One of my favorite places for a weekend getaway in North Carolina is Moore County, famously home to Pinehurst and Southern Pines. The county also has charming small towns, including Aberdeen, Cameron, and Carthage, which offer great antiquing, shopping, dining, drinking, and local history. While Moore County is known for being the home of American golf, there is so much more to Moore County than its courses and so today, I’m sharing a roundup of activities that you should try while you are in Moore County! Worth calling out, their golf courses are exceptional if you are into golf. They are some of the best in the United States!
20 Fun Things to Do in Moore County NC
Antique in Cameron
photos by GloryRoze Photography
If you are into antiquing, look no further than the shops in Cameron. My favorite is Old Hardware Vintage Depot, which also has the Dewberry Cafe. Dewberry Cafe serves up lunch and dinner and occasionally is open for breakfast. Check their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Twice a year, Cameron hosts an antique street fair, with the fall one taking place on October 4 and 5. See the upcoming calendar here. If you are interested in more antique and thrift shops in North Carolina, check out this article.
Explore the Town of Carthage
Grab a Coffee & Lunch at Buggy Town Coffee
photo by GloryRoze Photography
On your way into Carthage, be sure to stop by Buggy Town Coffee. They serve up delicious coffee drinks, have a delightful lavender lemonade, and offer a nice selection of pastries and sandwiches.
Check out the Murals in Town
photo by GloryRoze Photography
Carthage boasts 5 of the many murals that are found on the Moore County Mural Trail. Learn more about the ones in Carthage using the Carthage Digital Video Mural Trail.
Shop Local at Carthage Boutiques
photos by GloryRoze Photography
After fueling up with coffee and a sammie from Buggy Town Coffee, head over to shop at the great local boutiques in Carthage. Two of my favorites are Eliza Quinn Creates and Market 107. Stop by Watering Can Wines to have a glass of bubbly served with crisps.
Relax at the Spa at Pinehurst
There is no better place to treat yourself in Moore County than the Spa at Pinehurst. The Pinehurst facial and the Pinehurst massage are really great treatment options. I also really appreciate the amenities offered, including a sauna, hot tub, and an indoor pool. There is an option to order lunch and beverages while visiting the spa to truly make a day of it.
For more of my favorite NC Spas, be sure to check out this article.
Stroll the Village of Pinehurst
Visit Local Shops
Pinehurst was designed to look like a New England village and it so perfect to stroll on a Saturday afternoon. There are great local boutiques to shop at, including the two shops I always stop at, Teramasu and the Village Wine Shop. I also always enjoy a stop at the Roast Office, a coffee shop and used bookstore housed in the former Post Office building.
Dine in the Village at Drum & Quill
Drum & Quill is a storied pub right in the heart of the Village of Pinehurst with great cocktails, an extensive beer list, and a globally inspired food menu. David & I stopped here for lunch on a Saturday day trip we took down to Pinehurst and the black & bleu cobb salad. Drum & Quill also offers a nice weekend brunch menu. Here’s a look at our meal that I posted on Instagram.
Grab a Local Brew at Pinehurst Brewing Co.
photo
If you are into trying local brews, be sure to check out Pinehurst Brewing Co. which is located in the historic steam plant building in the Village of Pinehurst. It is walkable from the village center and often has live music and bar games available. Their beer is tasty and they have a delicious food menu, especially their BBQ.
Check out the Fine Dining Scene in Pinehurst
photos by GloryRoze Photography
There are many delicious restaurants to try in the area, though one that you absolutely must visit is Elliotts on Linden. Do make a reservation in advance for their dining room and enjoy their seasonal cocktail and dining menu.
On my list to try on return visits: Ironwood Cafe and Villaggio Ristorante at the Magnolia Inn.
Stretch Your Legs at Southern Pines Reservoir Park
This gorgeous park offers a 95-acre lake with 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. There is also a disc golf course, a boat ramp for kayaks and boats, and a bike repair shop. It makes for a serene walk and is such a nice public space for the county. It is a nice family-friendly spot for taking in nature.
Learn Local History at Union Station Railroad Museum in Aberdeen
photo via Home of American Golf
Head to Aberdeen to visit the Union Station Railroad Museum, a 1900 building that preserves history from the community and surrounding areas. The museum features railroad exhibits and artifacts from the Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad and one of only two inspection cars left in the U.S.
While in town, check out the murals around town and grab a beer at Railhouse Brewery.
View the Unique History of Pinehurst at Tufts Archives
photo via Home of American Golf
The Tufts Archives is housed in the community Given Memorial Library, located in the Village of Pinehurst and across from the historic Holly Inn. Explore Pinehurst history at the Tufts Archives and pick up a map of the town to explore the lush streets of the town. Present-day Pinehurst was purchased in 1895 as 6,000 acres of undeveloped land by James Walker Tufts, who hired Frederick Law Olmstead (yes, the same man who developed Central Park in NYC) to design a resort village similar to New England villages. Tufts Archives is a great place to learn more!
