Pinehurst Harness Track

NC 5, Pinehurst
Circa 1915 track of 110+ acres listed in the National Register, operated by the Village of Pinehurst. Standard-bred training from Oct.-May (see horses put through their paces in early morning; try the track-side restaurant for breakfast!). Events include annual spring Matinee Races, horse shows (May-Oct.) and polo matches. Open year-round, 8 am-dusk daily. Guided tours available.
(800) 433-TROT; (910) 295-4446
Web Site

Rankin Museum of American Heritage

131 W. Church St., Ellerbe
Exhibits feature 19th-century pottery, antiques, medical memorabilia, natural history, paleontology, Native American/Artic artifacts, Civil War relics and original turpentine still. Rated among N.C.'s top ten museums by the State Magazine. Open Mon.-Sat. 2-5pm and Sun. 1-5pm. Admission fee, student discount. Guided tours available for groups upon request.
(910) 652-6378

"Pottery Country" & Jugtown/Seagrove

Includes Jugtown Pottery, Ben Owen Pottery, Seagrove Pottery and many other independent potters. This area is famous for its hand-thrown pottery and dishware, artfully crafted before the eyes of fascinated spectators and offered for sale at reasonable prices. Typical standout features include: salt-glaze stoneware, innovative designs and wood firing in groundhog kilns. Most area potters are open year-round. For general information and area maps visit the office of the Museum of NC Traditional Pottery at 122 Main St., Seagrove. The office is open Mon. - Fri. 10 am-2 pm and Saturday 9 am-3 pm.
(336) 873-7887
Web Site

Sandhills Horticultural Gardens

Sandhills Community College on Airport Road, Pinehurst
32 acres featuring the Ebersole Holly Collection, a specialized Conifer Garden, the Sir Walter Raleigh Garden (a formal English Garden), and a native wetland trail. Designed and maintained by the college's Landscape Gardening Department and Sandhills Horticultural Society, the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens are handicapped accessible and open daylight hours year-round. Free.
(910) 695-3882

Shaw House Property

Morganton Road and SW Broad Street, Southern Pines
Listed in the National Register, this trio of historic houses depicts the daily life of early county settlers. The Shaw House, built around 1840 by Charles C. Shaw (whose son was the first mayor of Southern Pines), is an antebellum home, less elaborate than plantation homes, exemplifying the sturdy simplicity of its era. The Garner House, built around 1830, is a log structure that boasts wideboard heart pine paneling, original hand-forged hinges and board doors. The Britt-Sanders Cabin (also known as the Loom House) is a simple one-room pioneer home with a loft. Both were built around 1770 and were restored and moved to the property. Operated by the Moore County Historical Society. Open Tues.-Sat. 1-4 pm. Free. Donations welcome.
(910) 692-2051
Web Site

Web Site Taxidermy Hall of Fame of North Carolina and Creation Museum

156 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines
Exhibits located in Christian Book Store feature N.C. wildlife (200+ animals), including state/national taxidermy ribbon winners and oldest rock on earth. Open 9am-5pm Mon.-Sat. Free. Donations welcome.
(910) 692-3471

Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site

Town Creek Mound Road
(between N.C. 731 & N.C. 73), Mt. Gilead
Archaeologically restored site brings to life the culture of the Muskogean Indians of the Pee Dee area from more than 300 years ago. Religious, ceremonial and burial center tells their story through interpretive exhibits and an 18-minute slide presentation, as well as reconstructed structures including a major temple on an earthen mound, a minor temple, mortuary, game pole and stockade with two guard towers. Open 10am-4pm Tues.-Sat. & 1-4pm Sun. Open year round except July 4th, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Operated & maintained by the state of N.C. Guided tours available for groups. Free.
(910) 439-6802
Web Site

Tufts Archives

Given Memorial Library, Pinehurst
James Walker Tufts' dream of Pinehurst unfolds in the letters, pictures, and news clippings displayed here dating from 1895. Also houses the original sketches and drawings of famed golf architect Donald Ross. Hours are 9:30 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri. and 9:30 am-12:30 pm Sat. Free.
(910) 295-3642

Weymouth Center

555 E. Connecticut Avenue, Southern Pines
Former home of author and publisher James Boyd and home to the NC Literary Hall of Fame, the Weymouth Center sits on 24 acres surrounded by stately longleaf pines. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The facilities are available for rent for private functions. Office Hours are Mon. - Fri. 10am-2pm. Docent led tours by appointment for $5/person.
(910) 692-6261
Web Site

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve

1024 Ft. Bragg Road, Southern Pines
The facility has 898 acres of wildflowers, forest animals, streams and ponds, four and one-half miles of hiking trails with informative stations, a beaver pond, a newly rennovated museum with participation exhibits and a full-time naturalist. A Sunday nature study program is offered each spring and summer. Open Daily, except for Christmas Day. Hours: Nov.-March 9 AM - 6 PM and April-Oct. 9 AM - 7 PM.
(910) 692-2167
Web Site