🎄Slow Down — This Week’s Best Holiday Plans Are Simple

🎧 Your Midweek Rese

Hit pause on the scroll — every Wednesday, our 5-minute audio guide shares Greenville’s best under-$25 outings, cozy local finds, and simple ways to unwind as December days get shorter and schedules fill up. In just a few minutes, you’ll discover warm spots to linger, easy family plans, and small moments of calm woven into the week. Press play, take a breath, and let us do 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 Where Greenville Shows Up

ENC Explorer readers don’t just browse — they make plans. From weeknight coffee runs to easy family outings, our audience of ECU students, parents, and longtime locals actively supports the businesses that shape Greenville’s everyday life.

With 400+ local spots already featured and a loyal, growing readership, ENC Explorer has become the trusted guide for where to eat, shop, and explore across Pitt County. And as December settles in — when locals are planning ahead and choosing where to spend — there’s no better time to be top of mind.

Featured placements start at just $100 — real local reach, no algorithms, no guesswork.

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

🎄 Celebrate ENC’s Everyday Heroes

Eastern North Carolina feels like home because of the people who show up for it — the mentor who lifts others, the neighbor who never hesitates to help, the small business owner who gives back, and the volunteer who leads with heart.

Right now, we’re spotlighting locals who make our communities stronger, kinder, and more connected. Nominate someone who:
✨ Leads with care and intention
🤝 Brings people together through service, creativity, or generosity
❤️ Gives their time, energy, or support to make ENC a better place

It could be a teacher who inspires, a barista who knows everyone’s name, or a friend whose quiet kindness made a real difference.

📩 Selected nominees may be featured in ENC Explorer — because the people who shape our community deserve to be seen.

Let’s celebrate the folks who remind us that “local” isn’t just where we live — it’s how we look out for one another.

Nominate your favorite business or nonprofit here.

🍁 ENC Adventure: Easing Into Winter

As the year winds down, it’s easy for days to blur together — early sunsets, full schedules, and constant background noise. But winter also creates natural pauses if we let them happen. This week’s adventure is about leaning into that slower rhythm and choosing moments that feel grounding instead of rushed. No big plans and no extra spending — just simple ways to enjoy the season like a local.

🌌 Seasonal Tip: Create Space for Small Winter Rituals

Rather than adding more to your to-do list, try weaving in a few low-effort rituals that help the week feel steadier:

• Pick one evening to unplug early and swap screens for music, a book, or quiet conversation.

• Choose a “winter anchor” — the same mug, blanket, or candle you use each night to signal it’s time to slow down.

• Step outside for five intentional minutes after dinner to notice the night air, neighborhood sounds, or winter skies.

Pro tip: Invite everyone in the household to choose their own small ritual and check in at the end of the week to share what helped most. 🤍

Coming Up Next: We’re sharing one cozy date idea and one family-friendly outing designed to help you enjoy the season without rushing it.

✨ Think Greenville Slows Down in Winter? Not Even Close

When days feel shorter and schedules fill up, it can seem like there’s not much happening around town — but Greenville has plenty of easy, feel-good ways to lift your week. From cozy corners perfect for unhurried moments to cheerful outings that bring people together, there’s always something local, welcoming, and budget-friendly to enjoy. December is here, and Greenville is still glowing.

The ENC Explorer City Guide is your trusted guide to under-$25 dates, family adventures, and hidden gems throughout Eastern North Carolina.

🌟 No endless scrolling. No expensive tickets. Just simple plans that fit real life — right here at home.

📩 Know someone who loves discovering local favorites? Forward this email and share the Greenville you enjoy — warm, welcoming, and full of spots that make December feel a little brighter.

🎄 ENC Events: Cozy Nights & Holiday Cheer

Greenville is settling into that sweet spot where cool evenings meet twinkling lights — the perfect season for warm drinks, festive strolls, and simple outings that feel extra special. ✨ Whether you’re planning a relaxed night out, a family-friendly adventure, or a cheerful way to soak up local holiday spirit, this week’s events deliver all the cozy vibes ENC does best.

What’s Happening: Fireside fun, seasonal shows, and small-town holiday magic.

⭐ Winter Wonderland at Dreamland Escapes

Dates: December 17–23, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Dreamland Escapes, Ayden, NC (just 15 minutes from Greenville)
Cost: Adults 13+: $20 • Children 12 & under: $15 • Infants 0–1: Free
Description: Winter Wonderland brings a magical, family-friendly holiday experience to Ayden each night. Enjoy a Christmas-light hayride and train ride, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, spot a cheerful Grinch, and wander through the Bethlehem maze. Warm up by the fire with hot chocolate, roast marshmallows for s’mores, and end the evening with one more ride through glowing lights and festive displays.

Pro Tip: Dress warmly — most activities are outdoors. Ayden is only about a 15-minute drive from Greenville, making this an easy, close-to-home holiday outing.

🎭 A Farmville Hallmark-ish Holiday

Location: Farmville Community Arts Council Theatre, Farmville, NC
Dates & Times:
• December 18–20 at 7:00 PM
• December 21 at 3:00 PM
Cost: Tickets vary depending on seating

Filled with festive humor, familiar tropes, and plenty of wink-and-nod moments, A Farmville Hallmark-ish Holiday is a warm and witty love letter to every feel-good Christmas movie ever made. Expect cozy charm, playful twists, and just the right dose of holiday magic — complete with hot cocoa vibes, mistletoe moments, and laugh-out-loud scenes. It’s a great pick for couples, friend groups, or anyone who loves their Christmas cheer served with a sense of humor.

Pro tip: Grab dinner in Farmville before the show and turn it into a full holiday night out — evening performances pair perfectly with a cozy post-show stroll through downtown. 🎄

🔥 Marshmallow & Hot Chocolate Night Hike

Location: Wildwood Park, 3450 Blue Heron Dr., Greenville, NC
Dates: Friday, December 19
Cost: $9 per person

Experience Wildwood Park after dark during this guided night hike designed to highlight the sights and sounds of nature in the evening hours. As you explore the trails, staff help you learn about nocturnal wildlife and how the park comes alive at night. The evening wraps up by the fire with warm hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows, making it a cozy mix of outdoor adventure and seasonal comfort that works well for families with older kids, couples, and nature lovers.

Pro tip: Dress for the weather and leave flashlights at home — allowing your eyes to adjust naturally makes the nighttime experience even more immersive. 🌙☕

Your Voice Matters

📚 Reader Spotlight: A Cozy Winter Stroll Through Ayden, NC

Looking for a simple, peaceful way to enjoy the season? Barbara J recommends taking a winter stroll through Ayden, NC — a charming small town just a short drive from Greenville. Ayden’s walkable streets, local shops, and seasonal touches make it an easy escape when you need a break from busy days.

Bundle up, grab a warm drink, and wander at your own pace. Kids can enjoy the open spaces, couples can take in storefronts and evening lights, and anyone craving a reset can settle into the slower rhythm Ayden is known for. It’s a low-pressure outing that feels comforting without requiring much planning.

If you’re looking for a cozy, close-to-home way to unwind this week, Ayden offers a gentle reset that locals love.

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.