East of Charlotte in North Carolina's Sandhills lie three small towns with much in common, golf being the most common thread. The Village of Pinehurst and Southern Pines both began as health resorts many years ago but are the premier golfing playgrounds within the United States today. Aberdeen, sitting directly adjacent to Southern Pines was settled in the 1700's by Scottish immigrants. Its National Register Historic District features antiques, collectibles, art exhibits, gift shops and cafes, inviting you to discover the charm of another century in the little railroad town. Outdoor recreation and enjoying the area's natural surroundings are popular pastimes in all three towns.
Pinehurst Resort features eight golf courses. There are at least 42 courses between the Village of Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen. The Village of Pinehurst was designed by Frederick Olmsted, designer of Biltmore Estate and New York's Central Park. Pinehurst Resort is a private enterprise, located within the Village of Pinehurst.
There's more than golf here in this unique area of North Carolina. Sandhills Horticultural Gardens present 10 gardens on 32 acres. Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve offers hiking trails amid pine trees, wildflowers and streams. Enjoy polo matches and horse shows at Pinehurst Harness Track as well as races.
While both the Village of Pinehurst and Southern Pines have grown in the recent past as snowbirds have moved south, Southern Pines has experienced the lion's share of this growth. The town is home to a writers colony founded by author James Boyd. Weymouth Center, Boyd's home, contains the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame, honoring writers such as O. Henry and Thomas Wolfe. Don't miss the Taxidermy Hall of Fame of North Carolina Creation Museum for an off-beat experience. Located inside a Christian bookstore, exhibits include 200 native animals.
Accommodations here include chain motels as well as Knowllwood House, a B & B, and Mid-Pines Inn and Golf Club Resort, in addition to the prestigious Pinehurst Resort and Country Club. Dining options include Lob Steer Inn for steak and seafood, Vito's Ristorante & Pizzeria, for authentic Calabrian food, the Carolina Dining Room at Pinehurst Resort for fine dining, as well as John's Barbeque for down home soul food.
The Village of Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen are located about 105 miles east of Charlotte and 75 miles south of Raleigh, off US 1.
