šŸ“øšŸ° Cozy Winter Fun: Art, Photography & Sweet Treats Await!

Stay warm while exploring Greenvilleā€™s art scene and indulging in delicious desserts this week.

Hello, ENC Explorers!

With chilly temperatures and occasional rain in the forecast, this week is all about staying warm while making memories. Whether youā€™re in the mood for creativity and culture or sweet treats and meaningful moments, weā€™ve got the perfect outings lined up. Discover an inspiring indoor activity that lets you see Greenville through a new lens, or embark on a dessert-filled adventure thatā€™s just as fun as it is delicious. Read on to find out how to make the most of your weekā€”without braving the cold for too long!

šŸŽŸļø Unlock Exclusive Deals in Greenville!

Want to experience Greenville like an insider? The Official ENC Explorer Passport is your ticket to exclusive discounts at the cityā€™s best restaurants and attractions! šŸŒŸ Enter now for a chance to win and start saving while you explore. šŸ½ļøšŸŽ­ Your next adventure is just a click away! šŸŽāœØ

Celebrate a Business or Nonprofit Making an Impact!

Know a local business or nonprofit thatā€™s making Greenville stronger, brighter, or more connected? We want to feature organizations that go beyond the ordinaryā€”whether itā€™s a small business with a big heart, a national brand giving back, or a nonprofit changing lives.

šŸŒ Nomination Criteria:
āœ” Positively impacts the community through outreach or initiatives.
āœ” Offers something uniqueā€”exceptional services, programs, or experiences.
āœ” Helps Greenville thrive and makes it a better place for all.

Letā€™s give these changemakers the recognition they deserveā€”nominate your favorite today! šŸ†

ENC Adventures

Many ECU students and local residents rarely venture beyond Greenville, missing out on the incredible Black history and culture just a short drive away. February is the perfect time to explore these meaningful sites, whether youā€™re a student looking to expand your understanding, a family seeking to teach children about resilience and achievement, or simply someone who wants to connect with the past in a powerful way. These heritage sites and trails tell the stories of struggle, triumph, and cultural impact, and theyā€™re right here in Eastern North Carolinaā€”waiting to be explored. Take this month as an opportunity to step beyond the familiar, reflect on history, and visit the places that bring these stories to life.

Seasonal Tip: African American Heritage Sites Near Greenville, NC

Underground Railroad Museum (Washington, NC) ā€“ A Must-Visit!

Located on the Washington, NC waterfront, this powerful and eye-opening museum tells the stories of enslaved individuals who sought freedom through Eastern North Carolinaā€™s waterways. With artifacts, first-hand accounts, and detailed exhibits, the museum sheds light on the secret escape routes and the people who risked everything for freedom. This is an essential stop for anyone looking to understand the impact of the Underground Railroad in this region.

Cultural Trail in Greenville-Pitt County

This self-guided trail highlights the rich history and contributions of African Americans in Greenville and Pitt County. Through historical markers, stories, and key locations, visitors can walk through significant moments in the Black experience, from education to civil rights and cultural achievements.

Road to Freedom: North Carolina Tour Guide

A digital tour that uncovers the history of formerly enslaved individuals and African American soldiers who fought for freedom in North Carolina. The tour includes stops in Eastern NC that played a major role in the struggle for liberation, including sites connected to the Civil War and Reconstruction era.

African Americans Defend Washington

šŸ“ Learn More

During the Civil War, African Americans in Washington, NC, took up arms to defend the town from Confederate attacks. This site commemorates their courage and the role of Black soldiers and civilians in shaping North Carolinaā€™s fight for freedom.

African American Music Trails Mural (Goldsboro, NC)

North Carolinaā€™s musical heritage is deeply rooted in African American traditions, and this mural is a tribute to the Black musicians who helped shape jazz, gospel, blues, and funk. As part of the African American Music Trails of North Carolina, the mural showcases how these artists transformed music locally and nationally.

These sites offer a deep and meaningful look into Black history in Eastern North Carolina. Whether you're exploring on foot, by car, or through digital guides, each location tells an important story of struggle, resilience, and cultural impact.

Date Idea: Museum Visit and Photography Walk

Where: Greenville Museum of Art, Uptown Greenville
Cost: $10.00 per person

Step into Greenvilleā€™s art scene with a visit to the Greenville Museum of Art, where youā€™ll find exhibits featuring local and regional artists. After exploring the museum, continue your creative date with a photography walk through Uptown Greenville, capturing the cityā€™s charm through its architecture, murals, and historic landmarks. As you explore, make stops along the African American Cultural Trail, which highlights key sites that celebrate Black history and culture in Pitt County.

