🌿 Spring is Calling! Outdoor Hikes & Artful Outings Await

The Best Greenville Adventures This Week—Fresh Air, Local Eats & Creative Fun!

Author

Frank Jones
March 19, 2025

Hello, ENC Explorers!

Spring is in full bloom, and Greenville is buzzing with adventure! 🌸☀️ With mild temperatures and sunshine ahead, it’s the perfect time to get outside, explore local art, and indulge in delicious flavors. Whether you’re up for a refreshing hike at River Park North followed by authentic Latin American cuisine, or introducing the family to inspiring local art at Emerge Gallery with a sweet café stop after—this week’s outings are too good to miss! 🎨🥾🍽️

Ready to make the most of it? Let’s go! ⬇️

🎉 Explore More, Spend Less in Greenville!

Want to experience Greenville’s best restaurants, attractions, and entertainment without breaking the bank? The ENC Explorer Passport unlocks exclusive discounts to make every outing more fun and affordable. Enter now for a chance to win your pass and start saving while discovering new favorites and hidden gems around town. Your next adventure starts here! 🏙️🍔🎭

🌟 Celebrate a Local Hero in Greenville!

Know a business or nonprofit that’s making a real impact in our community? We’re looking to highlight organizations that go the extra mile—whether it’s a small business with a big heart, a company giving back, or a nonprofit changing lives.

✨ Nomination Criteria:
✔ Makes a meaningful difference through community programs and outreach
✔ Stands out with unique services, initiatives, or experiences
✔ Helps Greenville grow and thrive for residents, businesses, and visitors

Let’s shine a spotlight on those who make our city stronger—nominate your favorite today! 💙🏆

ENC Adventures: The Perfect Spring Picnic Awaits! 🧺☀️

Spring is here, and that means longer days, blooming landscapes, and the perfect weather for an outdoor picnic! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful riverside retreat, a family-friendly park, or a scenic waterfront escape, there are plenty of great picnic spots just waiting to be enjoyed.

But what’s a picnic without delicious food? Whether you grab local takeout from a favorite restaurant or throw together a fresh meal from the grocery store, a perfect picnic is just minutes away. This week, we’re sharing the best parks for a scenic meal, plus top spots to pick up something tasty along the way! 🌿🥪✨

Seasonal Tip: Best Picnic Spots & Local Takeout for a Perfect Spring Day 🧺☀️

With longer days and warmer temperatures, there’s no better time to enjoy a spring picnic! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful riverside retreat, a shaded park with playgrounds, or a scenic waterfront escape, we’ve got you covered. Pack your picnic basket or grab local takeout and enjoy a relaxing meal outdoors.

🌳 Best Picnic Spots & Where to Grab Local Takeout

Greenville, NC

📍 Wildwood Park – A hidden gem with open green spaces, shaded picnic tables, and stunning waterfront views. Great for kayaking or a relaxing picnic by the water.
🍴 Local Takeout: The Scullery (sandwiches & fresh pastries), The Rickhouse (BBQ & sandwiches).

📍 River Park North – A peaceful escape with nature trails, lake views, and picnic shelters. Perfect for a quiet lunch surrounded by nature.
🍴 Local Takeout: Bagelman (bagel sandwiches & salads), Sam Jones BBQ (Eastern NC barbecue), Bateeni Mediterranean Grill (falafel, shawarma).

📍 Town Common – Right in downtown Greenville, this riverfront park offers shaded picnic spots, a boardwalk, and access to walking trails.
🍴 Local Takeout: Amante Tacos and Spirits (tacos & drinks), Mellow Mushroom (pizza & salads), Sup Dogs (hot dogs & burgers).

Washington, NC

📍 Washington Waterfront Park – A beautiful picnic spot with tables along the river, scenic views, and plenty of space to relax.
🍴 Local Takeout: The Mulberry House (fresh seafood & salads), Down on Mainstreet (casual American fare), Dairy Palace (hamburgers & hotdogs).

📍 Havens Gardens – A quiet riverfront park with plenty of green space, shaded picnic tables, and fishing piers.
🍴 Local Takeout: Havens Mill Pizza Company (pizza), Bill’s Hot Dogs (a local favorite for about 100 years), Grub Brothers Eatery (burgers & Southern comfort food).

Winterville, NC

📍 Winterville Recreation Park – Features picnic shelters, open fields, and a playground, making it a great spot for families.
🍴 Local Takeout: Main & Mill Oyster Bar (seafood), Sam Jones BBQ (Winterville location), Taqueria Tere (tacos).

