1. Sit down and taste the food from one of more than 75 restaurants

Wilson, NC 27893

With a variety to please even the most discerning taste, Wilson has an abundance of dining choices. Genuine Eastern NC Barbecue to Ice cream cut-to-order steaks to soups and salads, Mexican, Italian, Chinese - you'll find it in Wilson.

2. Hit a bucket of balls at The Wilson Golf Range

Wilson, NC 27893  252-399-7686

3. Visit the campus of Barton College

Wilson, NC 27893  252-399-6300

Founded in 1902, Barton College is a fully accredited, 4 year, private, coeducational, liberal arts college. Barton welcomes 1,300 students from 25 states and 11 foreign countries to a campus of 22 buildings on 62 acres. The College offers 29 majors and awards six baccalaureate degrees: B.S., B.A., B.F.A., B.L.S., B.S.N. and B.S. W. Contact: 800-345-4973 or locally 252-399-6300.

4. Visit the campus of Wilson Technical Community College

Wilson, NC 27893  252-291-1195

Founded in 1958 with over 42 years of operation, Wilson Tech was one of the original 7 industrial education centers in the state. Wilson Tech consists of two major divisions, the Instruction / Student Services and the Business Center.

5. Visit the Annie Boykin Gallery

Wilson Arts Center 124 East Nash Street Wilson, NC 27893  252-291-4329 Mon-Sat 10-5

6. Visit the Art Gallery of the Arts Council of Wilson

Wilson, NC 27893  252-291-4329

Since 1967, the Arts Council of Wilson has led the community in the arts. As one of the oldest non-profit organizations in the area, The Arts Council is housed in the heart of downtown Wilson in the former BB&T building. Built in 1903, the facility was the corporate headquarters for the bank. 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 Children's Holiday Open House and the Spring Fling. Wilson's adults celebrate the holiday season at the Arts Council's largest fund raiser, "A Banker's Holiday". Art Exhibitions, workshops and lectures are offered regularly and are open to the public. The Arts Council of Wilson manages two facilities, The Wilson Arts Center and the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, and hosts a variety of exhibits throughout the year. Exhibits are on display for an average of six weeks in the Annie Boykin Gallery in the Arts Center, and the G. R. Hammond Gallery in the Boykin Center. Students exhibit their work throughout the year in the Lowe Celebration Hall on the 2nd floor of the Arts Center. The exhibitions represent the communities most diverse interests and media.

7. Visit the Barton College Art Museum

Case Gallery Woodard & Whitehead Streets Wilson, NC 27893  252-399-6477 10-3 Mon-Fri during college session

8. Visit the G.K. Hammond Gallery

Boykin Center 108 West Nash Street Wilson, NC 27893  252-291-4329 Open during performances or by appointment

9. Visit the Lowe Celebration Hall

2nd Floor-Wilson Arts Center 124 East Nash Street Wilson, NC 27893  252-291-4329 Mon-Sat 10-5

10. Enjoy the Studio One

Wilson, NC 27893  252-291-2160 Monday - Friday 10 - 3 pm

Features artists works of paintings, sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, portraits and more! Local artists studio galleries, art instruction and gallery space.

11. Enjoy the Library Rose Garden

Wilson, NC 27893  Open Daily - Sunrise to Sunset

Founded in 1987, the Library Rose Garden features 24 varieties of Hybrid Tea Roses. Many of the varieties were designated as "All American Rose Selections" or have received other significant awards. Eight beds contain over 120 plants providing a continuous blooming season from mid-April until November.

12. Visit the beauty of the Wilson Botanical Gardens

Wilson County Agricultural Building 1806 Goldsboro St Wilson, NC 27893  237-0111 Open Daily Sunrise to Sunset

The Garden was started in 1997 as a resource to educate visitors on the diversity of plant material that can be used in landscaping residential property. The Garden is comprised of a tree collection, five different turf grass species evaluation, bird and butterfly gardens along with display gardens. In spring of 2002 extensive planting included a perennial border, daylily and hosta collections. The Garden is open from sunrise to sunset. The garden is located on the grounds of the Wilson County Agricultural Building. The garden has over 235 plant species and will continue to expand from the J. C. Raulston Arboretum Collection. Sponsored by the Wilson County Master Gardeners.

