Your weekend starts here: New Bern gardens and a hot dog stand since 1928

Gorgous gardens on the Trent River, a hot dog stand that has been open since 1928, and a waterfront most people drive right past.

Author

Frank Jones
April 29, 2026

Hello, ENC Explorers!

Late April is when Eastern NC quietly does its best work. The gardens are full, the
light lasts past 7, and the crowds that will show up in June have not arrived yet. If
you have been planning to get out of Greenville for a weekend and keep pushing it
back, this is the week to stop postponing.
Worth noting for waterfront outings this time of year: morning hours are more
comfortable than afternoons at river-facing spots, where the spring wind can still
carry a bite. A light layer for the start of the day and flat walking shoes will take care
of you for any of the ideas below.
This week we are heading to New Bern for a slow walk through 18th-century
gardens, and to Washington for a lunch stop that costs less than a tank of gas.

🌿 Tryon Palace Gardens + New Bern Waterfront Lunch

Location: New Bern (about 45 minutes from Greenville)
Cost: $20 per person
Hours: Mon–Sat 10 AM–6 PM | Sun 12 PM–6 PM

The formal gardens at Tryon Palace stretch across 16 acres and feel like stepping into 18th-century coastal Carolina. You’ll move through boxwood parterres, seasonal plantings, and open lawns that slope toward the Trent River. Late April is when it all comes together — the colors are full, the air is still comfortable, and the light near closing makes the waterfront especially worth timing your visit around. If you have the time, the full palace tour is highly recommended — it adds context to everything you’re seeing and makes the experience feel complete. After exploring, drive two minutes to the New Bern waterfront and grab lunch along Front Street, where outdoor seating and river views make for an easy, relaxed finish.

Tip: Start at the George Street entrance for the best first impression, and don’t skip the kitchen garden behind the palace — it’s the most photogenic section. Bathrooms are located near the stables, and tickets for tours can be picked up at the NC History Center or the Waystation (booking ahead helps on weekends).

🌭 Bill’s Hot Dogs + Washington Waterfront Walk

Location: Washington, NC (about 30 minutes from Greenville)
Cost: $10 per person
Hours: Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–5 PM

Bill’s Hot Dogs has been sitting at 109 Gladden Street since 1928, and not much has changed — in the best way. It’s a tiny counter spot where a full lunch is still simple, fast, and affordable. The hot dogs are the classic bright red Eastern NC style, topped with their signature white chili, mustard, and onions if you order them “all the way.” The whole experience can take 10 minutes, but depends on the lines and kids are usually surprised that something this simple can taste that good.

After you eat, spend some time walking around downtown Washington and along the waterfront. You can follow parts of the local history walk, which weaves through the historic district, riverfront views, and quiet streets that still feel tied to the town’s past. It’s flat, easy to explore at your own pace, and gives kids space to move while you take in one of the most underrated small downtowns in ENC.

Tip: They now accept cards, but it’s still a quick, no-frills stop—plan on a few hot dogs per person depending on appetite. Park once near downtown and turn it into a full walkable outing from there.

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🛍️ Barbara J. recommends: The NC Estuarium on the Washington waterfront

If you’re already making the drive to Washington, it’s worth adding a stop at the NC Estuarium right on the Pamlico River waterfront. It’s the first aquarium in the country built specifically around estuary ecosystems, but don’t expect crowds or anything overwhelming—it’s smaller, quieter, and easy to move through at your own pace.

Inside, you’ll find hands-on exhibits and aquariums that explain how the river system works, which makes it surprisingly engaging for both kids and adults. Admission is affordable ($5 for adults, $3 for kids, free for ages 4 and under), so it’s an easy add-on without stretching the budget.

If you time it right between April and November, they also run free pontoon boat rides on the Pamlico a few days a week—something most people don’t expect and easily the highlight if it lines up with your visit.

Location: 223 E Water St, Washington
Hours: Tues–Sat 10:30 AM–3:30 PM
Tip: Check the boat schedule ahead of time—those spots can fill up quickly.

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ENC EVENTS THIS WEEK

Your week in Greenville & ENC: April 29-May 6

Location: Downtown Greenville (Dickinson Ave + Uptown)
Date: Friday, May 1 (runs monthly through June)
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM
Cost: Free

Downtown Greenville’s First Friday ArtWalk is one of the easiest ways to turn a regular Friday into something more interesting. Galleries, restaurants, shops, and breweries stay open late with art exhibits, live music, local vendors, and plenty of places to grab a drink or bite along the way. The Dickinson Avenue corridor is a central stretch, with spots like Emerge Gallery, Pitt Street Brewing, Uptown Brewing, and the Farmers & Makers Market all in the mix. It’s completely self-guided, so you can wander at your own pace and build the night however you want.

A nice bonus: the Emerald Express Trolley runs free during the event, looping through downtown about every 20 minutes—so you can park once and hop on and hop off as you go.

Tip: Start on Dickinson Avenue and work your way outward before it gets crowded, then use the trolley later in the evening when your feet start to feel it.

Location: Wildwood Park, 3450 Blue Heron Dr, Greenville
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Cost: Free (free parking)

National BBQ Month wraps up with one of the more fun, easygoing events of the weekend at Wildwood Park. Expect a full afternoon of live beach music from bands like North Tower and The Catalinas, plus BBQ food trucks and a beer garden set up throughout the park. It’s spread out enough to feel relaxed, with plenty of space for families and groups to settle in without feeling crowded. What makes this one stand out is the setting—Wildwood’s water views and walking trails are worth exploring while you’re there, so it’s easy to turn this into more than just a quick stop.

Tip: Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and plan to hang near the stage early—then take a walk down to the water or hit a short trail between sets to make the most of it.

Location: Wildwood Park, Greenville
Dates: Every Thursdays, till – May 28
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
Cost: Free

Zumba in the Park is back for spring, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get outside and move without overthinking it. Hosted by Greenville Recreation & Parks, this weekly series brings music, energy, and a laid-back group atmosphere to Wildwood Park. No experience is needed—just show up, follow along, and enjoy an hour of dancing with a mix of families, friends, and locals looking to shake off the day. It’s casual, welcoming, and a good midweek reset that doesn’t cost anything.

Tip: Bring water and arrive a few minutes early to find a spot—then stick around after class for a quick walk by the water while the weather’s still nice.

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🤍 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.

If you know someone who just moved to ENC or grew up here and needs a nudge to
rediscover it, this one is worth forwarding. The more locals in the loop, the better
these spots stay.

Happy exploring,
— The ENC Explorer Team