Your weekend starts here -- whole-hog BBQ and giant spinning sculptures

Two Eastern NC road trips worth the drive, plus whats happening in Greenville this week.

Author

Frank Jones
April 01, 2026

Hello, ENC Explorers!

April in Eastern NC is the sweet spot. The pollen haze from mid-March is finally easing up, the days are stretching past 7:30, and you can sit outside at lunch without checking the weather app first. This is the window before the humidity settles in for summer -- use it.

One thing locals know about early April here: the azaleas around town are peaking right now,and the dogwoods are not far behind. If you drive any back roads between Greenville and Wilsonthis week, roll the windows down. The roadside color is the best it will be all year, and it onlylasts about two weeks.

This week we have two road trips that put you right in the heart of what makes Eastern NC
worth exploring -- legendary pit BBQ, a Civil War gunboat, and an outdoor art park built by aWilson County farmer.

🍽️ Date Idea: Parker’s BBQ + Whirligig Park

Location: Wilson (about 35 minutes from Greenville)
Cost: $9 per person

Parker’s Barbecue has been serving classic Eastern North Carolina whole-hog BBQ since 1946, and the experience feels like stepping into a piece of local history. Expect wood-paneled walls, simple trays, and no shortcuts—just seriously good barbecue that’s earned its reputation across the state. Arrive before noon to beat the lunch rush and grab a full plate for under $10.

After lunch, take a short drive to Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, one of the most unique outdoor art spaces in North Carolina. Massive, colorful kinetic sculptures made from scrap metal spin in the breeze, and on a windy afternoon, the entire park comes alive. It’s completely free to explore and unlike anything else in the region—equal parts art, history, and pure curiosity.

💡 Tip: Go earlier in the day for a more relaxed meal at Parker’s, then catch the whirligigs when the afternoon wind picks up for the full effect.

⚓ Family Outing: CSS Neuse + Skylight Inn BBQ Loop

Location: Kinston / Ayden (about 35 minutes from Greenville)
Cost: $9 per person

The CSS Neuse in Kinston is one of only three surviving Civil War ironclad gunboats in the world—and it’s right here in Eastern North Carolina. The museum is compact but engaging, making it perfect for kids. Walk around the massive hull, read how the ship was scuttled in the Neuse River, and give them a real piece of history they won’t get from a textbook.

After exploring, head south to Ayden for a meal at Skylight Inn, one of the most iconic BBQ spots in the state. Whole-hog barbecue is cooked over wood coals and chopped right in front of you, which kids usually find fascinating. The cornbread is baked in a cast iron dome and sliced fresh on the counter, adding to the experience.

💡 Tip: Bring cash for Skylight Inn (no cards accepted) and plan to arrive before 1 PM on weekends—they’re known to sell out early.

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🔥Barbara J. recommends: The fried chicken at B’s Barbecue in Ayden

If you are already headed to Ayden for Skylight Inn, B's Barbecue is the other reason peopledrive there from three counties away. They open at breakfast, the fried chicken sells out by mid-morning most days, and when it is gone it is gone. No sign on the building, no website, no socialmedia -- just a line of locals who know. Go early and order both the chicken and the cornbreadsticks. If you get there and B's is closed, it is probably Wednesday or Sunday.

Pro tip: Get there early cause once the BBQ is gone its GONE!!!!

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ENC EVENTS THIS WEEK

What's happening in Greenville and ENC, March 25-30.

Location: Clark-LeClair Stadium, Greenville
Date: Thursday–Saturday, April 2–4
Cost: From $8

The Pirates open a three-game home series against Charlotte starting Thursday night, with games continuing through Friday and Saturday. Clark-LeClair Stadium is known for one of the best college baseball atmospheres in North Carolina—loud, energetic, and packed with Pirate pride. Early April brings some of the best weather of the season, making it an ideal time to catch a game in person.

Location: Holiday Inn, Greenville
Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Check event page for tickets

A local anime and pop culture convention bringing together vendors, cosplay, and fan panels all under one roof. Expect artists, collectibles, and plenty of opportunities to see (or join in on) creative costumes. It’s a great fit for older kids and teens who are into anime, manga, and gaming culture, with a laid-back, community-driven vibe.

Location: Davenport Farm / Harvest Market, Winterville
Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: Free entry (pay for purchases)

Celebrate the 3rd year of Davenport Harvest Market with a relaxed, local-focused market featuring 25+ vendors. You’ll find fresh flowers, sourdough bread, baked goods, candles, honey, seasonal produce, and handmade gifts—all from small local makers. It’s the kind of slow Saturday morning stop where you can grab a coffee, browse, and take home something unique. With Easter right around the corner, expect a few spring-themed treats and goodies tucked in throughout the market.

💡 Tip: Go early for the best selection—especially for fresh bread and baked goods, which tend to sell out first.

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ENC Explorer connects readers with local spots every week. If your business would
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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.

Know someone who would love a whole-hog BBQ road trip or a weekend exploring Eastern NC?
Forward this their way.

Happy exploring,
— The ENC Explorer Team