Visit the Weymouth Center of the Arts and Humanities
photo via Weymouth Center of the Arts and Humanities
The Boyd House served as a writers’ residence for 40+ years and is open for tours on weekdays, while the grounds are open daily. Literary giants, such as Thomas Wolfe and F. Scott Fitzgerald, visited the Boyd House, and today, the Weymouth Center of the Arts & Humanities is home to the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame.
Experience Downtown Southern Pines
Indulge in the Local Shops
photo by GloryRoze Photography
Southern Pines, NC has no shortage of fantastic locally-owned and operated boutiques. Stop by Monkee’s of the Pines for women’s accessories and clothing. Pick up your next book from The Country Bookshop and stop by R. Riveter to get a gorgeous, handcrafted bag that supports military spouses.
Take a break from shopping and stop by Southern Whey to pick up some snacks. Be sure to stop in some of the art galleries located in downtown Southern Pines as well!
Stay at the Historic Jefferson Inn
photo by GloryRoze Photography
Call the Jefferson Inn home base in Southern Pines! This recently renovated historic inn has 14 cozy rooms with the softest linens and airy spaces. It is the perfect location for being able to park for the weekend and walk around town exploring.
Order a Cocktail at 1901 Lounge at the Jefferson Inn
photo by GloryRoze Photography
Walk downstairs to enjoy a pre-dinner drink at the hotel bar at the Jefferson Inn. 1901 Lounge serves up delicious cocktails and has the nicest bartenders around. There is often live music in the lounge as well, making it the perfect spot for a nightcap.
Try a Local Brew at Southern Pines Brewing Co.
Visit Southern Pines Brewing Company for an afternoon on the patio to enjoy one of their delicious local beers. They also have a nice wine list and firepits on the patio.
Experience the Delicious Restaurants in Southern Pines
photos by GloryRoze Photography
There is no shortage of delicious restaurants in Southern Pines, including the one pictured, Ashten’s, which serves up a global-inspired menu with Southern flair. Ashten’s also hosts a monthly wine dinner featuring local foods paired with wines from around the world. I also love the swanky interior vibe and Ashten’s has a nice patio set up if you are stopping by for a drink. Do make a reservation for dinner in advance.
Another favorite restaurant in town is the Sly Fox Pub, an upscale gastropub with a wide selection of craft beers and great cocktails. Whatever you do, get ta side of the gouda mac & cheese! If you are looking for something a bit more casual, check out Bell Tree Tavern. It is a great spot to catch a game or enjoy their sprawling patio. Bonus points the patio is dog-friendly!
On my list of places to try on my next trip is Prime Steakhouse, where I would specifically like to have a reservation in the wine room. While their menu does focus on the steak aspect, they have a delicious-looking seafood menu as well. And their handcrafted cocktail list looks mighty delicious as well. I’m looking at you, the Prime Jewel.
If you still have room after dinner, check out the Ice Cream Parlor for homemade ice cream. The Ice Cream Parlor also serves up a lunch and dinner menu featuring sandwiches, wraps, and burgers.
Stay at the Queen of the South: The Carolina Hotel at the Pinehurst Resort
The Carolina Hotel is the cornerstone of Pinehurst Resorts and has been nicknamed “The Queen of the South.” The hotel has been recently renovated and I look forward to a return trip to experience the updates! Part of the renovations included the Carolina Vista Lounge in the hotel, which serves up unique cocktails and has an elevated food menu, including shareables, sandwiches, and entrees. If you stay at the Carolina Hotel, do not miss their famous breakfast buffet in the Carolina Dining Room. P.S. Do check the website for dress code info, particularly in the Carolina Dining Room.
Attend the Pinehurst BBQ Festival
Make plans to attend the annual Pinehurst BBQ Festival hosted in the heart of the Village of Pinehurst! This 3-day festival boasts some really fun events, like the bourbon and BBQ bites. The real fun is on Sunday when guests get to sample meats and fixings from Pitmasters across the state. This event is held Labor Day weekend, making it a perfect time to visit the area and enjoy the festival!
If you are local to the Triangle, take this short drive to Moore County and explore all that there is to do, see, and eat in the charming Sandhills of North Carolina! And be sure to tell me what your favorite things to do in Moore County NC are in the comments below.
For more things to do in Pinehurst NC, check out the linked article. For more Southern Pines NC-specific ideas, check out this article. And for a short day trip nearby, here are things to do in Clayton, NC.
