Rain or shine, let’s play! 🎲 Coffee & tunes await this week

No time to scroll? We’ve got your week covered 🎧

Every Wednesday, tune in for quick, cheerful rundowns of Greenville’s best local picks—from hidden hangouts to can’t-miss events and wallet-friendly fun. Perfect for your commute, dog walk, or chill time on the porch. Hit play, get inspired, and make the most of ENC life!

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 🎧

🍔 The ENC Explorer Passport: Taste More, Spend Less

💥 20+ Local Deals | Just $35 with Code SUMMER25

Want to turn your summer cravings into sweet savings? The ENC Explorer Passport dishes out exclusive offers at your favorite local spots—no downloads, no printouts, just flash and save.

Here’s a taste of what’s included:

🥪 BOGO pizzas, $1 off subs, free apps
🌯 Up to 15% off meals at top neighborhood favorites
🍣 Serious savings on sushi, smoothies, and snacks

Participating spots include:
Mellow Mushroom • Nash Hot Chicken • Firehouse Subs • Sushi Q • Shogun • Smoothie King • Red Robin • Jet’s Pizza • The Rickhouse • Waffle House—and more!

📅 Valid through December 31, 2025
💸 Normally $45—yours for $35 with code SUMMER25

👉 Eat local. Save big. Explore often.

👉 Grab yours here and start saving today!

🌟 Know a Local Legend? Let’s Celebrate Them!

Greenville shines because of the people who show up, give back, and build community in big and small ways. From passionate volunteers to inspiring business owners, these unsung heroes deserve the spotlight.

🙌 Nominate someone who:
✅ Leads with service, kindness, or advocacy
✅ Runs a local business or program with real impact
✅ Brings people together and sparks positive change

Whether it’s a coach, a teacher, a neighborhood organizer, or a behind-the-scenes powerhouse—we want to hear their story.

📩 Featured nominations will appear in an upcoming issue of ENC Explorer!

Let’s give a round of applause to the folks who make ENC extraordinary. 💛

Nominate your favorite business or nonprofit here.

ENC Adventures:🌇 Summer Nights, Local Delights

There’s just something special about summer evenings in ENC. The sunlight lingers, the air softens, and the best memories are often made after dinner. This week, swap screen time for a simple night out—grab your favorite local takeout (think tacos, subs, or sushi), find a shady bench by the river or a quiet picnic table in the park, and soak it all in.

Add a post-dinner stroll on the greenway or a slow wander by the water to stretch things out. Then top it off with a frozen treat downtown—because summer’s too short to skip dessert.

🌤 Seasonal Tip: Beat the Heat, Dodge the Rain, Savor the Day

Summer in ENC is all about making the most of those sunny mornings before the heat sets in—and finding the best ways to stay cool when afternoon storms roll through. Here's how to enjoy the day no matter what the weather has in store:

Start Your Day with a Quick Outdoor Adventure

Rise and shine! Before the humidity kicks in, take advantage of the cooler early hours for a brisk walk or bike ride. Head to places like Town Common, River Park North, or the Green Mill Run Greenway—where you’ll enjoy nature and a refreshing breeze. A quick dose of the outdoors will leave you feeling energized, and it’s a perfect way to beat the heat before midday.

Cool Off with a Local Frozen Treat

When the temperature rises, treat yourself to something sweet and frosty. Whether you’re in the mood for frozen yogurt, Italian ice, or a cold brew, Greenville has plenty of budget-friendly spots to chill out. Try Simply Natural Creamery or a refreshing iced coffee from Blackbeard Coffee. With these treats starting around $5, you can beat the heat without breaking the bank.

Rainy Day? Embrace the Culture Indoors

Don’t let the storms stop your fun! If the clouds roll in, pop into one of our local cultural gems, like the ECU Wellington B. Gray Gallery or Emerge Gallery. These air-conditioned spots offer a peaceful escape, and with free admission at places like the Greenville Museum of Art, you can soak up some local culture without spending a dime. It’s the perfect way to relax and stay dry on a rainy afternoon.

Enjoy your summer days, rain or shine! Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, there’s always something fun to do in ENC

💡 Pro Tips for a Smooth Summer Outing

Pro Tip #1: Afternoon storms coming? Schedule your fun before 3 PM or wait them out with a coffee and board game—Well Played is perfect for rainy-day hangs.

Pro Tip #2: Pack a small towel or quick-dry cloth—perfect for wiping off picnic tables, benches, or damp concert lawn spots after a summer sprinkle.

👀 Coming Up...

We’ve got two easy, low-cost outings perfect for date night or a family evening.

📬 Know Someone Who Needs More Local Fun? Share ENC Explorer!

We all have that friend who says, “There’s nothing to do around here.” Let’s prove them wrong.

ENC Explorer City Guide delivers weekly inspo straight to their inbox—think hidden gems, free events, budget-friendly date nights, and family outings worth the drive.

🎯 Whether they’re planning a weekend adventure or just craving something new, we’ve got their back.

👉 Forward this email and help them see just how fun (and affordable!) Eastern NC can be.

💥 Locals Know: The ENC Explorer Passport Pays for Itself

Love dining out around Greenville? This little pass packs big savings.

The ENC Explorer Passport unlocks exclusive deals—BOGO slices, free apps, percent-off meals, and more—at some of your favorite local spots. No app. No printouts. Just show your Passport and dig in.

Featured favorites include:
🍗 Nash Hot Chicken
🍣 Sushi Q
🍕 Jet’s Pizza
🥤 Smoothie King
🥯 Bagelman
🍴 The Rickhouse

Use code SUMMER25 to grab yours for $35 (regularly $45).
📅 Valid through December 31, 2025—plenty of meals, snacks, and date nights to go.

👉 Eat well. Spend less. Support local.

🌞 ENC Adventures: Celebrate, Connect & Catch the June Flow

The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and summer is officially in session. It’s the perfect time to balance your hustle with some hometown joy—think café coworking, riverside jams, and starry-night celebrations that honor culture and community.

🎧 Whether you’re in recharge mode or ready to dance, June’s rhythm is calling—and it’s got 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: Local Beats, Community Seats & Summer Streets

Cafe Coworking

• When: June 18, 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.

🎶 Sunday in the Park Concert Series

• When: June 29, 2025 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

• Where: Town Common Park, Greenville, NC
  Settle in for a summer tradition: free live music at the riverfront amphitheater. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy good tunes, good company, and those golden-hour vibes. Perfect for families or low-key date nights.

Greenville Juneteenth Celebration

• When: Saturday, June 21, 2025

• Where: Greenville Town Common
  Celebrate freedom and community with live music at the Greenville Toyota Amphitheater, a Black-owned vendor fair, food trucks, bounce houses, and a fireworks finale. Free guided trolley tours of the African American Cultural Trail will be available earlier in the day.

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.