About Pinehurst NC & the Surrounding Areas
Source: Cross Point Studios
The Village of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, the Town of Aberdeen, and their surrounding communities have over 648 holes of golf (with 54 holes on the drawing board) and 150 miles - or 2,600 football fields - of fairways for golfers to enjoy.
The area's climate, which is milder and drier year-round than the surrounding areas, is a result of its unique combination of sandy soil, its elevation (600 feet above sea level at some points), and its protection by the Appalachian Mountains. The geographic designation describing this ecosystem is – the "Sandhills."
Cool green longleaf and loblolly pines are especially at home in this region, with round-the-calendar color provided by dogwood, azaleas, magnolias, camellias, hollies and other flora.
Area residents are accustomed to spotting a variety of bird and wildlife near their homes – including quail, deer, rabbits, opossums and foxes. This "land of the pines," which includes two large nature preserves, is also home to such fascinating species as the insectivorous pitcher plant and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Pinehurst
In 1895, James Walker Tufts transformed 5,000 acres of Pine Barrens into what would become known as Pinehurst. He envisioned a New England village and chose Frederick Law Olmsted (the designer of Central Park) to do the job.
Rich in history and tradition, beautiful Pinehurst was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1996. Pinehurst offers unparalleled accommodations and a unique combination of cultural, recreational, dining, and shopping experiences. Its professional services and medical facilities are among the best in the world.
In 1896, the Holly Inn opened, and the area had 20 cottages, a general store and a dairy. In 1898, a rudimentary nine-hole course was constructed. By 1901, Tufts had opened what is now the Pinehurst Resort – complete with riding, hunting, polo, lawn bowling, bicycling, tennis and archery. This same year, Tufts hired Donald Ross, the "father of modern golf architecture", to oversee golf operations. The acclaimed Pinehurst No. 2 course, one of many he designed or redesigned, is ranked as one of the best in the world. By 1903, Pinehurst was becoming a major national golf center.
In another colorful chapter of Pinehurst history, Annie Oakley, sharpshooter and star of the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, arrived in 1916. She stayed for four years to give shooting exhibitions and instruction at the Pinehurst Gun Club.
Pinehurst's championship golf courses are known worldwide. The 1999 US Open was played at Pinehurst No. 2 and returned in 2005. The US Women's Open was played at Pine Needles in 2001 and returned in 2007. Both the US Men’s and US Women’s Opens will be played at Pinehurst No. 2 this Summer 2014 in back to back weeks.
Known for golf, tennis, and equestrian activities, residents and guests enjoy other sports such as cycling, swimming, croquet, and lawn bowling. The Pinehurst Harness Track and surrounding horse farms provide a place for spectators to watch the horses in training, or you may want to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village or wooded lanes.
Seemingly suspended in time, many of the historic buildings in Pinehurst offer countless services to our residents and guests. The area's shops and boutiques offer a day full of entertainment. Golf enthusiasts will find anything they desire, and the local charm is enhanced with clothing shops, antique shops, pottery craftsmen, and specialty stores.
Pinehurst is a quaint village, with shopping, entertainment, and restaurants. Pinehurst is home to the world-renowned Carolina Hotel and Pinehurst Resort and SPA. Dining experiences are unforgettable, ranging from the open-air cafe to gourmet cuisine. Local pubs often feature live entertainment for residents and visitors.
Seagrove is about 45 minutes from our area and is home to over 100 potters. The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is also about 45 minutes away and has animals native to North America and Africa in a very natural habitat. Cameron is home to several antique shops and restaurants.
For more information about our area attractions, visit our local Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.homeofgolf.com.
Local entertainment includes:
Golf, Golf Schools & Driving Ranges, Tennis, Area Parks & Playgrounds, Horseback Riding, Walking Trails, Gardens, Spa, Antiquing, Pottery, and the like.
Pinehurst is a leisurely drive from most major North Carolina cities. Air service is accessed via North Carolina airports in Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Fayetteville. Please visit their website at: www.villageofpinehurst.org
Southern Pines
In the 1850s, Charles Shaw acquired a state land grant in southern Moore County. It included a high ridge where he began cutting pines.
