Your weekend starts here: pontoon boats on the Pamlico and 80-year-old BBQ in Wilson

Two afternoons, two directions, both under $25.

Author

Frank Jones
March 18, 2026

Hello, ENC Explorers!

Something shifts in Eastern North Carolina around the third week of March. The
mornings still have a chill to them, but by early afternoon the sun is warm in a way it
hasn't been since last fall. The dogwoods are just getting started. The Bradford pears
are already gone, and the yellow pollen on every car hood is the first proof spring is
actually here.
Right about now is when locals know to put the car in the garage. Pine pollen in
Greenville typically peaks mid-March and arrives fast. One day the hood is clean; the
next it has a full coat of yellow. If you've got outdoor plans this week, plan to go out
early morning before the air gets heavy. Aim to start before noon.
This week we're sending you east and west. East to Washington, NC for a Pamlico
River afternoon most Greenville locals have never taken. West to Wilson for whole-
hog barbecue that's been running since 1946 and a sculpture park that genuinely
stops you in your tracks. Both under $25. Both worth the drive.

The Date

🐟 Washington NC Waterfront + NC Estuarium

Location: Washington, NC (30 min)
Cost: $5 per person (free under 5)

The NC Estuarium on the Pamlico waterfront is one of those places locals forget about—but it’s genuinely worth the short drive. For just a few dollars, you get access to hands-on exhibits about the Pamlico Sound ecosystem and a pontoon boat ride out on the actual river. It’s not a touristy experience—it feels real, educational, and surprisingly peaceful.

Afterward, take time to walk the waterfront. Washington offers one of the longest publicly accessible riverfronts in the state, and the historic downtown adds to the charm. If you’ve got a little extra budget, grab a casual lunch on Main Street and make it a full outing.

Tip: Call ahead to confirm pontoon ride times and aim to go earlier in the day for the best experience.

Family Outing

🎡Whirligig Park + Parker's Barbecue

Location: Wilson, NC (35 min)
Cost: $25 per person

Start this outing with a stop at Parker’s Barbecue, a true Eastern NC institution that’s been serving whole hog since 1946. The experience is simple—order at the counter, grab a tray, and settle into a dining room that hasn’t changed much in decades. It’s quick, affordable, and a great way for kids to experience a piece of local food culture (cornbread included).

After lunch, head over to Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, just a short walk away. This free outdoor space is filled with massive, colorful kinetic sculptures made from salvaged materials. When the wind picks up, everything spins and moves—it’s weird, fascinating, and surprisingly memorable for all ages.

Tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid lunch rush at Parker’s, and check the wind forecast—whirligigs are at their best when there’s a breeze.

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 🌷Barbara J. recommends: Town Common at sunrise

Most people know Town Common from afternoon runs or weekend events, but there something different about it at sunrise in mid-March, before the pollen gets going and before anyone else shows up. The Tar River is usually still, the red-wingedblack birds are back along the marsh edges, and the whole park feels like it belongs to you. Park at the east end off First Street for the best view. It takes 20 minutes and costs nothing. Its the kind of thing you end up doing every morning once you start.

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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!

ENC EVENTS THIS WEEK

Location: Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum
Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: Evening
Cost: Tickets vary (check for family pricing)

The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their high-energy mix of basketball, comedy, and crowd interaction to Greenville for a midweek show that’s anything but ordinary. Expect trick shots, audience participation, and plenty of moments that keep both kids and adults engaged from start to finish. It’s one of those events that feels just as much like a show as it does a game.

Tip: Check the box office or online early for family bundles and student discounts—they’re often available but sell out fast.

Location: Clark-LeClair Stadium
Date: Friday, March 20
Time: Evening
Cost: ~$8–$12 general admission

Conference play kicks off Friday night as the Pirates take on UAB at Clark-LeClair. Opening weekend always brings extra energy, and an evening game in March is one of the best ways to experience Greenville—cool air, packed stands, and that unmistakable college baseball atmosphere.

Tip: Arrive early for easier parking and to grab a good seat—opening conference games tend to draw a bigger crowd.

Location: Murphy Center at ECU
Date: Friday, March 20
Time: 6:30 PM
Cost: Ticketed gala (check AHA for pricing)

This annual American Heart Association fundraiser brings together the community for an evening of dining, entertainment, and giving back. It’s a more formal, cause-driven event that supports heart health initiatives across the region.

Tip: Tickets can sell out—check early if you’re interested, and consider it for a special night out or group event.

For Business

ENC Explorer connects readers with local spots every week. If your business would
like to reach an engaged local audience, reply to this email to ask about sponsorship
opportunities.

🤍 Who’s Making ENC Better?

Eastern North Carolina runs on people who show up. The coach who stays late.
The neighbor who checks in. The business owner who gives back.

We want to help tell their stories. Nominate someone who:
🤍 Leads with integrity
🤝 Brings people together
🌱 Invests in our community

📬 Selected nominees will be featured in ENC Explorer, so the whole community can celebrate the people who make ENC feel like home.

Let’s shine a light on the locals who truly matter.

Happy exploring,
— The ENC Explorer Team