The Perfect Southern Pines Weekend Getaway

By: Hayley Hutson

Did you know Southern Pines was originally founded as a health and wellness retreat?

While the town has since evolved into a golfing hotspot, its legacy of healing lives on through the many ways to embrace a restorative weekend getaway.

Here are some of the best wellness experiences for a perfectly relaxing weekend in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Relaxing Things To Do in Southern Pines – Pamper Yourself at a Day Spa

If you’re looking to indulge in a luxury spa experience, there are several boutique spas in Southern Pines to choose from. Karma Spa Lounge & Beauty Bar offers a wide array of services, from rejuvenating scalp treatments to body waxing and manicures. They even have a cocktail and coffee bar so you can sip while you sit. Venus Skincare Spa offers facials designed to target any skincare concern, whether you want a brighter complexion or help smoothing fine lines. Donna Lane Med Spa is your go-to for everything from laser treatments to eyebrow tinting, and Southern Pines Modern Wellness is the perfect place to melt away stress with a soothing couples massage.

Caption: Karma Spa Lounge & Beauty Bar

Indulge in Retail Therapy

What relaxing weekend getaway would be complete without a little retail therapy? Whether you’re gift shopping for a loved one or hunting for some self-care finds, downtown Southern Pines has something for everyone. Against the Grain is stocked with home goods, bath products, glassware, and kitchen staples. It’s also a great spot to find specialty items made in North Carolina, like honey and toffee. I love Lavender Home Market for its European flair and commitment to sustainability—you’ll find lots of cute trinkets and home decor here. If you want to curl up with a good book after the day’s adventures, The Country Bookshop is a quaint local shop with a great selection.

Caption: Against The Grain Shoppe

Enjoy a Yoga Class

Whether you’ve never done a downward dog in your life or you’re a practicing yogi, there are yoga classes in Southern Pines for wellness lovers at every skill level. Sama Studio offers a variety of classes meant to reduce stress, enhance flexibility, support mobility, and release tension. If hot yoga is more your speed, Hot Asana Yoga Studio leads its classes in a heated studio to promote a deeper release. They also have an aerial yoga class where you can take your practice to the next level — literally — by being suspended in the air.

Spend Time in Nature

Between the rolling Sandhills, lush pine forests, and peaceful trails, Southern Pines is teeming with beautiful scenery. Soak it all up by walking, kayaking, or enjoying an afternoon picnic. Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve is a tranquil destination for a hike, with a handful of short and easy loop trails to choose from. If you’re looking to get out on the water or simply sunbathe by the lake, a visit to Reservoir Park is a must. The Sandhills Horticultural Gardens are a local favorite for their diverse collection of colorful plants and fantastic birdwatching opportunities, so carve out some time for a leisurely stroll here.

Caption: Sandhills Horticultural Gardens

Embrace Alternative Wellness Therapies

Looking to branch out of the norm? THRYVE Wellness has infrared sauna sessions, compression massages, float therapy, and cryotherapy. They also offer fusion packages where you can combine your two favorites into one blissful experience. If you’ve always wanted to try Reiki healing, sound therapy, or past life regression, Spiritquest is your spot. Enhance Wellness offers IV therapy for all sorts of purposes—whether you’re feeling run down, sore from an intense workout, or a little hungover after a long night on the town.

Where to Unwind with Food & Drinks – Get Your Caffeine Fix at Swank Coffee Shoppe

Swank Coffee Shoppe is centrally located in the heart of downtown, at the corner of New Hampshire Avenue and Broad Street. The cozy coffee shop serves up warm, inviting vibes, freshly baked pastries, and a mean espresso. Whether you take your coffee black or prefer it tastes like dessert, you’ll find something to love here. Don’t be surprised if it’s packed—there’s a marketplace inside selling handmade goods by local artisans, which typically brings in a crowd.

Caption: Swank Coffee Shoppe

Grab Brunch at Midland Bistro

Don’t miss the chance to indulge in brunch at Midland Bistro, a hidden gem you have to look for to find. The quaint, rustic space features huge windows with beautiful views of the greenery outside, along with an eclectic mix of art adorning the walls. The menu emphasizes local ingredients—their coffee beans and fresh bread come straight from nearby Aberdeen. If you want to chow down on American dishes like Southern eggs benedict, lemon berry waffles, or a classic BLT, this is your spot.

Treat Yourself at Elliott’s on Linden

For a true farm-to-table meal, look no further than Elliott’s on Linden. It’s a local favorite for a reason. Their menu evolves with the seasons (as it should), but you can expect refined dishes like beef tartare, lobster bisque, short rib risotto, and grilled elk. I fell head over heels for the risotto during my visit, and my partner felt the same about his elk. The adjoining wine shop is a nice touch for guests who want to enjoy a nightcap after dinner, with a broad selection of global vinos to browse.

Caption: Elliots on Linden

Savor a Nightcap at 1901 Lounge

Tucked inside the historic Jefferson Inn, 1901 Lounge is a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge with weekly live music and a brand-new patio for guests who want to sip their drinks al fresco. Named after the year the boutique hotel opened, the bar exudes a timeless elegance that extends from the wooden floors to its crystal chandeliers. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with an Old Fashioned.

Best Spots for a Restful Stay – Step Back in Time at Duncraig Manor & Gardens

Reminiscent of a bygone era, Duncraig Manor & Gardens is an English Tudor-style property that blends historic charm with modern comforts. Although the sprawling estate spans 12,000 square feet, the manor features just 12 guest rooms—making it feel like an intimate stay. Each room is uniquely furnished, from the Austrian-inspired Vienna room to the Caribbean-themed Coyaba room. Staying here also grants you access to the daily breakfast, library, and pool.

Caption: Duncraig Manor & Gardens

Book a Room at The Carolina Hotel

If it’s a luxurious spa retreat you’re after, The Carolina Hotel delivers in spades. The property features 230 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, each one more elegant than the last. As part of the Pinehurst Resort complex, guests have access to ample dining venues, heated pools, and an ultra-swanky spa with a fitness center. Feel like going fishing or boating during your stay? Lake Pinehurst is just a quick shuttle ride away. With so much to do here, you wouldn’t even need to leave the complex—but you should.

Sleep Peacefully at Tanglewood Farm Bed & Breakfast

Nestled in the breathtaking countryside, Tanglewood Farm Bed & Breakfast is an idyllic choice for wellness lovers looking for a peaceful place to relax. When I stayed here, I loved walking around the farm to see horses and chickens roaming the grounds. It’s just a few minutes from downtown Southern Pines, but it truly feels like a world away. Each suite comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, toiletries, and a cozy patio that’s perfect for sipping wine in the evening. And don’t even get me started on the homemade breakfast—it’s unmissable.

Caption: Tanglewood Farm Bed & Breakfast

Looking for more to do while visiting Moore County? Check out the Must-Visit Boutiques in Aberdeen and Southern Pines!