Overview
Dunn’s industrious citizenry has helped ground its place in distribution, agriculture, and manufacturing. However, Dunn’s real niche lies in tourism. The city in Harnett County has come a long way from a turpentine distilling center and logging town into one of the nation’s All-America City. Just a few hours from the world’s oldest mountains, the thriving Research Triangle, and North Carolina’s scenic Crystal Coast, Dunn is strategically located as the state’s vacationland. Area culture thrives in Dunn, as its local theaters and universities frequently present productions throughout the year. Apart from great golf, shopping, and dining, Dunn takes pride in having two Civil War Battlefields. With “where fun matters” as a motto, Dunn takes your entertainment seriously.
Exploring the City
The city is halfway between Florida and New York. Along with its convenient location are desirable consequences. The city sits at a convergence of North Carolina’s extensive transportation network. Private service and charter flights are provided at a well-lighted 5,000-foot facility at the Harnett County Regional Jetport. Commercial air transportation is available at the nearby Durham or Raleigh International Airports. The highways of I-40 and US 421 cater to east to west routes, while the Seaboard System Railroad, I-95, and US-301 links the north and south routes. Book your Dunn Hotels with Reservations.com.
When to Visit
The city “where fun matters” has a lot of festivals in store. The biannual celebration of Averasboro Battlefield Reenactments and Living History Demonstrations is held every March and October. Every third Saturday in June, the National Hollerin’ Contest in Spivey’s Corner features activities such as games, dancing, singing, and other interesting opportunities for arts and crafts, sumptuous feasts, and wholesome family entertainment. A group of singers can be seen competing in a gospel music contest known as the State Singing Convention on the fourth weekend in June. Dunn also hosts the Touchstone Energy North Carolina Cotton Festival every first weekend of November. The goal of the festival is to feature products such as cotton, and in the process attract crowds to more than 100 booth spaces in downtown. When in the city, make sure to try the cotton gin.
Things to Do
Another slogan of the city is “it’s all right here.” True enough, Dunn has a lot of activities in store for all types of tourists. Aside from the great festivals and outdoor concerts, tourists can visit Duffie’s Exotic Bird Ranch, and have a great outing with the family at the ranch’s 10 acres. See more than 130 species in their natural habitat. Bring your fishing gear and head to Rhodes Pond located along US 301, or participate in boating free of charge. The 4,000-acre Raven Rock State Park can be best experienced through picnicking, camping, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, or hiking. See a world of exotic animals at Noah’s Landing, or play racquetball with the locals at Dr. P. K. Vyas Recreation Center. Dunn also permits some bow-hunting, and I’ve heard many a hunter testify it’s as awesome as gun hunting with AR-15 rifles and shotguns. And I agree.
Best Museums
There are a lot of museums or history rooms to visit in the city. The Coats Cotton and History Museum and the Erwin History Room are both loaded with great and interesting artifacts and information. The establishment of Lundy-Fetterman Museum and Exhibit Hall has an exciting wildlife display. Tour the recently renovated General William C. Lee Airborne Museum for aircrafts, or learn about Dunn’s history at the Averasboro Civil War Battlefield and Museum.
