When Mike Ratkowski walks into Railhouse Brewery in Aberdeen, his gaze always goes to the left, where a fresh beer sits on a pedestal under a bell. It’s all part of the hero’s wall, which Ratkowski started when he founded the brewery 15 years ago. Hundreds of names line the wall, all submitted by Railhouse customers. “Every year on Memorial Day, we do a roll call where we read all the names,” he says.
Sample one of Railhouse Brewery’s house-brewed beers. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
Although he sold the brewery a few years back, Ratkowski remains a loyal customer. “I go down on one of my friend’s birthdays and find his name on the wall. I toast the beer on the pedestal with my drink and ring the bell,” he says. “It’s a way to keep his memory fresh — a reminder of the opportunities we all have because of those who gave everything.”
Ratkowski has lived in Moore County since he retired from the Army in 2007. This area is special, he says, in large part because of its military influence. “We’re less than an hour from Fort Bragg in Fayetteville and home to several special forces units. People who are really motivated, go-getter, professional, and independent-driven are part of our culture.”
Around here, most veteran-owned businesses don’t advertise their status; it’s just part of who they are. To celebrate these heroes who continue to give back to their community, we built a weekend itinerary highlighting some of Ratkowski’s local favorites — a combination of military- and civilian-owned businesses — all part of a thriving, supportive network.
Moore County, known for its legendary golf and small town charm, creates a perfect Hallmark postcard this holiday season. Whether visiting friends and family or looking for a holiday getaway filled with magical memories, the Pinehurst area has something for everyone!
Ratkowski doesn’t have just one favorite way to start the weekend. He could have a steak dinner at Southern Prime, a rustic yet elegant Southern Pines institution known for their wine selection and chargrilled steaks. “I love the steak, of course, but the lamb shank is also really good,” he says.
Then there’s Lisi, an Italian place in the old Pinehurst Theatre Building with a beautiful patio. “The lasagna is incredible. They also have this braised beef rib ravioli; I’ve never had anything like it before,” Ratkowski says.
Regardless of where he lands for dinner, the night usually ends at Augie’s, just across from Lisi. “Augie’s is named for the owner, Jim Reale’s, father,” Ratkowski says. “It’s in an incredible space.”
Start your day with a latte and flaky pastry from Maisonette. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
Jumpstart your morning with coffee and treats at Maisonette, a space that channels owner Amanda Reeve’s love for European café culture. What started as a passion when she was stationed in France in 2013 has transformed to a Southern Pines favorite. Reeves recommends the pistachio croissant and an orange cardamom latte, crafted with her house-made syrup.
As you sip your latte and savor your pastry, downtown Southern Pines comes alive with Saturday shoppers meandering through clothing boutiques and houseware shops along the quaint, tree-lined streets on either side of the train tracks.
A steady stream of shoppers file in and out of R. Riveter’s flagship store on Broad Street. If you’ve never been, it’s well worth a visit to see the collection of exquisite bags handcrafted mainly from surplus military materials by military spouses across the country. The shop is the product of a shared vision between Cameron Cruse and Lisa Bradley, two military wives whose transient lifestyle made full-time employment nearly impossible. “People love going there,” Ratkowski says. “It’s on my list for Christmas shopping every year.”
Decide where your day will take you — to the R. Riveter boutique in Southern Pines or an event at Lazy Fox Lavender Farm near Cameron. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
For lunch, Ratkowski likes the veteran-owned Bell Tree Tavern, also in Southern Pines. Serving everything from wraps and quesadillas to tacos, nachos, and fish and chips, the menu aims to please. “I like to get the barbecue sandwich,” he says.
About a 25-minute drive north, Lazy Fox Lavender Farm, just outside of Cameron, hosts seasonal events like a Madhatter Tea Party in October, Pie Picnic in November, and Victorian Christmas on the Farm in December. Owned by Clem Lochner, a retired Green Beret, and his wife, Lindsey, the farm celebrates all things healing, from lavender to the fresh air. Check their website to see if any events are planned during your visit.
If you want to fit a little more shopping in while you’re in the Cameron area, Lindsey Lochner recommends one of her personal favorites: the veteran-owned Old Hardware Vintage Depot, an antique store above the Dewberry Café. About a 15-minute drive away, Eliza Quinn, a boutique on Courthouse Square in Carthage, carries a selection of bohemian textiles, vintage finds, art and furniture inspired by owner Erin Rembert’s time traveling with her military family.
Enjoy a brew and bite from one of the local food trucks at Red’s Corner. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
Back in Southern Pines, one of Ratkowski’s favorite places to laze away a sunny afternoon in Moore County is the lawn at Red’s Corner, where a devoted group of locals gather to unwind and refresh with beer and snacks from a robust collection of food trucks. “If you’re in town on a Tuesday, it’s fun to listen to the Guitars for Vets event at Red’s Corner’s indoor event space,” he says. Started by veteran-owned May Street Bicycles in Southern Pines, the program gives vets an opportunity to learn to play the guitar and practice and perform with a supportive group of music-lovers.
Indulge in sweet scones at DeLucia’s Bake Shop. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area CVB
Start your Sunday at Cactus Creek Coffee in Aberdeen. At the helm is Mike Birky, who’s loved coffee since he was stationed in Asia in 1989. Not only does he run the shop on O’Connor Place, but he also oversees a thriving wholesale business that sells to small, locally owned businesses. He supports Moore County first responders and ships care packages to servicemembers overseas. Ratkowski suggests buying the beans to take home for your own coffee station.
Once caffeinated, stop by DeLucia’s Bake Shop in West End. The bakery is co-owned by Dena DeLucia, an Army veteran who served 23 years and later trained in baking and pastry arts, and she brings precision, discipline, and creativity to every recipe. “They make this blueberry crumb cake with streusel that is amazing,” Ratkowski says.
Moore County is all the richer because of its servicemen and women who’ve chosen to build their lives here. “When you talk about what makes this place special, it really is a unique little pocket of the state and the country with unbelievably talented people,” Ratkowski says.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Click here to learn more and start planning your trip.
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