Greenville is known as BMX Pro Town USA because of the large number of professional riders who live there, so if you like extreme sports and fitness, you’ve come to the right place. Hit up Fusion Skatepark or the Extreme Park to practise your tricks or watch the pros in action, or just take a ride or run along the wooded riverside trail of the South Tar River Greenway to keep up your fitness levels. But don’t worry if sports aren’t your thing, this vibrant little city has plenty more to keep you occupied.

Let other people do the exercise as you catch a Pirates home game at the Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on the weekend. In between classes, peruse modern American sculpture and paintings at the Greenville Museum of Art, right next to East Carolina University campus, or drive a few minutes from downtown to the Magnolia Arts Center to watch a musical. Make the most of the pretty scenery all around you by kayaking on the lake at the beautiful River Park North, or meet up with friends to listen to live country music while you picnic on the grass at the Sunday in the Park summer festivals in nearby Town Common park.

After all that fresh air, treat yourself to an homemade maple syrup and waffles ice cream from The Scullery Coffee House and Creamery restaurant, enjoy authentic Indian food at Cinnamon Indian Cuisine or feast on oysters at Starlight Café and Farm. If you fancy cooking at home, buy fresh local produce for a traditional cookout for friends at the mid-week Umbrella Market.