Farmville, NC

📍 Farmville Community Center Park – A peaceful, well-maintained park with picnic shelters, walking trails, and a nearby playground.
🍴 Local Takeout: Plank Road Steakhouse (steak & seafood), 2nd Street Cafe Farmville (sandwiches & coffee), Boone’s Kitchen (homestyle country food since 1940).

💡 Budget-Friendly Tip: A Picnic Feast from the Grocery Store! 🛒🥪

Want a quick, affordable picnic that still feels special? Skip the restaurants and grab everything you need in minutes from a grocery store deli! Whether it’s fresh-made chicken salad, hot fried chicken, or simple sandwich fixings, you can throw together a delicious meal at a fraction of the cost.

I once made a last-minute picnic sandwich in the park from groceries I bought just ten minutes earlier, and someone at the park literally stopped me to ask, “Where did you get that?” Sometimes, the best picnic meals are the simplest ones!

Ready to enjoy the fresh air? Grab your favorite takeout (or DIY your own meal) and make the most of spring at these great picnic spots! ☀️🥪🌳

Date Idea: Hiking and Latin American Cuisine

Where: River Park North & Sabor Latino
Cost: $12.50 per person

Enjoy the fresh air and scenic beauty of River Park North with a relaxing nature walk or a more adventurous hike through its wooded trails. With early spring in full bloom, you’ll spot budding trees, migratory birds, and the first signs of the season’s warmth. Afterward, treat yourself to bold flavors at Sabor Latino, where you can indulge in authentic Latin American dishes like empanadas, pupusas, or Peruvian-style grilled meats.

Tip: Bring a small backpack with a picnic blanket or snacks so you can take a break and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading to dinner.

Family Outing Idea: Art Exploration and Café Visit

Where: Emerge Gallery & The Scullery Coffee House
Cost: $10.00 per person

Introduce the family to Greenville’s vibrant art scene with a visit to Emerge Gallery, where kids and adults alike can explore local exhibits, creative installations, and interactive displays. Take time to discuss your favorite pieces and maybe even find inspiration for your own artistic projects.

Afterward, wind down with a cozy treat at The Scullery Coffee House. Enjoy hot chocolate, homemade pastries, or a light snack while reflecting on the art you explored.

Tip: Turn the outing into a mini art challenge—ask each family member to sketch their favorite piece from the gallery while at the café!

Spread the Fun: Help Others Discover ENC! 🚀

Know someone who loves finding exciting and budget-friendly adventures around Greenville? Share this with them and introduce them to hidden gems, seasonal festivals, and the best local spots to explore.

Want to keep them in the loop? Invite them to subscribe to the ENC Explorer City Guide for weekly updates on must-do activities, events, and insider recommendations. Let’s make every outing unforgettable together!

Unlock Savings on Greenville’s Top Spots! 🎟️

Want to enjoy more of Greenville without overspending? Enter now for a chance to win an ENC Explorer Passport, giving you exclusive discounts at the city’s best restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems. 🍽️✨ Whether you’re dining out, discovering a new favorite spot, or planning a fun day out, this pass makes every experience even better.

Don’t miss out—enter today! 🚀

Explore More with ENC Explorer!

Make every week an adventure with ENCExplorer.com!

🌟 Find Greenville’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 featured—we can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you! 📍✨

Mark Your Calendar: Celebrate Community, Music, and Love

  • 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!

  • When: April 10, 2025

  • Where: Wildwood Park, Greenville, NC
    Get ready for a glowing twist on a classic spring tradition at the Neon Eggstravaganza! 🥚✨ This exciting evening egg hunt transforms Wildwood Park into a glow-in-the-dark adventure, filled with illuminated eggs, fun games, and family-friendly activities. Kids of all ages can enjoy music, interactive stations, and neon-themed surprises throughout the park.

    Bring your basket and a flashlight, and prepare for a night of glowing fun under the stars! 🌙🎉 Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind spring celebration that promises excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories for the whole family.

    📍 For event details and registration, visit the website.

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!

What’s your favorite type of budget-friendly activity in ENC?

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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.

Know someone who loves discovering new places and experiences? Invite them to join ENC Explorer and uncover hidden gems, local favorites, and affordable outings in Greenville. The more we explore, the more we find—so spread the word and make every adventure one to remember! 🚀🌍

Happy Exploring!
-The ENC Explorer Team

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