🔥 Beat the Heat, Not Your Budget — Cool Outings Inside!

🎧 Chill Plans? Press Play.

Your easygoing week starts right here.

Too hot to scroll? We’ve got you. Every Wednesday, our audio guide drops a fresh mix of can’t-miss events, cool hideouts, and low-cost fun around Greenville—all in under 5 minutes. It’s the laid-back, info-packed playlist you didn’t know you needed. Pop in your earbuds during a coffee run, pool break, or drive across town and stay one step ahead of summer.

You can listen on:

• Apple Podcasts

• Amazon Music

• Audible

• Spotify

• YouTube

• Or your favorite podcast app!

Your weekly audio guide to affordable fun in Greenville 🎧

📣 Get Featured in Greenville’s Go-To Guide

Put your business in front of locals who are ready to show up.

ENC Explorer readers are actively looking for things to do, places to eat, and experiences worth sharing—and your business could be next. With a rapidly growing subscriber base and a community that’s already been sent to 200+ businesses and 400+ local spots, we’ve built a trusted connection between Greenville residents and the places that make this city great.

With back-to-school season just weeks away, now’s the time to spotlight your business in front of thousands of engaged locals and incoming ECU students. Our newsletter sponsorships start at just $100, making this an easy win for any business looking to reach real people in real time.

👉 Book your feature or hit reply to learn more. Let's make this your biggest season yet.

✨ Know a Local Legend? Nominate Your Hometown Hero!

ENC thrives because of everyday heroes—neighbors, mentors, volunteers, and small business owners who make our communities better just by showing up.

💪 We’re looking to feature locals who:
✅ Lead with kindness, service, or advocacy
🏪 Run community-minded businesses or programs
🎯 Make ENC stronger behind the scenes

Think of that coach who never misses a game, the barista who remembers your name, or the nonprofit founder quietly changing lives. We want to hear about them.

📬 Featured nominees will be highlighted in an upcoming edition of ENC Explorer—so everyone gets the chance to say thank you.

Let’s celebrate the people who make eastern North Carolina feel like home. 🌻

Nominate your favorite business or nonprofit here.

ENC Adventures: Start Smart Before the School Year Rush

Summer isn’t over, but back-to-school vibes are already creeping in. Whether you’re a student, parent, or just someone who thrives on a good reset, this week is your golden window to get ahead of the chaos. Instead of letting August hit like a freight train, ease into your fall routine now—with small shifts that make a big difference later.

Seasonal Tip: Build Your Back-to-School Reset

Getting your rhythm back takes time, and doing it early means you can enjoy the rest of summer without scrambling come move-in week or the first school bell.

Here are a few ways to ease the transition:

• Set Your Sleep Schedule: Start shifting your bedtime and wake-up time by 15–30 minutes each day. It’ll help everyone adjust naturally before school hours are non-negotiable.

• Reclaim a Routine Spot: Find your go-to coffee shop, morning walking trail, or post-class lunch zone now—so it’s ready when things get busy.

• Test Your Midweek Reset: Where will you go when you need a breather in September? Try out a few options this week: a chill cafe, library nook, or air-conditioned thrift stop.

• Build Your Back-to-School List: Not just notebooks—think snacks, playlists, shoes that don’t hurt, and quick dinner spots near campus or work.

Pro Tip: Want a smoother first week? Treat these tiny steps like a warm-up lap. Get the basics back in place now so your brain is free to focus when real schedules kick in.

🎯 And if you’re looking for something fun to do while you ease back in? We’ve got a date idea that’s cool and classic—and a family outing that mixes playtime and iced treats. Up next.

💌 Know Someone Who Thinks “There’s Nothing to Do Here”?

Help them rediscover Eastern NC—without spending a fortune.

We all have that friend who swears there’s nothing happening in Greenville. Prove them wrong (in the nicest way possible).

ENC Explorer City Guide is their weekly shortcut to budget-friendly dates, family fun, and local gems they’ve been overlooking.

🧭 No endless scrolling. No pricey tickets. Just real plans, right where they are.

👉 Forward this email and help someone you love explore like a local.

ENC Adventures: Stretch, Splash & Let Your Fandom Fly

Greenville is serving up a mix of movement, imagination, and community joy these next few weeks. Whether you're floating into August with riverside yoga, prepping the kids for school, or donning your best cosplay for Comic Con, there's something for every pace and personality. These are the kinds of events that don’t just fill the calendar—they make the summer stick.

What’s Happening: Yoga, Capes & Backpacks

🧘 SUP Yoga on the Tar River

• When: Saturday, Aug 2 at 10 a.m.

• Where: Port Terminal River Access
  Trade your mat for a paddleboard and find your flow with this refreshing yoga session on the water. Hosted by Knee Deep Adventures, it’s perfect for beginners or seasoned yogis looking for a unique summer twist. Expect beautiful views, good vibes, and a solid core workout.

🦸 Greenville NC Comic Con 2025

• When: Saturday, August 9, 2025

• Where: Greenville Convention Center
  Dive into the world of comics, cosplay, and pop culture at this annual convention. Meet artists, attend panels, and shop for unique merchandise. It's a must-attend event for fans and families alike.

🎒 Back to School Bash

• When: Friday, Aug 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Where: 406 SW Greenville Blvd
  Families, mark your calendars! This free community bash features live music, inflatables, games, local vendors, giveaways, and school supply donations. It's a fun and practical way to get your crew excited and prepared for the year ahead.

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.