Course also rave about the seafood keeping them coming back. The following are the options from ‘under the sea’ available Thu-Sat nights.

  • Baltimore Crab Cakes
  • Tuna Takayama
  • Seared Canadian Salmon
  • Shrimp-n-Grits
  • Fresh Catch (weekly option based on availability)

To see the entire dinner menu from the Main Course, you can also click right here.

Main Course at Belmont Gourmet Burger Menu: 66 % Brisket/34% Chuck= 100 % Delicious

One of the other things setting the Main Course apart from competitors right from the ‘”first tee,” is the awesome Gourmet Burger menu available.

gourmet-burger-menu-Belmont Lake Preserve

The Main Course at Belmont Gourmet Burger Menu…enough said!!

These are too many to simply list all ingredients, as we urge you to check out the incredible full Main Course burger menu here. However, just knowing on top of these incredible options below, there are also awesome weekly burger specials too.

  • The Hawg (BBQ Glazed Pork Belly, Gouda Cheese)
  • The Dougie (All-beef sliced hot dog, chili, slaw, American cheese)
  • The Belmont
  • The Wedge (Bacon, Tomato Chutney, Bleu Cheese, Ranch)
  • The Funky Bunch (Fried Onion, Pickles, Broccoli Bits, Feta Cheese, Thai Chili Mayo)
  • The 007 (Black Bean Veggie Burger, Sundried Tomato, Herb Butter Pickle Okra, Boursin Cheese)
  • Best of Both Worlds (Philly steak, onions, peppers, mushrooms, provolone)
  • The Yard Bird (ground chicken, breadcrumbs, provolone cheese, pepperoni sauce, garlic herb butter)
  • The Torch ( swiss, provolone, pepper jack, gouda cheeses, w/ a jalapeno siracha hot sauce)

The Main Course at Belmont is located in the Golf Clubhouse at Belmont Lake Preserve new home community. The address is 201 Belmont Way, Rocky Mount, NC and for reservations or question call (252) 977-1029. For more information on homes for sale in Rocky Mount NC at BLP, visit our “available homes” section.

 

Retirement-in-North-Caroilina-Belmont-Lake-Preserve

The city of Rocky Mount NC, its desirable location and affordability are finally getting the recognition it deserves. Also, efforts of authorities working with residents have helped make Living in Rocky Mount NC a safer choice than ever. All this combined with the resort-like, on-site amenities that led you to seek out new homes in Rocky Mount NC at the Belmont Lake Preserve new home community has you on the path to “Lifestyle Redefined,” and in this series of blog posts, we will detail the great things happening in the city you now call home.

Rocky Mount NC Location- NC Cities and Landmarks

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The famous Cape Hatteras lighthouse on the Outer Banks NC is just one of many landmarks conveniently reached from your Rocky Mount NC Location, sitting under 140 miles from Belmont Lake Preserve

Under an hour from Raleigh, about two hours from the Outer Banks NC, and four hours from the mountains, Rocky Mount NC Location puts you a short drive from all the state’s most desirable spots. Below, you can see exactly how far you are from major NC cities when Living in Rocky Mount NC.

  • Raleigh  50 miles
  • Moorehead City 120 miles
  • Greensboro 123 miles
  • Outer Banks 136 miles
  • Wilmington 161 miles
  • Charlotte 199 miles
  • Asheville 295 miles

The “Halfway” Point – Rocky Mount NC Location to US Cities

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Rocky Mount NC Location finds you at what many refer to as the “Halfway Point” between New York and Florida.

Likewise, being geographic “halfway point” between New York and Florida gives you easy access to friends or family basically anywhere on the east coast. Here, you can see the close proximity that you are from some major US Cities while Living in Rocky Mount NC.

  • Richmond, VA120 miles
  • Norfolk, VA 130 miles
  • Washington, DC225 miles
  • Charleston, WV 280 miles
  • New York, NY 450 miles
  • Atlanta, GA 470 miles
  • Miami, FL 880 miles

Rocky Mount Among Most Affordable Places in NC

On top of being ideally located for convenience getting to all NC landmarks and east coast destinations, cost of living is another big selling point when deciding to seek out new homes for sale in Rocky Mount NC. Supporting the p[receding statement is the annual movoto.com rankings which placed Rocky Mount as number 13 on its list of Most Affordable Places in NC.
The prestigious annual Most Affordable Places in NC list cited several reasons for Rocky Mount being 13th. Its top overall rank was for “miscellaneous costs.” This includes entertainment, clothing, restaurants, repair costs, etc. Additionally, the blog explaining the results gave high marks for the affordability of new homes in Rocky Mount. This would also support your move into a new home at Belmont Lake Preserve new home community.

