Greenville is in North Carolina, which often gets under-shadowed by popular cities in NC like Raleigh, Charleston, and Asheville, despite having some of the finest tourist destinations that deserve much more recognition.
Whether you like going to the riverside, art galleries, or other naturally beautiful spots, you will definitely find your ideal tourist spot in Greenville. Just like that, there are also countless hidden gems in Greenville that will surely amaze you. And today, we are going to talk about it as well. Here are the top 13 lesser-known tourist spots in Greenville, North Carolina, that can make your experience in the city more memorable.
Table of Contents
1. Greenville Museum of Art
Address: 802 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27834
Greenville Museum of Art, which is housed in a two-story mansion, is among the finest places for you to visit if you like going to the art galleries. Here, you will find a collection of work from local and nationally recognized artists.
This museum has a range of art forms, which includes paintings, drawings, ceramics, prints, photographs, sculptures in different mediums, and mixed-media 2D and 3D art. This entire collection has more or less around 800 art pieces. In addition to the permanent collection of 800, they also created different limited-edition exhibits, which are also impressive.
The schedule of their future exhibits can also be seen on their website, where they share future exhibit schedules. More than that, it’s not a very huge museum, so whenever you go there, take your time and one by one try to check all the art pieces around you.
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2. West Meadowbrook Park
Address: 900 Legion St, Greenville, NC 27834
West Meadowbrook Park is not far away from downtown and offers a pleasant open green space. This hidden gem is such a superb location that you should definitely check it out.
What I personally liked about this place is that it has something for everyone. Like, there is a playground for kids and a green space if you just want to sit and spend some time among the greenery. Apart from this, if you are a golf lover, you can come up with your equipment and use the public golf course in this place, which is also in good shape.
Lastly, the best thing about this place is the ponds, where you can go fishing and catch some fish as well. Overall, all of these activities make this place super unique, and this place surely deserves much more recognition.
3. Wildwood Park
Address: 3450 Blue Heron Dr, Greenville, NC 27834
A short 9-minute drive from West Meadowbrook Park, the Wildwood Park is also among the best off-the-beaten spots in Greenville for nature lovers.
Like the West Meadowbrook Park, this place also offers activities for everyone, but in a more unique way. The playground for kids here is big, with tables around and on the trail, which also makes this place ideal for picnics.
Among the greenery, the trails are suitable for walking, jogging, and for cycling. And if you want, you can hike as well. But the best thing about this place is the lakeside, where you can navigate the lake by using a canoe or kayak. And don’t forget to do fishing here.
4. Greenville Community Garden
Address: 209 Stancill Dr, Greenville, NC 27858
Greenville Community Garden is located next to the Tar River and is managed by the community, and has to say that the locals take good care of the garden. It is not a massive garden but is really peaceful and beautiful.
As you reach the garden, you will see various plants and flowers, with some plants in massive wooden pots. These plants include tomatoes, peppers, beans, peas, greens, cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, garlic, strawberries, asparagus, and many others.
Apart from the garden, some steps away, you will see the Tar River. After visiting the garden, head to the river and spend some time near the river before leaving.
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5. South Tar River Greenway
Address: Greenway, Greenville, NC 27858
South Tar River Greenway is another very fine and hidden area from the mass public, which is suitable for an outing among trees and nature.
This is approximately 3 to 4 miles of woodland, but thankfully, the well-maintained trails will be your best partner. You can also come on a cycle or bike. There aren’t many visitors hiking, so you will mostly find this area with little to no visitors.
Some locals also like this place as a walking spot in the morning as well. And overall, this is going to be a nice and easy hiking trial for anyone, you will also find various shelters along the way.
In addition to that, there isn’t only one way of entering this greenway, so you can start your hiking from different points as well. And lastly, you will also see a pond in the greenway, along with the Tar River, which is suitable for fishing as well.
6. City Art Gallery
Address: 511 Red Banks Rd H, Greenville, NC 27858
City Art Gallery is another off-the-beaten gallery in Greenville, NC, which you would surely love because of the wide variety of art you’ll find on display.
As you enter the gallery, you will see how beautifully each piece has been displayed and how attractive the ambiance is. Here, you will see paintings, ceramic arts, sculpture, glass, and other framing options created by both local and nationwide artists. The price of these art varies, starting from hundreds to some thousands of dollars.
Not only that you can also rent this gallery for personal events. Moreover, the gallery also hosts different exhibits to showcase rare, limited-edition, and unique art pieces, which is really amazing and makes the visit worth it.
7. Emerge Gallery & Art Center
Address: 404 Evans St, Greenville, NC 27858
The Emerge Gallery and Art Center is the last art gallery on the list of hidden gems in Greenville, NC. This place is more than just a gallery, and if you want to support local artists, then there isn’t any place better than this one.
Most of the work you’ll see here, which includes jewelry, glass, paintings, mixed-media art, sculptures, textiles, etc, are all made by local and student artists.
