GETAWAY

wilson ARKA NSAS

TEXT BY MARTIN WILFORD | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WILSON CITY

perhaps the expression “hidden gem” is overused, but the city of Wilson, Arkansas, truly fits that description. Located just 45 minutes from Memphis, in northeast Arkansas, Wilson is a multifaceted destination that attracts visitors with its sense of history, hospitality and community spirit. Recently named one of the South’s Best Small Towns by Southern Living magazine, the newly revitalized Wilson combines its rich agrarian history and everpresent Southern character for an experience unlike any other in the region.

Founded in the late 1800s, Wilson began as a company town for Robert E. Lee Wilson. Robert Wilson cleared the land for agricultural purposes and began the region’s abundant cotton-producing history. But the area’s real romance began in the 1920’s when Wilson’s son and daughter-in-law returned from a honeymoon in England. Enthralled by the Tudor style architecture they discovered overseas, the younger Wilson retrofitted the town’s existing architecture and constructed all subsequent public buildings in the historical style. This effort created a stunning town square listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Wilson is something of a Southern sanctuary with a mission to maintain its unique heritage, focusing on history, education, culinary experiences, wellness and agriculture.

Embracing education as a key pillar of the town’s mission, the Hampson Archeological Museum contains a collection of archeological artifacts from the Nodena Site, a Native American village on the Mississippi River that existed from 1400 to 1650. Additionally, The Delta School is a place for students in grades 1-12 who desire a challenge and are motivated to learn in a dynamic course of study that includes inquiry-based projects. A model of excellence, this outstanding institution was established to enrich the town of Wilson and the greater area.

visitors & locals alike can also delight in the culinary experiences found in the Wilson Café and Tavern. Helmed by Wilson Culinary Director, Executive Chef Shawn Davis, the café specializes in fresh, seasonally inspired food that is sure to please. The Chef’s Table Experience invites small parties (maximum of eight people) to enjoy a five- or six-course, personalized meal paired with exceptional wines selected to complement the food.

The restaurant partners with the Grange at Wilson Gardens to feature ingredients sourced from the grounds, located no more than 100 yards from the café. Located at the Grange, the Marketplace showcases local artisans and provides them an avenue to sell their homemade items, including clothes, jewelry and crafts. It also offers homegrown produce and plants from regional farms. The Grange Kitchen will be sure to entice you with baked goods, meals and sandwiches to enjoy at the gardens or take home.

Throughout the year, both the Wilson Café and the Grange feature intimate wine and food experiences that highlight the town’s agricultural character. Guests can encounter and savor a variety of wines from regions around the globe through the Wilson Wine Experience. Chefprepared, multi-course meals pair with delightful wines at the Wilson Wine Dinners, while weekly Wine Tastings offer glimpses of the world’s many wine countries.

The monthly Mixology 101 series offers attendees the opportunity to learn craft cocktail making techniques and experience flight tastings of premium liquors. Mixology classes include creating the perfect martinis, specialty cocktails, muddling, infusing and more. The tasting series includes bourbons, tequilas, brandies and Scotches.

The town hosts a number of high-caliber musical guests for the Wilson Music Series. From Maggie Rose to Runaway June to Jake Hoot, the talented artists cover a variety of genres. In the summer, the city showcases regional, up-and-coming talent as part of the Summer Music Series on the Square.

In early 2022, the Hotel Louis will open in the center of the Wilson town square. A beacon of Southern hospitality, the 16-room inn will offer unparalleled sophistication to overnight visitors. Named for a beloved French bulldog, the Louis will feature the Birdshot Lounge for spirited cocktail creations and the Firefly Rooftop Bar for relaxed Southern evenings.

Wilson is where seasons are celebrated with a full calendar of events to attract visitors. From crawfish festivals to Christmas shopping, music series to mixology classes, Wilson combines arts of all types to create a culture of fun and festivity. To learn more about this remarkable town, visit wilsonarkansas.com.