Tip: Add a fun twist by setting a photo challengeā€”try capturing the best use of light and shadow, bold colors, or historic elements along the trail!

Family Outing Idea: Dessert Crawl and Cultural Exploration

Where: Luna Pizza CafĆ©, Jack Brownā€™s, Aji, Uptown Greenville
Cost: $12.50 per person

Treat the family to a fun and delicious adventure with a dessert crawl through Greenvilleā€™s tastiest spots! Start at Luna Pizza CafĆ© for their delicious pastries, then head to Jack Brownā€™s for their famous fried Oreos, and finish at Aji for an assortment of international sweets. While indulging in these treats, take the opportunity to explore Greenvilleā€™s historyā€”many stops along the African American Cultural Trail are just a short walk away!

Tip: Turn it into a family learning experience by encouraging kids to find a historic marker or mural along the trail and share something interesting about it over dessert!

Pass It On: Invite Others to Explore Greenville!

Know someone who loves discovering new places? Share this with them and help them find fun, affordable outings in Greenville! From local gems to seasonal must-dos, thereā€™s always something new to experience.

Want to keep them in the know? Invite them to subscribe to the ENC Explorer City Guide for weekly updates on the best events, activities, and hidden spots. Letā€™s explore more, together! šŸŒāœØ

Win Big: Your Ticket to Greenvilleā€™s Best Deals!

Want to explore more and spend less? Enter now for a chance to win an Official ENC Explorer Passportā€”your pass to exclusive discounts at top local restaurants and attractions! šŸ½ļøšŸ™ļø Whether youā€™re dining out or discovering new spots, this passport makes every adventure even better. Donā€™t miss your chance to winā€”enter today! šŸŽ‰āœØ

Discover Greenville with ENC Explorer!

Make every week an adventure with ENCExplorer.com!

šŸŒŸ Find the best local outings, plan unforgettable experiences with family and friends, and explore Greenville like never before. Share your journey with #ENCExplorer for a chance to be featuredā€”we canā€™t wait to see where your explorations take you! šŸ“āœØ

Mark Your Calendar: Celebrate Community, Music, and Love

  • When: February 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM

  • Where: Clark-LeClair Stadium, Greenville, NC
    Get ready for an electrifying college baseball showdown as the ECU Pirates take on the UNC Tar Heels at Clark-LeClair Stadium! āš¾šŸ”„ Experience the energy of Pirate Nation and cheer on ECU in this highly anticipated rivalry game. Whether youā€™re a lifelong fan or just love the excitement of live baseball, this is a must-see matchup in Greenville!

  • When: February 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

  • Where: Greenville Convention Center
    Dive into a world of collectibles at this annual show featuring comic books, toys, action figures, and unique memorabilia. Perfect for fans of all ages, this event is a must-see for enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike.

  • When: March 14ā€“17, 2025

  • Where: Greenville Mall, Greenville, NC
    Step into a world of mystery, thrills, and mind-bending performances at Paranormal Cirque III! šŸŽŖšŸ‘» This one-of-a-kind show combines circus arts, theater, and cabaret with a dark and eerie twist. Prepare for an immersive experience that blends acrobatics, illusions, and spine-chilling storytellingā€”all under the big top at Greenville Mall. This show is for mature audiences, so expect a mix of horror and humor unlike anything youā€™ve seen before!

Your Voice Matters

Reader Spotlight: Wildwood Park

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

Barbara J loves Wildwood Park and for good reason! Whether youā€™re packing a picnic, bringing the kids to play, or looking to bike the trails, this spot has it all. Donā€™t miss the 1.5-mile loop around the lake or the dock where you can launch your boatā€”or rent one if you donā€™t have your own. A must-visit for your next outdoor adventure!

Whatā€™s your favorite type of budget-friendly activity in ENC?

šŸŒŸ We Want to Hear From You! Your input helps us tailor this City Guide to your interests, making sure every issue is packed with ideas youā€™ll enjoy. Take a quick moment to vote and shape the future of our content!

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Share Your Thoughts

We want to hear from you! Whatā€™s your favorite spot in and around Greenville, NC? Whether itā€™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.

Know someone who loves discovering new places? Help us grow the ENC Explorer community! šŸŒ Share the best insider tips, hidden gems, and budget-friendly outings in Greenville with your friends, so they can join in on the fun. The more we explore together, the more we uncover! šŸ™ļøāœØ

Happy Exploring!
-The ENC Explorer Team