Wilson prides itself as having “Southern culture with a focus on the arts”, and this is all too visible in its numerous festivals, museums, unique craft shops and independent designers, and more. This article lists some of Wilson’s top cultural attractions – you’ll be surprised by what you find! So come and take a look at all the best things to do in Wilson, NC.
1. Visit The Edge Wilson Art Gallery Studio & Loft
Whenever you’re in Downtown Wilson, do stop by The Edge Wilson Art Gallery Studio & Loft. This nice art studio features original paintings and prints by Barbara White and other artists. The owner is very friendly and is more than willing to offer a private tour of her place. On closed days, Monday through Wednesdays, you can still schedule an appointment so you could marvel at the studio showings at leisure.
Above the gallery is the Edge, a cozy space perfect for morning coffees and sunset viewings. The Loft, which is rentable via Airbnb, provides fully furnished accommodation with a private entrance. It is also available for short and long-term leases.
The Edge Wilson Art Gallery Studio & Loft
Address: 127 Barnes St W, Wilson, NC 27893, United States
Website: The Edge Wilson Art Gallery Studio & Loft
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 12pm - 6pm; Sat: 12am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm – 4pm (closed on Mon – Wed)
2. Grab a bite at Western Sizzlin
Western Sizzlin in Wilson is part of a casual, long-running food chain, specializing in premium steaks. It also offers a variety of sandwiches, buffets bars, and seafood dishes. With some kid-friendly food choices, such as hamburger steak and chicken tenders, this popular steakhouse also makes a family-friendly place to eat. Western Sizzlin features amazing weekly specials as well. Ribeye dinner is a must-try, especially on weekends!
Can’t get enough of the steaks? Western Sizzlin offers takeouts for foodies.
Western Sizzlin
Address: 101 Bruton St NE, Wilson, NC 27893, United States
Website: Western Sizzlin
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am – 8:30pm; Fri – Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 10:30am – 5pm (closed on Mon)
3. Shop, dine, and enjoy in Shoppes at Brentwood
Shoppes at Brentwood offers a variety of services that will make your time in Wilson more fun. One of the city’s top go-to spots, this mall rewards shoppers with a wonderful array of food options, including steaks, sandwiches, and Italian and American fare. Shoppers can also enjoy locally owned stores and outlets that display the latest fashion trends, pieces of jewelry, accessories, and furniture. Looking for gift ideas? There are plenty of choices in this mall.
A number of hair salons, nail salons, and tanning stations are also available for those who just want to relax. Other services also include shoe repairs, watch repairs, and even dry cleaning businesses. Shoppes at Brentwood is an ideal stop for your wants and needs.
Shoppes at Brentwood
Address: 2801 Ward Blvd, Wilson, NC 27893, United States
Website: Shoppes at Brentwood
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 24 hours; Sun: 9am - 5pm
4. Go bowling at Westview Lanes
Have a fantastic time in Westview Lanes. This private-owned bowling center features 24 bowling lanes to accommodate families, friend groups, and guests of all kinds who are up for a friendly competition. You can choose either a one- or two-hour bowling session, and rent some shoes and socks on site. Westview Lanes also hosts annual bowling tournaments, with prizes to match.
Other amenities to enjoy are the pro shop and grill. Be sure to try some chicken wings, nuggets, and build-your-own burgers and hotdogs. There are also various beers available. Planning a party? Westview Lanes allows birthday celebrations, fundraising activities, and corporate events to be held on the property.
Westview Lanes
Address: 1700 Ward Blvd, Wilson, NC 27893, United States
Website: Westview Lanes
Opening hours: Sun, Thu: 1pm – 8pm; Mon – Tue: 3pm – 8pm; Wed: 3pm – 9pm; Fri: 1pm – 10pm; Sat: 1pm – 11pm
5. See the whirligigs at Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
Wondering what to do in Wilson, NC? Step into the Whirligig Park and most people will be both awed and bemused by the spinning, quirky structures shooting up toward the clouds. These whirligigs have definitely put Wilson on the map, winning awards and commendations by international artists and even the honor of being incorporated as public art during the 1996 Olympic games!
The story behind the park is also an inspiring one. Machinery repairman Vollis Simpson spent his retirement experimenting with sculptures that eventually became the whirligigs. As more and more were built, they soon caught the attention of both locals and tourists who visited his farm for a peek and some photos. As Vollis aged, he had difficulty maintaining the paint and the motion of the sculptures. This park was the culmination of public support to relocate and restore the whirligigs for generations to come.
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
Address: 301 Goldsboro St S, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
Website: Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park
6. Stop by North Carolina Baseball Museum
This is one of the most popular Wilson, NC attractions for sports fans. Baseball buffs will know that North Carolina is the birthplace of some of the brightest stars to play in the big leagues. To find out more, the North Carolina Baseball Museum is the place for you. This museum is run solely by volunteers, who have done an outstanding job at maintaining a showcase of memorabilia from famous players. However, this also means the museum has shorter opening hours than most – be sure to pay a visit from Thursday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
North Carolina Baseball Museum
Address: 300 Stadium St SW, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
Website: North Carolina Baseball Museum
7. Marvel at the lovely flowers at Wilson Rose Garden
The Wilson Rose Garden is an incredible tribute to this lovely flower. It houses more than 1,200 individual plants and 180 species. Here, you’ll find roses you’ve likely never seen in person, such as miniature roses, climbing roses, and even hybrid roses! This is a perfect place to relax, have a romantic stroll, and even take some stunning photographs. As the roses bloom seasonally, you will catch the garden at its most beautiful from the months of May to October.
