Greenville, North Carolina is a near and dear place to my heart. I spent 3.5 glorious college years in the town while attending East Carolina University before graduating and moving to Raleigh. I have fond memories of the town from my childhood, too, when my dad (hi Big Dave!) and I used to go to ECU football games together usually the day after Thanksgiving. I loved my time in undergrad at ECU and met some of my life long friends while there. One of my dear friends and her family live in Greenville and I always enjoy visiting and checking out the new additions to the city. Here is a guide of things to do in Greenville, NC on your next trip to this eastern North Carolina gem.
This post was originally written in January 2021 and has since been updated and recirculated for May 2025.
A Guide on Things to Do Greenville, NC
Things to Do in Greenville, NC: Where to Eat
a Tavola!
Photo via a Tavola!
My favorite restaurant in Greenville is a Tavola! For both my graduation lunches, I requested a Tavola! I have fond memories of my weekly girls’ night with my best friend Amanda from when we were in undergrad. It is usually a spot that Hillary and I stop at for lunch when I visit town. Some of my favorite dishes include: seafood bisque, crab dip in a bread bowl, shrimp po’ boy with fried okra and seasoned fries.
a Tavola! is at 620 Red Banks Rd, Greenville, NC 27858
Dickinson Avenue Public House
Whew, y’all! What a beautiful and delicious spot. The times I have visited, I only had starters, and wow are they delicious. Most recently, I had their blue crab and pimiento cheese dip and their deviled eggs which I highly recommend. And if you are there and the fried okra is on the menu, order it and don’t ask any questions. It is some of the best fried okra I have ever had!
Dickinson Avenue Public House is at 703 Dickinson Ave, Greenville, NC 27834.
Ford + Shep
My friend Hillary raved about Ford + Shep for years before I finally got the chance to visit and let me tell y’all, she was right. It is a culinary gem in eastern NC! Their menu changes frequently so I suggest asking the server about their recommendations from the menu. On our visit, we ordered the burger, seared tuna, oysters and the Brussels sprouts. It was delicious and the space is truly gorgeous.
Ford + Shep is at 718 Dickinson Ave #103, Greenville, NC 27834.
Sam Jones BBQ
You cannot talk about Greenville and not talk about eastern North Carolina BBQ. While I know there are several options for good BBQ in the area, Sam Jones is definitely a favorite of mine! The BBQ sandwich and macaroni and cheese with a Cheerwine is my go-to order. If you can get the sweet potato muffins, do it.
And if you’re interested in trying more BBQ in the area, pick up a Pitt County Brew & ‘Cue Trail “PassPork” and collect official stamps from the locations included. Once completing your passport, you can get either a t-shirt or pint glass.
Sam Jones BBQ is at 715 W Fire Tower Rd, Winterville, NC 28590.
Things to Do in Greenville, NC: What to Do
Grab a Coffee and Browse Coastal Fog
Coastal Fog is such a lovely spot in Greenville. I could have included it in the section above as a spot to eat because they do serve food, including tomato pie and pimiento cheese. They feature a market where you can pick up delicious pre-made items, including a whole tomato pie to heat up at home. They offer a delicious selection of wine, other market goods, and gift basket staples like cheese straws. Coastal Fog has great coffee table options, interior decor items, and is just such an eclectic, unique spot with something for everyone. Grab a coffee while browsing! Their honey lavender latte is divine!
Coastal Fog is at 210 E 14th St, Greenville, NC 27858.
Shop the Latest Fashion at Monkee’s of Greenville
I was a junior in college when Monkee’s opened in Greenville and I was absolutely over the moon with the fashion that Lauren brought to the area. Lauren has such an incredible eye for fashion styles and has a wide range of options, plus statement earrings and necklaces, an excellent shoe selection, and the best candles. Her staff is knowledgable and helpful in selecting pieces no matter the occasion.
Monkee’s of Greenville is at 639 Red Banks Rd, Greenville, NC 27858.
Catch an East Carolina Athletic Event
You cannot go to Greenville and not attend an athletic event. You would be missing out on a huge experience in the city. I was a proud member of the Student Pirate Club all throughout undergrad and always enjoyed attending athletic events. David and I try to attend games whenever we can, and I highly recommend experiencing an ECU baseball game, bonus points if you can get seats in the Jungle.
If you are in town and there are not any athletic events going on, I still recommend taking some time to stroll through campus. A lot has changed since I attended college in 2005-2008 as the university has continued to grow and expand and is such a gorgeous campus and so many lovely spots on campus to enjoy, including the musical chimes at Joyner Library, the Cupola, and Wright Plaza.
Visit the Greenville Museum of Art
Photo via Visit Greenville
The Greenville Museum of Art always has unique exhibits featuring local artists, including up-and-coming artists from East Carolina University and Pitt Community College. It is a great spot to explore while in Uptown Greenville. Check out their events calendar here.
Greenville Museum of Art is at 802 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27834
Try a New Beer at a Local Brewery
Photo via Pitt Street Brewing Company
It has been exciting to see all of the growth that is happening in Uptown Greenville, including the breweries in the area. Pitt Street Brewing Company has been a favorite of ours when we visit town. The “PassPork” would come in really handy here for exploring the new breweries in the area.
Pitt Street Brewing Company is at 630 S Pitt St, Greenville, NC 27834.
Cheer on the Yard Gnomes
Photo via Yard Gnomes Instagram
The local college summer-league baseball team plays at historic Guy Smith Stadium and often includes East Carolina University baseball team members. Grab tickets and attend a game at this legendary ball park and cheer on the home team!
Guy Smith Stadium is at 2113 Myrtle Ave, Greenville, NC 27834.
Things to Do in Greenville, NC: Where to Stay
The 5th Street Inn
Photo via The Fifth Street Inn
The beautiful 5th Street Inn is located in the College View Historic District on corner of East 5th Street and Library Street directly across from East Carolina University’s main campus. Built in 1924, the 5th Street Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the official home away from home of the East Carolina University Alumni Association. During the day a steady stream of foot traffic moves along the tree-lined street from families and students heading home, student organizations, staff from ECU offices, and even the Chancellor and his family who live a couple of blocks down. Unwind on the cozy porch and enjoy end of the day! Private parking is available.
The Fifth Street Inn is at 1105 E 5th St Greenville, NC 27858.
The Music House
Photo via Visit Greenville
The Music House, owned by ECU Music Professor John O’Brien, is a Victorian home — one of the oldest in Greenville — which has been meticulously preserved and decorated in period style. Built 1901-04 by Jesse Moye The Music House serves as a unique bed & breakfast and live music venue.
The Music House is at 408 West Fifth Street, Greenville, NC 27834.
Hilton Greenville
Photo via Hilton Greenville
Located just a short drive from Uptown Greenville and East Carolina University campus, the hotel includes a restaurant and bar plus an outdoor pool.
Hilton Greenville is at 207 SW Boulevard, Greenville, NC 27834.
While you’re in the area, consider making a drive for a night in Kinston or in Belhaven and experience even more of what eastern North Carolina has to offer.
Which of these things to do in Greenville NC look the most fun to you? Let me know in a comment below!
We moved to the area 2 years ago. While the restaurants and histotic sites are somethi g we enjoy, we can never find anything to do with our grandkids unless we leave town.