When the U.S. Department of Commerce released its “Climatic Summaries of Resort Areas” in 1966, the findings were no surprise to Southern Pines visitors who’d flocked to the area for years. The “salubrious climate of the Sandhills” — lower relative humidity in the summer paired with winter days warmer than surrounding areas — made it the perfect place to relax and refresh. Fast-forward more than a half-century, and Southern Pines continues to serve as a tourist’s playground.
In the downtown historic district, the same railroad tracks that helped put this area on the map now define a stretch of specialty boutiques, galleries, and restaurants filled with shoppers and visitors dallying in full-on vacation mode. And nearby, the pine forests of Weymouth Woods hide natural treasures like the insectivorous purple pitcher plant, red-cockaded woodpecker, and the fox squirrel. Whether you’re hiking through shaded pine forests, gallivanting downtown, or golfing the day away, this town offers a restorative getaway that has withstood the test of time.
Click to jump to section: |
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Coffee shops: Swank, on Southwest Broad Street in Southern Pines, serves fresh-baked scones, coffee, tea, smoothies, and juices. Also on Southwest Broad in a charming cottage, The Java Bean Roasting Co. feels like home. If you’re not a fan of coffee, try their iced tea with house-made lavender syrup. Just down the street, try Maisonette, a café with Parisian vibes offering coffee and teas served with house-made infused syrups and fresh pastries. On Pennsylvania Avenue, Amor Ciego is known for its coffee, croissants, and welcoming vibes.
Grab a coffee at Swank, then enjoy a sweet breakfast treat at Betsy’s Crepes. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Betsy’s Crepes: When it comes to breakfast, some people go savory and some go sweet. Owner Betsy Markey aims to please all taste buds, with crepes ranging from the Sweet & Simple (cinnamon or lemon, with butter and powdered sugar) to the Last Tango (ham, pineapple, mozzarella, and pineapple salsa). More into breakfast sandwiches? You’ll find those, too. Try the Le Popeye in a Croissant, filled with bacon, caramelized onions, and mushrooms, or the New Yorker Bagel with smoked salmon, capers, and raw red onions. Betsy’s is also open for lunch.
Ashten’s Restaurant: For a snapshot of what makes this restaurant tick, glance at the crest hanging over the door to the bar. “Not new things but in new ways,” reads the Latin phrase under a lion and a unicorn sparring over a crown roast. Wednesday through Sunday nights, order off the a la carte menu, and you’ll see what Ashten’s means when they say they’re inspired by tastes of the world and their grandmothers’ cooking.
Chapman’s Food & Spirits: With dishes like Dr. Pepper pork ribs and signature Cajun crawfish fries, this neighborhood diner, founded by owners Peter Hamm and Kitty Hopkins, boasts options to satisfy all palates. Even the kids’ menu is robust, and includes a choice of side salad, vegetables, or fries with each entrée.
Chef Warren’s: It’s easy to forget you’re in Southern Pines — and easier still to imagine yourself in a French bistro — when you sip a French martini and watch the executive chef work his magic with seasonal ingredients sourced fresh from Moore County farms.
Red’s Corner: It feels like everyone belongs at this locally beloved beer garden and food truck park. From the moment you step onto the expansive, two-acre outdoor green space, you’re greeted with hospitality. First, there’s the Carolina Cottage, with an inviting front porch cooled by fans — the perfect place to sip a glass of wine or beer from the cottage’s taproom. Then there are the six food trucks, offering food for a range of tastes. Farmers are free to set up a cart on the lawn to sell their produce or crafts; even the family dog can tag along.
Southern Prime: Here, you’ll find everything you want (and then some) out of a steakhouse. The atmosphere is the ideal blend between rustic and elegant, and steaks are chargrilled at 1400°. The wine list is extensive; ask your server for help selecting the perfect pairing.
Sly Fox: Inspired by a British gastropub, this warm and inviting restaurant with a relaxing patio serves 15 beers on tap alongside upscale bar food with a twist. (Take the nachos, for example, which swap ground beef and cheese for ahi tuna, shredded cabbage, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, and wasabi mayo.)
