Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Greenville, NC

  • Published 2022/10/25

Prepare yourself for an enjoyable and memorable trip to Greenville in Pitt County, North Carolina!

Originally called ‘Martinsborough,’ the city of Greenville is inland on the North Carolina Coast and has various enjoyable destinations that all visitors must visit.

Apart from being in one of the top three states for household furniture manufacturing in the United States, Greenville boasts of captivating natural environments and vibrant arts and cultural centers.

While you can find some of the best tourist attractions in the state in Greenville, the hospitality from the locals make this charming Southern city unforgettable.

Whether a thrill-seeking adventurer or an art and culture enthusiast, you will enjoy the destinations and activities that await you in Greenville.

Here are the best things to do in Greenville, North Carolina:

Escape the City at River Park North

Calm water along the River Park North

Fredlyfish4, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Experience some refuge from your everyday routine and spend your time relaxing with your loved ones at River Park North.

This breathtaking 324-acre nature park is an excellent destination for those who love the outdoors.

With its dreamy views and environment, River Park North is a must-visit for those on vacation.

Visitors of the park can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and the famous canoe and kayak rentals.

If you prefer to reconnect with nature, you can also take a soothing stroll or meditate along the water.

There is a learning facility called the Walter L. Stasavich Science & Nature Center right in the park. Adults and children can check out live animal exhibits and discover more about wildlife.

Paddle along the Scenic Tar River with Knee Deep Adventures

Gear up and get ready for an engaging tour right on the waters of the Tar River with the expert paddlers behind Knee Deep Adventures.

This company is a well-known kayaking business that provides tours around the Greenville area.

Here, you can have an extraordinary guided tour of the river with your family or friends.

You can even bring along your pet dog and splash around the water!

Whether a beginner or a seasoned paddler, you will have an exhilarating kayak ride as you enjoy the breeze and see the luscious greeneries around the waters.

Knee Deep Adventures has everything you need for a fun exploration of the Tar River, from kayaks to tents and other camping essentials.

Score Unique Vintage Pieces at the Dickinson Avenue Antique Market

Satisfy your inner shopaholic and go treasure-hunting for one-of-a-kind vintage items at the Dickinson Avenue Antique Market.

With around 10,000 square feet of space and more than 25 sellers, this market is a wonderland for those who love to shop for antique vases, home decor, and many other vintage items.

You don’t need a time machine to get classic items anymore because here, you can find high-quality wooden furniture, eye-catching paintings, and a vast collection of old books.

If you are lucky, you might even score a vintage typewriter perfect for bringing your thoughts to life at this market.

Check out every space at the Dickinson Avenue Antique Market because you will find unique antique pieces you can’t wait to take home.

Check Out the Works of Talented Local Artists at the Emerge Gallery and Art Center

Colorful exterior view of Emerge Gallery and Art Center

Popova Valeriya / Shutterstock.com

View breathtaking artworks and indulge yourself in various artistic exhibits at the Emerge Gallery and Art Center.

The Pitt County Arts Council manages this gallery, a nonprofit committed to promoting artists and art organizations, educating through the arts, and making the arts accessible to anyone in the community.

As a part of the council’s mission, visitors of the Emerge Gallery and Art Center are not only encouraged to check out artworks but also allowed to join workshops and classes.

The facility has two galleries with rotating displays, making for an extraordinary art viewing experience.

You can also ask about and even help support the two outreach programs that benefit the center’s youth and individuals affected by cancer.

Unleash Your Competitive Spirit at the AMF East Carolina Lanes

Take away your stress and frustrations and unwind through friendly competitions with your loved ones at the AMF East Carolina Lanes!

This establishment is a recreational facility that brings you more than just attractive lights and gorgeous modern aesthetics.

You can bring all your friends and family and use any available 40 bowling lanes to score numerous strikes and achieve a perfect game.

If you get tired from knocking down bowling pins, you can hit the arcade and continue competing with your friends through quick matches in Mario Kart, Pac-Man, and many more.

After you play and bond with your loved ones, you can finish your visit by eating mouthwatering chicken wings and drinking flavorful craft beers at the in-house sports bar of AMF East Carolina Lanes.

Develop a Profound Appreciation for Visual Arts at the Greenville Museum of Art

Discover more about Greenville’s past through some beautiful artworks in the collections on display at the Greenville Museum of Art.

In 1935, the first Women’s Club Arts Festival happened, causing the establishment of the Greenville Museum of Art, or GMoA.

During this time, the establishment of a Federal Art Project Gallery in Greenville was authorized.

Today, the GMoA is known for its dedication to promoting visual arts through educational activities and tours that go up to an hour.

The museum staff or volunteers discuss the permanent or temporary exhibitions to help expand visitors’ knowledge of visual arts.

Those who visit the museum are also allowed to complete an engaging and guided artistic activity at the end of each tour.

The best part is that adult entry to this museum is free.

Harness Your Creativity at Painted Peacock

After getting inspiration from seeing all the different artworks at the exhibits around Greenville, head down to Painted Peacock and put your creativity to work!

A family established Painted Peacock in 2015 in hopes of helping people uncover their creative side.

At this studio, guests of all experience levels are welcome to immerse themselves in their unique artistic inspirations and create their artworks.

You can paint your pottery, make handprint art, or even get greater benefits by becoming a VIP or a Very Important Painter.

Whether you are an expert painter or just an art enthusiast looking for a creative outlet, you can come to Painted Peacock and indulge yourself in the process of creating art.

Take Pictures of the Beautiful Scenery along the South Tar River Greenway

Bridge at South Tar River Greenway

Popova Valeriya / Shutterstock.com

Take in the beauty of nature as you have a quiet walk or a relaxed hike with your family or friends at the South Tar River Greenway.

