Weekend Retreat in the Sandhills: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Southern Pines, North Carolina

Slowly, but very, very surely, I’m making my way around my current home state of North Carolina.

Yet, at some point during the drive to Southern Pines, I experienced a moment of disorientation – it was as if I had inadvertently steered off course and found myself rerouted to northern Florida.

Flat terrain with sandy soil and towering pine trees isn’t what typically comes to mind when picturing North Carolina’s landscape. Mountains with deciduous forests or sandy beaches with coastal shrubs, sure – but in my four years of living in the Tar Heel state, I’d never encountered this combination before.

This post is in partnership with the Convention & Visitors Bureau Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area of North Carolina, but as always, all opinions are my own.

As it turns out, this part of North Carolina has its own microclimate, with summers that are milder and less humid than in surrounding areas and winters that tend to be slightly warmer. As unique as this is, this climatic peculiarity wasn’t the driving force behind my visit (and unless you studied climatology, it’s probably not the reason you’re here, either). Which begs the question:

WHY VISIT SOUTHERN PINES?

Only around an hour away from Fayetteville and Raleigh and just two hours from Charlotte, Southern Pines is the perfect home base for exploring the Sandhills. Enterprising northerners took note of the region’s unique climate in the late 1800s and established a series of health resorts in the area. Golf soon followed, and the rest, as they say, is history.

But why visit today? While Southern Pines still offers visitors the chance to enjoy sport and leisure activities, it’s the perfect destination for other types of travelers, too. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply scoping out your next meal (even while you’re already eating!), Southern Pines has something for everyone.

Just an hour from Fayetteville, over an hour from the Triangle, an hour and a half from the Triad, and two hours from Charlotte, Southern Pines serves as an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle. Once you arrive, you’ll find that time seems to slow down here a bit, and you can breathe a little easier. Doesn’t that sound so nice?

Oh, and because the towns dotting the Sandhills are so interconnected, this guide also features activities in the neighboring towns of Aberdeen, Carthage, and Pinehurst. Let’s hit the road!

THINGS TO DO IN SOUTHERN PINES

Interior of The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines — The Country Bookshop has been stocking the bookshelves of locals for over fifty years

Two images: a sign advertising Daisy Daydream, and Alyssa shopping a rack of vintage clothing — Vintage lovers: Daisy Daydream is a very real shop filled with treasures

Yarn on display at Bella Filati Yarns — Bella Filati Yarns is a destination for all types of crafters

Interior of Casino Guitars in Southern Pines — Casino Guitars is a must-visit for any musician

Visit local shops and boutiques

The streets of downtown Southern Pines are lined with an abundance of charming local shops, far too many to cover in this guide. Nevertheless, I’m delighted to highlight a few of my favorites! There’s nothing quite like a visit to a local bookstore to gain your bearings in a community, and The Country Bookshop is an excellent place to start. Perusing the latest reads here defies any notion that print is on the decline. This bookshop has been serving the community for more than fifty years and continues to do so through its packed calendar of events.

Just around the corner, Daisy Daydream is a thrifter’s dream thanks to its racks and racks of fun and quirky vintage wear. As is the nature of vintage, if you see something you like, snap it up today because it might not be there tomorrow. Yet, there is a silver lining – some of Daisy Daydream’s inventory is available online (Mystery Grandpa Sweater, anyone?).

While perhaps niche, a cozy visit to a local yarn shop adds a special touch to any trip, in my opinion. Beyond being surrounded by soft, fluffy fibers, yarn shop employees often have the best inside tips for visiting a destination (hands full of needles and yarn often leads to oodles of conversation!). Downtown Southern Pines’ Bella Filati Yarns carries a treasure trove of yarn and notions – and if you’re lucky enough, you just might find yourself in the shop during Wool and Wine Wednesday.

In a musical mood? Casino Guitars is the rarest type of guitar store: unpretentious and approachable. Feel at ease to ask questions (even the ones that feel silly to ask!) while browsing the impressive selection, or better yet, ask to pull one off the wall and give it a play.

→Bella Filati Yarns // 277 NE Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387
→Casino Guitars // 115 NE Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387
→The Country Bookshop // 140 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387
→Daisy Daydream // 128 W Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387

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Golfers putter about at Thistle Dhu — Pinehurst is a bucket list destination for many golfers, but the village is worth a visit even if you don’t play

A collage of four images in Pinehurst: the village, a bakery display, a museum, and a nature-inspired sculpture — Choose your adventure: Shopping, dining, history, art, and nature (or simply have it all!)

