A birds-eye map of downtown Aberdeen has all the makings — not to mention the footprint — of a charming Southern town. On the north end stands the quaint white-brick Page Memorial Library. About a block away, just over the railroad tracks, the Artists League of the Sandhills and the local-favorite Railhouse Brewery bookend the south side. Main Street, which connects the two ends, is anchored by a mid-century-style barbershop.
Release an afternoon sugar rush with a sweet treat from Sweet Carolina Ice Cream. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
On the street view of the same Aberdeen map, Main Street comes to life with children streaming in and out of Sweet Carolina Ice Cream; the local florist loading her car with bright, colorful arrangements; teens gathering in front of Hit Point Hobbies for an official Pokémon tournament; and shoppers balancing bags filled with unexpected finds.
In this Sandhills town surrounded by longleaf pines, parks, and Pages Lake, you can park your car in the morning and spend an entire day poking through shops and boutiques. When it’s time for a meal, take your pick of more than a half-dozen restaurants within a two-block stretch. And if you want to break for a quiet nature stroll, drop your bags in the car and set off toward Aberdeen Lake Park for a contemplative walk through the pines.
The Sardine Festival in Aberdeen is Moore County’s most unique festival! Along with a great crowd and good music, a free sardine lunch (with saltines, RC Cola, and Moon Pies for all attendees), a new Sardine Queen is crowned each year!
Discover your next fashion statement with the help of Betsy Saye’s expert eye. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
Betsy Saye, who co-owns Eloise Trading Company on Main Street, regularly encounters locals with a distinct memory of the floor-to-ceiling ladders that slide up and down the length of her home decor shop. “This building was built in 1912 as Aberdeen Hardware, and people remember riding the ladders — sometimes getting in trouble! — when they were kids,” she laughs.
Now, the old metal nail bin displays festive cocktail napkins, and the floor-to-ceiling shelves sport pillows, lampshades, and Vietri serving dishes. In the back, vintage Turkish rugs and fabric samples pile high on top of a worktable.
Shop for quality furniture and home pieces at Charlotte’s Furnishings and Finds. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
Across the street, Charlotte Williams greets each customer with: “What are you looking for today?” No matter their answer, she is prepared to deliver. From her space in the old Belk department store, room after room of Charlotte’s Furnishings and Finds is filled with well-made, name-brand furniture at unbelievable prices. “It’s all in the buying,” she laughs as an explanation for how she does it. There’s even a room filled with hand-embroidered baby clothes and nursery décor.
Behind the counter of what Tom Flores only half-jokingly calls a “boot-ique,” he displays a framed dollar bill from his first sale at the store he opened in September of 2015 after he retired from the Army. The Bunker is part department store, part museum. Flores artfully arranges vintage military uniforms and supplies from World War I to the present, plus all the surplus you can imagine. “When you open a store, you never know what will walk through the door,” he says, pointing to a display with the entire life collection of a World War II B-24 bomber that was sold to him by the son of a bomber co-pilot. “The son was the last of his line and wanted the collection to go to a good home,” Flores says.
Handcrafted with care, the artisan-made pieces at Twigg & Co. make wonderful gifts and mementoes. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
On the corner of Main and Poplar, Leslie Habets owns the Aberdeen florist Jack Hadden Floral & Event Design. Ask anybody, and they’ll tell you she supplied all the flowers for the 2024 U.S. Open golf championship at the nearby village of Pinehurst. Known for her fresh and innovative arrangements, Habets runs the equally delightful Lily Rose Home & Gift Boutique next door.
Adjacent on Poplar Street, Twigg & Co. is the brainchild of Molly Twigg, who renovated a 7,500 square-foot historic 1928 building to give local crafters, artists, and small business owners space to sell their wares. “You’ll feel like you’re walking through the pages of Etsy,” she describes. With more than 100 vendors, shoppers rarely walk out empty-handed.
Dig into the Train Wreck at Mason’s — a biscuit with fried chicken, bacon, an over-easy egg, cheddar, and sausage gravy — then slip into mid-day-napping mode. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
On the rare occasion an Aberdeen shop owner doesn’t greet you the moment you walk in the door, it’s likely because they’ve stepped out for a snack or meal at one of the neighboring restaurants.
“I just got back from Mason’s,” Leslie Habets confesses after returning from the cozy spot serving up seasonal Southern fare. “Today I had the Sycamore salad with crispy chicken, avocados, and bacon. But I also love the Nashville hot chicken sandwich. People also love their cinnamon rolls — they’re huge, you’ll need to get a to-go box or bring a friend!”
Beside Mason’s, Pizzeria Grazia delights diners with authentic Neapolitan pizzas straight out of their Italian wood-fired oven.
Just across the tracks, the veteran-owned Railhouse Brewery was the first brewery to open its doors in Aberdeen. On weekends, it’s standing-room only for patrons who come to partake in the best bar food in town served with one of the 17 home-brewed beers on tap.
Another locals’ favorite, the hole-in-the-wall The Workshop Tavern has a reputation for offering one of largest selections of bourbons in Moore County — more than 150 grace the shelves behind the bar that owner Nate Lonnen handcrafted for the space. Not to be outdone by the cocktail menu, the food offerings change with the season but include sandwiches like the Havana Cuban, hibachi salad with ahi tuna, and pimento cheese dip.
Pick up a selection of European-style pastries from The Bakehouse. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
For a morning or afternoon pick-me-up, stop by High Octane on Sycamore Street. If you’ve already had your caffeine dose for the day, open their standing cooler for a delightful selection of fancy sodas, sparkling waters, juices, beer, and wine.
At The Bakehouse, freshly made European pastries dusted with sugar and drizzled with fruity glazes dare diners to choose just one. Napoleons, éclairs, croissants, the list goes on. While you’re there, grab a rustic French baguette or loaf of everything-cheddar sourdough for dinner.
Ready to work off a day of delicious eats? Stretch your legs at Aberdeen Lake Park. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
No trip to Moore County is complete without a walk through the pines. In Aberdeen, you’ll find your stride at the Aberdeen Lake Park. Just shy of a mile — or a mile and a half, depending on your preference — the easy loop trail only takes about 15 minutes to walk. Mostly flat, the gravel trail circles Pages Lake, crosses a scenic pedestrian bridge, meanders through grand pines and cedars, and promises bird sightings for walkers who keep their eyes to the sky.
Ready for a day trip? Whether you’re staying in one of the nearby villages and eager to explore or want to hit the road for an easy excursion, click here to start planning your day in Aberdeen.
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