Discover Pitt: Culture, Nature and Waterways

Pitt combines insights into regional history with nature trails and experiences on the water. Museums, trails through varied landscapes and activities on the Tar River offer different ways to shape your stay.

History, Art and Regional Stories

The Eastern Carolina Village and Farm Museum is laid out like a village. Three notable original buildings define the site: Eagles School from Fountain, Satterthwaite Store from Pactolus, and Thomas Adrian Savage House from the Bell's Fork area near Greenville. The museum preserves and interprets the architecture and history of agricultural life in eastern North Carolina. Hands-on activities with historical objects are also part of the experience: you can weigh dried beans on an antique scale or churn a butter churn. Demonstrations may vary.

The current home of the Greenville Museum of Art includes the historic Flanagan House and the West Wing, added in 1991. The museum hosts educational programs for adults and young people year-round. Since its founding in 1977, the Wellington B. Gray Gallery has exhibited work by students, faculty and staff, local artists, and traveling exhibitions. Admission is free, and the gallery is open to everyone. It also takes part in the monthly First Friday Art Walk; check the specific dates when planning your visit.

The May Museum & Park shares the history of Farmville and western Pitt County. Its exhibits and programs explore agricultural, commercial, domestic and transportation history from the colonial period to the present. The African American Cultural Trail of Greenville-Pitt County offers another perspective on the region, sharing insights into the lives, stories and history of African American educators, medical professionals, cultural figures and residents.

The Tar River and Activities on the Water

The Tar River flows through Greenville and Pitt County toward Pamlico Sound. The river offers opportunities for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and recreational boating. A 3.5-mile paddling route is listed from Greenville Town Common to Port Terminal Boat Access. River conditions and the availability of operators may change; check current conditions before setting out. Greenville Town Common also has a public boat launch on the Tar River and an accessible, inclusive playground.

River Park North is a 324-acre nature park with five ponds and two fishing piers. Jon boats, kayaks and pedal boats are available to rent for activities on the water. The park has RV sites and basic campsites along the Tar River. Check boat rental availability and current campsite reservation rules in advance.

Wildwood Park also combines a range of activities: the 364-acre park in Pitt County includes a lake, natural-surface trails, an accessible boardwalk and mountain biking trails. Guided or self-guided paddling trips can connect with the Tar River. Rental and tour availability may change.

Nature Trails and Possible Wildlife Sightings

Alice F. Keene District Park is located in Greenville, Pitt County, and has a TRACK Trail. The 1.2-mile loop is fully accessible and passes through open fields and mixed pine forest. The John Lawson Trail in Grifton, also in Pitt County, offers a different landscape. Its TRACK Trail passes through a Carolina wetland forest, where hikers may spot wood ducks, white-tailed deer and dragonflies. The trails therefore differ both in their landscapes and in the wildlife sightings described.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Contentnea Creek is located on 380 acres of land belonging to Bray Hollow Conservancy in southern Pitt County. The surrounding area includes four ecosystems: creek, forest, swamp and ponds. Visitors can explore nature trails there. As trails and access may change, it is recommended to check current visiting information before your trip.

Events and Regional Specialties

The Farmville Dogwood Festival features music, arts and crafts, rides and a parade. Dates and programming may change. In Ayden, the Kings of Q Barbecue Festival takes place every May; the Ayden Collard Festival follows each September, offering family-friendly entertainment and food. If you plan your trip around an event, check the specific dates.

Simply Natural Creamery produces milk, butter and ice cream, and has an on-site ice cream shop with more than 30 flavors. Farm tours are available by reservation on weekdays at 9 a.m. and noon. On weekends, hayrides run hourly on a first-come, first-served basis. The Pitt County Brew & 'Cue Trail leads to participating barbecue and brewery businesses where visitors can collect stamps; participating businesses may change.

Discover more destinations: Stokes, Winterville, Greenville, Scotland County, Rockingham County, Greene County, Iredell, Macon County.

See the full travel guide: North Carolina.