Town of Rocky Mount

Rocky Mount, Virginia - Franklin County

The Town of Rocky Mount is located in Franklin County in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

Originally founded in 1873, Rocky Mount is the county seat of Franklin County and has a population of approximately 5,000.

With its local shops and restaurants, walkable streets, and vibrant musical heritage, Rocky Mount is a wonderful place to experience the small-town charm of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The town serves as the eastern gateway to The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail and the sounds of fiddle and banjo tunes can often be heard from the many places that host live music in town.

You can listen to national and international artists in concert at the Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount, which has earned a reputation as one of the best live music venues in Western Virginia.

In addition to great concerts that are regularly on the calendar at the Harvester, Rocky Mount's pubs and restaurants regularly host live music that highlight the region's abundance of talent.

Learn more about upcoming events by checking out or Calendar of Events in Rocky Mount > 

A visit to Rocky Mount also provides an opportunity to taste some local history. Check out the family-owned and operated Twin Creeks Distillery and discover the incredible heritage of craft spirits production that helped make Franklin County the "Moonshine Capital of the World."

You'll find unique shopping throughout town, with local artisans and farmers at the Rocky Mount Farmers Market (also the location of the town's Virginia LOVEworks art), which runs from April through December.

Explore charming local shops and boutiques in Rocky Mount, offering a unique selection of goods from hand-crafted items to vintage finds. Learn more about shopping in Rocky Mount >

If you’re looking to explore the outdoors, Rocky Mount offers easy access to great trails for adventure, including mountain biking at Waid Park, floating the Pigg & Blackwater Rivers, fishing at Gilley’s Park, and hiking at Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve.

When hungry for a great meal, popular local options include delicious burgers at Rocky Mount Burger Company, signature steaks at Ippy’s Restaurant, award-winning BBQ at Rocky Mount Smokehouse, and an adorable local coffee shop at The Whole Bean Coffeehouse. You can also enjoy a craft beer at Rocky Mount's local brewery - Living Proof Beer Company.

Olde Towne Social House is a wine bar located in a historic building in Uptown Rocky Mount. Learn about the history of Franklin County’s moonshine, while sipping wine from an impressive collection. Below Olde Towne lies the Alley Cat, a pub that regularly hosts live music and has over 100 beers from around the world. History lovers should be sure to visit the Moonshine Explosion museum, located beside the Alley Cat, for a colorful anecdote of Franklin County’s moonshine history.

For an overnight stay, spend the night in one of the historic properties in Rocky Mount, such as The Claiborne House, The Angle House, or The Early Inn.

The Town of Rocky Mount can also serve as a base for other nearby things to do and see in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, with close proximity to popular attractions such as the Booker T. Washington National Monument, Homestead Creamery, National D-Day Memorial, Smith Mountain Lake, Philpott Lake, and Blue Ridge Institute & Museum at Ferrum College.

Be a #Trailsetter in Rocky Mount during your next getaway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge!

Town of Rocky Mount Resources

Discover Rocky Mount >
Town of Rocky Mount Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Rocky Mount Visitor Center

Rocky Mount Community & Hospitality Center at the Depot
52 Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151
(540) 489-0948