In 1876, the Raleigh August Railroad came through. Most of the trees were gone a few years later when John T. Patrick purchased 675 acres of land for $1,265 to build a health resort. He named the streets after Northern States.
Southern Pines proved to be an ideal place for travel-weary train passengers to break their journey down from the north to Florida. By 1887, Southern Pines was a thriving resort.
After World War I, novelist and publisher James Boyd initiated the equestrian and literary pursuits that remain as a big fact for this day. Southern Pines is the largest town in Moore County.
In 2004, the Southern Pines Business Association opened a Visitor Welcome Center adjacent to the Train Station in downtown Southern Pines. This museum is furnished with many artifacts and photographs of this unique area.
Southern Pines is centrally located to several other great areas, including Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Fort Bragg, Carthage, Cameron, Raeford, and Vass.
Southern Pines is known for its vibrant downtown area with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The main streets are the two sides of Broad Street, divided by railroad tracks. We offer many unique businesses and shops with much to be desired. Our Welcome Center, in the heart of it all, is located in the newly renovated train depot.
The Sunrise Theater offers live performances and movies - visit www.sunrisetheater.com for more information.
Southern Pines is also known for its horse country and equestrian events. The most popular event in our area is Stoneybrook, which is held every year at Carolina Horse Park in Raeford. For more information – visit www.carolinahorsepark.com
Southern Pines hosts several events downtown, including performances, parades, festivals, art fairs, and more! Visit here to learn about upcoming events.
Visit www.southernpines.net for more Southern Pines FAQ.
Aberdeen
Known originally as Blue's Crossing, the historic town of Aberdeen has a past that is lined with business entrepreneurs and railroad tycoons. In 1989, over a hundred years after the founding of Aberdeen, the downtown area was officially named a historic district. The quaint streets of the historic district provide a trip back in time. Please visit their website at: www.townofaberdeen.net
Pinebluff
Pine Bluff is a small community just to the south of Aberdeen – An ideal place to gain the true meaning of Southern Hospitality. Pine Bluff is also just miles away from "The Rock," one of NASCAR´s premier racetracks. Please visit their website at: www.ils.unc.edu/~bergr/pinebluff/index.htm
Cameron
Incorporated in 1876, Cameron was once known as "The World´s Largest Dewberry Market". Today, Cameron is known throughout the South for its historic buildings and unmatched antique market. Please see more info about them at: www.city-data.com/city/Cameron-North-Carolina.html
Vass
Between Cameron and Southern Pines, lies the charming town of Vass. Also known for antiques and unique shops, Vass is a community set among horse farms. Please see more info at: www.city-data.com/city/Vass-North-Carolina.html
Carthage
The center of Moore County since 1784, Carthage was once home to the world-renowned Tyson and Jones Buggy factory. Revisited annually during the its Buggy Festival, this era brought Carthage great prosperity that can still be felt throughout the area and seen in the numerous historic buildings of Carthage. Please visit their website at: www.townofcarthage.org
Foxfire, Seven Lakes, West End
Foxfire, Seven Lakes, and West End are quiet communities just north of Pinehurst. Hosting beautiful golf courses, these communities provide the relaxing atmosphere of country lanes and lakes, but are just minutes from the area´s centers of activity. Please visit their websites at: www.foxfirenc.com or Seven Lakes Info or West End Info
Robbins, High Falls
Rolling hills provide the backdrop for the towns of Robbins and High Falls. At the northern edge of Moore County, it is here that you can find pottery shops that allow you to visit an earlier era. The clay soil provides for the artists as they continue to shape their unique and beautiful creations. Please visit their websites at: www.townofrobbins.com and map to High Falls
Whispering Pines
Just north of Southern Pines, Whispering Pines is a community that provides a Country Club setting for its residents. Nestled among longleaf pines, this is yet another of the beautiful communities in North Carolina´s Sandhills. Please visit their website at: www.whisperingpinesnc.net
(information provided by Pinehurst -Southern Pines Area Association of Realtors)