A Walking Tour of Southern Pines

By Lisa Mowry

There’s no better way to get in your steps than a stroll through Southern Pines, an ideal combination of small-town charm, historic homes, and tree-lined streets, with a plethora of interesting stores and restaurants along the way. And while the town of Southern Pines is approximately 16 square miles, the historic downtown area provides a walkable mix of residential and commercial treats. A self-guided walking tour allows you to stop when you want, and purposefully wander off-track.

Stop 1: The Southern Pines Welcome Center is a fitting place to begin. This small building in the heart of downtown Southern Pines is next to the railroad track, which is an appropriate place to celebrate this railroad town. Inside serves as an information center for the area.

Stop 2: Head up E. Connecticut Avenue to Weymouth Center for The Arts & Humanities and stroll around the 26-acre estate. This multi-purpose arts center is open to the public and offers shaded walking paths in Weymouth Woods that are filled with longleaf pine trees and more. Across the street is the art gallery in the Campbell House, home to the Arts Council of Moore County. Local and regional artists are on display and with works for sale in this cozy gallery.

Stop 3: Stroll the streets such as E. Massachusetts Avenue and S. Valley Road to see charming houses that make up the residential neighborhood near Southern Pines Golf Club. Then head back to downtown and enjoy the sights along Broad Street. Stop for a coffee at Swank Coffee Shoppe (also a store selling local artisan gifts), then walk by the numerous shops and restaurants on either side of the railroad tracks. Highlights include Casino Guitars, Country Bookshop, Monkees of the Pines, and River Jack Outdoor Trading Company.

Stop 4: Continue south a few blocks to another thriving area of Southern Pines, housing Gulley’s Garden Center, Java Bean Roasting Company, and Hatchet Brewing Company. Or, head further south and enjoy lunch at Red’s Corner, a food truck/beer pavilion, a very popular social-gathering spot. From there, you can take South Bennett Street back towards town, with the option of checking out the residential neighborhoods on the west side of town before heading to the starting point. It’s an easy and satisfying town to explore!

Lisa Mowry is an Atlanta-based writer, specializing in travel and interior design for publications such as Atlanta Magazine, StyleBlueprint, Marietta Daily Journal, and Better Homes & Gardens.