The southern portion of Moore County lies in North Carolina’s Sandhills, the strip of land that stretches between the state’s coastal plain and piedmont regions. Known nowadays as the Home of American Golf, the towns in this area were built from the pines that towered above, the booming railroad industry and the visions of entrepreneurs and architects.
Initially envisioning the community as a health resort, James Walker Tufts used his soda fountain fortune to build Pinehurst into the vacation destination it is today. Founded in 1895, both Pinehurst and Southern Pines have become premier sports getaways, with Pinehurst hosting more U.S. Golf Association (USGA) championships than any other location nationwide and having nearly 40 golf courses within a 15-mile radius.
“The Pinehurst area is a timeless place, and our simple lifestyle, slower pace and genuine authenticity remind many people of being very much at home,” says Phil Werz, president and CEO of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen. “Our destination is built on golf, but there is so much more to see and do throughout the year in the Sandhills.”
When it comes to visiting this culturally rich region, the state toast says it best: Here’s to the land of the longleaf pine.
1. Historic Downtown Aberdeen
Train tracks crisscross this railroad hub’s revitalized downtown, full of boutique shops and eateries. Start the day by fueling up with locally roasted coffee at High Octane coffee shop, located in a 1947 Pure Oil gas station, or grab a brunch plate at Mason’s Restaurant and Grocery. Shop for home goods at Eloise Trading Company or Lily Rose Boutique, retro video games at Hit Point Hobbies, and handcrafted or vintage items at the curated marketplace of Made & Found. See what’s in season at The Workshop Tavern, order a pie at Pizzeria Grazia or get something from the grill at El Chapin. For dessert, check out the fall-inspired flavors at Sweet Carolina Ice Cream or pick up a pastry at The Bakehouse.
2. Under the Pines
Enjoy the Sandhills’ abundant longleaf pines with a casual garden stroll or lakeside rendezvous at some of the region’s parks and preserves. At Aberdeen Lake Park, fish from the shoreline or walk the 1.5-mile gravel path that loops around and across Pages Lake, stopping at the pedestrian bridge for a bit of bird-watching. In Southern Pines, visit Reservoir Park with 12 miles of hiking and biking trails centered around the 95-acre lake, or take a trek to Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve to spot some of the unique species that inhabit the longleaf pine ecosystem. In Pinehurst, seek respite under the Pergola Garden at the Village Arboretum.
3. All Aboard to Aberdeen
For history and train enthusiasts, learn about Moore County’s railroad roots at the Union Station Railroad Museum in Aberdeen. Housed in the Union Station Depot, the museum showcases memorabilia and artifacts from railroad enterprises like the Aberdeen and Rockfish Railroad Company, the 45-mile short line that put Aberdeen on the map as a commercial hub. Passengers can board the Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway, another local short line, in Aberdeen or Pinehurst to ride the Rolling Brunch Train or get a drink from their locomotive bar, Engine Room 87. For more transportation tidbits, view the Tyson & Jones Buggy Company mural in Carthage, once the largest horse carriage manufacturer in the South, or attend the 21st annual Ederville Tractor and Train Show slated for Nov. 7-9.
4. Fresh From the Farm
Shop for local produce and seasonal treats at mom-and-pop shops and farmers markets. In Carthage, stop by Johnson Family Produce and General Store to stock up on heirloom pumpkins or pumpkin-on-a-stick plants for festive decorations. Snag a seasonal sweet like pumpkin rolls or apple cake. Farther down the road in Carthage, visit Karefree Produce for all things apple: from local apples to apple pie, apple butter, apple dumplings and even apple pie-flavored ice cream.
The Moore County Farmers Market vendors are all located within 50 miles of its location in Southern Pines. Visit the market located at Downtown Park each Saturday until November 21 and year-round at the Armory Sports Complex every Thursday.
5. Arts & Crafts Festivals
Two Sandhills towns host annual arts and crafts festivals each October that showcase local artists, businesses and restaurants. On Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. visit the 48th Holly Arts & Crafts Festival in Pinehurst. This festival features more than 200 artisans working in a variety of media, including jewelry, woodworking, metal sculpture and stitched art.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, visit AutumnFest at Downtown Park in Southern Pines from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted by the Arts Council of Moore County and Southern Pines Parks and Recreation, this craft fair features more than 100 booths of artists and crafters, food, and live entertainment.
6. Moore County Mural Trail
Discover Moore County’s countryside and downtown districts through more than a dozen murals painted from old barns to main streets. Each image shares a hint of the county’s history, like the When Tobacco Was King mural, a nod to the crop’s impact on Carthage and beyond. Get a glimpse of Aberdeen’s Scottish and railroad roots in the Aberdeen Heritage mural on 110 W. South St. and keep an eye out for the singing rooster at 114 Knight St. View the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. mural at 203 W. South St., a restored advertisement on the building that’s housed Aberdeen Coca-Cola since 1913, and The Cigar Shop mural, a tribute to the area’s golf and military heritage at 1608 N. Sandhills Blvd.
7. Local Breweries
Inspired by the railroads that connected the area’s people and towns, Railhouse Brewery in Aberdeen hosts events almost every week, including Oktoberfest each fall. Tour the brewery and listen to live music while sipping their signature English brown ale and seasonal specialties.
For other brews in the area, visit Pinehurst Brewing Co. and enjoy a giant Bavarian pretzel paired with a Kolsch or stout in their beer garden. In Southern Pines, sample a pint or flight at Southern Pines Growler Co. from 32 taps of craft beer, cider, seltzer and wine, or head over to the outdoor taproom at Red’s Corner, a beer garden and food truck park.
8. Sporting Traditions
It might be taboo to visit the Home of American Golf without getting on the green or swinging into the region’s golfing past. At the USGA Experience and World Golf Hall of Fame, visitors can view artifacts from the USGA museum and library and learn inductees’ stories via a locker room exhibit experience.
Equestrian fans can catch harness racing and training at the Pinehurst Harness Track, the state’s oldest continuously operating equine sports facility, before getting a bite to eat at the Pinehurst Track Restaurant. Held Thanksgiving morning in Southern Pines, the annual Blessing of the Hounds is a centuries-old ritual that marks the beginning of the fox hunting season.
9. Pinehurst Market Square
Whether explored on foot or by carriage, the Village of Pinehurst promises an outing filled with storybook cottages and shopping in the quaint market square. Located in the old Post Office Building alongside Brim Cafe, the Given Tufts Bookshop houses hundreds of used books for purchase. Book sales support the Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives, a collection that preserves Pinehurst’s history. On display are maps of Donald Ross’ course designs, James W. Tufts’ soda fountain and more than 125,000 historic photographs. A statue of Ross, the golf course architect who designed Pinehurst No. 2, can be found in the market square.
10. Shop Southern Pines Downtown
Step into the streets of shops that run parallel to the railroad tracks in Southern Pines’ downtown district. Catch a matinee at Sunrise Theater or a live show on their indoor or outdoor stage. For shopping, visit The Country Bookshop for a selection of new books, including local authors and regional history, Against the Grain Shoppe for goodies from homemade toffee to soaps, and The Heritage Flag Company for all things Americana. Get a taste of England at The Sly Fox Pub or stick to the classics at the Ice Cream Parlor.
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If you go…
To find more information on things to do in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and surrounding areas, visit homeofgolf.com or contact info@homeofgolf.com.
155 W. New York Ave., Suite 300, Southern Pines
800-346-5362
