First Timer’s Guide to Pinehurst
Pinehurst area tees up plenty to do
besides golf.
10 Great Things To Do
By Brad King
While most people think of Pinehurst, North Carolina, as one of America’s most iconic golf destinations, there are a multitude of other activities to see and enjoy around the Tar Heel State’s Sandhills region during the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
Along with golf, Pinehurst is renowned for a world-class spa, antiquing, hiking, biking, and walking, plus delectable restaurants, wine bars and breweries. The charming village of Pinehurst, along with nearby downtown Southern Pines and Aberdeen, boast vibrant shopping districts, where visitors can browse boutique stores, art galleries and antique shops.
Also recognized for horses and hounds, the Pinehurst area was the site of one of America’s first hound clubs. Equestrian events – including hunts, harness track racing and hound shows – are still held today.
Whether exploring Moore County’s 32 hiking/biking trails, delving into history, enjoying cultural gems, or savoring culinary delights, Pinehurst and its surroundings offer a well-rounded escape for everyone beyond the golf course.
Here are 10 Sandhills favorites to consider during the 2024 U.S. Open, which will be played June 13-16 (or any other time of year):
1. BHAWK
BHAWK – Army veteran Brad Halling barely survived the 1993 real-life humanitarian aid mission in Somalia that turned tragic, later depicted in the 2001 movie “Black Hawk Down.” Now, he and his wife honor those…
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BHAWK – Army veteran Brad Halling barely survived the 1993 real-life humanitarian aid mission in Somalia that turned tragic, later depicted in the 2001 movie “Black Hawk Down.” Now, he and his wife honor those who died or risked their lives to save others through a new whiskey distillery in Southern Pines that bears the name “BHAWK.” At the crossroads of Fort Liberty, the nation’s most populous military installation, and Pinehurst, the “Home of American Golf,” the two retired Army veterans raise the American spirit through two premium brands, Sergeant’s Valor and Madam Colonel.
2. The Buggy Factory by Southern Pines Brewing Co
The Buggy Factory by Southern Pines Brewing Co. – Scheduled to open in April, The Buggy Factory by Southern Pines Brewing Co. is the first brewery located in the town of Carthage, about 12 miles…
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The Buggy Factory by Southern Pines Brewing Co. – Scheduled to open in April, The Buggy Factory by Southern Pines Brewing Co. is the first brewery located in the town of Carthage, about 12 miles north of Pinehurst. Housed inside the original Tyson & Jones Buggy Factory, the two-story restaurant/bar will feature more than 50 taps, a downstairs speakeasy, swanky upscale cocktail program and world-class mixologist, an outdoor amphitheater, beer garden and more. Food-wise, get ready for Detroit-style pizza and even pizza flights to pair with the deep-dish devouring.
3. Red’s Corner
Red’s Corner – One of Southern Pines’ trendiest hangouts, Red’s Corner boasts the kind of atmosphere that works brilliantly for a romantic date night or a fun family outing. This beer garden and food truck…
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Red’s Corner – One of Southern Pines’ trendiest hangouts, Red’s Corner boasts the kind of atmosphere that works brilliantly for a romantic date night or a fun family outing. This beer garden and food truck park features a plethora of permanent and rotating food trucks, along with a bar that serves beer, wine and seltzers. Guests can bring their own chairs – or a picnic blanket – or try their luck at landing an open table. Stop by over the weekend to enjoy some live music with your meal.
4. Standing Room Only (SRO)
Standing Room Only (SRO) – Visit North Carolina’s smallest wine shop that’s literally a hole in the wall. Standing Room Only is downtown Southern Pines’ newest wine shop and only 75 square feet. The business…
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Standing Room Only (SRO) – Visit North Carolina’s smallest wine shop that’s literally a hole in the wall. Standing Room Only is downtown Southern Pines’ newest wine shop and only 75 square feet. The business partners dub it a “small space with big taste.” SRO features about 40 bottles at a time for sale, or guests can purchase by the glass.
5. Sandhills Trolley
Sandhills Trolley – The Sandhills Trolley provides a fun, modern take on the traditional trolley experience. Unlike other sleepy trolley tours narrated by historians, the Sandhills Trolley cruises feature interactive performances by local actors, comedians…
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Sandhills Trolley – The Sandhills Trolley provides a fun, modern take on the traditional trolley experience. Unlike other sleepy trolley tours narrated by historians, the Sandhills Trolley cruises feature interactive performances by local actors, comedians and musicians. Each cruise ranges from “mild” to “wild,” with themes such as Back to the ’80s, Pinehurst History and Late Night Trolley for your own moving variety show. For a unique date night that includes a little bit of everything, the Sandhills Trolley is a stellar option.
