The Town of Lillington
Lillington, Harnett County's seat of government, is nestled on the banks of the scenic Cape Fear River. With a population of approximately 3,200, Lillington is known offers the advantage of a small town life that includes a growing, revitalized downtown and quiet, spacious neighborhoods. Named for General Alexander Lillington, a revolutionary war hero, Lillington is fortunate to have a number of active civic and service clubs which constantly strive to improve the quality of life for all citizens. News of local activities and events are reported in the Harnett County News, a weekly newspaper.
Because of its mild climate, outdoor activities are enjoyed year round with options for all ages. The Cape Fear River runs thru the heart of Lillington and offers canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. As one may expect in the heart of golf country, several fine 18-hole golf courses are available to local residents including the Anderson Creek Golf Club course designed by Davis Love III, Keith Hills Country Club, and Pine Burr Golf Course. Located just outside of town is the unspoiled, natural beauty of Raven Rock State Park, a 3,000 acre botanical wonderland. A 125-foot granite cliff, from which the park gets its name, rises above the Cape Fear River. More than 15 miles of hiking trails can be found along the north side of the river. The park offers fishing, family camping, group camping, picnicking and information sessions in the new education facility.
The town opened a new community center in 2011 which is now the hub for a variety of recreational, educational and entertainment events for children, youth and adults. The facility offers a fully outfitted exercise room, a technology room, and classrooms that are used for educational sessions such as art and computer classes as well as exercise related classes including Zumba, clogging and belly dancing. The beautiful facility is also available to rent for birthday parties, wedding receptions and reunions.
Lillington has gained a reputation in recent years for its family oriented seasonal festivals held throughout the year that offer crafts, entertainment, food, children's games and activities, and exhibits as well as events that honor historical figures such as the Rotary Club’s annual Harnett Cornelius Ball and the Paul Green Festival. For your shopping convenience, Lillington's downtown area has restaurants, a coffee shop, antique, gift and specialty shops as well as various businesses that offer services such as web design, computer repair and technical support, photography services, pet grooming and several beauty salons. Nearby shopping centers provide a variety of services and retail merchandise including clothing and hardware, all served with small town congeniality. Lillington is served by seven banks, many restaurants and local churches and a private swimming pool.
The Harnett County Public Library in Lillington makes available to the public a growing collection of popular materials for leisure time and entertainment reading, viewing and listening as well as activities for pre-school and school age children that includes a weekly story time, summer reading programs, and a summer science camp. The library also provides circulating and reference items for the community's informational and educational needs. Resources and reference items include a variety of informational books, indexes, directories, atlases, computers, free internet services, e-books and CD-ROM databases.
The Harnett County Arts Council is the umbrella organization for a variety of types of artists and in addition to promoting local artists; they sponsor various events throughout the year including a Salsa Festival, artist receptions, and arts and craft fairs.
Lillington is also home to the Heart of Harnett Playhouse, a local theater production group which produces 2-3 plays each year as well as special events including a summer youth workshop. Other theatrical productions and musical events are offered at nearby Campbell University as well as sporting events.
We invite you to visit us and experience firsthand the hospitality, slower pace of living and the warmth of small town life in Lillington.