Beyond Golf: Outdoor Activities for Every Season in Moore County
By Anna Cook
Moore County may be famous for its world-class golf courses, but there’s plenty more to explore beyond the fairways.
From scenic hiking trails to peaceful reservoirs and exciting seasonal events, this region offers outdoor adventures year-round. Whether you’re visiting in the heat of summer or the crisp days of fall, these outdoor activities will keep you coming back for more.
Prefer something a bit less strenuous? Take a walk around downtown Southern Pines or pick up a free tour guidebook at Tufts Archives for a self-guided walk through historic Pinehurst. Art lovers can explore the Moore County Mural Trail or the Carthage Digital Video Mural Trail which connects five murals with videos sharing their stories. Wander through the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens or The Village Arboretum—while they’re especially beautiful in spring and summer, they offer a peaceful retreat in any season.
Outdoor dining is another great way to soak up the fresh air. Many local spots, like Red’s Corner, Hatchet Brewing, and Pinehurst Brewing offer patios with heaters or fire pits to keep you warm in cooler months. If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to book a food tour with Foodie Tours N.C., where you can sample some of the area’s best bites.
Other great year-round options:
- Cars and Coffee by Sandhills Motoring Club (first Sundays of the month)
- Come Sunday Jazz Series on the Weymouth Center grounds
- Eat barbecue at the Pik N Pig while watching planes take off and land
- Wee Pines at Olmsted Village Mini Golf
- Find the Super Hero Fire Hydrants in downtown Aberdeen
Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy the outdoors this season. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held every year in downtown Pinehurst and there are many other fun festivals like Springfest in downtown Southern Pines, Firefest at Starworks, and the Cameron Antiques Fair. Spring also marks the return of Sandhills Bogeys baseball games in May and the First Friday concert series in Southern Pines. This is also a great time to visit Farmers Markets in Moore County or spend a day berry picking at local farms. Download the Visit NC Farms app to find nearby farms and learn more about what each one offers. It will even help you find where to pick various fruits and berries when they are in season.
Other spring activities:
- Spring Matinee Races at Pinehurst Harness Track
- Painted Ponies Art Walk in downtown Southern Pines
- Polocrosse in the Pines
- Sandhills Motoring Expo
For a family-friendly outing—or a chance to see where your food comes from—spend a day at a local farm. Kalawi Farm, Misty Morning Ranch, and White Hill Farms are popular, but you’ll find plenty of flower farms and u-pick spots scattered throughout the county. Grab some fresh, local produce at one of the local farmers markets like the Sandhills Farmers Market, Moore County Farmers Market, and James Creek Cider House Farmers Markets. Summer also features annual events like Shakespeare in the Pines, Peach Week in the Sandhills, and the Pinehurst Barbecue Festival.
Other fun events in summer:
- Sandhills Bogeys Baseball Games
- Independence Day Celebrations in Pinehurst or Aberdeen
- U.S. Kids Golf World Championship Parade of Nations
- Robbins Farmers Day
- Farmers Day 5k
Cooler temperatures also mean plenty of outdoor events to enjoy. Food lovers can head to Eats, Beats & Brews, a food truck rodeo in Pinehurst, while aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Festival D’Avion, featuring classic military aircraft displays. Southern Pines hosts the Blessing of the Hounds, a ritual dating back to the Middle Ages that marks the beginning of foxhunting season and is held annually on Thanksgiving Day. Oktoberfest celebrations bring festive fall fun to Pinehurst and the annual Turkey Trot 5K is a great way to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday with a little exercise.
Other fall activities:
There are plenty of activities to get you outdoors no matter what time of year you visit, so start planning your trip to the Home of American Golf now!
Anna Cook is an electrical engineering project manager turned full-time travel blogger & photographer at Stuck on the Go. Follow along if you love road trips, hiking kayaking, amazing food, good beer and wine, or anything outdoors-related.
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