A mini golf course in Pinehurst — Gather up your loved ones for a fun round of mini golf at Wee Pines

Take a day trip to Pinehurst

Not just for golfers – Pinehurst offers something for everyone to enjoy, making it well worth spending a full day in the village. Start your day with a delicious breakfast from Agora Bakery and Cafe before setting out to explore the shops of the Village Center on foot.

Level up your local history game at the Tufts Archives, which tells the story of how Pinehurst transformed from sandy terrain to a premier golf destination, and then head over to Pinehurst Resort to see its present-day splendor. A round of golf should certainly be on your itinerary, whether it’s at the legendary Pinehurst No. 2 or on a much smaller scale (mini, you might say!) at Wee Pines.

Nature lovers will enjoy a walk through Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, and everyone should enjoy a toast to the day with a pint at Pinehurst Brewing Company before calling it a night back in Southern Pines.

→Build your full itinerary with my Day Trip Guide to Pinehurst

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A row of tents at the Moore County Farmers Market — A rainy day kept crowds at bay during my visit, but the downtown Moore County Farmers Market is typically a lively spot on Saturday mornings

Shop a producer-only farmers market

Finding producer-only farmers markets is increasingly challenging nowadays, but the Moore County Farmers Market is committed to filling its stands with local products. Everything available at the Thursday or Saturday market is sourced from within a fifty-mile radius.

On Saturday mornings, you can’t beat starting your day with a cup of coffee and a walk around Downtown Park to check out the season’s bounty. Even if you’re not able to cart home a basket full of fresh produce, you can still shop just-baked bread and pastries, stunning floral arrangements, and preserves. Pretty sweet, huh?

Note: The Saturday market is seasonal (running from late March through mid-November) but the Thursday market is held year-round.

→Moore County Farmers Market (Thursday) // 604 W Morganton Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387
→Moore County Farmers Market (Saturday) // 205 SE Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387

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A road sign declaring drivers are on the Pottery Highway — Pottery studios and galleries dot North Carolina Highway 705, the Pottery Highway

Photos from four potteries in Seagrove — *Clockwise, top left*: Crystal King Pottery | The Triangle Studio | Thomas Pottery | Ben Owen Pottery

Stopover in Seagrove

Making the drive into Southern Pines from the north or west? Consider routing your trip through Seagrove, where you’ll find the largest concentration of working potters in the country. You’ll never be able to visit the more than fifty working studios en route, but you can certainly make a few stops along the way.

Drive until you find a studio that calls out to you, or simply visit a few of my recommendations: The Triangle Studio for diverse works by Kate Waltman, Erin Younge, and their team; Crystal King Pottery for face jugs and folk art from a tenth-generation potter; Thomas Pottery for stunning functional tableware; and Ben Owen Pottery to discover the family legacy established by Master Potter Ben Owen Sr. and continued to this day.

→Ben Owen Pottery // 105 Bens Pl, Seagrove, NC 27341
→Crystal King Pottery // 2475 NC-705, Seagrove, NC 27341
→Thomas Pottery // 1295 S NC-705, Seagrove, NC 27341
→The Triangle Studio // 1140 NC-705, Seagrove, NC 27341

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN SOUTHERN PINES (AND BEYOND!)

The exterior of Agora and a plate of breakfast — Once a bank, today Agora Bakery and Cafe is a charming all-day cafe

A breakfast plate at Mason's with a photo of the bar — Over in Aberdeen, Mason’s Restaurant and Grocery serves classic Southern dishes (and cocktails!) with the occasional twist

Breakfasts worth waking up early for

There’s nothing quite like a Southern breakfast – and in the Sandhills, you’re spoiled for choice. Pinehurst’s Agora Bakery and Cafe offers an elegant start to your day in its sun-filled dining room. Place your order at the counter and savor an expertly crafted cup of coffee paired with delicious homemade baked goods. As you can see, a homemade biscuit is non-negotiable.

Over in Aberdeen, you’re likely to spot neighbors bumping into one another and hugging necks outside of Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery before you even make it to the front door. Run by Brian and Alison Hainley and named after their son, Mason’s feels like a true community cafe. All your Southern favorites are on the menu (again, you have to order a biscuit), and if you’re feeling up for something a little adventurous, the cocktail list looks like loads of fun. Cheers!

