South - Rocky Mount, NC eats and sights?

So, I have a business trip to the Rocky Mount, NC area next week (actually Whitakers, but I'm staying in Rocky Mount because Whitakers has *no* hotels and apparently only one restraurant). Does anyone have any suggestions as to things to see or places to eat? It sounds like the famous BBQ place left in the area is Gardner's. Or maybe if I want to drive to Wilson there is Parker's. Or is there some place else people would recommend? I might only have 1 free night. Thanks.

So, I have a business trip to the Rocky Mount, NC area next week (actually Whitakers, but I'm staying in Rocky Mount because Whitakers has *no* hotels and apparently only one restraurant). Does anyone have any suggestions as to things to see or places to eat? It sounds like the famous BBQ place left in the area is Gardner's. Or maybe if I want to drive to Wilson there is Parker's. Or is there some place else people would recommend? I might only have 1 free night. Thanks.


I haven't been to Rocky Mount in awhile but I doubt it's changed much. You should be able to find most of the familiar establishments like Applebees and Ruby Tuesday's. I am not familiar with any of local favorites. Never spent that much time there. It is a "popular" tourist destination so I'm sure you can find something decent to eat. :)

I haven't been to Rocky Mount in awhile but I doubt it's changed much. You should be able to find most of the familiar establishments like Applebees and Ruby Tuesday's. I am not familiar with any of local favorites. Never spent that much time there. It is a "popular" tourist destination so I'm sure you can find something decent to eat. :)

Thanks. But, I was really hoping for something better or at least more local than Applebees or Ruby Tuesdays. I mean would you go to Boston to eat in Red Lobster?

Thanks. But, I was really hoping for something better or at least more local than Applebees or Ruby Tuesdays. I mean would you go to Boston to eat in Red Lobster?


I know what you mean. Have you checked the web? Maybe you can try Googling it. I'm sure they have a tourist info page.

I know what you mean. Have you checked the web? Maybe you can try Googling it. I'm sure they have a tourist info page.

Yes, I googled it. Which is how I came up with the names of the restaurants in my original post.

I guess I'm too used to traveling to London or other big cities. If I asked the question in my original post about London or DC or Boston or there would have been more replies than I wanted.

I'm in Rocky Mount now. About to go out exploring.

Thanks for the replies!

FYI, Parker's is closed this week for vacation. Gardner's doesn't look as nice, but I will probably go there tonight.

And I'm certainly not staying in the Hampton Inn again. Best Hotel in Rocky Mount? I don't think so. The ACs are really noisey, I could have a conversation with the people in the adjourning room even with the connecting door closed, and the fitness center is off-site about 5 miles away. Next time it is the Courtyard or something.