6. Foodie Tours
Foodie Tours – The Pinehurst area’s culinary scene is diverse, with restaurants offering Southern cuisine and international flavors. Visitors can indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences or savor barbecue at local eateries. A couple of “local-knowledge”…
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Foodie Tours – The Pinehurst area’s culinary scene is diverse, with restaurants offering Southern cuisine and international flavors. Visitors can indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences or savor barbecue at local eateries. A couple of “local-knowledge” suggested itineraries:
>> In Pinehurst: Drinks at Augie’s Room and then dinner at Lisi Italian, also visit Lisi Market; Elliotts on Linden for farm-to-table fare; the Roast Office for coffee; Sandhills Horticultural Gardens; Tufts Archives.
>> In Southern Pines: The Rec Room; Southern Pines Growler (or make a tour of all the breweries: Hatchet, Southern Pines Brewing, the Growler Co.); Chapman’s for dinner; Willabee Market (new zero-waste shop); Southern Whey for charcuterie; Campbell House for rotating art exhibits.
7. World Golf Hall of Fame
World Golf Hall of Fame – The second building on Golf House Pinehurst’s campus will house the USGA Welcome Center and World Golf Hall of Fame. Though the opening date of the WGHOF has not…
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World Golf Hall of Fame – The second building on Golf House Pinehurst’s campus will house the USGA Welcome Center and World Golf Hall of Fame. Though the opening date of the WGHOF has not been announced, it could be open to visit during Open week. The headline display area will be the locker room concept relocated from the facility’s previous home in St. Augustine, Florida. Visitors will be able to access a mobile app on their phones and hear voiced footage from various inductees with stories about golfers and their personal artifacts on display. There will be approximately 4,000 pieces of memorabilia on display.
8. Golf Pride Retail Lab
Golf Pride Retail Lab – The lab tees up for guests an “inside the ropes” style of grip consultation, selection and personal installation experience equivalent to that enjoyed by a tour professional. The 36,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art…
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Golf Pride Retail Lab – The lab tees up for guests an “inside the ropes” style of grip consultation, selection and personal installation experience equivalent to that enjoyed by a tour professional. The 36,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Global Innovation Center and headquarters, near the entrance to Pinehurst Resort’s No. 8 course, offers more than 100 different products, including full-swing and putter grips, as well as other Golf Pride-branded merchandise.
9. Double Eagle Indoor Golf & Lounge
Double Eagle Indoor Golf & Lounge – For golf enthusiasts, there is no off-season. Now, guests can find their fairway at Pinehurst’s first indoor golf facility and sports bar. The venue features four TrackMan golf…
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Double Eagle Indoor Golf & Lounge – For golf enthusiasts, there is no off-season. Now, guests can find their fairway at Pinehurst’s first indoor golf facility and sports bar. The venue features four TrackMan golf simulators as well as a bar and gathering area. They offer lessons with PGA pros as well as swing assessments from a resident chiropractor. Guests may bring their own clubs or pay to rent clubs from the facility. Golfers who are more serious can play one of the 250-plus courses in the TrackMan library. Those looking for something more casual can bring family or friends to chill out and play any of TrackMan’s games, including Bullseye, Capture the Flag, Closest to the Pin and more.
10. Wee Pines Mini Golf
Wee Pines Mini Golf – Also newly opened, the Wee Pines at Olmsted Village miniature golf course is a 36-hole facility designed by Miniature Golf Solutions, a company owned by father-and-son team David and Matt…
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Wee Pines Mini Golf – Also newly opened, the Wee Pines at Olmsted Village miniature golf course is a 36-hole facility designed by Miniature Golf Solutions, a company owned by father-and-son team David and Matt Bailey, that has created custom indoor and outdoor courses across the country. Located in Taylortown, on the northwest edge of Pinehurst, Wee Pines offers clubs in all sizes to rent. The facility does not serve food or alcohol, but there are soft drinks, ice cream and snacks. The lighted course will be open late for nighttime rounds.
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