→Agora Bakery and Cafe // 15 Chinquapin Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374
→Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery // 111 N Sycamore St, Aberdeen, NC 28315

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Four images of the food at atmosphere at Pik N Pig — Sky-high barbecue, anyone? If you’re lucky, you can watch planes depart and land while eating at the Pik N Pig

A sweet crepe, savory crepe, and a side of fruit — A favorite of locals and visitors is Betsy’s Crepes, which serves up a long menu of sweet and savory crepes (shown here: The Sweet & Simple and La Bella)

The patio at Lisi's and a bowl of pasta — Find fresh, flavorful Italian fare at Lisi’s Italian in Pinehurst

Grab a seat at these essential local restaurants

Sure, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the others! For a distinctive Carolina barbecue experience, look no further than the Pik N Pig. This family spot in Carthage just so happens to sit adjacent to the airstrip at Gilliam-McConnell Airfield, and if you’re lucky you can watch planes landing and taking off while you eat (we were not so lucky – but you can get a sense of what it feels like over on TikTok). Planes or no planes, slow-smoked meats eagerly grace your plate alongside southern barbecue’s quintessential sides for a one-of-a-kind meal.

Betsy’s Crepes in downtown Southern Pines offers an almost overwhelming assortment of sweet and savory crepes. Discover an array of ingredient combinations on their creative menu, or build your own imaginative crepe. Michael and I kept things pretty simple, but the world is really your oyster.

Another spot with a neighborhood feel is Pinehurst’s Lisi Italian. And by “neighborhood feel,” I mean that it feels like the whole neighborhood is here. With no reservations allowed, crowds waiting for a table spill out onto the sidewalk and down into Lisi’s speakeasy-style bar, Augies. Once you’re finally seated, order a few hearty pasta dishes to share from the open kitchen and prepare to be delighted.

→Betsy's Crepes // 127 SW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387
→Lisi Italian // 90 Cherokee Rd #1c, Pinehurst, NC 28374
→Pik N Pig // 194 Gilliam McConnell Rd, Carthage, NC 28327

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A crowd enjoys live music at Red's Corner — Red’s Corner feels a lot like the front lawn of Southern Pines

A tray of nachos and a quesadilla — Mix and match your own meal from up to six food trucks (shown here: nachos from The Latin Effect and a blackened crawfish quesadilla from Bayou in the Pines)

A unique food truck experience

For Southern Pines’ liveliest dining experience, make your way to Red’s Corner. Seven days a week, a rotating assortment of food trucks pull up to the curb of the beer garden, ready to dish out crowd-pleasing meals. On the weekends, locals sprawl out on the lawn with family and friends, sipping on a local beer, sharing a meal, and listening to live music. Check out the food truck schedule and the weather forecast before your visit to plan your perfect meal.

→Red's Corner // 901 SW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387

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Two images at Amor Ciego: people waiting in line and a petite table and chairs — Amor Ciego Coffee Co. is closed on Saturdays, and come Sunday morning, locals are eager for a well-crafted cup of coffee

A display of local goods for sale at Swank Coffee Shoppe — More than just coffee, Swank Coffee Shoppe is also a boutique with locally-made and inspired goods

Carthage’s Buggy Town Coffee is the perfect place to linger over a cup of coffee

The coziest coffee shop in the Sandhills: Java Bean Roasting Co.

The interior and exterior of High Octane Coffee — The menu at Aberdeen’s High Octane Coffee is a full-fledged book of unique creations

Charming coffee shops in the Sandhills

With an “I’ll sleep when I’m home” travel mindset, coffee is an essential part of any extended trip. Over the course of my weekend in the Sandhills, I had the chance to visit several excellent coffee shops that provided the fuel to keep travelers moving.

In downtown Southern Pines, coffee aficionados have a trio of delightful shops to get the day started. Locals flock to Amor Ciego Coffee Co. for a well-made cup and to sit in the inviting space with pink walls and endearing mismatched furniture. Java Bean Roasting Company is a homey retreat off of busy Broad Street that feels like you’re sipping a cup of coffee in your own living room. Lastly, Swank Coffee Shoppe offers a fun menu and a curated collection of locally-made items to browse while you sip.

Not in Southern Pines, but in need of a pick-me-up? Aberdeen’s High Octane Coffee has your back with a book of coffee combinations, and you can order seasonal beverages all year long (Pumpkin Spice in March? Sure!). And you may see beans from roaster Buggy Town Coffee all over the Sandhills, but that doesn’t mean you should skip a trip to the source. This light-filled space in Carthage begs you to linger for a while with a good brew and a good book – or your work if you absolutely have to.

