Heading into spring in the Sandhills, we can clearly see a light at the end of the tunnel. People are ready to resume their lives with as much normalcy and safety as possible. And there is no better place to enjoy nature and all the beauty she has to offer than around Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and the surrounding towns. Along with the many world-class golf courses that long ago put this area on the map, here is a small sampling of our favorite outdoor pastimes around the Sandhills to soothe the senses this spring:
Visit the Boyd Tract at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve to discover the state’s oldest living Longleaf Pine. The Boyd tract contains a sizeable stand of old-growth longleaf pines aging from 250 to more than 450 years old. The oldest known living longleaf pine resides here, dating back to 1548.
Do a shopping stroll down Broad Street in Southern Pines … but be sure not to forget downtown Aberdeen, which boasts thrift and antique shops, Railhouse Brewery and really yummy local restaurants such as Mason’s, The Workshop Tavern, The Bakehouse and High Octane.
Enjoy a hike, including Bear Creek Trail System in Robbins, Pinehurst Greenway, Southern Pines Greenway Trail System, Walthour-Moss Foundation and the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve and more.
Enjoy the veranda view overlooking Pinehurst Resort & Country Club No. 2 Course’s famed finishing hole at The Deuce at the Clubhouse — one of many tempting food and drink experiences around the resort including The Tavern at the Holly Inn, 1895 Grille, Ryder Cup Lounge and Pinehurst Brewing Company.
Visit one of the Sandhills’ numerous, beautiful garden spots, including the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, Weymouth Center Gardens, The Village Arboretum, Rassie Wicker Park, Campbell House Park and The Healing Garden at FirstHealth of the Carolinas.
Take the family or your favorite foursome for an afternoon of loops at The Cradle, one of the most relaxing golf experiences you will ever enjoy located just outside the Pinehurst Resort’s front steps. One of the best kept secrets is the par 3 course at Longleaf Golf & Family Club. Bottlebrush features six holes for endless loops for only $8.00.
Take a driving tour of downtown Carthage, the county seat of Moore County. The Carthage Historic District contains the largest and most intact concentration of buildings reflecting the town’s growth and development from the second quarter of the 19th century to the beginning of World War II. In 1992, the Carthage Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Check out the town’s several murals featuring heroes from the past and historic remembrances.
An easy stroll from the resort, enjoy a walking tour around the Village of Pinehurst and soak in all the unique shops, pubs and boutiques found around this serene and picturesque town.
Relax outdoors at one of the area’s many parks: Aberdeen Lake Park, Hillcrest Park in Carthage, Reservoir Park, Downtown Park in Southern Pines, and Camelot Playground at Cannon Park in Pinehurst, among numerous others.
Shop for antiques in Cameron’s historic district. Our State Magazine named Cameron the “Best Antique Area in North Carolina,” while The Pilot newspaper calls it the “Best Antique Area in Moore County.” Cameron features around a dozen antique shops. Plan your trip soon to spend the day, enjoy lunch, and have a memorable antiquing experience.
Visit Paradox Farm in West End, a beautiful, working goat dairy farm where the motto is, “making the freshest cheeses from the happiest goats.” Safely visit or tour by appointment. Ask about their goat cuddling program and assist the farm with socializing the cute creatures.
Expand your pottery collection at Seagrove Potters’ Celebration of Spring Pottery Tour and Kiln Openings. Visit studios and meet potters. This year’s event will be April 16-18. Online shopping will also be available with some studios. Mark your calendar, too for the Wood Kiln Tour, June 5-6.
Enjoy a brew or two at the outdoor sitting area at Hatchet Brewing, O’Donnell’s Pub, the Southern Pines Brewing Company on Pennsylvania and the Southern Pines Growler Company, among others.
