Perhaps our favorite event of the year in Dunn is the Spivey's Corner National Hollerin' Contest. We'll let you figure out what gets tested during this event held the third Saturday in June.
An outer suburb of the greater Raleigh Durham area, Dunn, North Carolina is home to about 9,200 residents -- though the true count of Dunn and its surrounding environs is closer to 114,000 -- so don't expect a rural town. Incorporated in 1887, Dunn was historically a logging town and turpentine distilling center (bet you didn't even know that was a thing). Dunn's namesake is Bennett R. Dunn, the construction supervisor on the railroad line between Wilson and Fayetteville. Located along I-95, Dunn is just about smack halfway between New York and Florida -- though it's certainly not a quick jaunt to either. It's just a two hour drive from Dunn to the Crystal Coast -- a popular summer getaway destination. Its economy is currently based on agriculture, manufacturing, distribution, and tourism.
Moving to Dunn
Southern summers get you with their humidity, not their heat -- or so the locals tell us. The peak of summer might not be the best time to haul boxes, but aside from that concern, you'll enjoy mostly mild weather, year round. It does get chilly in the winter, but nothing compared to what the Yankees enjoy up north. In typical southern fashion, expect some inconsistency in spring and fall as the weather jumps from 50 to 70 to 40 to 80 in the span of a week. It's all part of the charm, we swear.
Aside from the weather, there's not much to avoid, timing-wise. You will, however, want to come prepared as you head out to find apartment rentals in Dunn. Make sure you have all of your documents in hand: proof of income, credit history, and the contact information for previous landlords who've agreed to serve as your references. You should also have deposit money enough to cover first and last months' rent and a security deposit as well.
Neighborhoods in Dunn
Check out the following neighborhoods in Dunn before settling on the one to call your home.
Gleneagles: Located on the far northwest corner of Dunn, Gleneagles is a great place to look for rental property in Dunn -- usually of the detached home variety. Nearby Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-BQ is hard to spell, but easy to eat, featuring fresh brewed sweet tea and delectable BBQ sauce done the Carolina way.
North Dunn: There's a good concentration of choices with great highway access here, should you be living here and commuting into the Raleigh/Durham area. Not sure whether this place really gives you city apartments of a scale you'd expect up the highway, but amenities commonly found here include pools and fitness centers.
South Dunn: There's a choice of several desirable complexes here offering two bedroom apartments for rent (or larger or smaller sizes, depending on your need). If moving works up an appetite, check out Brass Lantern Steak House for a proper slab of prime rib.
West Dunn: You'll find some apartments for rent here and several house rentals are usually available as well. Heath's Steak House sets up a bit of a natural competition with Brass Lantern in the south. Try them both and pick your favorite. Though, close to home is always good, right?
Life in Dunn
Civil War history buffs will love Dunn's proximity to two battlefields. Make sure to check out the Averasboro Civil War Battlefield Museum and the Lebanon plantation home used as a Confederate Hospital -- there's also a local cemetery where the Johnny Rebs buried their dead. Take in a historic reenactment and living history demonstrations each March and October.
When you get bitten by the retail bug, you'll find Dunn to be a shoppers haven. Any direction you go from this town, you're going to hit an outlet mall offering deep discounts on everything from name brand clothing to jewelry and home goods. Retail within Dunn is somewhat more limited, though you'll be able to take care of the daily necessities with no problem.
Those looking for local recreation and who enjoy the great outdoors are in for a treat. Check out the Cape Fear Canoe Trails. Paddle through some 55 miles of river past Civil War sites, a state park, and Revolutionary War sites. Take a nature guide and play local flora and fauna bingo.
A former railway right-of-way has been turned into the Dunn-Erwin Rail Trail, for those who like their adventures on dry land. This nature path accommodates both walkers and cyclists. Best part: restaurants at both ends.