CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 15 W e can't help but smile and be happy at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson. e wow factor captures us at first glance. It's a wonderland of giant spinning works of art that are on level with a Hollywood movie set. As we stroll the 2-acre park, we discover some 30 wind-powered and whimsical whirligigs incorporating scrap metal parts as diverse as pinwheels, planes, stars and a sweet character on a bicycle. It's free entertainment that's open every day from predawn until midnight. at's because the whirligigs are equally mesmerizing under sunny, Carolina blue skies or bright, star-filled nights. And, of course, blustery gusts only add to the special effects. Credit the late Vollis Simpson, a world- renowned artist and engineer who grew up in the country not far from here. He was obsessed with building the most creative and eye-catching whirligig sculptures. City and tourism leaders also had a vision when the park was constructed in their historic downtown a few years ago. Recently, a museum was added, which gives visitors an inside look at the story behind the artist and his creations. e park also is home to concerts, a farmers and artisans market, and pop-up family-fun activities. We staked claim to a picnic table and feasted on barbecue and all the fixin's that we ordered in the drive-thru lane at Marty's, a nearby landmark restaurant. Just make sure to arrive early. e line was already snaked around the building at 10:30 a.m. Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum Address: 301 Goldsboro St. S. in historic downtown Wilson. It's about an hour's drive north of Fayetteville, via Interstate 95. Hours: e park is open from 5 a.m. to midnight daily. Price: Free admission to the park and museum and nearby free parking. e annual Whirligig Festival is set for the first weekend in November. Contact: 252-243-8440 or wilsonwhirligigpark.org 910.868.5131 | 3200 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303 | www.fayacademy.org Fayetteville Academy Fayetteville Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, and athletic and other school-administered programs. NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR Visit www.fayacademy.org for more information • Pre-K through grade 12 STEAM SmartLabs ® • Chromebook 1:1 program • Grades 4-7 LEGO ® Robotics Team • 71 percent of students who take the AP exams score a 3 or higher. • More than $500,000 in need-based financial aid awarded annually to qualified applicants. • The 23 members of the Class of 2021 were offered more than $1.3 million in college scholarships and grants. RANKED #1 IN THE NICHE.COM 2021 BEST PRIVATE K-12 SCHOOLS IN THE FAYETTEVILLE AREA by Clayton Britt & Sons 910.868.8319 3703 Bragg Blvd. Fayetteville, NC 28303 customercare@spaandpoolworld.com

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