**Greenville, North Carolina**
**Population:** 95,300 (2023 est.)
**Culture:**
* Greenville is a vibrant city with a diverse population and a thriving arts and culture scene.
* Home to East Carolina University, which brings a youthful energy and a wide range of cultural events.
* Known for its music, with numerous live music venues and festivals throughout the year.
* Boasts a thriving theater community with several theaters and performance spaces.
**Special Events:**
* Greenville Greek Festival (September): Celebrates Greek culture with food, music, and dance.
* ECU PirateFest (October): A family-friendly festival featuring live music, rides, and games.
* Winterville Christmas Parade (December): One of the largest Christmas parades in the state.
**Local Attractions:**
* **Greenville Museum of Art:** Features a diverse collection of American and European art.
* **Greenville Zoo:** Home to over 200 animals from around the world.
* **ECU Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium:** Home to the ECU Pirates football team.
* **River Park North:** A scenic park along the Tar River with walking trails, a playground, and a dog park.
* **Uptown Greenville:** A historic downtown area with shops, restaurants, and bars.
**Food:**
* Greenville is known for its barbecue, with several award-winning barbecue restaurants in the city.
* Also offers a variety of international cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian.
* Home to several breweries and distilleries.
**People:**
* Greenville is home to a friendly and welcoming community.
* The city has a strong sense of civic pride and a commitment to education and the arts.
* The population is diverse, with a mix of students, professionals, and families.
**History:**
* Greenville was founded in 1771 as Martinborough.
* Became a major tobacco trading center in the 19th century.
* East Carolina University was established in 1907, which has played a significant role in the city's growth and development.
* Greenville has experienced significant economic and cultural growth in recent decades.