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The Original Parker’s barbecue was founded in 1946. Graham Parker and Henry Parker Brewer debuted it in Wilson NC. It was located just off highway 301. In the beginning, Parker's was sort of split into two. They specialized in fried chicken and barbecue that was cooked in a pit. As well as oysters and alcoholic beverages. The Original Parker's Barbecue now has new owners. They are:
Even with its new owners, the restaurant still maintains its specialty. But how exactly was it in the past?
Two buildings were joined by a door when they first opened in August of 1946. This gave customers access to two quite distinct eating options. There were oysters on the left, which you could match with any booze you brought, and BBQ and sweet tea to the right. Basically, one side was the family-friendly side, while the other was more for adults. At that time, Graham and Henry knew it would not work out and the business would soon fail if they didn't decide. They chose to take a family-oriented approach. That was a wise move that has paid off for over 76 years!
Since making that decision, Parker’s has been successful. They smoke nearly 150 whole hogs a week! These hogs are seasoned to perfection. They are chopped up and mixed in a vinegar and red pepper sauce, which is a secret recipe. Weekly they also fry nearly 8000 chickens! But I mean you have to when you have 20 000 hungry customers that are at your door in the morning.
Parker's converted to gas in the 1950s because it is simpler to regulate than wood coal.
Instead of the pits Parker's boasted, hogs are now grilled over several gas burners. This is done in a cinder-block building behind Parker's. Its sooty black, tent-shaped tin roof is kept together by soldered nails. These nails are attached to a steel frame. Yet, despite changes in cooking techniques, the meal has mostly stayed the same. Oysters, whether fried or stewed, are still included on menus while they are in season.
Parker's is famed for its consistency, especially when it comes to the staff. They still bring meals to you while donning paper hats from the 1950s. In 1987, Henry passed away and the Parker brothers retired. Williams and his coworker Bobby Woodard bought a company. Williams hired two more employees to assist him after Woodard died. And with that, we have the history of The Original Parker’s Barbecue.
The menu at The Original Parker’s Barbecue is limited to:
However, with those menu items, there can be a lot of combinations! Their oyster stew combined with a ½ BBQ chicken is absolutely delicious! A local favorite is their seafood platter. It includes:
Their dozen wings and sandwiches with fries are another local favorite as a quick snack.
You have read everything good I have had to say about this place, so now let’s look at what others have to say.
Erin Barnes gave it a 4/5 star rating. She said, “I grew up coming here. The vibe feels like
you are in the 1950s. Authentic barbecue…”
Battlewagon McLaren gave it a 5-star rating. The review left was, “Parker’s coleslaw reminds me of Bob Meltons Cole Slaw. The Hush Puppies are fresh and Hot or try the Corn Sticks…”
And now you have read it from others as well! This place is great. Be sure to check out their website for a full menu. They do also offer catering if you need them for a function. The next time you are in Wilson, head on over to 2514 US Hwy 301 South. Wilson, NC.
The museum is housed within Wilson City's renowned Fleming Stadium. Baseball games are primarily played at Fleming Stadium. The Wilson Tobs call it home as well. In 1939, this stadium was inaugurated.
3,000 people can be accommodated at Fleming Stadium. The NC Baseball Museum offers viewers the ability to learn about the history of NC baseball. This museum hosts a lot of special events. This museum's atmosphere is ideal for families.
The stadium was constructed in the 1930s. However, it has been updated for contemporary comfort. For the visitors' food, plans have also been made. The stadium is very well taken care of. This is the place to be if you want to spend a leisurely summer evening watching baseball.
It displays artifacts from various facets of North Carolina. The "Walk of Fame," a collection of bricks intended to honor:
It is a feature of the museum. The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers and is open all year. Be sure to check it out by heading over to 300 Stadium St SW, Wilson, NC.
The botanical gardens pay homage to the area's past as an agricultural area. Traditional row crops come in all different varieties. Bricks from reclaimed tobacco warehouses were used to build the walkways. Those walkways now connect the gardens. The garden is open 365 days a year.
The Wilson Agricultural Center is home to the 6 acre-large botanical gardens. Wilson County Arboretum was the original name of the property. The name of the botanical gardens was altered after employing a landscape architect. It is now a stunning masterpiece where you can go for:
Head on over and check it out for yourself! It is located at 1806 Goldsboro St S SW, Wilson, NC.
After getting accepted to ECU, I started looking for things to do in and around Greenville, NC. However, my searches kept taking me to places in South Carolina! There must be things to do around ECU, so I started asking other students. They kept telling me to graduate and move away! This inspired me to begin exploring eastern North Carolina and build this website as a showcase of the places to go, sights to see, and things to do all over eastern NC. I have fallen in love with this region and started taking up roots here. After graduating, I didn't move away - I bought a house here and continue to explore eastern North Carolina.
