Several days a week, owner Tom Trieloff arrives at his Southern Pines store, Nomad Jax, after-hours to arrange and rearrange the ever-changing inventory of vintage and home goods that fill the store. “I spend way too many hours curating the space. It feels like my art project.”
It’s one of Trieloff’s two stores in Moore County, an area synonymous with world-class golf courses and towering pine trees. The county’s rural landscapes and focus on leisure belie one truth that residents already know — there’s an abundance of shopping here. “We have a little bit of everything and something for everyone,” Ashley Tramontin says, another shop owner in Southern Pines.
From arts, home, and lifestyle to women’s fashion and kitchen goods, we’ve created an itinerary for a weekend of shopping based on recommendations from local business owners representing each category.
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!
A homey, lived-in space at The Garage by Nomad Jax instantly makes shoppers feel at home. Photography courtesy of The Garage by Nomad Jax
Make your first stop at Trieloff’s other concept, The Garage by Nomad Jax, in Carthage. Opened in October of this year, the furniture, home goods, and lifestyle store has a decidedly masculine vibe in a welcoming and nostalgic way. Browse the selection of men’s clothes, hats, dopp kits, and toiletries with scents like Fraser Fir and Redwood in a homey, comfortable space.
After you leave the store, Tramontin recommends making your way 13 miles southeast of “Buggy Town” to ARTworks Vass, an art gallery, studio, and classroom. The gallery shop’s offerings lean toward classical and fine art by local artists. You’ll find original works like tin collages, stained-glass monarch butterfly bookends, and dreamy watercolors.
Find locally made artwork and products at ARTworks Vass [left] and Against the Grain Shoppe. Photography courtesy of ARTworks Vass, Against the Grain Shoppe
Ashley Tramontin’s business, Against the Grain Shoppe, focuses on locally made goods. She sources 90 percent of the eclectic merchandise from within the state, and many of the artisans live nearby.
You’ll find artfully arranged charcuterie boards with ocean-inspired resin details, local honey from NC Bee Exchange in Albemarle, and mugs from Candor Pottery. From hand-carved kitchen tools to pantry items and jewelry and goat’s milk candles, the store offers both beautiful and practical items.
Grab a bite at Chapman’s Food & Spirits on East New Hampshire Avenue in downtown Southern Pines. Photography courtesy of Chapman’s Food & Spirits
After an afternoon of shopping, enjoy an early dinner at Chapman’s Food & Spirits, a lively joint with burgers slathered in sweet and savory bacon jam. Don’t overlook the appetizers, like soft pretzels served warm with beer cheese, and make sure to try the crowd favorite, Cajun crawfish fries.
To add a sweet ending to your day, Tramontin recommends The Ice Cream Parlor. This Southern Pines institution of nearly 50 years will scoop you a cone full of one of their creative flavors, like Lucky Charms, Nana Pudding, and Deep-Dish Apple.
From daytime drinks to towering sandwiches, breakfast or brunch at Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery gives you a strong way to start the day. Photography courtesy of Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery
Begin your day in historic downtown Aberdeen, the sweet little sister of Pinehurst and Southern Pines, featuring one boutique after another in a charming, walkable setting.
Across Sycamore Street from the railroad tracks, Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery has a Southern sensibility and generous portions. For a sweet start, order the cinnamon roll, made with biscuit dough and topped with cream cheese icing. Or tuck into The Train Wreck, a biscuit with crispy chicken, bacon, an over-easy egg, and cheddar all smothered with sausage gravy. If you plan to visit in the spring of 2026, be sure to check out Mason’s in their new space in Whispering Pines.
If this tasty meal inspires you to cook, you’re in luck. Just seven miles up the road in Pinehurst, several shops supply you with everything you need to satisfy your culinary pursuits.
At Purple Thistle Kitchen & Co., peruse a cornucopia of kitchen gadgets, from practical knife sharpeners to whimsical pig-shaped creamers. The store also has its own line of candles and hand soaps, called 1895 Mercantile Company, that come in scents like fig tree and citrus grove.
