Did you know, that before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his historic speech at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, he gave part of that speech to a crowded high school gym in Rocky Mount, NC? According to the newspaper article, there were 1800 people gathered at the Booker T. Washington High School to hear Dr. King on the night in 1962. In the link below to the Our State Magazine article, written by Jeremy Markovich, you will find a picture from that night and some excerpts from that speech. During some research on King in 2013 by W. Jason Miller, a North Carolina State University English professor, he was lead to contacting a librarian at Braswell Memorial Library who informed him that they had a copy of the transcript from that night, copies of the newspaper article as well as an audio t... 01/18/2021

Looking for Something to do in Rocky Mount, NC?Whether you have a few hours or looking for an evening of fun, try the Rocky Mount Mills. Are you visiting our area? Looking for kid friendly and/or pet friendly places to go? Do you like listening to live music, dining, outdoor yoga or participating in a 5K? Then try The Rocky Mount Mills, they offer all of the above and more. The Mills is a historic development that combines living space, business space, dining, a brewing incubator and entertainment over a large campus.  Depending on what you are looking for, you might just find it at the Mills.  This  old cotton mill was established in 1818 and was in operation until the 1990s. The Mills proper offered cottages for the workers, mail service, banking and more.  Located at the dam on the T... 11/08/2018

How Can I Save for a Down Payment on a Home in Rocky Mount, NC? Where do I start on saving for a down payment on a home?  First, determine how much home you can afford, your total down payment, bank expenses in conjunction with the loan, closing costs, inspections, insurance, etc.Second, determine how soon you want to buy your home. Keep in mind that interest rates are always going to be one of the main variables as well as the type of loan you use.So how do I come up with this information?  Your local mortgage lender. This is the best place to start, as they can give you an accounting of the costs associated with the home purchase, but they also have access to your credit score which is a vital piece of information in the process. Here is an example: For this example, we are using a pu... 11/06/2018

Steps to Purchasing a Home in Rocky Mount, NC  There are numerous steps to the home buying process and multiple points within each step.  By working with a REALTOR®, you will be able to navigate from contract to closing knowing you have a knowledgeable expert on your side. 1. You've decided to become a home owner.  Diligence has been taken in saving the funds needed during the purchase process.  You have insured that your credit report is clean and your credit score is the range needed to obtain a loan.  You are ready to move forward. 2. Finding an agent that you can trust and work with is the next step in the process.  Talk with your friends, parents and co-workers, do they have a recommendation.  Ask questions to see if the agent matches your decision making style. 3. Start the loan p... 01/11/2016

Farmers Market Rocky MountOpening for the Season this SaturdayApril 4, 2015 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm1006 Peachtree Street  Don't you just love the spring when all the fresh fruits and vegetables start showing up?  Well then, you won't want to miss opening day of the Farmers Market Rocky Mount this Saturday, April 4, 2015.  The market opens at 8:00 am and will start with Morning Coffee with the Market Manager from 8:00 until 9:00 am.  Enjoy complimentary Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Rocky Mount's own Cackalacky Coffee. Beginning at 9:00 until 11:00 am, The John Sloop Quartet will be performing instrumental jazz, blues, smooth and funk.  Music while you shop - awesome. Let's not forget about the fresh produce, eggs, meats, plants, flowers, baked goods and more.  To see what is available each... 04/03/2015

Open House this Sunday, March 29, 20152:00 pm to 4:00 pm1509 Beal Street, Rocky Mount, NC  This lovely home located at 1509 Beal Street is city convenient without the city atmosphere.  You will feel welcomed when you walk up the sidewalk to the front porch.  Stop for a few quiet moments in one of the rocking chairs or on the swing and experience that comfortable, easy sensation.  This home is just down the block from City Lake and around the corner is Sunset Park which are all within walking distance.                       Whether you sit on the front porch, have tea in the formal Living room, hang out in the Den or relax on the back patio, you will find there is something for everyone in this four bedroom home.  When you step inside, you will find 10 foot ceilings, several fireplaces a... 03/27/2015

Open House this Sunday, February 1, 2015 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm1691 Deerwalk Drive, Rocky Mount, NCBunn Farm Subdivision  Yes, we are open on Super Bowl Sunday at 1691 Deerwalk Drive in Bunn Farm.  Whether you are rooting for the Seahawks or the Patriots, you will be a winner purchasing this three bedroom home. Step inside and fall in love with the Great room and its vaulted ceiling and fireplace.  Don't miss the beautiful easy-to-care for Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors that run throughout most of the home.  The Master Bedroom has lots of space with room for a sitting area.            In the Kitchen, there are pine floors stained to match the cherry floors.  The Kitchen also boasts plenty of cabinets and a new stove and dishwasher and a unique microwave that opens from either side.  The D... 01/30/2015

Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce111th Annual Meeting Where were you last night in Rocky Mount, NC?  If you were like my husband and I and approximately 400 other people, you were in attendance at the 111th Annual Meeting of the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce.  The Annual Meeting highlights the events of the past year, recognizes volunteers who have help forward the goals of The Chamber and ends with the passing of the gavel to the new Chair of the Board of Directors.  The keynote speaker was North Carolina Attorney General, Roy Cooper, a native son.  Mr. Cooper spoke about the economy, unemployment rates and the general welfare of our area.  As someone who grew up and worked in this area, he continues to stay connected to Rocky Mount and our challenges and successes.          ... 01/23/2015

Are you feeling Cajun today?         This cute little car was parked in the lot of the Hampton Inn here in Rocky Mount this morning.  I was attending my weekly meeting of the Women's Professional Networking Group and as I left, I noticed the car.  Just had to take a quick picture to share.   Go out and make it a Cajun kind of day... 11/24/2014

'Something Out of the Ordinary' 1111 Lafayette Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC $253,000.00 Four Bedrooms, Three Full Bathrooms, Over 3000 Square Feet   You will find that this home is 'Something Out of the Ordinary'. Located in historic West Haven, this executive home has European open styling that would only be found in the pages of a magazine. The home has been complete renovated with a careful redistribution of space and attention to detail.  There are architectural touches throughout the home and no room has been overlooked.           The four bedroom home offers a Living room, Dining room, Den and multi-functional Sun-room. Both the Living room and Den have custom designed travertine tile fireplaces and cherry hardwood floors. The Dining room has a built-in China cabinet with wine rack. A ... 11/07/2014

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Rocky Mount, NC...  Today is a festive day.  You will find many ways to celebrate from the "wearing of the green", to drinking beer, consuming Irish foods, and watching parades. St. Patrick's Day started as a feast to celebrate Christianity arriving in Ireland.  Here in the United States, you will find a variety of ways that the day is commemorated by those that are Irish and those of us that are Irish-at-Heart.  When I lived in Chicago and even today, the Chicago River was dyed green.  Numerous cities have parades and bagpipe competitions.  You can also find fun runs, Irish dancing, and Irish music festivals. I am partaking of today's festivities as well.  I started the day off by wearing green, then I had lunch with my daughter at Milton and Miles where I ... 03/17/2014

The Grill on Zebulon Road in Rocky Mount, NC is Closing... I stopped in today for a quick, late lunch and was informed about the closing.  If you have ever eaten at The Grill (or Cuvee as my family still calls it) then you know a wonderful establishment is going to be missed.  The doors will close after the dinner service on December 28, 2013.  Owner H. I. Tharrington is retiring after a long, successful run in the food industry which also included MacHaven/The City Club.  This upscale bistro has been date night, family dinner when the kids were both home, girls lunch out, lunch with clients and like today - a quick lunch on my own.  The restaurant was originally opened as Cuvee and the name was change about two years ago to The Grill on Zebulon Road.  I could not remember exactly when ... 12/02/2013

Happy Thanksgiving from Rocky Mount, North Carolina The historical birth of the American Thanksgiving holiday is given credit to the three day event in 1621 at Plymouth.  In 1777, Continental Congress proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving. However, it was not established as an annual holiday until Lincoln did so in 1863, but a President had to proclaim the holiday each year. It wasn't until FDR decided to lengthen the Christmas shopping season that Thanksgiving was recognized as a national annual holiday.  In 1941, Congress established the holiday as the fourth Thursday in November. So as you gather this weekend with family and friends, remember the rich history of our nation.  Because of our history, you get to pig out one day and shop 'til you drop the next. Happy Thanksgiving... 11/27/2013

