🎨 Art, Dessert, and a Paddleboat Adventure—This Week in ENC

💡 Explore More, Spend Less in Greenville!

Looking to enjoy the best of Greenville without stretching your budget? The ENC Explorer Passport unlocks exclusive deals at local restaurants, attractions, and fun spots around town. 🗺️ From discovering new flavors to planning your next adventure, this pass makes it easier (and cheaper) to explore it all.

Enter now for a chance to win your passport and start saving on every outing! 🎟️🌟

🌟 Shine a Light on a Local Hero in Greenville!

Know a business or nonprofit that’s making a real difference in our community? Whether it’s a cozy neighborhood spot, a purpose-driven organization, or a company that gives back, we’re looking to feature those who help Greenville thrive.

📋 Nomination Criteria:
✔ Makes a meaningful impact through outreach or community involvement
✔ Offers something unique—whether it’s a standout service, program, or experience
✔ Helps strengthen and uplift Greenville for everyone

Let’s celebrate the people and places making our city stronger—nominate your local hero today! 🙌🌍

Nominate your favorite business or nonprofit here.

ENC Adventures: Kick Off Spring with a Local Gardening Day 🌱🌞

As the weather warms and everything begins to bloom, now’s the perfect time to refresh your yard, start a small garden, or fill your porch with vibrant color. Whether you're planting herbs, picking out perennials, or browsing for backyard inspiration, our region is home to several locally owned nurseries that can help you get growing.

This week’s seasonal tip is all about finding the best local spots for plants, garden supplies, and expert advice—right here in and around Greenville.

Seasonal Tip: Where to Shop Local for Spring Planting

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or planting your first pot, these garden centers are worth the trip:

🌼 Carolina Seasons Nursery
549 NC Highway 903 North, Greenville, NC
This longtime favorite grows most of their plants on-site and offers a huge selection of flowering shrubs, annuals, trees, and hanging baskets. Their knowledgeable staff makes it easy to get your garden off to a great start.
carolinaseasons.com

🌿 Plant and See Nursery
4064 Old Tar Road, Winterville, NC
A 7-acre garden center with 17 greenhouses, this local institution has been helping Greenville gardeners since 1976. You'll find everything from veggie starts to colorful combination pots—plus helpful tips if you’re new to planting.
plantandseenursery.com

🌸 Little’s Nursery
4830 US-13, Greenville, NC
Little’s offers an eclectic range of plants, including tropicals and cacti you won’t find everywhere else. It's a great stop if you’re looking to add something bold and unique to your landscape.
littlesnursery.info

🍃 Friendly Nursery
4496 Old Creek Rd, Greenville, NC
A locally loved nursery with a great selection of plants and a staff known for offering friendly, helpful advice. Stop by to get inspired or grab something new for your garden.
friendlynursery.weebly.com

Pro Tip: Not ready for a full garden? Grab a few herbs or potted flowers to brighten up your porch, windowsill, or balcony. Local nurseries often have great starter selections—and plenty of spring planting advice to go with them.

🌷 Up next: Looking for a fun outing to pair with this warm weather? Keep reading for this week’s date and family-friendly ideas—art walks, nature trails, and the sweetest way to wrap up your Friday night. 👇

Spread the Word: Help a Friend Discover ENC Explorer! 🌍

Have a friend who’s always up for something fun? Share ENC Explorer with them and help them find local gems, free or low-cost outings, and seasonal events happening across Greenville and Eastern North Carolina.

Want to keep them in the loop? Invite them to subscribe to the ENC Explorer City Guide for weekly ideas on where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of life right here at home. 🧭🎉

Explore Greenville Without Breaking the Bank! 💸

Want to enjoy more of what Greenville has to offer—without spending a fortune? The ENC Explorer Passport gives you exclusive discounts at local restaurants, attractions, and must-visit spots around town. 🌟 Whether you’re dining out, planning a weekend adventure, or uncovering hidden gems, this pass makes every outing more affordable and more fun.

Ready to save while you explore? Enter now for your chance to win! 🎫🍽️🌆

Spring Fun Around ENC: Events You Won’t Want to Miss 🎉

Looking for something fun, free, and full of local flavor? ENC Explorer has handpicked this week’s best events—from pirate parades to glowing egg hunts and community walks through the park. Whether you’re flying solo, bringing the kids, or meeting up with friends, these events offer a perfect excuse to get out and enjoy Eastern North Carolina this spring.

📍 Want more outings like these? Head to ENCExplorer.com to uncover hidden gems, local guides, and weekly ideas worth exploring!

What’s Happening Around ENC: Spring Fun, Festivals & Family Events 🌸

PirateFest 2025

• When: April 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

• Where: Greenville Town Common, 105 E 1st St, Greenville, NC
  Ahoy, mateys! Join swashbucklers of all ages at the 18th annual PirateFest, a celebration of Eastern North Carolina's rich pirate history. The festival features fine arts for sale, live music, beer and cheers, sword fighting, a pirate encampment, and much more. Dress in your best pirate attire and immerse yourself in a day full of piratical fun for the whole family!

Explorer Social: Walk & Connect at Wildwood Park

• When: April 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

• Where: Wildwood Park, 3450 Blue Heron Dr, Greenville, NC
  Looking to make new connections while enjoying the outdoors? Join the Explorer Social at Wildwood Park for a relaxed walk-and-talk event designed to bring people together through movement and conversation. 🌿 This free gathering is open to all and offers a friendly, low-pressure way to meet new people while exploring one of Greenville’s most scenic parks. Come solo or bring a friend—you’ll leave feeling refreshed and more connected to your community!

Neon Eggstravaganza

• When: April 10, 2025

• Where: Wildwood Park, 3450 Blue Heron Dr, Greenville, NC
  Get ready for a glowing twist on a classic spring tradition at the Neon Eggstravaganza! 🥚✨ This exciting evening egg hunt transforms Wildwood Park into a glow-in-the-dark adventure, filled with illuminated eggs, fun games, and family-friendly activities. Kids of all ages can enjoy music, interactive stations, and neon-themed surprises throughout the park.

  Bring your basket and a flashlight, and prepare for a night of glowing fun under the stars! 🌙🎉 Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind spring celebration that promises excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories for the whole family.

  📍 For event details and registration, visit the website.

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.