→Amor Ciego Coffee Co. // 175 W Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387
→Buggy Town Coffee // 201 S McNeill St, Carthage, NC 28327
→High Octane // 140 S Sycamore St, Aberdeen, NC 28315
→Java Bean Roasting Company // 410 SW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387
→Swank Coffee Shoppe // 232 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387

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Three photos of bars in Pinehurst: Standing Room Only, 1901 Lounge at the Jefferson, and Southern Pines Growler — Wine, cocktails, or beer? Enjoy the best of all three worlds at Standing Room Only, 1901 Lounge at the Jefferson, and Southern Pines Growler

Four photos: Beer at Hatchet Brewery, the exterior of Pinehurst Brewing Co, tanks at Railhouse Brewery, and a glass next to the fire pit at Southern Pines Brewing — Enjoy your pint at the source at breweries in Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Pinehurst

Chic bars and down-to-earth taprooms

If the area’s local attractions are any indication, people in the Sandhills love to find ways to unwind. Beer enthusiasts will rejoice at their options for a great local brew, whether it’s a popular pour of Man of Law from Southern Pines Brewing Company, a try-them-all flight at Hatchet Brewing Company, a tipple from the railroad spike taps at Railhouse Brewery, or a full-fledged brewpub experience at Pinehurst Brewing Company. Short on time? Head to Southern Pines Growler, which offers an impressive tap list from regional breweries and shelves stocked full of malty, hoppy goodness.

Prefer something a little more… refined? Standing Room Only claims to be North Carolina’s smallest wine shop, and as is rare in marketing these days, lives up to its name. If you stretch your arms out wide in this petite Southern Pines wine shop, you just might touch your fingertips to both walls (or worse, knock over a bottle of wine, so maybe don’t give it a try!). Leave time to chat with the owner Pat for the latest scoop on the local live music schedule. For cocktails, make your way to the 1901 Lounge at the Jefferson Inn. This chic, speakeasy-style lounge comes alive at night with locals, but if you’re lucky, all you need to do is tumble upstairs after a nightcap.

→1901 Lounge // 150 W New Hampshire Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387
→Hatchet Brewing Company // 490 SW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387
→Pinehurst Brewing Company // 300 Magnolia Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374
→Railhouse Brewery // 105 E South St, Aberdeen, NC 28315
→Standing Room Only // 127 SW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387
→Southern Pines Brewing Company // Multiple Locations
→Southern Pines Growler // 160 W New York Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387

WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTHERN PINES

Exterior of The Jefferson Inn — The Jefferson Inn is a historic boutique hotel in downtown Southern Pines

The Jefferson Inn

The Jefferson Inn is the only boutique hotel in the region – and I guess you could say it has been for quite some time. Once the winter home of a prominent family, the family expanded the building and opened The Jefferson Inn to the public in 1901. Recently refreshed for the modern-day visitor, today this charming fourteen-room inn is part of The Carolina Experience network of short-term stays across the Carolinas.

Situated right in the heart of downtown Southern Pines, many places mentioned in this guide are within walking distance, making its location unbeatable. Although The Jefferson Inn doesn’t have a traditional front desk, the check-in process was seamless. A building code is provided for the exterior door, and each room is equipped with a keypad programmed to a personalized code. Staff are quick to respond via text if anything is needed and are happy to refresh the room upon request.

The inn provides a range of room styles catering to every type of traveler, from standard rooms to deluxe rooms to suites. Michael and I stayed in Room 7, a deluxe room with a King bed. The room was spacious and unburdened by non-essentials, providing a relaxing haven after a busy day of exploring.

The bathroom in Room 7 was nearly as spacious as the main room, featuring a pair of pedestal sinks, mirrors with built-in lighting, and a charming claw-foot tub. While the tub includes an additional shower option, the high-rise tub and full-length curtains made showering more challenging than bathing. Large windows in both the bathroom and main room overlook downtown, allowing beautiful natural light to flood in, illuminating the spaces and making it easy to get ready for a busy day ahead.

The Jefferson Inn (or The Jeff, as I heard many locals refer to it over the weekend) is also home to the 1901 Lounge and a patio bar that occasionally hosts live music. It’s quite a treat to leave the car behind and enjoy your evening entertainment right at your accommodation. For light sleepers and early risers, it’s worth noting that the hotel bar is lively on the weekends, and the sounds of revelers can be heard even after last call. Fortunately, the alarm clock also functions as a white noise machine, which helped drown out the sounds of the train passing through the nearby station (apparently, it likes to party too!).

