As we spent a few days around Christmas celebrating with our family in North Carolina we decided to take several day and evening trips to explore the area. Our first stop was to see Vollis Simpson’s Famous Sculptures On Display In Historic Downtown Wilson. The Whirligigs were made over a 30 year period by Simpson and originally displayed about 11 miles from downtown before being transported downtown to develop the park. An excellent description of Simpson and the park can be found at: https://www.wilsonwhirligigpark.org/the-story

Vollis Simpson Sculpture Park

 

Leaving the sculpture garden we head to Wilson Botanical Gardens – The Wilson Botanical Gardens (WBG) were designed to showcase the diversity of plant material that can be used in the home landscape, and to educate and entertain visitors with youth and adult programs. It includes an extensive tree collection, turf grass demonstration plots, perennial beds, a children’s garden, and an exhibit of native plants.

Wilson Botanical Gardens

We made an evening trip the see the Piper Family Light show in Wake Forest. The family has been offering the display for the last 30 years. The display is spread over 7 acres and includes a drive-through, a train ride and a candy store. This year the family’s display appeared on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” and won a $50,000 prize.

Piper Family Light show