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Photo Gallery Greenville’s heartbeat comes from its four-year college, East Carolina University — and this is not a bad thing. The constantly changing population brings an annual pulse of diversity into the town and it seems to urge businesses to cater to young, growing minds. You won’t just find smoky bars here; you’ll find tea shops designed for intellectuals, museums that feature student artists and outdoor concerts just in time for summer. If you’re driving up north (Greenville is just under two hours from Camp Lejeune), don’t miss this charming town.
The downtown area you’ll want to explore is actually called “uptown” in Greenville. Uptown Greenville has a non-profit organization of the same name behind its recent revitalization; it has outside wi-fi internet access, cafes, an art scene, restaurants and outside musical performances on Sundays. This summer, Sunday in the Park, a free concert series held in the Town Common at the Greenville Toyota Amphitheater, will take place through August. The concerts begin at 7 p.m. and last an hour, however it’s usually cancelled in the case of rain or other inclement weather. Bring a blanket or chair and listen to the likes of the Tar River Community Band (June 3), the Emerald City Big Band (June 10), the Steep Canyon Rangers (June 17) and the Greensville Pops Summer Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Jorge Richter and highly recommended (June 24).
The Greenville Museum of Art (802 S Evans St.) is a worthy stop on your tour of Uptown. It was established in the 1930s and has rotating exhibitions from local and nationally-known artists. Make sure you take note of the Students Gallery, which features more modern and unique pieces from graduating seniors in the School of Art at East Carolina University. The museum also hosts an Artists Association which holds events open to everyone; particularly of interest to Marines or Marine wives who have an interest in art are the regular portfolio reviews. Kate LaMere, ECU communications professor, will review anyone’s work and offer a critique and suggestions.
If you’re more of a relaxed, books-and-hot-tea kind of person, definitely make a trip to Acasia’s Tipsy Teapot (409 S Evans St.) for some intellectual and caffeinated stimulation before continuing your tour of Greenville. From Earl Grey to Lapsang Souchong (a strong, smoky tea from China), you’re bound to find a tea you’ll enjoy.
Delia Liuzza, one of the owners of the shop, was born in London and wanted to bring bits of his childhood to the “book-starved” residents of Greenville.
“I was raised on tea and scones. And books, but they were rarely as tasty,” said the quirky Liuzza. “Acasia is my oldest daughter and our little restaurant was opened with her future in mind. There are so many exciting things happening in Uptown Greenville — new businesses are opening all the time. I just know this is the right place and time.”
You can also eat here; they’ve got hearty salads and sandwiches, and cater to vegetarians (although meat is available here). For the herbivores, I’d recommend the California Veggie on French bread with avocado, sprouts, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese; otherwise, the French Melt on French-style, multi-grain bread with turkey, cheese, lettuce, olives, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, mayonnaise and mustard is a treat. While eating, relax in one of the shop’s puffy chairs while perusing the variety of books.
As the weather is nearly perfect right now, you may want to spend some time outdoors before it gets too hot. Head out of Uptown for a bit and drive to Bradford Creek Golf Course on 4950 Old Pactolus Rd. Why take advantage of golf in Greenville? The course is operated by the Greenville Recreation and Parks Department offers a clubhouse, driving range, putting green, pro shop and service that is generally reserved for members-only clubs.
The course consists of 282 acres and features 18 holes. If you want to get some exercise, do the 18 holes and walk for $22, or take a golf cart along for $34. Prices are even cheaper on weekdays.
If it’s Thursday, you’re in luck. Head to Fourth Street Wine on the corner of Fourth St. and Evans Street in Uptown, as they offer free wine tasting on Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. If not, you can still stop by and have a glass at the wine bar in the shop; glasses range from $6-15 and the shop also offers aperitifs such as soup, nuts, cheese and salads.
For dinner, Dale’s Indian Cuisine (419 Evans St.) hits the spot. The ambience is beautiful, with mahogany-colored tables and shades of burgundy bathed in soft light. The restaurant offers dinner platters and various tapas. Tapas are small plates that come at inexpensive prices, so you can mix and match dishes with friends and family. The vegetable pakoras, fresh cut vegetables fried in spicy chick pea batter, are fantastic.
End your excursion with a trip to the heart of the town, ECU. There, the McGinnis Theatre is featuring its summer theater program. On stage are “West Side Story” from June 26-30, “Barefoot in the Park” from July 10-14 and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” from July 24-28. Tickets for all shows are $30 at the door, but if you buy tickets online (www.ecu.edu/cs-studentlife/mcginnis/OnStage.cfm) there is a discount for senior citizens and students.
Amy Segreti is the Carolina Living Editor. Contact her at amy.segreti@militarynews.com