13. Enjoy the Wilson Rose Garden

Wilson, NC 27893

The Wilson Rose Garden, an All America Rose Selections Public Garden, offers over 1100 rose plants, consisting of 165 varieties of various types ranging from historic old garden roses to modern hybrids, to David Austin's modern English roses. Included are 63 varieties of All American Rose Selections award winners, inducting the advanced releases of roses selected for the next calendar year, available only in MRS Public Gardens. A picnic area adjoins the garden for your pleasure. DIRECTIONS: From 1-95, take US 264 East to Ward Blvd. Turn left at stoplight on Ward Blvd. to Herring Avenue (NC Hwy 42 East). Turn Left at light and go 1 mile. Rose Garden on right in front of the City Operations plant.

14. Play golf at the Happy Valley Country Club

Wilson, NC 27893  252-237-6611

Located off Highway 264 East, the 18 hole golf course offers a snack bar, driving range, putting green, three lakes, picnic shelter, and swimming pool. In addition, the pro-shop was voted 2001 merchandiser of the year in the Carolinas. Tee times available weekends and holidays. Lessons available. Gary Hobgood- PGA Professional

15. Play golf at the Wedgewood Public Golf Course

Wilson, NC 27893  252-237-4761

Located on Old Stantonsburg Road. 18 hole golf course with 2 putting greens, 2 driving ranges, pro shop, snacks available, play ground, four lakes, and a picnic shelter. Course is open Sunrise to Sunset and tee times are requested for weekends and holidays. Tommy Davis-General Manager

16. Play golf at Willow Springs Country Club and Golf Course

Wilson, NC 27893  252-291-5171

Located at 3033 Highway 301 South, the 18 hole golf course offers a snack bar, putting green, driving range, pro shop and swimming pool. Tee times are requested for weekends and holidays. Chance Cox-Head Pro

17. Land a big bass at Buckhorn Reservoir

Wilson, NC 27893

Located off Highway 581 on State Road 1142, the Buckhorn Reservoir consists of 850 acres of water and 350 acres of land. The Reservoir offers a variety of sporting events for your family including skiing, boating, fishing, personal water craft, picnicking, camping, boat permits, and rest rooms. Access is available from Sunrise to Sunset.

18. Relax at Lake Wilson

Wilson, NC 27893

Located on Lake Wilson Road, the 90 (37.1 acres of land) acre lake offers boating, fishing, picnicking, camping (by permit), and nature trails for hiking/exploring. Lake Wilson is accessible from Sunrise to Sunset.

19. Have a picnic at Toisnot Reservoir

Wilson, NC 27893

Located off Ward Boulevard on Lawndale Drive, Toisnot Reservoir provides 20 acres of water (64.20 acres of land) bank and footbridge fishing, picnicking, playground, three nature trails, 1.2 mile fitness trail, 3 shelters, and softball fields.

20. Rent a boat at Wiggins Mill Reservoir

Wilson, NC 27893

Located on Highway 301 South, Wiggins Mill Reservoir offers boat rentals, bank fishing, boat fishing, bait shop, boats, boat permits, and shelter on 285 acres of water and 130 acres of land. Wiggins Mill is accessible from Sunrise to Sunset.

21. Enjoy some quiet time at One of 17 motels

Wilson, NC 27893

Large, comfortable motel rooms are easy to find in Wilson. With a wide range of price and comfort levels, you are sure to find lodging that meets your individual needs.

