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No. 2 flag

Bucket List Golf Destination

As the Home of American Golf, the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area is globally recognized as a bucket list golf destination. From the iconic and legendary Pinehurst No. 2 to the newly redesigned Pinehurst No. 4 (named “Best New Golf Course” in 2019 by Golf magazine), golf in the Sandhills region of North Carolina offers a variety of memorable golf experiences on layouts created by the biggest names in the game including Donald Ross, Gil Hanse, Dan Maples, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw and many others. While Pinehurst Resort and Pine Needles/Mid Pines top the list of courses in the area, the destination offers more than 30 places you can play including Tobacco Road, Talamore, Legacy and Dormie Club.


Raise a Glass to the Growing Craft Beer Scene

The craft beer scene is rapidly growing in the area as the destination now boasts three breweries with the promise of more to come! The Pinehurst Brewing Company leads the list, but while it is only three years old, it is also known for its history. The brewery was retrofitted into an old steam plant that was built in 1895 and powered all of Pinehurst in the early days of the resort. The other three breweries are all owned by former military personnel with ties to nearby Fort Bragg. Enjoy Railhouse Brewery in Aberdeen and Southern Pines Brewing Company in Southern Pines. The destination’s fourth brewery, Hatchett Brewing Company is the most recent one to open and Southern Pines has just approved what will be a “destination distillery,” American Whiskey Company which will start construction in 2022.


Fastest Growing Foodie Destination in N.C.

The combination of innovative and unique local restaurants and an abundance of local farms offering a variety of products has created a Farm to Table boom in the Home of American Golf. Local restaurants like Ashten’s and Elliott’s on Linden source the majority of their menus from local farmers that provide a wide variety of products including greens, cheese, meats, and yes, ostrich eggs! Farms like Misty Morning Ranch, Paradox Farms and others work with the local chefs to not only provide primary source products, but also collaborate with them to grow certain products seasonally based on demand from restaurants. This unique collaboration allows restaurants to constantly change their menu offerings to the benefit of the consumer who crave a fresh and local dining experience found nowhere else. Other great local restaurants include Chapman’s, Scott’s Table, Wolcott’s, Sweet Basil, Betsy’s Crepes and The Deuce at Pinehurst Country Club.


World-Famous Pik n Pig to Return in 2022

After a devastating fire that destroyed the iconic Pik n Pig BBQ joint, the owners are in the midst of a complete rebuild and expect to open again later in 2022. The Pik n Pig is located adjacent to the runway at the Carthage airport (officially, Gilliam-McConnell Airfield), so the location is a favorite for locals and visitors. Stories abound of those who have flown hundreds of miles, just to have lunch and then fly home. It’s also not unusual to see helicopters drop in from nearby Fort Bragg for a meal before heading back to the base.


USGA to Build 2nd HQ; Pinehurst Resort to Add New Hotel

In September 2020, the United States Golf Association announced that it would built its second headquarters in Pinehurst and named Pinehurst Resort as its first-ever anchor site for U.S. Open golf championships. Construction of the new USGA facilities to include a second HQ, testing facility, green grass section, museum and more is set to start in 2022 and completed in time for the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Simultaneously, Pinehurst Resort has announced plans to build a new hotel. The Lodge at Pinehurst will be a 34-room boutique hotel with meeting spaces, fitness center, dining and bar area. The Lodge will be located adjacent to the clubhouse and will overlook The Cradle and Thistle Dhu golf amenities.


Seagrove Pottery

Nestled in the northern end of Moore County lies the Pottery Capital of the United States – Seagrove, N.C. Here, you will find the largest concentration of working potters in the country. Within a 20-mile radius, there are more than 50 pottery shops to visit. Take a self-guided tour along the scenic byways, pop into the shops and meet the artisans themselves.  Seagrove is open year-round, so any time is a great time to visit!


Southern Pines Shops

Shop Local in Downtown Southern Pines

Catch up with friends in the local coffee shops while walking the dog on Saturday morning, watch the trains pass through the heart of town by the original depot, or stroll the main street where you will find an abundance of quality local shop owners providing unique and specialized products. R. Riveter is a true American success story as the handmade handbags they create are crafted by military spouses stationed worldwide. Heritage Flag Company produces a variety of flags made from whiskey and wine barrels – some even made from trees that fell along Pinehurst No. 2 during Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Other shops like Mockingbird on Main, Marie & Marcele and Monkee’s of the Pines make for a great afternoon of shopping until you’re dropping.


 

Pine Needles

 

Top Events for 2022

February: Chocolate FestivalPinehurst Spring Matinee Races

April: Spring Matinee Harness Races

April: Springfest in Southern Pines

Carthage Buggy Festival

May: Carthage Buggy Festival

June: 77th U.S. Women’s Open, Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club

July: NC Peach Festival

August: 67th Annual Robbins Farmers Day Weekend

September: Pinehurst Barbeque Festival

October: Festival D’Avion

November: Blessing of the Hounds

December: Tree Lighting Ceremonies;

*Don’t forget Live at 5 and First Friday celebrations in the warmer months in Pinehurst and Southern Pines

 


For these and other story ideas contact Phil Werz at 800.346.5362 ext. 234 or pwerz@homeofgolf.com