Whether you're looking for Southern hospitality, the East Coast's largest antique market, historic homes and sights, one of Eastern North Carolina's most popular attractions for kids, superb golfing, or the best plate of pork barbecue, Wilson is the place for you. Wilson is named for General Louis Dicken Wilson (1789-1841) who was a state senator and an early advocate of the public school movement. Called one of North Carolina's most beautiful cities, with an abundance of treasures and simple pleasures, Wilson is full of fun, nostalgia, and historic sites, just waiting for your discovery.

Wilson 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"; enabling you to 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).

Fun, excitement and discovery awaits both children and adults at the Imagination Station Science Museum where guests can race a cheetah, playa 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, fish- ing, great golf facilities or see a race at Southern National Speedway. Discover history and see Baseball memorabilia at the North Carolina Baseball Museum of Wilson. 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.