Boone, Hill, Allen & Ricks Real Estate at 2311 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC is Serving as a Toys for Tots Drop off Site   We here at Boone, Hill, Allen & Ricks Real Estate believe in giving back to our community.  Over the years we have donated to local charities and organizations and this year is no different.  Besides our usual donations through out the year, as a new way to give back, we are serving as a drop off site for Toys for Tots.  We will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for all ages through December 14, 2013. The U. S. Marine Corps Reserves has carried on a long time "American Holiday Tradition" that started in 1947.  Major Bill Hendricks and members of the Los Angeles Marine Corps Reserve unit collected and distributed toys to needy children.  From this first toy drive, t... 11/22/2013

Do you have color in your yard for the Fall and Winter?               My last rose is in bloom and it is time to take in the hammock.                     The trees are turning beautiful shades of gold, orange and red.  My bird house is vacant and leaves are starting to accumulate on the yard and patio. However, as the leaves turn and fall, other trees and shrubs are starting to display their color and blooms.  When the landscape architect designed our yard, he made sure we had something in bloom or color all year long.  I realize if you live in the north, this may not be possible.           As you design and plant your landscape, think about trying to have color year round.  For those homes on the market right now, you may want to think about having pots of winter flowers or other winte... 11/07/2013

Grits...What are your thoughts?   Yes, I am talking about those bowls of stone ground corn that is served for breakfast here in the South.  My daughter would say grits were "Girls raised in the South".  However, grits are not just for breakfast any more. I have to admit that I have had an aversion to the bowl that comes out with my breakfast at some restaurants, however, I do love the ones that I have found at The Prime Smokehouse: Barbecue & Beyond.  I am not sure if it is the cheese that is blended in or the succulent shrimp that are on top, but this is one bowl that I happily finish each time.                               The Prime Smokehouse opened back in June of this year and has taken off here in Rocky Mount in the historic Douglas Block area of downtown.  Serving lunch and dinn... 11/06/2013

I want, I want, I want... Do you have a hard time separating the "I wants" from the "Must Haves" when it comes to buying a home here in Rocky Mount, NC.  Most people do and then they cannot decide on a suitable property.  So, how do you solve this problem if you cannot afford to build a custom home.       First, sit down and make a list of everything that you would ideally like to have in the home you are purchasing, including location and amenities.  Get everyone involved that will be living in the home, even the ones that are not taking out the mortgage or paying on the loan.  Someone else may come up with something that you did not think about.  Yes, that does mean you may get the fenced back yard for a puppy or swing set but it may also mean a heated driveway so the snow and ice won... 11/04/2013

Are you starting your Christmas shopping early here in Rocky Mount?  Well here is food for thought... A bunch of years ago (before I got into Real Estate) a large red bow showed up on the door of the house across from us one Christmas morning.  A good friend of ours had bought the house and surprised his wife with it for Christmas.  I thought, "That was a great gift!"      As I noticed the various shops here locally having a Santa Weekend today, it reminded me of that Christmas.  What a wonderful way to give yourself or a loved one the gift of home ownership.  Now is a very good time to be purchasing.  Here's why... Low interest rates.  Interest rates have gone back down from their slight up-swing and that gives you more purchasing power. Wide variety of inventory. With over 900 residen... 11/02/2013

Looking for Outside fun in Rocky Mount, NC? Well join us at the Imperial Centre Rocky Mount each week for either Lawn Chair Theatre or Downtown Live!  Lawn Chair Theatre are movies on the lawn every other Friday night.  Family friendly selections are voted on by the public and the top winners are played throughout the summer.  The doors open at 7:00 pm and the movie starts at sundown.  Free activities are hosted by the Children's Museum before each movie.  You will also find food and drinks for sale.  So bring your blanket or chair and join in the fun.  Showing on June 21st is The Rise of the Guardians and on July 5th is The Lorax.  You will find the complete list at Lawn Chair Theatre.   Would you rather enjoy music?  Then join us for Downtown Live! on the opposite weeks from the Lawn ... 06/14/2013

Mother's Day is this weekend - do you have something for Mom?   Here are some great ideas from one of our local businesses in Rocky Mount, NC, Patios In Bloom.  Diane Dixon and Gina Allen have teamed up together and own a garden shop with all types of unique items.  This morning, they demonstrated how to make a fairy garden in a small container.  This garden can be made from indoor or outdoor plants.  What woman, young or old, would not love this little garden and they have all the cute little accessories to go in the garden.   If you want a planter that catches Mom off guard, then check out the watering can and the moss purse.  Or you can select your own container from the many to choose from at the garden shop.   If plants are not your thing, then they have any and everything you coul... 05/07/2013