🧊 Chill Plans, Hot Week: What to Do Before the Fireworks Start

🎧 Press Play on Your Week

Short on time? We’ve got your local lineup ready to go.

Every Wednesday, tune in for quick, upbeat rundowns of Greenville’s best events, outings, and hidden gems. From budget-friendly fun to can’t-miss picks, it’s your go-to audio guide for summer in ENC—perfect for a morning walk, coffee break, or drive across town. Hit play and get exploring.

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 🎧

🍔 Local Eats, Major Treats: Your Discount Passport Is Back

🔥 Just $20 with code SUMMERFUN25 — 20+ delicious deals await!

Turn every bite into a budget win with the ENC Explorer Passport—your all-access pass to exclusive savings at Greenville’s go-to food spots. No app, no gimmicks. Just flash and save.

Here’s what’s on the menu:
🍕 BOGO pizzas, free apps, $1 off subs
🌯 Up to 15% off at local favorites
🥤 Smoothies, sushi & snacks—for less

You’ll score deals at:
Mellow Mushroom • Nash Hot Chicken • Firehouse Subs • Sushi Q • Shogun
Smoothie King • Jet’s Pizza • The Rickhouse • Waffle House • Red Robin + more!

📆 Valid through Dec 31, 2025
💵 Normally $45—yours for $20 with code SUMMERFUN25

👉 Eat local. Save big. Repeat.

👉 Grab yours here and start saving today!

☕ Community Business Spotlight: Awaken Coffee

Located at 101 W. 14th St. in Greenville, Awaken Coffee is a nonprofit coffee shop with a mission rooted in opportunity and inclusion. By employing adults with special needs—a population too often marginalized in the workforce—Awaken creates space for individuals to gain job skills, build confidence, and grow their independence. With over 30 paid and volunteer team members, the shop has become a welcoming space where meaningful employment meets great coffee.

👩‍💼 About the Founder

Awaken Coffee was founded by Carol Preston, whose vision was to create a supportive workplace for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through hands-on training and intentional mentorship, Carol and her team have built a business that serves both great drinks and a greater purpose—giving every team member a chance to thrive.

🌟 Why They Were Nominated

Awaken Coffee was nominated for its impact in creating skill-building opportunities for adults who are often left out of the workforce. By fostering a supportive, empowering environment, this nonprofit is helping individuals develop professional experience and self-reliance—one cup at a time.

📣 Powered by OptSus Marketing

At OptSus Marketing, we love spotlighting local changemakers like Awaken Coffee. Ready to boost your visibility and connect with more of your community? Grab our free guide, “5 Steps to Building a Stronger Local Presence,” and start growing your impact today. 🚀

🌟 Know a Local Legend? Nominate Them for the Spotlight!

ENC shines because of the people who pour their heart into it—quiet heroes, passionate business owners, and neighbors who make things happen.

🙌 We’re looking for folks who:
✅ Lead with kindness, advocacy, or service
✅ Run local businesses or programs with real impact
✅ Build community and spark positive change

Whether it’s a coach, teacher, nonprofit leader, or someone making magic behind the scenes—we want to hear their story.

📩 Featured nominees will be celebrated in an upcoming issue of ENC Explorer!

Let’s give the recognition they’ve earned. Eastern NC is better because of them. 💛

Nominate your favorite business or nonprofit here.

ENC Adventures: Celebrate the 4th Without the Chaos

July 4th in Eastern NC is all about fireworks, friends, and food—but it doesn’t have to end in traffic jams and long drives home. This year, swap the stress for skyline views, walkable downtowns, and a little rooftop magic. Whether you're planning a romantic escape or just want to avoid post-fireworks gridlock, we’ve got your Independence Day game plan.

Seasonal Tip: Book a Rooftop Fireworks Getaway

🎇 Stay Local – Book a night at the new Hilton Greenville (around $180) and enjoy walkable access to the city’s fireworks and downtown dining. No driving. No crowds. Just a smooth, scenic experience.
🍽️ Dinner With a View – Make a reservation at 1717 The Rooftop, where $50 per person gets you firework views and elevated eats.
🎆 Try Washington, NC – Want a riverfront twist? Head 30 minutes east to The Mulberry House for a $45 rooftop picnic, complete with fireworks and water views.

Pro Tip: Compared to big-city rooftop parties, these options are a steal—and they’re filling up fast. Reserve your stay and table now for a laid-back, fireworks-filled Fourth.

👀 Up next ...

… a playful date night idea that ends in milkshakes, and a free family kickoff to summer reading you won’t want to miss.

📬 Know Someone Who Needs a Local Adventure Upgrade?

Share ENC Explorer and help them love where they live.

We all have that friend who says, “There’s nothing to do around here.” Time to change their mind.

ENC Explorer City Guide delivers the best of Eastern NC—hidden gems, budget-friendly outings, and easy ways to make the most of every week.

🧭 Whether they’re craving a date night idea or a free family activity, we’ve got the local scoop.

👉 Just forward this email and let them in on the fun.

🤑 Local Tip: This $20 Card Could Save You Hundreds

Love eating out in ENC? The ENC Explorer Passport is your new best friend.

Score exclusive deals like BOGO slices, free appetizers, and percent-off meals at some of Greenville’s top spots. No app. No printouts. Just flash your card and start saving.

Here’s a taste of where you’ll save:
🍗 Nash Hot Chicken
🍣 Sushi Q
🍕 Jet’s Pizza
🥤 Smoothie King
🥯 Bagelman
🍴 The Rickhouse

🎟️ Use code SUMMERFUN25 to grab yours for just $20 (normally $45)
📆 Valid through December 31, 2025—plenty of time to treat yourself on a budget.

👉 Dine local. Save big. Explore more.

ENC Adventures: Fireworks, First Fridays & Café Vibes

With July 4th landing midweek and summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to mix productivity with play. From a cozy coworking meetup at Coastal Fog to a classic Independence Day doubleheader—baseball and fireworks—Greenville is serving up connection, celebration, and community. Whether you’re looking to get things done or kick back in the park, this week has a little something for everyone.

✨ Want more weekly recs, under-the-radar finds, and wallet-friendly fun? Head to ENCExplorer.com—your next local adventure is just a scroll away. 🌺

What’s Happening: Cowork, Cheer, and Celebrate

Cafe Coworking

• When: July 2, 2025

• Where: Coastal Fog, Greenville, NC
  Join fellow community members as we gather in a cafe and bang on our keyboards. We'll work online in a group with coffee, tea, and snacks available at the cafe. Please buy something at the cafe to help them pay the rent for the space we will be using.

Greenville Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks

• When: July 4, 2025 3:00 PM

• Where: Town Common Park, Greenville, NC
  Celebrate the Fourth with live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Tar River. This annual event draws large crowds, so arrive early to secure a good spot.

⚾ Greenville Yard Gnomes vs. Greensboro Ducks

• When: July 4, 2025 4:00 PM

• Where: Guy Smith Stadium, 1051 Moye Blvd
  Celebrate the Fourth with America’s pastime! Grab a seat for this early afternoon showdown between the Greenville Yard Gnomes and the Greensboro Ducks, then head downtown for fireworks later in the evening. It’s a full day of classic summer fun, right in the heart of Greenville.

🦸 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.

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.