🎯 90 Days of Food & Fun for Less Than a Beach Weekend

🎧 ENC Explorer Has Gone Audio!

Exciting news—ENC Explorer is now a podcast! Each week, we’ll bring you a quick and lively rundown of Greenville’s top outings, hidden gems, and weekend highlights. Whether you’re commuting, walking the dog, or sipping your morning coffee, it’s an easy way to stay in the know. New episodes land every Wednesday—listen in and explore ENC, hands-free!

You can listen on:

• Apple Podcasts

• Amazon Music

• Audible

• Spotify

• YouTube

• Or your favorite podcast app!

🎙️ Subscribe now and let ENC Explorer be your weekly guide—wherever you listen!

🍴 Eat Local, Save Big with the ENC Explorer Passport

Ready to score real savings at your favorite local restaurants? The ENC Explorer Passport hooks you up with exclusive deals at spots like:

• Mellow Mushroom, Buffalo Wild Wings, Pizza Hut

• Nash Hot Chicken, Taco Bell, Smoothie King

• Firehouse Subs, Jimmy John's, Bagelman, Jersey Mike’s

• The Rickhouse, Waffle House, Plaza Azteca, Seared Chophouse

• Marabella, Jet's Pizza, Shogun, Angus Grill, Sushi Q

• Fresh Vibes, Red Robin, Zaxby's, Dunkin' Donuts—and more!

From $1 off subs to free appetizers, BOGO pizza, and up to 15% off your bill, the savings add up fast. Passports are good through December 31, 2025 and usually cost $45—but use code SUMMER25 to grab yours for just $35.

👉 Grab yours here and start saving today!

🙌 Celebrate a Greenville Difference-Maker

Know a person, business, or nonprofit that’s making waves in our community? We want to feature the folks who are bringing neighbors together, spreading kindness, and making Greenville a place we’re proud to call home.

📣 Nominate someone who:
✔ Uplifts others through service, outreach, or advocacy
✔ Runs a program or space that makes a real impact
✔ Inspires local pride and positive change

Let’s shine a spotlight on those helping Greenville thrive—nominate your changemaker today! 🌱💛

Nominate your favorite business or nonprofit here.

🧭 ENC Adventures: Summer Fun That Stretches Your Budget

Looking for ways to keep cool, eat well, and enjoy more outings without spending a fortune? Two local passes—one for fresh meals, the other for indoor fun—can carry you through the hottest months with ease. Whether you're planning family time or casual weeknight dates, this combo makes summer in Greenville more fun and affordable.

🌞 Seasonal Tip: Mix & Match Passes for 30 to 90 Days of Easy Outings

Want to stay active, beat the heat, or keep your meal budget under control? These three smart passes help you do just that—offering weeks of repeatable outings, indoor fun, and even long-term goals to keep you moving. Whether you choose one or all, each is a low-cost way to stay engaged all summer long (and beyond):

🥗 Ruby Tuesday Garden Bar Pass

• 30-Day Pass: $49.99
  Great for testing the waters or committing to a healthy month of fresh, build-your-own meals.

• 90-Day Pass: $100
  Your salad solution all summer long. If you go just 20 times, it averages out to only $5 per visit—and saves you time, too.

📝 Why it works: It’s a satisfying, low-prep alternative to cooking and a healthy counterbalance to those inevitable summer treats.

🎳 Bowlero Summer Season Pass

• Basic – $64.99: 2 games of bowling + shoe rental daily at one location

• Premium – $79.98: All the above plus a $5 daily arcade reload, 15% off food & drinks, and access to any Bowlero location

📝 Why it works: The AC is free, the games are fun, and the cost-per-visit keeps dropping the more you use it. A total win for families and date nights alike.

👟 5K Race Bundle – Train All Year for a Cause

• One Price, Three Races: Includes registration for races in June, November, and December

• Supports Local Nonprofits: Proceeds benefit Ainsley's Angels of ENC, Building Hope, and Riley's Army

📝 Why it works: Lock in your fitness goals and support great causes while doing it. Having three built-in events gives you something to train for across every season.
👉 Register here

💡 Plan Your Combo: Big Value, Low Cost

Looking to stretch your summer budget and add a little purpose to your routine? These three local passes offer serious value with built-in motivation and flexibility:

• Budget-friendly starter bundle:
  Grab a 30-day Ruby Tuesday salad bar pass ($49.99) and the Basic Bowlero Summer Pass ($64.99) for a total of just $115. That’s a full month of outings—including meals and indoor fun—at a price that’s hard to beat.

