STORY IDEAS
MEDIA KIT
Media Kit Story Ideas
Bucket List Golf Destination
As the Home of American Golf, the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area is globally recognized as a bucket list golf destination. From the iconic and legendary Pinehurst No. 2, host of the 2024 U.S. Open, to the newest course in the area at Pinehurst No. 10, there are nearly 40 places to tee in up in the Sandhills of North Carolina. The area offers a variety of memorable golf experiences on layouts created by the biggest names in the game including Donald Ross, Gil Hanse, Dan Maples, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw and many others. Other golf recommendations include Pine Needles, Mid Pines and Southern Pines Golf and others like Tobacco Road, Talamore, Mid South Club, Legacy Golf Links and the newly-redesigned Woodlake CC.
Raise a Glass to the Growing Craft Beer Scene
The craft beer scene is rapidly growing in the area as the destination now boasts five breweries! The other four breweries are all owned by former military personnel with ties to nearby Fort Liberty. Enjoy Railhouse Brewery in Aberdeen and Southern Pines Brewing Company and Hatchett Brewing in Southern Pines. The Newest brewery – The Buggy Factory – is located in downtown Carthage and features a unique downstairs speakeasy with innovative cocktails. The brewery is housed in portion of the old Tyson & Jones Buggy Factory, hence the name of the establishment.
Fastest Growing Foodie Destination in N.C.
The combination of innovative and unique local restaurants and an abundance of local farms offering a variety of products has created a Farm to Table boom in the Home of American Golf. Local restaurants like Ashten’s and Elliott’s on Linden source the majority of their menus from local farmers that provide a wide variety of products including greens, cheese, meats, and yes, ostrich eggs! Farms like Misty Morning Ranch, Paradox Farms and others work with the local chefs to not only provide primary source products, but also collaborate with them to grow certain products seasonally based on demand from restaurants. This unique collaboration allows restaurants to constantly change their menu offerings to the benefit of the consumer who crave a fresh and local dining experience found nowhere else. Other great local restaurants include Chapman’s, Scott’s Table, Wolcott’s, Sweet Basil, Betsy’s Crepes and The Deuce at Pinehurst Country Club.
New Destination Distillery Opens in Southern Pines
Moore County’s first-ever distillery opened in March 2024. The Brad Halling American Whiskey Kompany (BHAWK) is owned by Army veterans Brad and Jessica Halling. The 16,000 square foot facility specializes in two premium brands – Sergeant’s Valor and Madam Colonel. In less than five months since opening, BHAWK was awarded gold medals for both Sergeant’s Valor Select Bourbon and Sergeant’s Valor Select Rye at the USA Spirits Ratings.. Additionally, Sergeant’s Valor was named Best Rye Whiskey of the Year. Their Madam Colonel pistachio bourbon is a must try as well! Aside from great products, the mission of BHAWK is to “Express Gratitude for Extraordinary Service.”
USGA Opens World Golf Hall of Fame
Prior to the 2024 U.S. Open, the USGA opened the World Golf Hall of Fame (WGHOF) as part of their Golf House Pinehurst campus. Whether you are a golf history aficionado or not, you will enjoy the experience as you explore the lockers of dozens of Hall of Fame inductees including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Tom Watson, Payne Stewart and many more. The WGHOF is open through out the year and displays and exhibits rotate periodically, so there is always something new and different to see. Conveniently, located between Pinehurst Resort and the Pinehurst Country Club, it is a must see on any visit to the Home of American Golf.
Seagrove Pottery
Nestled in the northern end of Moore County lies the Pottery Capital of the United States – Seagrove, N.C. Here, you will find the largest concentration of working potters in the country. Within a 20-mile radius, there are more than 50 pottery shops to visit. Take a self-guided tour along the scenic byways, pop into the shops and meet the artisans themselves. Seagrove is open year-round, so any time is a great time to visit!
Shop Local Throughout the Sandhills
Our destination is a shopping-lovers nirvana with dozens of locally-owned businesses offering unique things only found in the Sandhills. Stroll quaint downtown streets in the Village of Pinehurst, along Broad Street in downtown Southern Pines, or Aberdeen. Enjoy cute non-chain coffee shops to get your day started, then explore what each town has to offer. In each location, you will also find outstanding local restaurants serving innovative cuisine and many using locally-sourced products from the hundreds of farms located in Moore County. Many other small towns in our destination are worth a visit including Vass, Carthage, Cameron and Robbins. Seagrove is a must visit and recognized as the largest potter community in the United States.
Top Yearly Events
April: Spring Matinee Harness Races, Springfest in Southern Pines
May: Carthage Buggy Festival
July: NC Peach Festival, Peach Week
August: U.S. Kids Golf, Annual Robbins Farmers Day Weekend
September: Pinehurst Barbecue Festival
October: Festival D’Avion
November: Blessing of the Hounds
December: Tree Lighting Ceremonies;
*Don’t forget Live at 5 and First Friday celebrations in the warmer months in Pinehurst and Southern Pines
For these and other story ideas contact Phil Werz at 800.346.5362 ext. 234 or pwerz@homeofgolf.com