A Unique Southern Experience

Wilson, one of North Carolina's most beautiful cities, offers an abundance of simple pleasures and treasures. Visitors 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, Barton College Art Museum or The North Star Gallery and enjoy a theatrical performance at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. Wilson holds a reputation as the "City of Antiques", where you can discover treasures of classic design antiques and other unique accessories. The rich history as a farm community is evident in Wilson's distinction as "America's Largest Tobacco Market." Smell the aroma of the golden leaf while trying to keep up with the fast-chanting auctioneer during a tobacco market tour (July - October).

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. Taste the best Barbecue on the East Coast. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, fishing, beautiful golf facilities or see a race at Southern National Speedway. Discover history and see Baseball memorabilia at the North Carolina Baseball Museum. 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.

For more information contact the Wilson Visitors Bureau 252-243-8440 or 1-800-497-7398. Located at 124 E. Nash Street, Wilson, North Carolina. Directions to Wilson: Take Exits 107-121 off 1-95 or check out our web-site at wilson-nc.com.

CLIMATE

A mild climate is a favorable factor in the life of Wilson. The annual average temperature is 60.8 degrees. There is little or no snowfall in winter and summer nights are usually pleasant. Rainfall averages about four inches per month throughout the year. Wilson's elevation is 147 feet.

POPULATI0N

Named for Col. Louis D. Wilson, a prominent 19th Century eastern North Carolina legislator, the city of Wilson has a population of approximately 42,000. It is the county seat of Wilson County, whose total population is approximately 72,000 and whose total area covers some 373 square miles. New subdivisions in the Wilson suburbs are constantly being developed, therefore population in these areas is growing more rapidly than that in the inner city. The downtown area is being restored and is a prominent business area of Wilson.

HOW TO GET TO WILSON

Wilson is conveniently located half-way between New York and Florida on 1-95. Just 45 miles east of Raleigh, the state capital, and 100 miles from the coast. Wilson is located 30 miles north of 140 and is intersected by US 301, US 264, and US 795. From 1-95, take exits 107-121.