In need of a hosting gift? Co-owner Amanda Jakl recommends “one of our gourmet jams, a cute little spreader, and packet of napkins. We’ll even wrap it up for you.”
Browse the ample assortment of infused oils and vinegars at Pinehurst Olive Oil Company. Photography courtesy of Pinehurst Olive Oil Company
Until January 2026, when Purple Thistle moves to historic downtown Aberdeen, you can walk across Chinquapin Road to visit the Pinehurst Olive Oil Company. In addition to olive oil, the cozy shop sells an array of vinegars, specialty oils, kitchen towels, and pantry items. “You can even get their olive oils and vinegars in small gift sets,” Jakl says.
If shopping for olive oils whets your appetite for Italian, take a few minutes’ walk to Lisi Market in the Pinehurst Theatre Building. Across the hall from the charming restaurant of the same name, you can shop for pastas, oils, sauces, and wine. If you need a nibble, they sell sandwiches and Italian cookies.
After stocking up on cooking supplies, it’s time to shift gears and seek out women’s fashions in Southern Pines.
A thoughtful array of fresh styles and accessories awaits at Marie & Marcele Boutique. Photography courtesy of Marie & Marcele Boutique
The variety of styles at Marie & Marcele Boutique speaks to multiple generations. It’s not uncommon to see a daughter, mother, and grandmother together in the store.
Welcoming customers like family comes naturally to Crystal “Marie” Eads-Brown and April “Marcele” Nayman, the mother/daughter team that owns the shop. They’ve even stocked a children’s table with coloring books and toys, affording mothers with young children in tow precious time to browse the racks.
Step inside Morgan Miller’s red-brick storefront for an upscale selection of womenswear. Photography courtesy of Morgan Miller
When it’s time for a break, walk to one of Nayman’s favorite lunch spots, Sweet Basil Restaurant. In addition to consistently delicious favorites like its Margherita pizza and hot vegetarian sandwich, “It’s very quaint, a little quiet, and it’s friendly,” she says.
Two doors down from Sweet Basil, Love Rose Boutique has a different spin on women’s fashion. The shop’s selection of clothing that Eads-Brown calls “spunky and fun” includes Western-inspired and trendy styles. Along the same stretch of downtown, Morgan Miller offers classic, contemporary looks. With luxe textures and lush colors, you’ll find stylish additions to your wardrobe.
Get cozy after a day out and about with seasonal plates and craft cocktails at Elliott’s on Linden. Photography courtesy of Elliott’s on Linden
At the end of the day, take a seat at Elliott’s on Linden. Trieloff appreciates its farm-fresh, seasonal entrees that are both delicious and healthy. The restaurant’s ever-changing menu could include seared halibut served with lentil and squash curry or pork schnitzel, but you won’t go wrong with whatever you choose.
Don’t forget to pair your morning coffee with homemade pastries from Agora Bakery + Café. Photography courtesy of Agora Bakery + Café
Ease into your morning by grabbing a coffee at Agora Bakery + Café in Pinehurst. “Their baristas are fantastic,” Jakl says.
Housed within a stunning Corinthian-columned portico of the former bank, Agora serves up elevated baked goods, like a cinnamon cronut paired with café au lait. For a heartier meal, order the three-egg burrito.
After breakfast, drive to Southern Pines for one final spree. Nomad Jax is Trieloff’s original “mantique.” You’ll see some similarities to The Garage, but the shop, located in a 1932 craftsman house, offers more men’s clothing and includes items for women and children. Wander through the store to find surprises in the curated details of each room. Continue at DAHR Lifestyle for furniture, decor, and women’s clothing. Fashions range from casual to dressy.
Shop for dried flowers, home goods, and a sweet treat to-go at Willabee Market. Photography courtesy of Willabee Market
Before you hit the road to head home, make a final stop at Willabee Market, a sustainable shop that offers zero-waste and eco-friendly alternatives to household supplies and pantry items. Be sure to check out their bakery counter. “Get one of the chocolate chip cookies, and your life will change.”
Ready to explore more? Whether you’re looking for gifts, a new ensemble, or gourmet goodies, a trove of opportunities awaits in Moore County. Click here to start planning your visit.
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