Couples Weekend Getaway
Couples Weekend Getaway Ideas

Pinehurst
If you opt to stay in Pinehurst, then you must book your stay at the iconic Carolina Hotel. There is so much to do on the property and the restaurants are fabulous. Here are 8 things to do in Pinehurst for your weekend getaway.
Grab Happy Hour at The 1895 Grill: After checking in at the Carolina Hotel, head to the The 1895 Grille for happy hour. Order the parmesan garlic wings to snack out before heading out to the porch to sit a spell.

Enjoy Supper at the Tavern at Holly Inn: Take a leisurely walk through the Village of Pinehurst to supper at the Tavern at Holly Inn. Their homemade potato chips are the perfect start to the meal. Order The Down South Burger which is served with fried pickles, pimento cheese, bacon, and coleslaw and the Peruvian chicken tacos. The bar is antique and was transported from Scotland for the space. It’s beautiful, masculine, with a delicious menu and excellent service.

Experience the Legendary Breakfast Buffet in the Carolina Dining Room: It’s no wonder the Carolina Hotel is famous for its buffet breakfast in the Carolina Dining Room! There are so many options no matter your preference, but the hashbrowns and French toast are a must!

Spend the Morning at the Spa at Pinehurst: Spending the morning at the spa is such a wonderful way to unwind and relax. One of my favorite amenities that the spa offered were their smoothies. They came around at various points offering freshly made smoothies that were tasty and not too heavy. Book a massage and plan to stay and relax by the pool post treatment.

Have Lunch at Dugan’s Pub: Dugan’s Pub is a delicious spot for traditional bar food while catching a game. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger while David had the blackened chicken sandwich. It’s a casual, fun environment with good food!

Stroll the Village and Enjoy the Greens: The earliest planned resort was designed with 100 acres of beautiful spaces, including the Village greens. It is such a beautiful walk through the resort and around the Village. While we preferred to walk to our destinations, there is a shuttle that will take guests around as well. The shops in the Village are really cute and make for a fun afternoon of exploring and chatting with people in the area.

Sit a Spell on the Front Porch: The fern-lined porch on at the Carolina Hotel is a wonderful place for a happy hour and a nightcap. It’s a great spot to catch a nap or read a book as well.

Dine at Pinehurst Brewing Company: Pinehurst Brewing Company is located in the historic steam plant building in the Village of Pinehurst. The building has a variety of seating options, including an outdoor patio, and the century old building has some of its original details, like the huge wooden ceiling beams and the exposed brick, but also has really interesting light fixtures. They have an eclectic menu featuring BBQ, wood fired pizzas, and sandwiches. Whatever you do, order the beer cheese with pretzels and fried cheese curds, pickles, and okra for starters. For dinner, we recommend the shrimp po’ boy and the Power Plant pizza. And, of course, their brews are mighty tasty, too!

Southern Pines
Southern Pines is a quaint, quintessential Southern town and it has a lot going on! While Southern Pines was slow to develop because of the sandy soil, it quickly became an important spot as railroads developed in the 19th century. The historic district of Southern Pines is split with the still active railroad and offers delicious restaurants, fun breweries, quaint shops, and lots to do outdoors! Plus, it’s quite a beautiful drive into town from Raleigh, past the horse farms and gorgeous homes.
Start your weekend at Duncraig Manor & Gardens, the historic bed and breakfast. This 12,600 square foot home offers a tranquil getaway that is just a short drive or walk from downtown Southern Pines. Proprietors Caroline and Don make you feel right at home and create such a welcoming environment on their splendid property.

Catch Live Music at First Friday: This monthly event runs May-October and is a fun community event to catch live music on the grassy knoll beside the Sunrise Theatre. There are food trucks, vendors, and Southern Pines beer available for purchase while listening to local bands.

Dine al fresco at the Sly Fox Pub: The Sly Fox offers a menu of elevated European and Indian Pub food with patio seating areas, including one area under a beautiful ivy-covered wall. Order the burgers because the Locavore and the Pub burgers are delicious options! Also, sub the fries for the mac & cheese! You won’t regret it.

Enjoy a Night Cap at Ashten’s: Ashten’s is a restaurant staple in Southern Pines, having been open since 1997. Their bar offers an expansive drink selection, plus small bites. The interior concept is elegant, yet comfortable, inspired by an English manor. It also has outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot to people watch.

Grab a Cup from Java Bean: If you’re out for a stroll in downtown, definitely stop and grab a cup from Java Bean. This coffee shop has lots of outdoor seating with great coffee and pastries. It is cash only, so be sure to bring cash to get your coffee!

Try a Crepe at Betsy’s Crepes: This gem serves breakfast and lunch, featuring sweet and savory crepes, plus soups, paninis, and salads. Betsy’s also offers gluten-free crepe options. Don’t let the line deter you–it moves quickly!

Browse the Shops in Historic Southern Pines: Southern Pines has such a walkable downtown, and there are so many unique shops to browse. Monkee’s of the Pines has such a gorgeous selection of women’s fashion, jewelry, and accessories. They also carry brands that are woman-owned or are eco-friendly. R.Riveter specializes in hand-made bags from military uniforms, a business started by two military spouses. The shop also has a variety of gift items as well, such as R. Riveter candles. A personal favorite is audacious, with citrus and cedar notes. Against the Grain Shoppe features over 75% of their inventory from small businesses right in Moore County.

