šŸŒž Spring Adventures Await: Art, Sweet Treats & Waterfront Strolls!

Pottery painting, waterfront walks & sweet treatsā€”make the most of this weekā€™s spring weather!

Hello, ENC Explorers!

Spring is here, and this week is packed with fun, creative ways to enjoy it! šŸŽØšŸ¦ Whether youā€™re looking to get hands-on with pottery painting, indulge in locally made sweets, or take a scenic waterfront stroll, weā€™ve got the perfect outings lined up. With mild temps and sunshine ahead, itā€™s the ideal time to explore, unwind, and make new memories in Greenville and beyond!

šŸŽŸļø Unlock Greenvilleā€™s Best Deals & Experiences!

Ready to explore Greenvilleā€™s top restaurants, attractions, and entertainmentā€”without overspending? The Official ENC Explorer Passport gives you exclusive discounts to make every outing more fun and affordable! āœØEnter now for a chance to win your pass and start saving while discovering new favorites and hidden gems around town. Adventure (and savings) await! šŸš€šŸ½ļøšŸŒ†

šŸ… Honor a Local Changemaker!

Do you know a business or nonprofit making Greenville stronger, more connected, and community-driven? We want to spotlight organizations that go above and beyondā€”whether itā€™s a beloved small business, a national brand giving back, or a nonprofit making a real difference.

šŸ’” Nomination Criteria:
āœ” Creates a lasting impact through community outreach and initiatives.
āœ” Offers something specialā€”unique services, programs, or experiences.
āœ” Helps Greenville grow and makes it a better place to live, work, and thrive.

Letā€™s celebrate the people and organizations shaping our city for the betterā€”nominate your favorite today! šŸŒŸšŸ™Œ

ENC Adventures: Celebrate Spring with Festivals & Local Traditions! šŸŒøšŸŽ‰

With warmer days and longer evenings ahead, spring is the perfect time to get outside and experience Greenvilleā€™s vibrant festivals! From pirate-themed celebrations to historic home tours and lively parades, this season is packed with events that showcase the culture, food, and history of Eastern North Carolina. Whether youā€™re looking for family-friendly fun, live music, or unique local traditions, thereā€™s a festival for everyone. šŸŒæšŸŽ¶

Seasonal Tip: Celebrate Spring at Festivals Near Greenville! šŸŽ‰šŸŒø

Ready to embrace the season? Mark your calendar for these must-visit spring festivals happening near Greenville! šŸŽŸļøšŸ‘‡

  • Fremont Daffodil Festival
    When: March 22, 2025
    Where: Fremont, NC
    Details: Celebrate the arrival of spring with a parade, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and an abundance of blooming daffodils in downtown Fremont.

  • North Carolina Azalea Festival
    When: April 2ā€“6, 2025
    Where: Wilmington, NC
    Details: This iconic Wilmington festival features garden tours, a massive street fair, a grand parade, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display.

  • PirateFest
    When: April 5, 2025
    Where: Greenville, NC
    Details: Swashbucklers of all ages will gather for live music, pirate reenactments, an arts market, and kid-friendly activities along the Tar River.

  • Grifton Shad Festival
    When: April 10ā€“13, 2025
    Where: Grifton, NC
    Details: One of North Carolinaā€™s oldest festivals, featuring a parade, fishing tournaments, live music, and family-friendly fun.

  • New Bern Spring Historic Homes and Gardens Tour
    When: April 12ā€“13, 2025
    Where: New Bern, NC
    Details: Step back in time and tour beautifully restored historic homes and gardens, learning about New Bernā€™s rich history.

  • Farmville Dogwood Festival
    When: April 25ā€“27, 2025
    Where: Farmville, NC
    Details: Celebrate spring blooms with live music, carnival rides, a parade, and local food vendors at this beloved small-town festival.

  • North Carolina Potato Festival
    When: May 17ā€“19, 2025
    Where: Elizabeth City, NC
    Details: Celebrate Eastern North Carolinaā€™s potato farming heritage with a parade, car show, street fair, and live entertainment.

Remember to check the specific event websites for registration details and any updates.

With so many festivals happening nearby, thereā€™s no shortage of ways to embrace the season, support local communities, and make lasting memories. Whether you're dancing to live music, indulging in seasonal treats, or exploring historic sites, these events offer something for everyone. Mark your calendar, invite your friends and family, and make the most of spring in Eastern North Carolina!

