Visit Harnett to explore small towns with loads of character and lots of charm. Each one is even more unique and welcoming than the last.

Known as the “Town of Crepe Myrtles,” this quiet town was named after Col. Jonathan Cicero Angier, who with the backing of the Duke family, was instrumental in bringing what would become the Durham and Southern Railroad to the area. Today, Angier continues to grow by leaps and bound, but manages to retain that welcoming small town feel.

Points of interest
• Crepe Myrtle Celebration
• Brick & Mortar Grill
• Vicious Fishes Brewery
• The Marvin & Mary Johnson Gourd Museum

Coats has all the advantages of a small town as well as access to recreation, larger shopping areas and entertainment centers nearby. It’s home to the second oldest Farmer’s Day Festival in the Southeast as well as various museums that preserve its heritage. Coats can also claim North Carolina’s first licensed aviator, Alton Stewart as its own hometown hero.

Points of interest
• Farmer’s Day Festival
• Coats History Museum
• Coats Cotton Museum
• Noah’s Landing
• Annual Coats Chamber Bluegrass in the Park
• Annual Coats Farmer’s Day
• Animal Ed.ventures

As the largest town in Harnett County, Dunn was named in honor of Bennett R. Dunn., a construction engineer with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. It’s also the hometown of Gen. Maj. William C. Lee, the “Father of the American Airborne” as well as early rock-and-roll guitarist Link Wray. Dunn boasts several historical landmarks including the Harnett Training School which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Points of interest
• Dunn Area History Museum
• Averasboro Civil War Battlefield
• General William C. Lee Airborne Museum
• Harnett Regional Theater
• Boogie on Broad
• NC Cotton Festival

While Erwin’s history spans just over a century, this community near the banks of the Cape Fear River sits in an area rich in history dating back to colonial times. The town’s original name of Duke was changed to Erwin in 1926, named after William A. Erwin, owner of Erwin Cotton Mills. Erwin also became known at one point in time as the “Denim Capital of the World.” Today, the town proudly displays its historical roots with an eye towards an exciting future of growth.

Points of interest
•  Erwin Commercial Historic District
• Erwin History Room
• Denim Days
• Erwin Wilderness Challenge
• Cape Fear River Park Trail

As the county seat of Harnett County, Lillington enjoys a proud, small-town heritage. The town was named in honor of Alexander Lillington of Wilmington, one of the Patriot commanders at the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge in 1776. Located in central Harnett County along the scenic banks of the Cape Fear River, the town is home to the Botanical Trail as well as Lillington River Park, a nearly eight-acre park on the Cape Fear River.

Points of interest
• Botanical Trail
•  Lillington River Park
•  Belleau Wood Brewing Co.
•  Fourth of July Celebration
•  Cape Fear Shiner Park
•  Cape Fear Fest