Today, the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences is a familiar part of downtown Rocky Mount. Its galleries, theatre, Children's Museum & Science Center and community programs bring people through its doors throughout the year. But long before families explored the museum or audiences gathered for a show, these buildings served a very different purpose. Before it was the Imperial Centre, this was part of Rocky Mount's tobacco industry. Before the Arts, There Was Tobacco Th

What started with fresh produce and a small roadside stand has grown into something much bigger for Rob’s Fresh Produce. Rob, a third-generation farmer, has farming in his roots. In 2013, he began Rob’s Fresh Produce, growing crops including watermelons, cantaloupes, broccoli, strawberries and squash. But it was a few years later that Rob and his wife began turning those crops into a destination for the community. In 2020, the couple opened a roadside stand where customers co

When people think about downtown Rocky Mount, they often think of the Imperial Centre, Fire Station No. 2, the Farmers Market, restored historic buildings, public art, and the continued revitalization of the city's historic core. What many may not realize is that one nonprofit organization has quietly played a significant role in helping make much of that possible. Downtown Renaissance, Inc. (DRI) was established in 1985 as a nonprofit organization with one mission: to encour