Lunch at Bell Tree Tavern: Bell Tree Tavern is a great, local spot to grab lunch and catch a game. Or, you might opt to enjoy the expansive, dog-friendly patio. The chicken quesadilla and chicken BLT wrap were fantastic! And whatever you do, order the fried okra!

Have a Pint at Southern Pines Brewing Company: Check out Southern Pines Brewing Company‘s newest location on Pennsylvania Ave. The taproom offers gorgeous outdoor seating with views of downtown, heaters for cooler evenings, and food trucks. There are lots of options on tap, including wine, too! The Mexican Lager and the Man of Law are must-try brews. When ready for a second round, walk a block over to Southern Pines Growler Company for a choice of 32 types of beers from all over the state and country. Both places are pet-friendly, too.

Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at Scott’s Table: Scott’s Table offers an exceptional dining experience with welcoming service and delicious food! Scott’s Table focuses on using quality, fresh ingredients and selects produce and portents in from local North Carolina sources. Start your meal with pimento cheese, which is served with crostini. The blackened chicken sandwich and the local seafood entree are delicious options!

Stretch your Legs at the Southern Pines Reservoir Greenway: This 2.1 mile loop is a great way to stretch your legs as you walk around the Southern Pines Reservoir.

Check Out the NC Literary Hall of Fame at Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities: This fabulous venue is claimed to have started the Southern literary revival and hosted writers such as Thomas Wolfe and F. Scott Fitzgerald! The property was the first nature preserve in the North Carolina parks system. The Weymouth Center houses the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame and the grounds are open daily. Tours of the magnificent Boyd House are offered during weekdays. Check out this page for more on the history of this gorgeous property and the Boyd family’s impact on Moore County.
Meghan Grant is the creator and writer of the Triangle-based blog, I’m Fixin’ To. For more gems, follow @imfixintoblog on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and visit I’m Fixin’ To.
Other Blogs

Off for Pinehurst

Small Towns Big Style

At Home in the Pines

10 Great Things To Do

Discover The Path To Pinehurst’s Past

Insider Golf Tips

Unique Wedding Venues

North Carolina Couples Vacation

Our Favorite 19th Holes in the Home of American Golf

Girlfriend Getaways

Tobacco Road: A Truly Unique Golf Adventure

Carolinas Golf Association Hall of History

Where the Ladies Golf

Romancing Pinehurst

Home of American Golf and U.S. Open Connections

Former U.S. Open Champions Provide Pinehurst Area Some of Its Finest Designs

Donald Ross First of Many Architects to Design U.S. Open-Quality Courses in Sandhills

Sandhills Offers Outstanding Variety of Outdoor Activities

Buddy Golf Trip

18 Holes of Local Knowledge for the Sandhills Golfer

The Family Fun Trip

Midland Road: The “Fifth Avenue of Golf”

Collards, Community and Collaboration

10 Little-Known Facts About North Carolina’s Pinehurst/Southern Pines Region

Sandhills Holiday Gift Guide

Spring Primer: Local Knowledge from the Home of American Golf

Our Favorite Coffee Shops in the Sandhills

Franz Creating Legacy on the Links

Bring Fido! Pet-Friendly Finds Among the Pines

Bottlebrush: Pinehurst Area’s Best Kept Secret

Franz Part 2: The Legacy Continues

Why Visit Pinehurst If You Don’t Play Golf?

Franz Part 3: On Sandhills Topography

Top 10 Places for a #SandhillsSelfie

“Bermuda Revolution” Around Sandhills Leads to Ideal Year-Round Golf

Hunger Games – Sandhills Golfers Dining Guide

Episode 1: Golf Tips with Nick Bradley

Episode 2: Golf Tips with Nick Bradley

Sandhills Embraces Walking Culture

Patrick Dougherty: The Stickman Cometh

Dining A to Z

Fall Renewal in the Sandhills

Pinehurst’s Ryder Cup 1951

No. 2 Celebrates 10 Years

2004 Ryder Cup That Wasn’t

Family Fun in the Sandhills

Remarkable Golf Stays in The Pinehurst Area

Nature’s Canvas: Tobacco Road

Perfect Getaway to Southern Pines

Culinary Discoveries in the Sandhills of N.C.

Restaurant Roundtable Q&A

Dormie Club’s New Era

Talamore and Mid South: History of Their Own

Undiscovered Pinehurst

Talamore Doing More for 2022

Romantic Gift Ideas In Pinehurst Area

Foodie Weekend in the Sandhills

Wellness in the Pines

The Military Means Business in the Sandhills

Pine Needles Goes Back in Time

Grande Dame of Women’s Golf

A Guide to Berry Picking in the Sandhills

Waltzing on the Danube with Peggy Kirk Bell

From Cradle to Cradle

Donald Ross Could Golf His Ball

No Resting on Laurels Around the Home of American Golf

Flower Farms in the Sandhills

Fall into Pinehurst Golf

What Goes Around…

Talamore Resort Debuts New Toptracer Range

The History of the Pinehurst Inns

“For me, Pinehurst is such a special place for golf!”- Tom Fazio

Maples Roots Run Deep in Sandhills Golf Design

New Southern Pines Mural

Pinehurst Area Buzzing with 2023 Excitement

Discover the Sweetness of the Sandhills

The Big Three