How to Spend 48 Hours in Pinehurst, NC
This golf mecca may be best known for its 40 courses in the scenic sandhills of North Carolina, but the resort area has plenty of activities for non-golfers, as well. Image: Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen CVB
Itβs home to the 2024 U.S. Open golf tournament this June and frequently named the βBest Golf Resort in Americaβ by Travel & Leisure, but Pinehurst, NC, is more than just a golf destination. Iβm not a golfer, but Iβm married to one, so this charming town βwhich is approximately halfway between Raleigh and Charlotte β was an ideal couplesβ trip. Hereβs how to maximize a getaway to the area β thereβs something for everyone!
DAY ONE
The first day of your excursion is for checking into lodging and getting acquainted with the area. The four Diamond resorts in Pinehurst proper are wonderful and worth a look, but we stayed in the neighboring town of Southern Pines β a Hallmark-esque town with a train chugging through, old brick-front stores, and a somewhat more Bohemian vibe (case in point: check out Casino Guitars and Swank Coffee Shoppe).
We checked into The Jefferson Inn, a historic inn thatβs been renovated multiple times over the years. The property is more like an Airbnb (no front desk person or restaurant), but a lobby space and back patio morph into 1901 Lounge, open Tuesday through Sunday and the perfect place for cocktails.
Our foursome walked up the street and enjoyed dinner al fresco at Ashtenβs, a local restaurant (wo)manned by chef and owner Ashley Van Camp.
DAY TWO
Hereβs where interests may diverge. Golfers have their choice of dozens of courses in the area, but the famed Donald Ross designs are the real gems. The Scottish-born architect sculpted his masterpieces β such as Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines β more than a century ago out of the natural Sandhills terrain, which was reminiscent of his homeland in the birthplace of golf. LPGA legend Peggy Kirk Bell took over Pine Needles in the 1950s and started the innovative βLadies Golfariβ program, a βSafari of Golfβ experience for women, by women, and about women.
Pine Needlesβ commitment to womenβs golf is reflected in the fact that it has hosted four U.S. Womenβs Opens. Two more historic Ross layouts β Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club and Southern Pines Golf Club β are nearby. All three courses feature a natural setting of majestic longleaf pine trees lining fairways of rolling hills and knolls.
Non-golfers can head to The Pinehurst Spa for a treatment and some time to relax around the indoor pool. The βMango Smoothieβ massage did me right, and you may not be surprised to hear that they also offer special massages aimed at golfers.
Afterward, explore the Village of Pinehurst, famous for its New England-style neighborhoods and shops designed by well-known landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Browse the boutiques, then have lunch at Drum and Quill, a pub in the heart of Pinehurst.
Luxury places like Pinehurst have a reputation for being expensive, so Iβll also include some outdoor activities that offer a little exercise and allow you to explore the ecology of the Sandhills area, with its longleaf pines and sandy soil. My friend and I enjoyed exploring the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, a no-admission 32-acre botanical garden with some specialty areas: the rose gardens, the Sir Walter Raleigh Gardens, and trails through a wetland forest.
Ironwood CafΓ© was a relaxing end to the day. This sprawling restaurant with patio seating, flower gardens, and hearty food felt like a destination in Napa Valley. We started with some local craft beers, sampled the burrata bruschetta, and then enjoyed the Ironwood steak kabob.
DAY THREE
Start the day at Betsyβs Crepes, a popular breakfast and lunch spot in Downtown Southern Pines β for good reason! This unpretentious spot feels like the charming diner in every small-town TV show, with friendly locals running it, memorabilia on the walls, and a tasty menu. We shared crepes and waffles because it was hard to choose!
Golfers should take in a bit of golf history while in the area. The USGA has a strong presence with the recent addition of The World Golf Hall of Fame, a comprehensive museum open to the public. Then, get in one more round of golf at Talamore Golf Resort, with its world-famous llama caddies (yes, actual llamas), making for a perfect golf-centric day.
Non-golfers can enjoy exploring Southern Pines, walking the woodsy neighborhoods, and visiting the art galleries at Campbell House or the gardens and walking trails at Weymouth Center for the Arts.
Downtown Southern Pines is also fun to stroll, with some highlights that include Bella Filati Luxury Yarns (for all the knitters and crochet fans), Monkeeβs womenβs clothing, The Country Bookshop, and Gulleyβs Garden Center.
Enjoy your travels!
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