Prepare To Be Surprised
First of all, Wilson is more than an I-95 rest stop. It’s home to a world-famous whirligig park and North Carolina’s first gigabit fiber internet community. From antiques to athletics, you’ll always find something surprising here.
Wilson Arts
Wilson Arts has a fifty-year history of providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts. Throughout the year, they offer more than six professional gallery exhibits, a professional performance series (the “Boykin Series”), a youth theater education program (ACT! for Youth), educational workshops for adults and children, and camps in visual art and theater.
Fun For The Family
It may come as a shock to your kids, but there is life beyond social media. This tour is your chance to put aside screen time and increase your family time. Hop on a snowboard to test your balance at Imagination Station. Toss a few discs around (not into) Lake Wilson. Then grab a selfie with Frank over at Dick’s hot dogs. It’s all designed to get you some real life likes.
Breweries & Bottle Shops
Whether you want to pick up a craft brew to take home or prefer to settle into the beer garden after popping the top, these bottle shops and brewery are worth skipping the grocery store selection.
Quick links: Brewmaster’s, Casita Brewing Company, Downtown Public House, & Grapenuts Wine Shop.
Catalogue of Architecture
The Old Wilson Historic District dates from the 1850s through the 1920s when Wilson’s agriculturally-based economy was booming. The district was home to many business leaders, merchants, clerks, and salesman. Notable home styles include antebellum, bungalows, Victorian, and Colonial Revival. The “Old Wilson Mile Walking Tour” is just the beginning of the Old Wilson story with its rich heritage and unique architecture. Additional walking tour resource: Wilson Historic Landmarks
Vollis Simpson Whirigig Park &
Annual Whirligig Festival
Visitors will never be at a loss for something to do at the park. A central lawn amphitheater where everything from music to film engages audiences. The park shelter hosts the Wilson Farmers & Artisan Market, educational programs, and family fun activities. Benches, tables and chairs invite picnicking, reading, or just enjoying art and nature. Practice Tai chi, have a picnic or a family reunion, play flashlight tag among the reflective whirligigs—the possibilities are endless!
Freeman Roundhouse & African American Museum
Opened in 2001, The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum has served to preserve, promote and present African-American history, art and culture to all citizens of Wilson and the region in order to increase the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of cultural traditions and African-American contributions to society.
Antique Shops Galore
There’s no telling how many road-trippers have exited I-95 in Wilson, North Carolina to search for and discover their next favorite found antiques.
Quick links: Rummage Warehouse, Something Old Something New, Park Place Consignment, Boone’s Antiques, Habitat Restore, Bobby langston Antiques, Vendor’s Junction, Wesley Shelter Clothesline and many more!
Restaurants
You’ll never forget the unique tastes of Wilson.
***Some of the content in this section has been utilized from resources outside of Preservation of Wilson. Preservation of Wilson is not claiming ownership of that content. The intention of this page is to help advertise how wonderful Wilson, NC is.