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Median Home Costs and affordability of a beautiful home like this new home for sale in Rocky Mount NC at Belmont Lake Preserve were major factors in Rocky Mount being named among the Most Affordable Places in NC

These are the areas for Most Affordable Places in NC rankings where Rocky Mount improved their score from 2017-18.

  •  Miscellaneous  Costs (Entertainment, Clothing, Repairs, etc.)
  •  Median Home Costs
  •  Utility Costs
  •  Adjusted median income
  •  Unemployment Rank

A City on the Rise: Rocky Mount Continues  to Climb

With improvements consistent over the past few years in these areas, Rocky Mount is no question a city on the rise. In our next post in this series, we will look at other areas the city has received praise for. It will detail the city’s ranking among Best Cities to Raise a Family and Safest Cities in NC. For more information on new homes for sale in Rocky Mount NC at Belmont Lake Preserve, visit the “Available Homes” page at our website or arrange a visit here.
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The name on the location of the 9thAnnual Rocky Mount Paws in the Park event says it all, as ‘Best Friend’s Dog Park’ at 400 East Duke Circle (just minutes from Belmont Lake Preserve) will host a day full of activities focused on you and your furry friends.

This years’ Rocky mount paws in the Park event is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 and will start at 11:00 am and run for three fun-filled hours until 2:00 pm. As it has in its previous 8 years of existence, Rocky Mount Paws in the Park promotes responsibility in pet ownership and the humane treatments of dogs, with a full day of contests and special events.

Once again, returning to the Rocky Mount Paws in the Park event will be a crowd favorite from previous years, the “Dare Devil Dogs.” This is a high energy, exciting stunt show where dogs will perform, catching frisbees and flying discs in acrobatic fashion in an awesome display that all are sure to enjoy. The “Dare Devil Dogs” will perform two entire shows throughout the day’s events.

As has become expected at Rocky Mount Paws in the Park, this year will see many unique events throughout the day. According to the official Facebook event page, each of the  following will also take place on April 14 at Best Friend’s Dog Park:

  • Doggie Treasure/Egg Hunt
  • Pet Fashion Show
  • Art and Photo Booths
  • Vendors and Demonstrations
  • Live Music
  • Food Trucks

In addition to all of this, there will also be reduced price microchipping and rabies shots for your pet on site. For further information on this years’ Rocky Mount Paws in the Park 9thanniversary celebration, visit their Facebook Event page here.

Rocky-Mount-International-Festival-of-Cultures

On Saturday, March 2, just a few minutes up the road from your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community on the campus of Nash Community College, there will be a celebration of diversity with in the local community as a part of the Rocky Mount International Festival of Cultures.

Starting at 12:00 pm and running until 4:00 pm at the on campus, Brown Auditorium, the Rocky Mount International Festival of Cultures has become an annual favorite among local events. “This festival brings our community together and shows us how our diversity empowers us,” said city of Rocky Mount Director of Human Relations, Archie Jones.

There will be many tastes, sounds, and sights on hand at the Rocky Mount International Festival of Cultures for all to enjoy on March 2. These will include an array of exotic foods for sampling from across the globe, and vendors, who likewise will be selling and showcasing items representing a variety of ethnicities and cultures. In addition, there will be a fashion show and also multi-cultural live music and entertainment to enjoy at the Rocky mount International Festival of Cultures.

Slated to be represented and on display at the Rocky Mount International Festival of Cultures are communities and traditions to include Central American, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, African American, and the Hawaii-Saponi Indian Tribe.

Summing up the great community feel of this celebration of diversity, Jones concluded his statement on the official city website saying, “From the food to the fashion and the friendly atmosphere, this event showcases some of the best of our city-the many cultures that call Rocky Mount home.”

For more information on the Rocky Mount International Festival of Cultures, visit the City Of Rocky Mount website at rockymountnc.gov.

Rocky-Mount-NC-Restaurants

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Delicious steaks, chops, and like dishes are always popular at “An American Table”

The state of North Carolina has long been known for its wide array of incredible and unique food offerings ” The city of Rocky Mount NC Restaurant can certainly offer up a wide variety of dining options and one of the most unique and delicious experiences you will find state wide is just minutes from the premier North Carolina golf community at Belmont Lake Preserve , at Lou Reda’s” An American Table Restaurant.

