Harnett County
The cannons may be silent, but history buffs can relive the 1865 Battle of Averasboro with re-enactments on N.C. 82 near Dunn, where 800 Confederate soldiers and 650 Union troops died. Or you might want to take in the Gen. William C. Lee Airborne Museum between Dunn and Erwin. Lee is known as the "Father of the Airborne."
Perhaps nature is your thing.
Raven Rock Park, nine miles west of Lillington on U.S. 421, rambles one mile along the Cape Fear River where you can enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing, picnics and beautiful nature trails. There's the Cape Fear River Adventure, too, featuring canoe and kayak access, a mile-long trail and four overlooks.
How about gourds? You'll find them from all over the world at the Gourd Museum in the downtown library in Angier.
And for the Fourth of July, there's no better place to celebrate Independence Day than Lillington, where you'll find food, dancing, bands and plenty of fun entertainment for families. Don't forget the fireworks.