🌅 September evenings are calling — here’s where to spend them

🎯 Your Midweek Reset

Put the phone down — every Wednesday, our 5-minute audio guide delivers Greenville’s best under-$25 outings, clever weeknight wins, and reliable rainy-day backups. In just a few minutes, you’ll have fresh ideas for post-work fun, quick pick-me-ups, and cool escapes as summer slowly gives way to fall. Press play, relax, and let us handle 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 🎧

📍 Put Your Business on Greenville’s Must-Visit List

ENC Explorer readers don’t just scroll — they show up. From date nights to family outings, our subscribers include ECU students, families, and longtime locals who keep Greenville buzzing.

With 400+ businesses already featured and a subscriber list that grows weekly, ENC Explorer is the trusted guide for where to eat, shop, and explore. And with back-to-school season bringing new faces and fresh energy, there’s no better moment to get noticed.

Features start at just $100 — guaranteed local reach, no algorithms in the way.

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

🙌 Who Inspires You in ENC?

Eastern NC is full of everyday champions — the teacher who stays late to help, the neighbor who always shows up, the business owner who puts people first, and the volunteer who never asks for thanks.

We want to share their stories. Nominate someone who:

✨ Leads with kindness or service

✨ Builds projects or businesses that bring people together

✨ Makes ENC stronger in big or small ways

Think of the parent cheering at every game, the friend running food drives, or the shop owner who treats customers like family.

💌 Selected nominees will be featured in ENC Explorer so the whole community can celebrate them.

Let’s give these unsung heroes the spotlight they deserve.

Nominate your favorite business or nonprofit here.

ENC Adventures: Game Day Your Way

Fall in Greenville means purple, gold, and plenty of Pirate pride. You don’t have to sit in the stadium to soak up the energy — game day is about community, food, and fun. Whether you want the buzz of a parking lot tailgate or a quieter setup with family and friends, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to celebrate.

Seasonal Tip: Game Day Options Under $25

• 🎉 Join the tailgates in the parking lots around Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium — enjoy the music, atmosphere, and ECU spirit even if you don’t have tickets.

• 📺 Watch from home with friends — stream the game and keep it simple with folding chairs and a cooler in the backyard.

• 🌳 Set up in a park with a cell hotspot — bring a blanket and a speaker to create your own outdoor viewing party.

• 🍖 Order local BBQ from B’s — hearty plates run about $15 and feed two if you split sides, making it a game-day feast on a budget.

Pro Tip: Bring folding chairs and a small cooler so you can turn any parking spot, park, or backyard into your own tailgate zone.

✨ And if you’re looking for more ways to make the most of September evenings, stay tuned — we’ve got a sunset picnic date idea and a family adventure at Wildwood Park coming up next.

🌟 Bored in Greenville? Think Again.

We all know someone who says, “there’s nothing to do here.” Time to prove them wrong — and keep their wallet happy

The ENC Explorer City Guide is filled with budget-friendly dates, family outings, and local gems hiding in plain sight.

✨ No endless scrolling. No pricey tickets. Just real plans for real life in Eastern NC.

👉 Forward this email and show them the Greenville you know — lively, flavorful, and full of surprises.

ENC Events: Mark Your September Calendar

Greenville and nearby towns are buzzing with activity this month, and it’s the perfect time for newcomers and longtime locals alike to plug into the community. From food traditions to live music and local makers, these gatherings are as affordable as they are welcoming — a great way to explore what makes eastern NC special.

What’s Happening: Oysters, Music & Makers

Urinetown at Magnolia Arts Center

• When: Sept 18–20 at 7:30 PM

  • Sept 20–21 at 2:00 PM

  • Sept 25–27 at 7:30 PM

  • Sept 27 at 2:00 PM

• Where: Magnolia Arts Center
  A satirical musical set in a drought-stricken future where private toilets are banned and people must pay to pee. The poor rise up against the greedy Urine Good Company, leading to a hilarious and sharp political comedy.

Sunday in the Park

• When: Sunday, September 21

• Where: Wildwood Park
  Bring the whole family to Wildwood Park for relaxing music and nature in the late afternoon—a perfect cap on a weekend with roots in community and calm.

End-of-Summer Vendor Market

• When: Saturday, Sept 20 · 9am–1pm

• Where: Eastern Carolina Village & Farm Museum
  Explore local crafts, eats, and small businesses at this lively, community-driven market. A perfect way to support local makers before fall fully sets in.

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.