An immediate favorite among Rocky Mount NC Restaurants since opening doors in the Fall of 2013, Lou Reda’s has impressed both the local residents and travelers passing through town on either US Highway 64 or I-95 with what they refer to on their own website as “ a wide variety of tantalizing upscale American cuisine.” The uniqueness of such an incredible array of choices on the brunch, lunch or dinner menus is unparalleled by any other Rocky Mount NC restaurant and combines all of the elements and menu options from your favorite steak houses, seafood restaurants, and comfort food joints.

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A variety of succulent seafood dishes and pastas are a staple of Lou Reda’s menu

Continuously striving to build on a reputation for their commitment to that “one of a kind” dining experience, as well as to set the standard for authentic quality taste and freshness among Rocky Mount NC Restaurant, Lou Reda has spent over two decades in the culinary field and prides himself on every item from sauces to butters being made in house.

The local favorites on the ever-evolving menu at Lou Reda’s is nearly impossible to list with so many popular items and such a wide variety of choices. However, mouth watering items such as the slow cooked brisket and ribs, fresh cut varieties of fish and seafood options, chicken-n-waffles, or a juicy 14 ounce rib eye steak are just a few staples that keep the locals choosing Lou Reda’s as their number one among Rocky Mount NC restaurant. Additionally, they take the Rocky Mount NC Restaurant experience “across the globe” on a weekly basis, changing menu options to represent a different area or ethnicity, possibly offering a Creole-style Cajun menu one week, to be followed by one resembling an Irish or British pub, with maybe more Asian themed dishes the next.

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Lou Reda’s sandwiches and burgers are some of the best in the land!

With an unbelievable variety on their lunch, dinner, and brunch menu, Lou Reda’s: An American Table restaurant is sure to please every appetite at your own personal table, one way or another. They also offer several catering options for all your special events and much like their food menus, boast the widest selection among Rocky Mount NC Restaurant behind the bar also, with an incredible list of “bourbon infused” cocktails, all featuring home made syrups and puree’s used in the drinks.

Lou Reda’s: An American Table is located at 3646 Sunset Boulevard in Rocky Mount, to see their full menu and all the details on what is sure to be your most unique experience among Rocky Mount NC Restaurant, check out their website at www.louredas.com

(Photos Courtesy of Lou Reda’s American Table)

Normally held on the first Friday evening of each month, the December 6 installment of First Friday at the Imperial Centre will carry a Christmas theme, featuring activities for the whole family in all sections of the downtown Rocky Mount arts center only a few minutes from your family’s new home at Belmont Lake Preserve new home golf community.

The Imperial Centre website listed the following special activities that will be taking place on the December 6 First Friday at the Imperial Centre in addition to the lighting of the Imperial Centre Christmas tree, a visit from Santa Claus for the kids, and carriage rides and bounce houses in the courtyard where there has been a forecast for “snow,” to get all in the mood of the season.

In the Childrens’ Museum at First Friday at the Imperial Centre will be:

  • Free admission featuring new exhibit, “Rainforest Adventures”
  • Kid’s activities
  • Rocky Mount Wildlife Rehabbers
  • Planetarium Show: Season of Light at 7 pm
  • Lasershow: Laser Holiday at 8 pm
  • Braswell Memorial Pop-Up Library

In the Arts Center at First Friday at the Imperial Centre will be:

  • Live Music with Susan and Thomas Wells
  • Photo Booth
  • Gallery Sketching
  • Art Activities and Demos
  • Art Exhibitions open to the public

In the Main Lobby Area atFirst Friday at the Imperial Centre will be:

  • Art Demonstartion
  • Vendors
  • Dance USA information and demos
  • Tar River Piecemakers Quilt Guide information table

In the Theatre atFirst Friday at the Imperial Centre will be:

  • “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and the Christmas Chorus at 7:30 pm

The Imperial Centre is located at 270 Gay Street in Rocky Mount. For more information on First Friday at the Imperial Centre and all their fun upcoming family friendly events, go to imperialcentre.org.

 

 

 

Following in the classic holiday tradition that is trimming the tree, hanging the stockings, and awaiting Santa to descend down the chimney, the 63rd annual Rocky Mount Christmas Parade returns on Sunday, December 2, just down the street from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve, bringing holiday joy and the yuletide spirit once again to downtown Rocky Mount. 