Wilson Rose Garden
Address: 1800 Herring Ave E, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
Website: Wilson Rose Garden
8. Unwind at Brewmasters
There is definitely a different side to Wilson’s culture besides museums and gardens. Brewmasters is a popular spot for locals to catch up with friends over a drink, especially on the weekends. This craft beer specialist serves up more than 1,000 types of beer (and also more than 100 types of wine, for the wine lovers). Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere make Brewmasters a great place to have a meal and try a unique brew while in Wilson.
Brewmasters
Address: 2117 Forest Hills Rd W, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
Website: Brewmasters
9. See the exhibits at Imagination Station Science Museum
Science? Museums? Science museums? All that may sound a little boring, but the Imagination Station Science Museum seeks to engage both kids and their parents with heaps of interactive exhibits about how things work in everyday life. Want to know how honey is made? Visit the Honey Bee Observation Hive to watch bees hard at work creating the sweet treats that we enjoy. Another popular exhibit is the “Science on a Sphere”, a revolving sphere which simulates what the different planets look like.
Imagination Station Science Museum
Address: 224 Nash St NE, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
Website: Imagination Station Science Museum
10. Join a Downtown Wilson walking tour
The Wilson Visitors Center is the starting point for a fascinating tour around downtown Wilson. The Visitors Center itself is situated in a 19th-century brick house, and you will see a number of other well-preserved examples as you walk down the streets. Along the way, your guide will point out what used to be Hotel Cherry, a fancy establishment in the 1920s which has now been meaningfully put to use as accommodation for elderly persons. You can also pass the Wilson County Courthouse, the Arts Council of Wilson, and more attractions with special architectural features.
Downtown Wilson Walking Tour
Address: 209 Broad Street Wilson, North Carolina 27893
Website: Downtown Wilson Walking Tour
11. Catch a show at The Kennedy Theatre at Barton College
Located in Barton College, Kennedy Family Theatre is a great place to visit with the family. This spacious facility seats 324. It also houses a number of shows and plays ideal for families and young audiences. You can expect some fantastic musicals, opera performances, dance shows, and even spoken word poetry at this theatre. There is something to entertain everyone, especially art and culture enthusiasts.
This theatre provides a teaching facility for those pursuing dramatic arts as well. It aims to develop the field of performing arts not just on campus but also in the region. So if you’re looking for some entertaining activities or new hobbies to try, you may find their innovative and collaborative student-centered dramatic programs quite helpful.
Kennedy Family Theatre
Address: Woodard St NE, Wilson, NC 27893, United States
Website: Kennedy Family Theatre
12. Hunt for antiques
If you’re looking for a special drawer, lamp, or chair to complete the layout in your room, something antique and one of a kind may just be what you need. Fortunately, Wilson is the home to a surprising array of antique stores, which buy as well as sell. You may just discover the value in an old watch in your family, or find a hidden gem in a dusty corner!
Boone's Antiques, Inc.
Address: 2014 US-301, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
Website: Boone’s Antiques, Inc.
Boykin Antiques & Appraisals, Inc.
Address: 2013 US Highway 301 S Wilson, North Carolina 27893
Website: Boykin Antiques & Appraisals, Inc.
13. Stroll around Wilson Botanical Gardens
Visit Wilson Botanical Gardens to really experience what nature has to offer. You will see different kinds of beautiful plants and trees, and be able to enjoy an educational experience by participating in a detailed garden tour. If you plan to visit with your kids, check out the area called ‘The Children’s Secret Garden’, where they can play in beautiful surroundings that have wonderful flowers, plants and interesting water features. Take a break and allow yourself to relax and be one with nature at Wilson Botanical Gardens.
Wilson Botanical Gardens
Address: 1806 Goldsboro St S, Wilson, NC 27893, United States
Website: Wilson Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: free
14. Take a trip to Freeman Roundhouse
This wonderful museum in Wilson holds so much information on African-American history, so it is definitely a must-see. Discover plenty of interesting facts about the African-American community by exploring the artifacts on exhibit. Learn all about the people who have significantly contributed and helped shape the strong community into what it is now. Be inspired by some amazing stories, and if you are lucky, you might even get to listen to live music while you are there.
Freeman Roundhouse
Address: 1202 Hines St SE, Wilson, NC 27893, United States
Website: Freeman Roundhouse Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
15. Spend some time amid nature at Lake Wilson
The beautiful Lake Wilson is a must-see for those looking for a quick quiet getaway with their family. If you are in the mood for a boat ride, you can enjoy one here; glide on the tranquil water as you listen to the wonderful sounds of nature. You can also go fishing. If you do not feel like engaging in water activities, you can explore the walking trails and enjoy some nice views. A lovely picnic by the lake with your family on a peaceful afternoon will make for an unforgettable experience. Stay until sunset and appreciate the breathtaking skies.
Lake Wilson
Address: 4621 Lake Wilson Road N, Wilson, NC
16. Take a breather at Toisnot Park
This park has amazing amenities perfect for a lovely family day. Appreciate the views of lush green trees and clear waters as you take on the walking trail in Toisnot Park. Your kids will certainly have fun riding the swings at the playground. See the ducks and the geese, and interact with them by feeding them. There are also softball and baseball fields for families who like to play sports together. Restrooms are available for convenience as well.
Toisnot Park
Address: 1500 Corbett Avenue NE, Wilson, NC 27893s
Website: Toisnot Park
Welcome to Wilson
Halfway between New York and Florida, Wilson is often overlooked. However, we hope this list has shown that Wilson deserves more than just a quick pit stop on your travels around the East Coast!