Unexpected delight in Greenville, North Carolina

I was invited by North Carolina tourism to their annual conference to learn more about what the state had to offer as far as travel and tourism. (You know, to get more ideas for stories for you guys!)

It was in Greenville, NC. I have never been there before, and I had little expectations, too. I was just going for the conference. But, I was hosted by Greenville tourism and with my extra time, they showed me around to their best spots around.

WHERE I STAYED

Exterior of The Music House

If you know me, then you know I am not the biggest fan of bed and breakfasts. But, my tourism contact thought I'd get a kick out of The Music House - a gorgeous Victorian-style home owned and operated my a music professor at Eastern Carolina University. Aside from it's outward aesthetics, when you walk in the front door, you simply don't know where to look - but you certainly get why it has it's name. There's several pianos, keyboards and even a harp...and that's just in the foyer. The entrance is surrounded by two sitting rooms, filled with all kinds of musical knick-knacks. The rest of the first floor houses the dinning room and a performance hall!

The second level is where you'll find the rooms, all named after classical composers. I stayed in the Bach. It was beautifully decorated with vintage items with a queen-sized 1860's bed as the centerpiece. But, I was most impressed with the super modern bathroom with heated floors, toilet, and temperature controlled via a sensor. The rain shower head and light dimmers, paired with the modern fixtures made this such a treat. Truly blending the modern without taking away from the vintage aesthetics.

You can rent my room from Airbnb for just $75/night.

*use my code for $40 off your first Airbnb Stay

WHERE I ATE

The Scullery

Located in Uptown (downtown) Greenville, there's tons of filling southern breakfast options with a flavorful twist. It is your chance to throw in some healthy options (wheat bread and fruit) alongside your bacon and syrup!

Startlight Café

Also located in Uptown Greenville, this place is a true farm-to-fork restaurant, where the farmers actually own and operate the restaurant. Flavors from European tradition, and whatever is in season from the Boutilier family farm. Chef Tobias Boutilier is in the kitchen!
By the way, I got a tour of the farm earlier that day.

WHERE I PLAYED

Emerge Gallery & Art Center

Home of the Pitt County Arts Council, Emerge features exhibits of talented local artists, and offers many classes and a retail shop. Emerge is an anchor on the First Friday Art Walk, hosts the monthly African American Music Series, and is a sponsor of Greenville’s annual Pirate Fest.

Dickenson Avenue

Also known as the Arts District, we passed through the Musuem of art to check out the special photo exhibit featuring African Americans from the community.

I loved this photo of the church ladies and their hats!

Perceptions + Recognitions are portraits by internationally recognized photographer Burk Uzzle commissioned by the Greenville Museum of Art. The exhibition has 25 original pictures of residents in eastern North Carolina.

We also met up with sculptor Jonathan Bowling, who walked us around his neighborhood showing us his (mostly) rusted metal sculptures. From the backyard of his studio to plots of land owned by his friends, the (mostly) metallic animals peppered the neighborhood. Then as you drive throughout Greenville, you'll notice his work sprinkled throughout, from residential lawns to government-owned buildings.