Home to food-focused festivals, a thriving farmers market and local businesses producing nationwide favorites, Rocky Mount tempts foodies from all over.

Food-Focused Festivals

Perhaps the city’s biggest culinary claim to fame is the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown, a major barbecue cook-off every October. The contest is an official North Carolina State Barbecue Championship as well as a sanctioned competition of the renowned Kansas City Barbeque Society.

The Spring Hope National Pumpkin Festival is a fall favorite in the town of Spring Hope. There are contests for all ages, including a pumpkin weigh-in, recipe competition, pumpkin queen pageant and a pumpkin creation contest. It doesn’t just stop at the pumpkins though. Other activities include a street dance, crafts show, antique car show, music, carnival and parade.

The Tar River Wine Festival combines upscale wine tasting and fundraising efforts to offer one of the most popular charitable events in Eastern North Carolina. Participants enjoy an elegant evening of Southern cuisine and wine sampling.

Food Products From
the Rocky Mount Area

For fresh produce and some meats, the Rocky Mount Farmers Market sells fruits‚ vegetables‚ herbs‚ jams‚ country meats and more. The market is located in a  building on Peachtree Street, and operates Wednesdays from June to August and Saturdays from April to October.

Peanuts are big business in the region. Aunt Ruby’s Peanuts and America’s Best Nut Company both sell and distribute gourmet nuts nationwide.

www.braswellfoods.com/Braswell Foods in Nash County produces Eggland's Best eggs, which are sold at stores such as Walmart, Costco and other grocers across the country. Eggland’s Best eggs have 25 percent less saturated fat than other eggs, and are available in white, organic and cage free.

Atlantic Natural Foods LLC in Nashville produces health and natural foods like tofu.