22. Visit Imagination Station

Wilson, NC 27893  252-291-5113 252-291-2968 Open Mon - Sat 9am - 5 pm (Admission charge)

Imagination Station is a science and technology center where everyone has the special power to explore. It is located in the Historic Wilson Federal Courthouse. Built in 1928, the building has been transformed into a science center for the new century. Renovations and improvements completed after a fire in 2000, have significantly updated the building, making Imagination Station an even better experience for visitors. Discover why and how things work with over 200 hands on exhibits related to space, health, the environment and more. See live animals up close, take a spin as a human gyro, walk inside a giant mouth, or watch your hair stand on end from 10,000 volts of static electricity. Toddlers 5 years and younger will enjoy the Curiosity Corner. Live shows and demonstrations daily in the Merck Science Court room. Discounts for group reservations in advance. Visit our museum store, the Science Depot, for unique science-related gifts and souvenirs.

23. Visit the North Carolina Baseball Museum

Fleming Stadium 300 Stadium St Wilson, NC 27893  252-399-2261

Located at Fleming Stadium at 300 Stadium Street, the Museum has over 3328 square feet and showcases Baseball memorabilia of many aspects from across North Carolina. Memorabilia is from ball players that played in North Carolina, such as 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", a collection of bricks to show memory, honor and recognition to NC's baseball players. The museum is open year round and is run by volunteers. For more information call (252) 399-2261 or 399-2262 Directions: Exit 121, 1-95, take 264 Hwy. East, go 6 miles, turn right on Ward Boulevard. Go to the second light, turn left, take the third right on Stadium Street. Museum is located at Fleming Stadium.

24. Visit the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum

Wilson, NC 27893  252-296-3056 Tues - Sat 9am - 4pm

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 the Freeman residence and other houses to help alleviate the housing shortage for GI's returning from the war. Freeman built a round house that is said to be made of stone. The house is actually built of variety of materials including bottles, tree sapplings, and string. The museum is staffed by volunteers, and is a popular tourist attraction for Wilson. Directions: Exit 121, 1-95, take 264 Hwy. East, go 6 miles, turn right on Ward Boulevard, go 2 miles. Intersection of Hwy. 301 turn left. 002 miles, turn left at the intersection of Hwy. 264 and Hines Street. Round House is located on the right off of East Nash Street.

25. Visit the Railroad Modelers Train

The Antique Barn 2810 Forest Hills Blvd Wilson, NC 27893  252-237-6778 Open Saturdays 10am - 4pm

The Wilson Area Railroad Modelers Train is located on the second floor of the Antique Barn & Train Shop. The train operates over a double-track main line that extends 7 (seven) scale miles long and traverses 65 modules, each individually owned and detailed by club members. In addition to spectacular scenic features such as mountains, bridges and trestles, there are two main yards and one staging yard with a total capacity of 2000 cars. The track consists of a capacity of 60 engines.

26. Visit the Charles B. Aycock Birthplace

Fremont, NC   252-242-5581 Admission is Free.

The Charles B. Aycock historical site features the governor's mid-nineteenth century farmstead, including a smoke house, pantry, kitchen, com barn, outhouse, school house and stables.

27. Appreciate modern medicine by visiting the Country Doctor Museum

Bailey, NC   252-235-4165

Located in two small restored physician offices circa 1857, The Country Doctor Museum contains the Apothecary Shop, physicians office, exhibit area, and a medicinal herb garden.

28. Visit the unique Dan Finch Pottery

Bailey, NC   252.235-4664

Dan Finch Pottery is located on family farm devoted to growing blueberry plants, pottery production and building bluebird nesting boxes. In addition, the farm is also the location of Homes for Bluebirds, Inc., a non-profit organization devoted solely to the preservation of bluebirds. All pottery is made, glazed, and fired at the farm studio.

29. Go back in time at the Tobacco Farm Life

Kenly, NC   919-284-3431 Open Mon. - Sat. 9:30. 5:00 pm, Sun. 2:00-5:00 pm. (Admission charged)

The Tobacco Farm Life demonstrates how families lived and worked in the tobacco industry. Visit an authentic farmhouse, see artifacts, or smell the sweet aroma of cured tobacco. Admission charged.