In addition to the art pieces, they organize summer camps for kids, where an experienced teacher guides them in making art. At the same time, this gallery also offers classes and workshops for adults to nurture their skills as artists. When you go there, you will also see people coming to attend their workshops.
8. Vietnam and Iraqi Freedom War Memorial
Address: 103 E 1st St, Greenville, NC 27858
The Vietnam and Iraqi Freedom War Memorial is a tribute to the American Soldiers who served in the military during the Vietnam War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This place is full of greenery with grass and trees and is an ideal place to visit with your family.
As you enter in this open area, you will see six flags on large poles, which include America and different military unit flags. On the back, there is a stone monument with etched plaques and a monument of military shoes, gun, and helmet, which is also the prime photography spot in this place.
After that, just step forward and spend some time near the Tar River. You can either spend your time sitting on the grass or walking on the well-maintained walkway.
9. Brook Valley Country Club
Address: 311 Oxford Rd, Greenville, NC 27858
The last destination that you should definitely visit while you are in Greenville, NC, is Brook Valley Country Club. Whether you are with family, friends, or alone, this country club will not disappoint you.
There is a very well-maintained golf course on the outdoors, which can be a bit challenging but will be fun. Golf carts are also available here. You can also play tennis, as there is a tennis court close to it.
And if you are here on a sunny day, you should also go to the swimming pool in the club under the blue sky. And lastly, after all these activities, if you feel exhausted and hungry, head to the dining area for some food before going back home.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Greenville, North Carolina
10. Ford+Shep
Address: 718 Dickinson Ave #103, Greenville, NC 27834
The first on the list of hidden gem restaurants in Greenville, NC, is Food+Shep, an American restaurant that is undoubtedly one of the most off-the-beaten-path restaurants in Greenville.
As you enter, you’ll see the decor around you, which is surely going to have a lasting effect on you. There is colorful lighting, and several paintings on that wall with different types of chairs and tables are also available so that you will find a comfy one. The ambiance overall is attractive and cozy. The service here is great, and the staff is super friendly.
If we talk about the menu, it isn’t the most extensive one you will find in the city, but you will still probably find your best dish here. Their menu has meatballs, tuna, blue crab, octopus, oysters, BBQ, ribeyes, etc.
11. Cafe Duo Restaurant
Address: 505 Red Banks Rd C, Greenville, NC 27858
Cafe Duo Restaurant, which serves American and European food, is also a place you shouldn’t miss in Greenville. As there is a cafe and restaurant in the name of this place, you will feel like you are in a cafe but can eat like you are in a regular restaurant.
As you enter in their place, you will see an outdoor seating area under the blue sky with iron tables and chairs. If you want to sit indoors, then there are wooden tables and chairs with the option of a sofa like you will see in most restaurants. The ambiance overall inside is simple and aesthetic.
Moreover, with a different lunch, brunch, and dinner menu, they offer a menu with a variety of options, which includes bruschetta, tuna, and a wide variety of sandwiches and pasta alongside benedicts, mushrooms, and various other European options.
12. Seared Chophouse
Address: 1909 E Fire Tower Rd A, Greenville, NC 27858
Seared Chophouse is one of the most underrated steak houses in Greenville. So, whenever you craze for steaks, head over to the Seared Chophouse. Here, you can eat lunch, brunch, and dinner.
The ambiance inside is like a traditional steak house should always have, with brick-designed walls and chandelier lights making the seating more pleasant. In the seating area, you will find wooden tables and chairs, as in most places.
If we talk about the food, their menu is more extensive than you would ideally find in most steak houses, with options like shrimp, crab, alfredo pasta, Caesar salad, various burger options, quesadillas, and a kid’s menu. For their steak option, they offer ribeye, chicken breast, salmon, filet, and other seafood grilled options.
13. Confection Connection
Address: 637 Red Banks Rd, Greenville, NC 27858
The last on our list of hidden gem restaurants in Greenville is Confection Connection, which is a bakery. And what I personally like about this place is that, unlike other bakeries, this place doesn’t solely focus on sweet but several sour lunch items as well.
As you walk inside, the decor isn’t anything special, but it is still simple and aesthetic. There is a chiller on the counter and a simple seating area with wooden tables and chairs.
If we talk about the food items, their cakes are some of the best out there. They also have a wide variety of cake flavors on offer, like lemon, strawberry, carrot, chocolate peanut, cheesecakes, and many more, alongside a wide variety of cupcakes and cookies. For sour items, there are cheese biscuits, soups, chicken, sour pies, and more.
FAQ’s
1. What is Greenville, NC, famous for?
Greenville is initially famous for its university, “East Carolina University.”At the same time, Greenville Town Common is a green space that attracts visitors.
2. Is there anything fun to do in Greenville, NC?
Yes, there is a lot of green space in the city, suitable for hiking, biking, and spending some fun time with friends and family.
3. What is the best time to visit Greenville?
March to May and September to November are considered ideal times to visit Greenville, NC, because the weather is suitable for most tourists.
4. Is Greenville budget-friendly for tourists?
Yes, Greenville in North Carolina is among the budget-friendly cities to visit in the US.
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