🎓 New in Town? Here’s How to Feel at Home in Greenville

🎧 Midweek Made Easy

Tired of endless scrolling? Every Wednesday, our 5-minute audio guide serves up Greenville’s best under-$25 outings, rainy-day backups, and weeknight wins. In just minutes, you’ll have fresh ideas for post-work fun, quick pick-me-ups, and cool escapes when the temps climb. Hit play, relax, and let us take care of the planning.

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 🎧

🏪 Spotlight Your Business in Greenville’s Go-To Local Guide

ENC Explorer readers don’t just scroll — they show up. From grabbing dinner to planning family outings, our subscribers include ECU students, families, and locals who drive Greenville’s everyday buzz.

With 400+ businesses already featured and a subscriber base growing each week, ENC Explorer is the trusted source for where to eat, shop, and play. And with back-to-school season bringing new faces and fresh attention, now’s the time to stand out.

Features start at just $100 — delivering guaranteed local reach without algorithms or guesswork.

👉 Reserve your spot today or reply to this email. Let’s make this your busiest season yet.

🏅 Nominate a Hometown Hero

ENC is powered by everyday heroes — neighbors, mentors, volunteers, and small business owners who make our community shine.

We’re looking to feature locals who:
✅ Lead with service, kindness, or advocacy
🏪 Create community-focused businesses or projects
🎯 Strengthen eastern NC in meaningful ways

Think of the coach who never misses a game, the barista who knows your story as well as your order, or the organizer quietly building change behind the scenes.

📬 Selected heroes will be highlighted in an upcoming edition of ENC Explorer so the whole community can say “thank you.”

Let’s lift up the people who make eastern NC extraordinary. ✨

Nominate your favorite business or nonprofit here.

ENC Adventures: Fresh Finds & Fall Flavors

As Greenville fills up with new faces and familiar energy, it’s the perfect time to lean into simple routines that make ENC feel like home. From crisp morning walks to lively markets, September brings plenty of ways to slow down, savor, and connect with our community.

Seasonal Tip: Market Haul + Mini Tailgate

• 🍅 Shop the Markets: Pick up late-summer produce and early apples at the Leroy James Farmers Market, the Farmers & Makers Market in Uptown, or Washington’s Harbor District Market.

• 🧺 Create Your Picnic Spread: Turn that haul into a simple midweek “tailgate” — think fresh fruit, cheese, and baked goods.

• 🌳 Pick a Spot: Spread out at Elm Street Park, Wildwood Park, or River Park North. (Town Common is currently closed for construction.)

• 🎶 Set the Vibe: Bring a portable speaker or just enjoy the sounds of the season — kids playing, crickets chirping, and neighbors stopping to say hello.

Pro Tip: Pack lawn chairs for extra comfort and a cooler with ice packs to keep everything fresh — you’ll stretch that farmers market flavor into a full evening hangout.

👉 And if you’re looking for more ways to settle in, this week’s Date Idea pairs Greenville’s most legendary barbecue with a touch of local culture, while the Family Outing takes you on a riverside adventure in nearby Washington.

🙌 Think Greenville’s Boring? Think Again.

We’ve all got that friend who swears there’s nothing to do here. Time to prove them wrong — and keep it easy on the wallet.

With the ENC Explorer City Guide, they’ll find budget-friendly dates, family outings, and hidden local gems they’ve been missing.

🌟 No endless scrolling. No pricey tickets. Just simple, fun plans made for real life in Eastern NC.

👉 Share this email and show them the Greenville you know — full of flavor, fun, and surprises.

ENC Events: Uptown Energy & Riverside Vibes

Greenville’s back-to-school buzz is officially here, and the weekend lineup makes it easy to dive in. Stroll galleries during First Friday ArtWalk (hop the free Emerald Express), catch the pre-game block party at Freeboot Friday, taste late-summer sweetness at Figapalooza, and wind down with live music at Sunday in the Park. All fun, all budget-friendly, all very ENC.

What’s Happening: ArtWalk, Freeboot, Figapalooza & Sunday in the Park

🎨 First Friday ArtWalk

• When: Fri, Sept 5 · 5–8pm

• Where: Downtown Greenville
  Self-guided stroll through galleries, cafés, and venues across Uptown—plus a free Emerald Express trolley looping between stops. Great atmosphere, easy on the budget.

🏈 Freeboot Friday

• When: Fri, Sept 5 · 5:30–8:30pm

• Where: Downtown Greenville
  Live music, family activities, food vendors at Five Points Plaza—Uptown’s signature pre-game block party on ECU home game Fridays.

Figapalooza

• When: Sunday, Sept 6 · 11am–3pm

• Where: Eastern Carolina Village & Farm Museum
  Celebrate late-summer produce at this charming festival featuring local figs, crafts, and family-friendly fun at the historical farm site.

Sunday in the Park

• When: Sunday, Sept 7 · 5:30–7:30pm

• Where: Wildwood Park
  Relax with live music amid picnic-friendly green spaces in Wildwood Park during this laid-back outdoor music series. A perfect way to ease into the weekend.

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.