Town of Wilson

Nestled in the heart of Wilson County is one of the most beautiful cities in North Carolina.  The City of Wilson, home to approximately 42,000 eastern North Carolinians, offers an abundance of simple pleasures and treasures.  Anyone who visits Wilson will discover local charm with attractions past and present and a rich heritage of gracious hospitality.  Known as the "City of Beautiful Trees, visitors can stroll tree-lined streets of historic districts in downtown Wilson and purchase works by local artists at the Wilson Arts Center, the Barton College Art Museum, or The North Star Gallery.  There are also theatrical performances at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center.  Wilson also has the reputation of being the City of Antiques; enabling you to discover treasures of classic design antiques and other unique collectables.

Fun, excitement, and discovery awaits both children and adults at the Imagination Station Science Museum where guests can race a cheetah, play a harp with invisible strings, or get eye-to-eye with a boa constrictor!  Visit folk artist Vollis Simpson's Whirligigs metal and whimsical structures with a breathtaking view of the countryside.  Wilson is also home to some of the best Barbeque on the East Coast.  Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, fishing, great golf facilities or see a race at Southern National Speedway.  Discover history and see Baseball memorabilia at the North Carolina Baseball Museum of Wilson.  Experience the beauty of over 165 varieties of All American Roses at the Wilson Rose Garden and see one of the Largest Railroad Modelers Train located in the Antique Barn.

The Arts  Since 1967, the Arts Council of Wilson has led the community in the arts.  This non-profit organization is housed in the heart of downtown Wilson.  Serving the citizens of Wilson and surrounding areas, the Arts Council"s mission is to improve life for all citizens of Wilson County by providing leadership and opportunities in the arts.  A variety of activities for all ages are offered at the Arts Council.  Children can explore, grow and create through programs such as Art & Theatre Camp and can make holiday crafts at the Childrens Holiday Open House and the Spring Fling.  Wilsons adults celebrate the holiday season at the Art Councils largest fund raiser, A Bankers Holiday.  Art Exhibitions, workshops, and lectures are offered regulary and are open to the public.

The Boykin Center opened its doors in 1998 and offers a wide range of performances throughout the year.  The renovation of this 1919 Vaudeville Theatre, now with plush seating for 650 people, provides the community with a breathtaking venue for the Boykin Center Series each year.  Performances include:  The Last of the Red Hot Lovers, the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, and the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre of Russia. 

Porch Tours  Take a stroll or drive through the historic neighborhoods of Wilson and find the architectural treasures weve been enjoying for a century or so.  Expect to find ornate brackets; turned, chamfered, fluted and tapered columns, large wraparound Victorian porches; and the biggest selection of bungalows in eastern North Carolina.  In addition to these, youll find a variey of Tudors, Italianates, Colonial Revivals, Greek Revivals, and Federal style houses tucked in to compliment each neighborhood. 

Museums  Located at Fleming Stadium, The North Carolina Baseball Museum has over 3328 square feet to showcase Baseball memorabilia of many aspects from across North Carolina.  Memorabilia is from ball players that played in North Carolina, like:  Catfish Hunter, Hoyt Wilhelm, Gaylord Perry, Enos Slaughter, Rick Ferrell and Buck Leonard.  Players that have played at Fleming Stadium include:  Ted Williams, Richie Ashburn, and Robin Roberts.  The museum features a Walk of Fame area which has brick pavers to show memory, honor, and recognition.  The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and on Sunday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House is a museum featuring the artifacts that depict the culture and contributions of African Americans to the history and development of Wilson.  The house was built in 1946 by Freeman who was a noted local black stone mason.  He built this and other houses to help alleviate the housing shortage for GIs returning from the war.  Freeman built a round house that is said to be made of stone.  The house is actually built of whatever Freeman could get his hands on including: bottles, tree saplings, and string.

Wilson Botanical Gardens

If spring is in the air then a trip to Wilson and the Wilson Botanical Gardens shouldn't be far behind.  The Wilson Botanical Gardens (WBG) is on a 10 year plan of expansion into a premier public garden.  The WBG is located on 6 acres of land that surrounds the Wilson Agricultural Center.  The WBG was started in 1995 and is maintained by Wilson County Master Gardener Volunteers.  In 2002, a landscape architect was hired to develop a plan that not only would be a gorgeous tourist designation but could be completed in sections as funds were available.

The arboretum has over 40 varieties of trees.  Turf grass demonstration plots show all five different grass species that grow in the Wilson area.  The mixed planting garden has over 125 different plant species selected from the Certified Plant Professional list.  There is a native plant, ornamental grass and daylily collections.  The 4-H and Youth Garden features vegetables, traditional/heritage row crops, and heirloom plants.  The Sadie Minshew Greenhouse and educational complex hosts workshops throughout the year.

The mission of the WBG is to promote horticultural education through the use of outdoor classrooms.  Adults and children can heighten their appreciation of how horticulture, gardening, landscape design and environmental stewardship are linked to the land they inhabit.   

The WBG future includes a formal garden with reflecting pool, specialty gardens, All-America selections, local artwork, herb garden and much more. 

If you are planning a trip to Wilson please be sure to come by the WBG at 1806 SW Goldsboro Street.  For more information call 252-237-0113 or see our website at www.wilson-co.com.  Group tours are available.  

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