Like jewels planted in the sandy terrain of the North Carolina Sandhills, the towns of Southern Pines, Pinehurst and Aberdeen shine with attractions for the traveler. This trio of towns sits conveniently in the middle of the state with easy access.
Expect the unexpected in the history of each town. Southern Pines was first built around the social gatherings of great literary figures; Pinehurst was envisioned as a healing respite for consumptives; Aberdeen’s Scottish settlers carved a living out of timber and turpentine.
Today, and for the past 120 years, Pinehurst has been synonymous with golf. Much of its land has been transformed into world-class golf courses under the guidance of legendary designers, beginning with Donald Ross and including Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Ellis Maples. For the first time in USGA history, the U.S. Open® and the U.S. Women’s Open® championships were held on the same golf course, Pinehurst No. 2, in 2014.
Meet on the green to prove your best, unwind with a visit to the Forbes Four Star spa, dine in one of seven restaurants, including the 1895 Grille and relax at Pinehurst Resort’s Carolina Hotel or Holly Inn. The Village of Pinehurst also offers the historic Magnolia Inn. Check out dining at Theos Taverna, Drum Quill Pub and Dugan’s. Save time to visit the Given Library/Tufts Archives for fascinating background on the area.
Southern Pines is the quintessential friendly, southern town, overflowing with art, music and great food. Its unceasing charm includes the train that still comes through the center of downtown. If you’re fortunate enough to stay at The Jefferson Inn, the only downtown lodging, a train ride might make for the perfect entrance into town.
Must sees here are the Weymouth Center and Gardens, the magnificent former home of author James Boyd and home to the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame and the Campbell House art galleries. Join the locals at the popular Sunrise Theater for a concert or film. Dining ranges from scrumptious breakfast or lunch at Betsy’s Crepes to the culinary wonders of Ashten’s, Rhett’s and Chef Warren’s Bistro.
Aberdeen is, and always has been, a railroad town. Make sure to stop in at the Union Station Railroad Museum. The town’s own thriving art community is on display all over town. Stop by The Bakehouse for lunch, or take a treat to the town’s beautiful Lake Park.
Shopping takes on new heights in the Sandhills with everything from antiques to luxury home goods, jewelry, fine clothing, books and outdoor gear.
This is glorious horse country. Equine lovers can find every landscape and amenity for riding and driving. Many other activities such as tennis, kayaking, canoeing, cycling and hiking are also popular in this area. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the exquisite Sandhills Horticultural Gardens or the oldest living Longleaf Pine tree in the world in Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve.
Upcoming events
▪ Concours D’Elegance, Pinehurst Resort, Saturday | This third annual event will take place where the best of golf will meet the best of the automobile, while honoring some of the United States’ bravest men and women at Fort Bragg. Featuring 119 of the most historic automobiles and motorcycles from around the world. www.pinehurstconcours.com.
▪ Spring Cameron Antiques Fair, Historic District of Cameron, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday | More than 300 dealers display their antiques and collectibles in their village shops and along streets in the Historic District of Cameron. Food vendors. www.antiquesofcameron.com.
▪ U.S. Kids Golf World Championship, Pinehurst Resort, Village of Pinehurst, July 30-Aug. 1 | U.S. Kids Golf hosts its World Championship on three of Pinehurst’s renowned layouts and six additional area courses. Annually, more than 1,400 kids from around the world, ages 12 and under, converge here to vie for the championship. http://tinyurl.com/qjanjdx.
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