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A Unique and Diverse Region That Blends Vibrant Urban Districts With Rural Small-Town Charm
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Images & Explore Information sourced from Visit Greenville, NCGreenville
Named one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in America by Livability.com, Greenville is the cultural and economic center of Eastern North Carolina and the county seat of Pitt County. As the state’s 10th largest city, it has over 90,000 residents. The city features a strong university-medical community, lively arts and dining scenes, and plenty of outdoor activities along the Tar River. With nearly 300 years of history, Greenville has evolved from a rural agricultural town into a dynamic hub of education, healthcare, and industry. Its mild climate, extensive greenways, and proximity to Raleigh, the Outer Banks, and the Crystal Coast make it a top destination for travelers, retirees, and new residents seeking affordability, adventure, and a welcoming community.
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Discover Winterville, a town where small-town peace meets modern convenience. Every August, the town hosts the Watermelon Festival, attracting many visitors for fresh watermelon, live music, and community fun. A certified Retire NC community, Winterville offers affordable living with access to excellent healthcare, outdoor adventures, and vibrant dining, including Main & Mill Oyster Bar, local breweries, coffee shops, and Sam Jones Barbecue. Enjoy farm-fresh experiences at Strawberries on 903, Brock’s Berry Farm, and summer Markets on the Square. Embrace the slower pace and all the sweet delights Winterville has to offer!
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Ayden combines small-town charm, historic neighborhoods, and famous food. Called the 'Crossroads of Barbecue & Collards,' Ayden features renowned barbecue places like Skylight Inn, led by third-generation pitmaster Sam Jones, and Bum’s Restaurant, both known for their history and authentic tastes.. Annual events like the Kings of Q Barbecue Festival in May and the Ayden Collard Festival in September highlight the town’s culinary and cultural heritage. Nearby, Simply Natural Creamery & Jersey Farm invites visitors to enjoy tractor tours, pet baby calves, and savor homemade ice cream crafted from their Jersey cow herd, making Ayden a must-visit destination for food lovers and families alike.
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Farmville, located in northeastern Pitt County, mixes a unique Southern feel with small-town charm. Walk along Main Street to see colorful murals, art galleries, glassblowing shows at the ECU GlasStation, and unique items at Dapper Dan’s antiques. Indulge in Farmville’s dining and drink scene with award-winning brews at Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, French-inspired delights at Café Madeleine, expertly roasted coffee at Lanoca Coffee Institute, and legendary cheese biscuits at Little Rocket. Don’t miss the Plank Road Steakhouse, named one of North Carolina’s best small-town steakhouses. With summer farmers markets, the annual Dogwood Festival, and rich history at the May Museum, Farmville is an eclectic gem waiting to be explored.
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Located along the historic Contentnea Creek in southern Pitt County, between Greenville and Kinston, Grifton is known for its rich history and love of nature. Every April, the town holds the Shad Festival, celebrating the spring migration of shad fish up the creek to spawn. Visitors can also explore the 400-acre North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at A Time for Science’s Grifton Nature Campus, where they can discover Eastern North Carolina’s natural history, kayak on scenic ponds, and stargaze at the observatory.
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East of the Tar River and across the L. Elmore Hodges Bridge lies the historic town of Grimesland in eastern Pitt County. Named for Civil War Major General Bryan Grimes, the town was established on his family plantation. The Grimesland Plantation, dating back to 1790 and expanded through the 1840s, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and beautifully restored in in the early 2000's for private use. Today, Grimesland offers charming residential areas, a lovely park, family farms, cozy cafes, and local businesses, blending rich history with warm hospitality.
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The small town of Fountain, in the northwestern part of Pitt County, is a hidden treasure for fans of vintage items and music. At the R.A. Fountain General Store on Main Street, you can enjoy live shows by local and national bluegrass, Americana, and jazz musicians, as well as poetry nights. Relax on comfortable seats while drinking fresh lemonade or enjoying homemade ice cream.. Nearby, Pitt County’s only winery, Seven Pines Winery & Vineyard, offers its delightful wines at local restaurants and markets, adding a touch of local flavor to the area.
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Bethel, a small town on the northern edge of Pitt County near US Highway 64, provides a quiet rural lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of nearby Greenville and surrounding towns. Visitors can enjoy fresh local produce and goods at Carolina Country Fresh Farm & Market and taste authentic Italian food at the popular La Casetta, making Bethel a charming small-town destination.
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Simpson, a charming village nestled in Pitt County, offers a serene rural atmosphere just a short drive from Greenville and other nearby towns. With its welcoming community and scenic surroundings, Simpson provides the perfect blend of small-town living and convenient access to modern amenities, making it a hidden gem in Eastern North Carolina.
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Falkland, a historic area in Pitt County, offers a glimpse into North Carolina's rich past with its charming small-town ambiance. Situated near Greenville, Falkland provides a peaceful rural lifestyle while remaining conveniently close to the cultural and economic opportunities of the surrounding region. With its friendly community and scenic surroundings, Falkland is a delightful destination for those seeking a tranquil escape.