30. Practice putting at Putt-Putt of Wilson

Wilson, NC 27893  252-237-6225

31. Shop at one of the local Malls, Plazas, and Shopping Centers

Wilson, NC 27893

Anchor stores, national franchises, mom and pop stores, local shopping centers and specialty shops provide an abundance of shopping options for locals and visitors.

32. Hear the engines roar at County Line Raceway

Wilson, NC 27893  252-985-1949

County Line Raceway offers some of the finest most exciting quarter-mile dirt track racing. Contact the County Line Raceway for schedule and prices.

33. Feel the thunder at Southern National Speedway

Lucama, NC 27542  252-284-1114 Open Saturdays April through October

The Southern National Speedway features 70' high banked curves, 16 speedway club skyboxes, trackside tailgate spaces, and full concessions. An average of 4000 fans attend each race. Contact Speedway for schedule and prices.

34. Enjoy a baseball game with the Wilson Tobs

Fleming Stadium 300 Stadium St Wilson, NC 27893  252-291-TOBS

Wilson Tobs Baseball is a Coastal Plain All Star Team playing over 24 home games at Fleming Stadium each year. The Tobs have been playing baseball since 1939. Fleming Stadium seats approximately 4000 fans in a roofed grandstand and received a complete renovation in 1997. Fans consider the stadium as one of the finest ballparks in eastern North Carolina. The North Carolina Baseball Museum is also located at the stadium. The Season starts June 1 and ends August 10. General Admission is $4.00 and Box Seating is $5.00. Children under five get in free. Games are scheduled Monday. Saturday @ 7:05 p.m. and Sunday @ 6:05 p.m. Contact the office for game schedules.

35. Visit the A. P. Simpson House

Wilson, NC 27893

Built for A. P. Simpson, a dry goods merchant c. 1880, the cottage is one of the most unique among neighboring houses. The rare survival of the beautifully detailed sawwork spandrels, balustrade and ornamental porch trim is found in this lovely house.

36. Visit the Arts Council of Wilson

Wilson, NC 27893

Located in the center of Wilson's commercial district, the Arts Council building was the original home of the Branch Bank and Trust Co. (BB&.T). The oldest bank in continuous operation in North Carolina was founded by Alpheus Branch, a prominent 19th century Wilson merchant. Erected in 1903 the elegant neo-classical building retains to a high degree its architectural integrity. It is one of the most sophisticated designs of its scale and period in the state, but its architect is unknown. The bold Tuscan windows, quoined comers, and forceful entrance portico create a monumental composition. This building was the first structure in Wilson County to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1985, BB&.T donated this structure to the City of Wilson. The city in turn gave the property to the Arts Council of Wilson. The Wilson Visitors Bureau is also located in this building.

37. Visit the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Passenger and Freight

Wilson, NC 27893

The Mission style train station was completed in 1924. Architect A. M. Griffin employed an umbrella canopy with curved brackets that extend the length of the station on the track side. The train station is a reminder of the important role the railroad played in the town's development since the 1840's, and it is still in use today as Wilson's passenger station. In addition, this historic railroad was renovated in 1998.

38. Visit the B. L. Jordan House

Wilson, NC 27893

This charming Queen Anne style cottage was constructed in the 1880's for E. L. Jordan. Although the Jordan House is small, it's rich sawn and carved details with the polygonal pavilion and handsome three-sided bay window make it an outstanding example of late Victorian architecture in Wilson and presently is used as a frame shop.

39. Visit the Dr. William S. Anderson House

Wilson, NC 27893

Dr. William Anderson, a leading physician in late 19th century Wilson, ordered the construction of this home about 1905. Built in the popular Colonial Revival style this imposing house offers a glimpse of the lifestyle of a well-to-do physician in turn of the century Wilson. The steeply pitched roof boasts dormers with heavy pediments, and the palladian windows of the cross gable is echoed directly below in the second floor. The columned two story porch is unique for a house of its style.