The South Tar River Greenway is a wooded route surrounded by luscious greeneries, chirping birds, and breathtaking river views.

Likewise, this three-mile trail is perfect for those who want to take pictures of the environment and be one with nature.

The trail follows the southern part of the Tar River and has a few pedestrian crossings, making it an excellent option for families.

You can get boat access to the waterway through its western end, across the Town Commons.

If you go through the trail to its southwest, you will end up in Greensprings Park, connected to the Green Mill Run Greenway.

Work up a Sweat at the Alice F. Keene District Park

Stay active at the Alice F. Keene District Park.

This park represents the efforts made by county departments, community partners, volunteers, and funding organizations when they collaborated to develop this area.

This park will surely draw high-energy kids to its 1.2-mile looping trail through accessible fields and a forest with varying pine trees.

The trail can also access nearby establishments, like the Community Garden, East Carolina Village and Farm Museum, Wintergreen Primary and Intermediate Schools, and Farmers’ Market.

Sports enthusiasts will love visiting this park because it also features two large softball fields, four soccer fields, and bocce ball courts.

If the youngsters get tired running around the vast grassy areas in the park, they can bond and play at the horseshoe pits or the playground.

You can even bring your furry friends because there are pet stations around the Alice F. Keene District Park.

Dive into History at the Eastern Carolina Village & Farm Museum 1840-1940

If you have ever wondered how life was in Pitt County and Eastern North Carolina decades ago, you should take a trip to the Eastern Carolina Village & Farm Museum 1840-1940.

This museum began as a small exhibit of local farm tools at the Pitt County American Legion Agricultural Fair in 1976.

Today, operations in this museum continue as a way of preserving and interpreting how building architecture and agricultural life in Pitt County and Eastern North Carolina looked from 1840-1940.

Spanning five acres, this museum features many sights for history buffs, including a log church, a blacksmith shop, stables, a smokehouse, and a corn crib.

You can also check out a schoolhouse, general store, tobacco barn and museum, houses, cabins, and numerous other unique artifacts and timeless antiques.

Spend the day at the Eastern Carolina Village & Farm Museum 1840-1940.

Sharpen Your Golf Skills at the Bradford Creek Public Golf Course

Become a better golfer and develop your skills at the Bradford Creek Public Golf Course.

This is a proper public course that welcomes golfers of all skill levels.

While beginners can enjoy leisurely tee time, experienced or professional golfers who want to play championship tees can still benefit from a challenge on this course.

If you are looking for a course with an excellent putting surface, look no further because the Bradford Creek Public Golf Course features some of the best bentgrass greens in Greenville.

On the other hand, if you feel like you need to practice your golf swing more, take advantage of their driving range, which is the only lighted public driving range in the region.

Whether you are looking to loosen up before a round on the course or want to hit a few balls after a long day, you can always head to the Bradford Creek Public Golf Course.

Indulge in a Little Retail Therapy at Greenville Mall

Entrance to Greenville Mall

Mike Kalasnik from Charlotte, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Satisfy your clothing, accessories, and other fashion needs at Greenville Mall.

This shopping mall is the top retail center for some of the largest cities in North Carolina.

With a wide variety of retailers and an extensive range of available items, this shopping center is every shopaholic’s dream place.

Whether you are searching for your next favorite fashion staple or want to have a break with your friends or colleagues over a delicious meal, Greenville Mall has everything you need.

Don’t miss Greenville Mall on your next visit to Greenville, North Carolina!

Learn New Things at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Learn more about science, technology, and the genius that results from combining these two topics at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Greenville.

This museum brings new scientific topics to life through brand-new exhibits.

Likewise, the museum provides thought-provoking programs and educational events relevant to present-day issues faced by people in Northeastern North Carolina.

While the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences does have a base at Contentnea Creek, the learning center and museum for science and technology topics are in Greenville.

The museum is committed to encouraging children to engage in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and arts (STEAM) through exciting yet educational ways.

Your kids or younger relatives can get the whole experience of this museum by checking out its exhibits, science camps and fairs, and e-mentoring programs.

Try Impressive BMX Tricks at Extreme Park

You can find them at Extreme Park if you want to learn a few BMX or even skateboarding tricks from expert riders.

Many BMX riders reside in or have visited Greenville, which is why the city is known as Pro-Town USA.

You can find many BMX stunt organizations based around Greenville, and if you want to meet or learn from them, visit Extreme Park.

This park is in Jaycee Park and offers ramps that riders of all levels can enjoy.

If you are a newbie, you can take time honing your tricks and stunts at beginner ramps.

On the other hand, if you have more experience and are interested in pushing your limits in BMX or skateboarding tricks, you can take a spin on the big park ramps.

Test Your Balance at the Carolina IceZone

Learn how to ice skate and see whether you’ll break a sweat at The Carolina IceZone.

This ice skating rink is perfect for groups of friends interested in learning how to skate and discovering a new way to exercise.

You can sign up for camps and clinics where you can learn the basics of ice skating.

If you want a challenge, check out the ice hockey classes and figure skating lessons at the Carolina IceZone.

You can join their regular hockey leagues when you finally feel confident in your ice skating skills!

Final Thoughts

Whatever your hobbies or interests are, you will find something to do in Greenville, North Carolina.

Take your pick among all the exciting activities you can do with this list of the best things to do in Greenville, North Carolina.

This city has numerous tourist destinations and must-see attractions you cannot miss.

Schedule your trip to Greenville today and prepare for all the thrilling, educational, and eye-opening activities you can do.

© All rights reserved.