Murfreesboro's Cultivator Bookstore: A Community Hub for Connection and Creativity

In Murfreesboro, North Carolina, a local bookstore is redefining community engagement by offering a welcoming space that bridges the gap between home and work.

Cultivator Bookstore, situated on the grounds of a historic grist mill and mill pond, has become a beacon for residents seeking connection and creativity.

Founder Caroline Stephenson recalls, "We opened it as a bookstore because there is no place to buy books in this county. You have to drive up to Virginia or go an hour to Roanoke Rapids just to get books here."

However, the bookstore's role quickly expanded beyond selling books.

Recognizing the community's needs, Cultivator volunteers initiated a food distribution program and a youth theater initiative.

"We are letting our neighbors tell us what the town needs," Stephenson emphasizes. "But we had to create a space first to start the conversation."

The concept of a "third place"—a communal space separate from home and work—is vital for fostering social interaction and community cohesion.

Such spaces are increasingly rare due to rising costs and shifting priorities.

Yet, their importance cannot be overstated.

In Murfreesboro, the significance of these communal spaces is evident.

Events like the annual NC Watermelon Festival, held from July 30 to August 2, 2025, draw residents together for shared experiences.

The festival features a parade, live music, and various contests, celebrating the town's agricultural heritage.

Similarly, the Roanoke-Chowan Pork-Fest, reinstated in 2024 after a hiatus, showcases regional barbecue traditions and supports local institutions like the Brady C. Jefcoat Museum.

These events underscore the community's desire for shared spaces and experiences.

Beyond festivals, initiatives like the Murfreesboro Nutrition Center provide essential services and a gathering place for residents.

In May 2023, the center hosted congregate meals funded through Home and Community Care Block Grants, addressing both nutritional and social needs.

Such programs highlight the multifaceted role of communal spaces in enhancing quality of life.

Looking ahead, events like the Love Your Neighbor Downtown 2024, scheduled for October 20, aim to celebrate the town's diversity and foster inclusivity.

With cultural stations representing over 20 countries, performances, and activities, the event exemplifies the community's commitment to unity and shared experiences.

In essence, spaces like Cultivator Bookstore and community events serve as vital "third places" in Murfreesboro.

They offer residents opportunities to connect, share, and grow together, reinforcing the town's social fabric and collective identity.

As Stephenson aptly puts it, "You never know where you are going to find that kind of connection. You just have to open up space for it."