Looking for even more fun and budget-friendly outings? šŸŽØšŸ¦ This weekā€™s date and family outing ideas will have you getting creative, satisfying your sweet tooth, and taking in waterfront views. Keep reading to discover whatā€™s in store! šŸ‘‡āœØ

Date Idea: Pottery Painting and Sweet Treats

Where: The Painted Peacock, Confection Connection
Cost: $12.50 per person

Get creative and enjoy a relaxing, hands-on date at The Painted Peacock, where you can paint your own pottery and make something unique together. Whether you go for a coffee mug, decorative plate, or a fun figurine, this artistic experience is a fun way to bond and express your creativity. Afterward, satisfy your sweet tooth just a few doors down at Confection Connection, where you can indulge in handmade chocolates, truffles, or gourmet fudge.

Tip: Pick a theme for your pottery, like matching designs or painting something that reminds you of a shared memory!

Family Outing Idea: Washington Waterfront Day Trip

Where: North Carolina Estuarium, Washington Waterfront, Main Street Shops
Cost: $12.50 per person

Take a fun and educational day trip to Washington, NC, and explore the North Carolina Estuarium, where kids and adults alike can learn about local wildlife, ecosystems, and the Tar-Pamlico River. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along the scenic waterfront, where youā€™ll find plenty of benches, boardwalk views, and boats to watch drift by. Make time to explore the shops along Main Street, and stop for a snack or ice cream at one of the local cafĆ©s.

Tip: Bring a small notebook for kids to sketch their favorite sea creatures or take notes on what they learned at the Estuarium!

Share the Adventure: Invite Others to Explore ENC!

Know someone whoā€™s always on the lookout for fun and affordable things to do in Greenville? Pass this along and help them discover hidden gems, seasonal events, and must-visit spots right in their backyard!

Want to make sure they never miss out? Encourage them to subscribe to the ENC Explorer City Guide for weekly updates on local happenings, activities, and exclusive finds. Letā€™s make exploring Greenville even betterā€”together! šŸŒŸšŸ™ļø

Your Ticket to Greenvilleā€™s Best Deals! šŸŽŸļø

Want to explore more while spending less? Enter now for a chance to win an Official ENC Explorer Passportā€”your key to exclusive discounts at Greenvilleā€™s best restaurants, attractions, and must-visit spots! šŸ½ļøāœØ Whether you're trying a new local eatery or planning your next adventure, this passport makes every outing even better. Donā€™t waitā€”enter today! šŸš€šŸ™ļø

Explore More with ENC Explorer!

Make every week an adventure with ENCExplorer.com!

šŸŒŸ Find Greenvilleā€™s best outings, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences to enjoy with family and friends. Ready to explore? Share your journey using #ENCExplorer for a chance to be featuredā€”we canā€™t wait to see where your next adventure takes you! šŸ“āœØ

Mark Your Calendar: Celebrate Community, Music, and Love

  • When: March 20, 2025

  • Where: Coastal Fog, Greenville, NC
    Celebrate and support women in business at EmpowerHER, a dynamic event designed to uplift, connect, and inspire female entrepreneurs and professionals. šŸŒŸ This evening features insightful workshops, networking opportunities, and inspiring speakers who are making an impact in their industries. Whether youā€™re a business owner, leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this event offers valuable insights and connections to help you thrive. Donā€™t miss this chance to be part of a community that champions success and empowerment! šŸ’¼āœØ

  • When: March 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM

  • Where: Clark-LeClair Stadium, Greenville, NC
    Cheer on the ECU Pirates as they face off against the Memphis Tigers in an exciting home game at Clark-LeClair Stadium. Experience the thrill of college baseball and support the Pirates in their quest for another AAC regular-season title. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy America's pastime right here in Greenville!

  • When: April 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

  • Where: Greenville Town Common, 105 E 1st St, Greenville, NC
    Ahoy, mateys! Join swashbucklers of all ages at the 18th annual PirateFest, a celebration of Eastern North Carolina's rich pirate history. The festival features fine arts for sale, live music, beer and cheers, sword fighting, a pirate encampment, and much more. Dress in your best pirate attire and immerse yourself in a day full of piratical fun for the whole family!

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!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

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 whoā€™s always looking for fun new places and experiences? Share ENC Explorer with them and help them uncover hidden gems, local favorites, and budget-friendly outings in Greenville! The more we explore, the more we discoverā€”so spread the word and letā€™s make every adventure unforgettable! šŸ™ļøāœØ

Happy Exploring!
-The ENC Explorer Team