šŸŒ… Spring Strolls, Waterfront Views & Warm Cookies Await

This weekā€™s top outings pair sunshine with sweet stops, small-town charm, and fresh air fun

Hello, ENC Explorers!

With sunny skies, spring blooms, and perfect walking weather in the forecast, itā€™s a great week to get outside and explore. Whether youā€™re looking for a scenic day trip to Washingtonā€™s waterfront shops and estuary exhibits, or craving a cozy sunset stroll through Greenvilleā€”with hot chocolate and cookies in handā€”weā€™ve got you covered.

This weekā€™s picks are all about relaxed vibes, local gems, and meaningful moments. Scroll down to find your next favorite outing. šŸŒ¤ļøšŸ›ļøšŸŖ

āœØ Discover Greenville for Lessā€”Adventure Awaits!

Ready to explore more of Greenville without the high price tag? The ENC Explorer Passport gives you access to exclusive discounts at local restaurants, attractions, and entertainment spots. šŸŽ« From trying new eats to uncovering hidden gems, this pass makes every outing more excitingā€”and more affordable.

šŸŒ± Uplift a Local Changemaker in Greenville!

Do you know a business or nonprofit going above and beyond to support our community? Whether itā€™s a beloved neighborhood shop, a mission-driven nonprofit, or a company that gives back in a big way, we want to highlight the people and places making Greenville better every day.

šŸ“‹ Nomination Criteria:
āœ” Creates positive impact through local outreach or community efforts
āœ” Offers something truly specialā€”standout services, programs, or support
āœ” Plays a key role in helping Greenville grow, connect, and thrive

Help us celebrate the heart of our cityā€”nominate a local changemaker today! šŸŒŸšŸ‘

ENC Adventures: Explore Greenvilleā€™s Creative Side This Spring šŸŽØšŸŒ¼

With sunny days ahead and spring in the air, itā€™s the perfect time to discover the vibrant art scene that adds color and character to Greenville. From self-guided sculpture walks to downtown gallery nights, the city offers a blend of outdoor creativity and indoor inspiration. Whether you're planning a date, a family afternoon, or a solo stroll, this is a great way to enjoy the season while connecting with local culture.

Seasonal Tip: Take a Self-Guided Art Walk Through Greenville

Looking for something fresh and free to do this week? Hit the streets and greenways of Greenville to explore public art, sculpture installations, and galleries that highlight local and regional talent.

šŸ–¼ļø Emerge Gallery & Art Center
Located in Uptown at 404 S. Evans Street, Emerge is the home of the Pitt County Arts Council and serves as a launching point for many local art initiatives. The gallery rotates exhibitions regularly and also coordinates outdoor art installations throughout the city.

šŸ›¤ļø Greenville Greenway Art Installations
As part of the Down East Sculpture Exhibition, youā€™ll find four large-scale works displayed along the Greenville Greenway system:

  • ā€œBouquet of Sunflowersā€ at Town Common

  • ā€œSteel Saguaroā€ at Jarvis Street

  • ā€œColor Treeā€ at Stancill Drive

  • ā€œReclaimed Tensionā€ at Harding Street

Each piece adds a creative flair to your walk, bike ride, or picnic along the Tar River.

šŸ–Œļø First Friday ArtWalk ā€“ April 4, 2025
Held on the first Friday of every month, this self-guided event invites you to explore downtown galleries, shops, and art venues from 5ā€“8 PM. Enjoy new exhibits, live music, and free trolley rides on the Emerald Express. Itā€™s a perfect Friday night outing to experience Greenvilleā€™s creative energy.

šŸŽØ Greenville Museum of Art
Located at 802 Evans Street, this local treasure features rotating exhibitions and permanent collections ranging from classical to contemporary works. A peaceful stop to add to any Uptown outing.

For more about upcoming exhibitions and installations:
https://www.emergegallery.com

Pro Tip: Bring a camera or sketchpad alongā€”whether youā€™re inspired to create or just want to capture a few shots for your feed, Greenvilleā€™s art scene is full of photo-worthy moments.

