Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount is a recognizable and convenient spot for travelers to stop due to the intersection of Interstate 95 and Highway 64, as well as being on the way to the Outer Banks. The fifteenth largest city in North Carolina, Rocky Mount has a population of 57,500. Fully equipped with a large sports complex, unique restaurants, a restored mill and close proximity to the Tar River, Rocky Mount is on the rise.
Tarboro
Tarboro, North Carolina resembles classic, historic southern living. Main Street is lined with murals, old school movie theaters, shops, and a jewelry store. It is part of Rocky Mount, North Carolina in Edgecombe County and is occupied by 11,000 residents. The Tar River in historic Tarboro made the town an important colonial river port and trade center until the Civil War; in fact, many Tarboro residents served as officers in the Continental Army.
Robersonville
Tuscarora and Morotock Native Americans first inhabited Robersonville, North Carolina, which is found in the Inner Banks region in Martin County, North Carolina. Yet, the town was officially established later in 1872. Robersonville has a population of about 1,731 with 720 households. The town motto reads “A Town that Cares”, and the town wholly embraces this motto with lovely diners, the St. James Place Museum and the National Wildlife Refuge.
Williamston
Located by and affiliated with the Roanoke River, Williamston has a vibrant outdoor community. A population of 5,200, Williamston offers unique restaurants, boating and camping, and historic buildings from the Civil Rights Movement. With such a small population, their slogan ‘Easy Living with Hometown Values’ aptly fits, and Williamston strives to create relationships between all members of the community.
Jamesville
One of the smaller towns along the highway, Jamesville’s population is 484, with a total area of only 1.3 square miles. The land contains only 233 housing units, the Jamesville Elementary School, and a few small businesses. Despite its small stature, Jamesville is home to the North Carolina Herring Festival, and has a rich history of fishing, mills and agriculture.
Plymouth
Plymouth was originally a thriving port town due to its location to the Roanoke River, and now utilizes its proximity to water for educational and tourism purposes. Main attractions include the Port O’ Plymouth History/Civil War Museum, the Roanoke River Lighthouse, Maritime Museum, a riverfront boardwalk, and the Rail Switch Nature Trail. With a population of 4,000, Plymouth is another small and vibrant town along Highway 64.
Columbia
Originally named Elizabethtown established in 1793 on the banks of the Scuppernong River, present day Columbia (renamed in 1801) has been nominated several times for the annual American Dream Town. Victorian charm, historic preservation and ecological conservation makes this town a wonderful place to visit or stay. Its proximity to the river provides tourism opportunities such as the Scuppernong River Festival and River Town Christmas event.
Manteo
Famous for The Lost Colony, Manteo brings in thousands of tourists each year to visit the Waterside Theatre’s iconic production. Drama aside, attractions include the Elizabethan Gardens, the Roanoke Island Festival Park, the North Carolina Aquarium, the Dare County Civil War Heritage Trail and the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. Just 15 minutes from the Outer Banks, Manteo is a popular destination for beach bound visitors.
Nags Head
Nags Head on the Outer Banks provides the ultimate summer vacation: beaches, fishing piers, small town eateries, the Wright Brothers memorial at Kill Devil Hills, camping, kite flying and much more. With a population of 2,800, Nags Head is a look into the slow and relaxed island life.