Overall, I highly recommend a stay at The Jefferson Inn for visitors to Southern Pines and the surrounding area. Not only will you find a clean, comfortable room in an impeccable location, but you can sleep knowing you’ve had a truly local experience. Plus, The Carolina Experience has kindly extended Wayward readers a 20% discount with code WAYWARD when you book direct, now through the end of 2024.

→The Jefferson Inn // 150 W New Hampshire Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387

WITH MORE TIME IN AND AROUND SOUTHERN PINES

The lawn of the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines — More time in Southern Pines means more time to take in events like First Fridays, held May through November

A weekend in the Sandhills is plenty of time to get to know the area, but if you have even more time to spend here, I’d say you’re pretty lucky. Although I usually only write about places I’ve personally visited, I believe it’s valuable to share the spots I’ve earmarked for my next trip. As always, if you have the chance to visit any of these places before I do, please leave a comment and share your thoughts!

More things to do in the Sandhills

Kitten Around Cat Lounge – A cafe with adoptable cats in Carthage
Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities – Tour the Boyd House & N.C. Literary Hall of Fame and explore the grounds
Weymouth Woods – Trails studded with wildlife for a walk through the pines

More places to eat & drink in the Sandhills

195 American Fusion Cuisine – Eclectic cuisine prepared with locally-sourced ingredients
Ashten’s – Globally-inspired Southern cuisine
Chapman’s Food & Spirits – Southern Pines’ dining room, with chef-driven fare
Chef Warren’s Bistro – Shared plates and large format dishes for a celebration meal
diVine Lounge – A chic bar and lounge with a delicious-looking cocktail menu
Jaya’s Indian Cuisine – Smelled so wonderful outside, I was tempted to order a second lunch…
Pizzeria Grazia – Neapolitan pies in downtown Aberdeen
Scott’s Table – Farm to downtown table cuisine
The Sly Fox Pub – A British-style pub with local taps
Vaquera Bar & Cocina – Elevated antojitos for your next Taco Tuesday
The Workshop Tavern – A snug tavern in Aberdeen (reservations recommended)

TRAVEL TIPS FOR SOUTHERN PINES

Traveling to Southern Pines is convenient, whether you’re driving, flying, or taking the train. By car, you’ll enjoy a pleasant drive through the pines after hopping off the interstate (likely I-40, I-74, or I-95, depending on your origin). For those arriving by air, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the closest major airport, about an hour and fifteen minutes away by car. Alternatively, Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) is another option, providing a shorter drive of approximately 45 minutes to Southern Pines, albeit with fewer flight options. Good news for slow travel enthusiasts: the Amtrak station in Southern Pines is a stop along the Silver Star route, providing convenient access to the town from Miami, New York, and other destinations along the East Coast.

Downtown Southern Pines is easy to navigate, with businesses largely spanning northeast and southwest along Broad Street. While parking is abundant and free, events may lead to increased traffic and limited parking availability (something to keep in mind!).

The best time to visit Southern Pines and its surrounding area is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the landscape is lush. Spring brings blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the town’s charming streets. Fall is ideal for leisurely strolls, scenic drives, and popular events like Autumnfest. Keep in mind that these seasons can also bring rainy weather, so you should have a rainy-day plan in place (as evident from my visit in March, which saw considerable rainfall).

And a couple of other good-to-knows: Like in other towns of its size, many of the businesses in Southern Pines close on Sundays and Mondays, so it’s wise to verify operating hours when planning your itinerary. Although Southern Pines may have a less diverse population compared to major North Carolina cities, its warm and welcoming community fosters a sense of inclusivity and belonging for residents and visitors alike.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON SPENDING A WEEKEND IN THE SANDHILLS

With the perfect blend of nature, leisure, and culinary delights, a weekend in the Sandhills is a weekend well spent. And what better way to top it all off than with the warmth of genuine Southern hospitality? A visit to this region isn’t just an escape from the busy city, it’s a chance to reconnect with what makes travel truly great: the people.

I hope this guide inspires you to visit this one-of-a-kind destination – I can’t wait to hear your stories!

Thank you to the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area of North Carolina for your generous hospitality and for making this guide possible.

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Questions for you

Which food truck at Red’s Corner are you making a beeline for?

Tell me about your last boutique hotel experience, and how it made your trip feel special.

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