šŸŽ­ Ready to shift from art to adventure? Next up, weā€™re sharing this weekā€™s date and family outing ideasā€”featuring waterfront walks, local shopping, and sunset strolls with cookies. Keep reading! šŸ‘‡

Date Idea: Washington Waterfront and Shopping

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

Make your next date a charming day trip just a short drive from Greenville. Start at the North Carolina Estuarium, where youā€™ll explore interactive exhibits about the regionā€™s rivers, wildlife, and ecosystems. Then head to Main Street in downtown Washington to browse local boutiques, gift shops, and art galleries. Wrap up your day with a peaceful stroll along the Washington waterfront, watching the boats drift by as the sun begins to set.

Tip: Make it extra memorable by picking out a small souvenir for each other at one of the shopsā€”something to remember the day by.

Family Outing Idea: Sunset Walk and Cookies

Where: Blackbeard Coffee Roasters, Sojourner, Insomnia Cookies, Tar River Greenway
Cost: $17.50 per person

This sweet and simple outing is perfect for a relaxed evening together. Grab a hot chocolate or steamer from Blackbeard Coffee Roasters, then browse the eclectic finds at Sojourner, a local favorite for books, gifts, and more (open until 6 PM). Pick up warm cookies from Insomnia Cookies and head to the Tar River Greenway for a golden hour walk. Itā€™s a low-key, feel-good way to wind down the day.

Tip: Turn the walk into a family gameā€”see who can spot the first flower bloom, the best view, or the fluffiest cloud as the sun sets.

Pass It On: Invite Someone to Explore ENC! šŸŒŸ

Know someone whoā€™s always looking for fun things to do around Greenville? Share this with them and help them uncover budget-friendly adventures, local gems, and seasonal happenings worth checking out.

Want to make sure they never miss a moment? Invite them to subscribe to the ENC Explorer City Guide for weekly inspiration on what to do, where to go, and how to enjoy moreā€”right here in Eastern NC! šŸŽ’āœØ

Discover More for Less in Greenville! šŸ§­

Want to make the most of Greenville without stretching your budget? Enter now for a chance to win an ENC Explorer Passportā€”your key to exclusive deals at top local restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems. šŸ”šŸŽØ Whether you're grabbing a bite, planning a weekend outing, or exploring somewhere new, this pass makes it easier to do it all.

Start your next adventure with savingsā€”enter today! šŸŽ‰

Seasonal Events Picked by ENC Explorer

Looking for something exciting to do in the weeks ahead? ENC Explorer has you covered with hand-picked events happening right here in Eastern North Carolina. From pirate festivals to plant sales and glow-in-the-dark egg hunts, these events are perfect for families, friends, and anyone ready to enjoy the season.

šŸ“ Discover even more local outings and hidden gems at ENCExplorer.com and make the most of spring across the region!

Whatā€™s Happening Around ENC: Spring Fun, Festivals & Family Events šŸŒø

  • When: March 29, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

  • Where: 1665 Rabbit Lane, Greenville, NC
    Get your spring garden started at this local plant sale hosted by Forest of Eden Farm & Nursery! šŸŒ± Stop by to browse a unique selection of plants, including fruit trees, native varieties, and garden-ready favorites. Itā€™s a great chance to support a local grower and bring home something new for your yard or garden.

    Canā€™t make it during the event? You can message the farm directly to arrange a pickup on another day.

  • 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! šŸ„šāœØ 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! šŸŒ™šŸŽ‰ Donā€™t miss this one-of-a-kind spring celebration that promises excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories for the whole family.

    šŸ“ 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 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!

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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 up for something new? Tell them about ENC Explorer and help them discover hidden gems, local favorites, and budget-friendly outings across Greenville and Eastern North Carolina. The more we explore together, the more we uncoverā€”so pass it along and make every adventure count! šŸŒŸ

Happy Exploring!
-The ENC Explorer Team

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