40. Visit the Edna Boykin Cultural Center

Wilson, NC 27893

The Edna Boykin Cultural' Center was built in 1919 for Dr. L. V. Grady. This arcaded building was designed by local architect S. B. Moore. The theatre itself was originally a vaudeville house with unusually ornate details such as classical cornices, plasters and intricate circular medallions. The Hammond Gallery is accented with original elements including plasterwork and a pre-existing skylight. Open during performances and other times by appointment.

41. Visit the Fire Station Number One

Wilson, NC 27893

Fire Station Number One was designed in 1926 by S. B. Moore. Stylistically related to the Mission and Bungalow styles, the structure also consists of overhanging eaves supported by a pair of curved brackets.

42. Take the Wilson Downtown Historic Walking Tour

Wilson, NC 27893

The original frame for this house was built in 1853 as the Wilson Male Academy. The building was sold to Silas Lucas in 1897. Extensive Victorian changes were made by Lucas between 1877 and 1900. In 1907, J. T. Barnes of the Boykin Grocery Co. purchased the home and made several minor alterations.

43. Visit the Hotel Cherry

Wilson, NC 27893

In the 1920's the Hotel Cherry was the most stylish hotel in Wilson. Constructed between 1919 and 1923 by Joe W. Stout &. Co., the hotel was designed by Charles C. Benton for proprietor Rufus A. Cherry. The Beaux Arts entrance features lion's masks supporting the elaborate pressed metal canopy. The interior is well appointed and well preserved. The hotel is currently a 100 unit housing facility for the elderly.

44. Visit the J. R. Boykin-Haywood Edmundson House

Wilson, NC 27893

Constructed c. 1897 for J. R. Boykin, the house was inherited by prominent farmer Haywood Edmundson. Representative of the early Colonial Revival style houses built in Wilson at this time, the J. R. Boykin-Haywood Edmundson House is currently occupied by local law offices.

45. Visit the James Roundtree House

Wilson, NC 27893

The James Roundtree House was constructed cerca 1888. Scalloped and square shingles are used to enrich the texture of the exterior walls, and the generous use of stained glass adds jewel-like tones to the composition. Beautiful porches grace the front facade and side wing.

46. Visit the Judge D. G. Connor House

Wilson, NC 27893

The Judge D.G. Connor Colonial Revival style home was constructed in 1907. As one of Wilson's outstanding, historical judges, Connor represented this district in the State Senate in 1885 and served in the House of Representatives from 1889 to 1901, acting as Speaker of the House in 1889. In 1893 he was elected president of Branch Banking & Trust Company. In 1902 he was elected an associate justice of the N.C. Supreme Court and later elected by President Taft to the U.S. District Court in 1909 where he served until 1924.

47. Visit the Planters Bank

Wilson, NC 27893

The Planters Bank is an attractive Classical Revival style building constructed in 1920. The home was converted to offices for use by the City of Wilson staff and personel.

48. Visit the St. Timothy's Episcopal Church

Wilson, NC 27893

Built c. 1906, the church is constructed in Gothic style architecture with an outstanding interior. The altar and stained glass windows are unique features of the Episcopal Church.

49. Visit the U.S. Post Office and Courthouse

Wilson, NC 27893

The four story Beaux Arts post office was built in 1927 and was designed by James Wetmore of the Treasury Department staff. The design consists of stone veneer on brick. The building is currently occupied by Imagination Station Science Museum.

50. Listen to the Barton College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra

Wilson, NC 27893  252-399-6535

The orchestra provides an extraordinary opportunity for visitors and locals in the community to enjoy symphonic music.

51. Visit the Edna Boykin Cultural Center

Wilson, NC 27893  252-291-4320

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", starring Gary Burghoff, Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble and the St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre of Russia. The Boykin Center is also home to the Arts Council Troupe for Youth. ACT! for Youth presents three performances every year, showcasing the area's youth talent. The Boykin Center has a new film projection system and offers a film series. The Boykin Center houses the G. R. Hammond Gallery in the front of the theatre which is open during performances and at other times by appointment.