Your Summer "Gotta Getaway" Destination

SOUTHERN PINES, NC – JULY 01, 2008 –No matter what, this summer you "Gotta Getaway" someplace close by and escape the usual summer routine. Pack your golf clubs, tennis racket and walking shoes and head to the North Carolina Sandhills where great summer value packages will help take the sting out of high gasoline prices. The Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area is well known to golfers from around the globe as a host site to U.S. Open Championships and 100+ years of golf heritage. But don't sell this terrific destination short – there is plenty to do after you've stepped off the 18th green. The towns and villages of the Home of American Golf are perfect for exploring, whether you are looking for unique cuisine, window shopping, or trail walking. And best of all, you'll have money left over after you settle the tab because this summer, like every summer, the area is 'on sale'.

Golfers flock to the Sandhills in the spring and fall, making the summer a shoulder season bonanza worth 25-35% off the in-season rates. You'll find the courses a bit less crowded, and you can work in an early morning round, and then explore the terrific gardens and trails under the shade of massive long leaf pines at either the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens or Weymouth Woods State Nature Preserve. Grab a quick lunch at the ever popular cafes and pubs in downtown Southern Pines, catch an afternoon snooze, and then head back out for a late afternoon round on the links.

To start planning your Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area getaway, use the ideal trip tool – www.homeofgolf.com - the area's official tourism web site. The great package deals are all right there, as is an extensive calendar of events, restaurants and shopping guide, and everything you need to escape for a few days this summer. So start packing! Here is a sampling of the great lodging, golfing, and fun things to do.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Best Western Pinehurst Inn
Summer Sunday Special - 3 Rounds of Golf at Legacy, Deercroft and The Bluff, 2 Nights Lodging (must include Sunday night), and Deluxe continental breakfast - $190.34 per person, Double Occupancy.
Valid Dates: 6/1/08 - 8/31/08
For Best Western's golf packages, call 910-692-0640.

Inn At the Bryant House
Guests are invited to experience the hospitality and charm of the Inn at the Bryant House! Breakfast and social hour are included in our rates. Enjoy the tranquility of the quaint town of Aberdeen. For rates and availability, call 910-944-3300.

Residence Inn by Marriott
Summer Fun Package - 1 Night/1 Round including cart - From $98. This package includes daily Full Hot Breakfast, complimentary Mon-Thu Evening Social with beer/wine/soda and light fare, and your choice of Golf at The Country Club of Whispering Pines, Foxfire Resort & Golf Club, and Hyland Hills Golf Club.
Valid Dates: 6/1/08 - 8/31/08
To make reservations call 800-334-0589.

ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT

Jazzy Fridays. July 11 and 25. 7-10pm. Event held rain or shine. Live jazz music, hors d'oeuvres. Admission is $5/person. Cypress Bend Vineyards & Winery, Riverton Road in Wagram. (910)369-0411.

7th Annual Sunrise Blues Crawl. July 12. Annual event that showcases Southern Pines venues that have the Blues. Begins with Otis Taylor at 7:30pm at the Sunrise Theatre, and continues on to intimate bars and clubs downtown, all within walking distance. For more information call the Box Office at (910)692-3611.

Pit Chicks Clinic. Mondays from 5-7pm, June through August. Includes on course instruction and club fitting for ladies. Beginners Welcome! The Pit Golf Links, 410 Pit Link Lane, Hwy 5, Aberdeen. Contact Janie at (910)944-1600 for details.

Seagrove Christmas In July. July 18-20. Participating Moore County and Seagrove area potters kick off the holiday season early by debuting their 2008 Christmas items and decorating their shops for Christmas. For more information call the Museum of NC Traditional Pottery at (336)873-7887.

DINING OPTIONS

Wolcott's
160 W. Pennsylvania Avenue
Southern Pines, NC 28387
(910) 695-1551

Ten-Ya Japanese Cuisine and Sushi
70 Market Square
Pinehurst, NC 28370
(910) 255-1085

Pine Crest Inn
50 Dogwood Rd.
Pinehurst, NC 28374
(910) 295-6121

And this is just a sampling. With over 40 golf courses in the area, there are at least that many restaurants and shops to keep you entertained on your "Gotta Getaway". For additional information, call 800-346-5362 or visit www.homeofgolf.com.

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The Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is an economic development organization and non-profit authority of Moore County, North Carolina. The CVB mission is to promote the area as a destination for visitors, meetings, conventions and tours. The CVB is funded primarily by a three percent hotel / motel room occupancy tax paid by visitors to Moore County.