This years’ Christmas Parade in Rocky Mount has a very special theme, as the city officials and members of the community will band together with the United States Marine Corps Reserve, who will be on hand to collect donated toys for less fortunate youngsters in the area to help ensure a special Christmas morning for the little ones who may not normally receive such gifts. The representatives from the Marine Corps will be located near City Hall, on the corner of Church and Nash Street before, during, and after the Christmas Parade in Rocky Mount to collect the “Toys for Tots.”

The 63rd annual Christmas Parade in Rocky Mount will commence at 3:00 p.m., ringing in the holiday season as the community and all its residents “get in the spirit of the season” as they march through downtown in grand fashion. In addition to the area schools, bands, dance groups, and other groups that are sure to impress with there individual floats that are encouraged to be decorated in accordance with this years’ worthy them of “Toys for Tots,” the little ones will also be thrilled to know that once again, Santa Claus himself, along with Ms. Claus will also be on hand as a part of the 2018 Christmas Parade in Rocky Mount.

For more information on the 63rdannual Christmas Parade in Rocky Mount, you can email [email protected], or call the city’s Parks and Recreation Department office at 252-972-1159.

In addition to the luxurious, spa-like amenities that helped introduce you and your family to “lifestyle redefined” at Belmont Lake Preserve, the vast array of outdoor living activities and scenery that you enjoy so much will be detailed in this the first of what will be an ongoing series  to familiarize you with all of the incredible and beautiful Rocky Mount Parks, as well as other natural attractions across town.

Sunset Park

The first in our series on Rocky Mount Parks should come as no surprise to residents as any long time resident of the city can attest that at some point in their youth and their travels among the parks in Rocky Mount, they have waited on line to take their turn on the hand painted, wooden, carousel horses that are synonomous with Sunset Park. Referred to at the official Rocky Mount website as the “city’s main park,” the 25-acre, Sunset Park is located on Taylor Drive and River Drive beside the Tar River just off of Sunset Avenue.

The carousel itself, which for sure sets Sunset Park apart from the other Rocky Mount Parks, actually has quite a history of its own, as detailed at the city’s website. “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.” It is then further explained that, “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.”

In addition to the iconic carousel, Sunset is unique among the Rocky Mount Parks for a few other reasons as well. The obvious here would be the train, a miniature Model G-16 Train which was originally purchased for use at the park in 1952. It holds 36 passengers and travels at a speed of 8 miles an hour.

On top of these two rides, there is also a Spray Ground that was opened to help keep the kids cool on hot, summer days as well as on site consessions, offering popcorn, ivce cream, snow cones, and many other favorites of childhood that is sure to bring visitors down memory lane. The “main park” among the Rocky Mount Parks also boasts another “kiddie-go-round” type ride that all the youngsters enjoy and in addition has a disc golf course, two lighted basketball courts, a boat ramp, four picnic shelters, eleven lighted tennis courts with a backboard, and a little league baseball field.

Sunset Park is just one of the many Rocky Mount Parks that can help you to expand your “lifestyle redefined,” at Belmont Lake Preserve, and you’ll be pleased to know that this is just one of many outdoor living options that we will “walk through,” in this ongoing series.

Rocky-Mount-Dining-Belmont Lake Preserve

With an already impressive array of Rocky Mount dining options, the popular trend of food trucks and their offerings of everything from sweet treats to sandwiches to gourmet foods has “rolled” into Rocky Mount, and just minutes from your new dream home in Belmont Lake Preserve, every Tuesday and Wednesday through August and into September, the “Food Trucks at Station Square” series will give you plenty of delicious offerings to “up the game” in Rocky Mount dining options.

Located at 301 South Church Street in the heart of Rocky Mount, Station Square will be featuring Everette’s Concessions of Wilson serving up their delicious American fare that includes options for both breakfast and lunch, as well as several dessert options as well. Everette’s Concession will be open as part of this unique Food Truck Rocky Mount dining experience each Tuesday through the end of August from 11:00 am through 2:00 pm at Station Square.

Each Wednesday morning through August and finishing up on September 5, Lillie Mae’s Kitchen, whose scrumptious offerings have been a staple of Rocky Mount Dining for many years out of its location at 700 Myrtle Avenue in Rocky Mount, will bring their Food Truck to Station Square between the hours of 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, serving up breakfast options in addition to their local favorites including cheesesteaks, burgers, chops, sausages, fish plates, and so  much more.

The craze in the local area that has become the Food Truck industry is alive and well twice a week now at Station Square and this is one delectable experience in Rocky Mount dining that you will certainly want to give a taste for yourself.