• All-in summer coverage:
  Opt for the 90-day salad bar pass ($100) and Premium Bowlero pass ($79.98) for only $180 total. You’re set for three months of repeatable fun, free arcade credit, and serious food savings.

• Year-round motivation with purpose:
  Add the 5K Race Bundle and you’ve got events locked in for June, November, and December—all for one price. Even better? You’ll be training for a cause, with proceeds supporting Ainsley’s Angels of ENC, Building Hope, and Riley’s Army.
  👉 Register for the race bundle here

Even if you use each pass just 20 times this summer, you’re spending about $8.25 per person per outing. And if you go daily? Your cost drops to under $1.70 per person—a rare deal for daily meals and entertainment.

Throw in the race bundle, and you’ve got a summer (and a year!) full of structured, affordable, and meaningful plans—ready when you are.

❤️ This Week’s Featured Outings

Looking to switch things up this week? We’ve got two local favorites that blend fun and affordability—one made for a memorable evening under the stars, and the other perfect for younger kids (and parents who appreciate a little weekend structure). Whether you're heading out after dinner or starting your Saturday with stories, these picks are easy wins.

📬 Share the Local Love—Invite a Friend to ENC Explorer!

Got a friend who’s always on the hunt for fun things to do? Help them unlock the best of Greenville and Eastern NC—from hidden gems to wallet-friendly adventures—with ENC Explorer.

Whether they're into family outings, date nights, or spontaneous weekday plans, we’ve got the goods delivered every week.

👉 Invite them to subscribe to the ENC Explorer City Guide and start planning unforgettable weeks together! 🎒✨

🥡 Locals Know: This Card Pays for Itself

Want to eat like a local and save like one? The ENC Explorer Passport unlocks exclusive deals at Greenville's go-to spots - think free apps, BOGO pizza, % off your whole tab, and more at places like Nash Hot Chicken, Sushi Q, Jet’s Pizza, Smoothie King, The Rickhouse, and Bagelman.

For a limited time, use code SUMMER25 to get yours for just $35 (normally $45). It’s valid through December 31, which means every bite, sip, and hangout adds up to serious savings.

🎟️ Snag your Passport - then start eating smarter at the spots you already love.

🐊 ENC Adventures: Walk, Feast & Get Wild This May

From scenic strolls to sizzling barbecue and scaly encounters, Eastern NC is buzzing with spring energy. Whether you’re looking to meet fellow explorers on a peaceful park walk, jam out by the river, or get face-to-face with reptiles at a one-of-a-kind expo, this month’s local lineup has something for everyone. Let the season’s sunshine and surprises lead the way!

Visit ENCExplorer.com for weekly updates on affordable outings, hidden spots, and seasonal fun all around Eastern North Carolina. Your next adventure is just around the corner! 🌿✨

🌟 What’s Coming Up: Scenic Walks, Reptile Encounters & Live Music Vibes

Explorer Social: Walk & Connect at Wildwood Park

• When: May 16, 2025

• Where: Wildwood Park, 3450 Blue Heron Dr, Greenville, NC
  Join fellow community members for a leisurely walk through the scenic trails of Wildwood Park. This event is a great opportunity to connect with others, enjoy nature, and engage in light physical activity. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.​

🎶 Sunday in the Park Concert Series

• When: June 1, 15, & 29, 2025 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Where: Town Common Park, Greenville, NC
  Settle in for a summer tradition: free live music at the riverfront amphitheater. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy good tunes, good company, and those golden-hour vibes. Perfect for families or low-key date nights.

Greenville Juneteenth Celebration

• When: Saturday, June 21, 2025

• Where: Greenville Town Common
  Celebrate freedom and community with live music at the Greenville Toyota Amphitheater, a Black-owned vendor fair, food trucks, bounce houses, and a fireworks finale. Free guided trolley tours of the African American Cultural Trail will be available earlier in the day.

Your Voice Matters

Reader Spotlight: Wildwood Park

Looking for a spot with something for everyone? Barbara J recommends Wildwood Park—perfect for picnics, playtime, and peaceful views.

Barbara J loves Wildwood Park and for good reason! Whether you’re packing a picnic, bringing the kids to play, or looking to bike the trails, this spot has it all. Don’t miss the 1.5-mile loop around the lake or the dock where you can launch your boat—or rent one if you don’t have your own. A must-visit for your next outdoor adventure!

Share Your Thoughts

We want to hear from you! What’s your favorite spot in and around Greenville, NC? Whether it’s a hidden gem, a local eatery, or a scenic park, your input could be featured in an upcoming City Guide! Take a moment to share your pick in our one-question survey.