THE SCULPTURE PAR K
to journey IS JUST ONE R EASON
to
WIL SON
HERE’S a lot more to
Wilson than whirligigs and
trains. The city has always
been known as a destination
for BBQ enthusiasts, and
T
spots like Parker’s Barbecue are definitely
worth the trip. The food is delicious.
If you’re in the mood for a steak, specifi-cally
a rib eye, a visit to The Beefmastor Inn
is in order. Plan ahead, because it’s a tiny
place with only 10 tables. There are no reser-vations,
so people tailgate in the parking lot
to wait, a scene that has taken on a life of its
own. Pro tip: there is a Burger Boy nearby
with inexpensive, quality food that is remi-niscent
of a 1950s-era diner experience. It is
certainly a welcome sight if other restaurants
are closed or too busy.
Wilson is also home to a botanical garden,
a rose garden, the North Carolina Baseball
Museum, the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round
House, and a lake with a two-mile walking
trail. Several local breweries and restaurants
have also cropped up around the Vollis
Simpson Whirligig Park.
Whether stopping on the way north,
staying overnight, or making the decision to
sit a spell and stay a while, Wilson has a lot
to offer.
Clockwise from top: The two-acre Vollis Simp-son
Whirligig Park is home to many events in
downtown Wilson, including the new Electric
Light Fantasy holiday show. The Saturday
lunch crowd fills the parking lot at Parker’s
Barbecue. The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round
House Museum was built by its namesake, a
master mason who constructed housing for
soldiers returning from World War II. While in
town, visitors can also check out the Wilson
Botanical Gardens, the North Carolina Base-ball
Museum, Lake Wilson and Wilson Rose
Garden.
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ALLISON POTTER ALLISON POTTER
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM