In 1995, Chris Dunn was looking for a new home, “a small town with big-town amenities,” as he describes it. Something with the charm of his native Snow Hill and the bustle of his then-home, Washington, D.C. He found it in Southern Pines, where he moved to work for the Arts Council of Moore County. Now as the executive director, he’s spent the last 30 years overseeing the emergence of the area’s rich and vibrant visual arts scene.
Every year, Dunn says, more and more artists settle in Moore County. When they arrive, they find a network of galleries, studios, nonprofit organizations, and local governments that embrace them and support their talents. Eventually, newcomers become part of that artistic infrastructure themselves. “We have everything here from beginners all the way to internationally known artists,” Dunn says.
To experience the diverse scene all within a weekend trip, Dunn shares insider suggestions to complete your guide.
The Sandhills area beckons all visitors. From world-class golf to local shopping and dining, our Southern hospitality is why people have been coming to the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area for more than 125 years. Plan your Sandhills getaway today!
Book your two-night stay at The Jefferson Inn, where the central location allows guests to explore downtown Southern Pines on foot. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Begin by checking into the historic Jefferson Inn, complete with a wraparound porch, striking gables, and intricate millwork that belie its age. Built in the late 1800s, the hotel reclaimed its place as downtown Southern Pines’ heart (and only hotel) with a 2007 renovation. The hotel itself is a work of art, and a great place to spot world-class creators who regularly come to Moore County for workshops, festivals, and residencies.
Start your weekend getaway with a stop at the Campbell House, where you can marvel at creations by local artists. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
After you settle in, walk over to the Campbell House (less than a mile away) on Connecticut Avenue, home to the Arts Council’s Visual Arts Programs. Once part of 19th-century railroad magnate James Boyd Sr.’s mansion, this is another architectural structure woven into Moore County’s cultural fabric. Admire work from local artists within the first floor galleries, which stay open until 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Elevate your home with a custom piece of artwork from Eye Candy Gallery & Framing. Quarterly open studio events let you get a sneak peek of the artists’ inspirations and upcoming projects. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Return downtown for a pre-dinner visit to Eye Candy Gallery & Framing, which showcases 20 resident artists whose works range from oil paintings and watercolors to photography and woodworks. Equal parts gallery, art school, frame shop, design studio, and custom wallpaper purveyor, the shop is an essential contributor to Moore County’s entire art scene. “It’s run by professional artists Frank Pierce, Woody Pierce, and Nancy Rawlinson,” Dunn says. “Their work is amazing, and they represent other artists so well.”
Your visit to Eye Candy places you in the heart of a restaurant district just in time for dinner. Try Wolcott’s for elevated neo-continental fare, including caviar and seafood cassoulet. Whether you choose “from the sea” or “of the land” there’s no wrong choice on their menu. Dunn recommends the fried oysters — “the best I’ve ever had,” he says.
Also nearby, Ashten’s turns local ingredients into inspired American dishes, and downtown favorite Chapman’s features well-crafted sandwiches and salads.
Finish with a nightcap at Cork Wine and Cocktails, where mixologists mount nightly shows of cocktail creativity in a 100-year-old former theater. Try the signature Fig and Ginger or the zero-proof Cranberry Refresher.
Spark your creativity at Starworks, where you can watch professional artists hone their craft or take on your own artistic challenge with a hands-on workshop. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Rise early and drive west to the town of Star. Just over the Montgomery County line, it’s home to the nonprofit Starworks, a vast showplace for glass, ceramic, and metal workers. The 160,000-square-foot space was once a school and textile mill in its previous lives. Since 2005, however, it’s been home to a studio, workshop, and gallery space for local and international artists.
Start with a coffee and breakfast at Starworks Café & Taproom. From there, it’s “choose your own adventure,” says Joe Grant, Starworks’ executive director. You can watch professional potters and glassblowers in one of three open studios. You could also take a class or workshop yourself with one of the staff members or artists-in-residence.
Walk through Starworks’ gallery to view blown glass creations. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
“Having access to world-class artists in a rural community is such an unusual and wonderful opportunity,” Grant says, who helped start the Starworks glass studio in the mid-2010s.
Starworks also plays an essential role in an emerging Moore County arts tradition: the annual Pinecone Pathways, a scavenger hunt that celebrates the area’s natural beauty. Each year, between the vernal equinox (March 20) and Earth Day (April 22), 100 glass pinecones made at Starworks are hidden along walking trails throughout Moore County for lucky treasure hunters to find.
After Starworks, take the scenic route on your return to the southern end of Moore County. This is the Pottery Trail, a 30-mile stretch along N.C. Highway 705. You’ll pass more than 100 ceramics shops with names like DirtWorks, Crystal King, and Macon A Mess.
Shop for pieces by Seagrove Potters at the North Carolina Pottery Center. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
“This takes you to the home studios of members of the world-famous North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove,” Dunn says. “Look for signs with potters’ names on them, and just stop at the names you like.”
Travel a little past Southern Pines to see a rising star in the local arts scene: Lifelong Vass resident Jean Skipper opened ARTworks Vass in the tiny town in 2017. It’s become a hub of creativity, offering classes in painting, glassblowing, fiber work, ceramics, and more.
Close out your day in Aberdeen, where the Artist League of the Sandhills has spent 30 years building a creative haven inside the town’s historic train depot. Today, the depot is home to 40 studios, a gallery, and classrooms and boasts a 160-member collective.
Enjoy Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere at Pizzeria Grazia. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
A 10-minute walk away is Made & Found, a market where artisans and vendors sell locally made and sourced jewelry, clothing, crafts, and home decor under the leadership of owner Theresa Pearce. “They’re putting together something really beautiful there,” Grant says.
For dinner, Dunn recommends The Workshop Tavern, which specializes in elevated comfort food (including six different takes on mac ‘n’ cheese), and Pizzeria Grazia, which serves authentic Neapolitan fare (including panuozzos, elongated sandwiches on pizza dough).
Settle in on the vintage seats and sip a seasonal drink at Swank Coffee Shoppe. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Take Sunday morning slow. Sleep in and start with coffee and pastries at Swank Coffee Shoppe. Paintings by local artists line the walls, and during the evenings, area performers get their own spotlight on regular open mic nights.
Head north toward Carthage, where numerous colorful murals have inspired a wave of public art across Moore County. Downtown Carthage is home to six murals on the Moore County Mural Trail. They illustrate the town’s story, from its days as a leading carriage manufacturer through the years when tobacco ruled the economy.
“This is an unusual place — an amazing place,” Dunn says. “You’re going to need more than a day to see it all. And you’ll still want to come back.” Ready to get started? Click here to plan your trip.
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