Whether you want a classic steakhouse atmosphere or a globally inspired experience, you’ll find options to satisfy your cravings at Southern Prime and Wolcott’s Restaurant. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Wolcott’s Restaurant: Here, the focus on “neo-continental” cuisine means fresh ingredients are sourced locally and globally. The menu features items like lemon saffron fish, steak and potatoes, and eggplant piccata, all cooked simply and to perfection.
195 American Fusion: Upscale presentation and craft cocktails draw discerning diners to this sleek space on Bell Avenue. Food ranges from traditional favorites, like filet mignon and braised short ribs, to plates that play with international ingredients, such as halibut panang curry.
BHAWK: If you’ve seen Black Hawk Down or remember the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, you’ll appreciate survivor Brad Halling’s belief that he was given a second chance at life. To express their gratitude for their fellow servicemembers, Brad and his wife, Jess, founded BHAWK, or Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko. Plans to open the tasting room by January 1, 2024, are in the works, so pay them a visit to sip samples of their spirits, enjoy a cocktail, or tour their plant.
Sample select whiskey, bourbon, and rye at BHAWK’s full cocktail bar. Photography courtesy of BHAWK
Southern Pines Growler Company: Stop by for a glass of craft beer, cider, soda, or wine — and leave with a 32- or 64-ounce growler filled with a handcrafted ale, lager, or cider. Ask about their Growler Beer Club.
Cork: Enjoy a craft cocktail or nightcap in a reimagined historic theater building.
The Wine Cellar & Tasting Room: Join the locals at this go-to spot for wine and craft beer lovers. This friendly bar, retail wine shop, and tasting room also boasts live music several nights a week.
SRO: Short for Standing Room Only, don’t miss North Carolina’s smallest wine bar.
Foodie Tour: Some of the best restaurants in the state punctuate the streets of downtown Southern Pines. There’s no need to pick just one; register for a Southern Pines Walking Tour to visit six restaurants that serve samples of their most celebrated cuisine, paired with a variety of drink options. The tour lasts about two and a half hours.
Sandhills Trolley: Hop on board and experience everything from history and educational tours to rolling celebrations and full-stop fun.
Against the Grain Shoppe: This is the place to go to find exceptional, locally crafted goods from North Carolina makers. Owner Ashley Tramontin believes in going “against the grain,” choosing quality and craftsmanship over mass production.
Shop for one-of-a-kind home goods at Against the Grain, or pick up a chic accessory at R.Riveter. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
R.Riveter: From their flagship store on Northwest Broad, this handbag shop does so much more than sell luscious leather purses. They provide flexible employment for military spouses across the world and a highly sought-after American-made product.
Casino Guitars: The work of master luthiers from around the world is on display at this renowned guitar shop. Shop brands ranging from Taylor and Martin to Lowden acoustic guitars, alongside electric guitars, amps, pedals, and other accessories. Don’t miss their pre-owned selection.
Shop brands ranging from Taylor and Martin to Lowden acoustic guitars at Casino Guitars, or outfit yourself for a day of outdoor adventures at River Jack. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
River Jack: If Southern Pines’ temperate climate and pine forests inspire you to get outdoors, swing by this outdoor trading company for the extra boost that comes in the form of stylish apparel and outdoor equipment.
Weymouth Woods: It’s rare to walk through a forest with trees that are hundreds of years old, but the Sandhills Nature Preserve offers visitors that opportunity. Discover some of the rare species on a 7-mile hike or in the park’s discovery room. For owners, a 2.5-mile horseback riding trail is also available.
The forest at Weymouth Woods includes trees that are hundreds of years old. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Weymouth Center: This creative enclave was the brainchild of author James Boyd and his wife, Katharine Lamont Boyd. Their vision, a place where arts and humanities were celebrated, where everyone was welcome, and where new perspectives were embraced, is alive and well today. Come visit the beautiful gardens around the Boyd House, and follow the trail that leads from the center over to Weymouth Woods. Check their events calendar for a lineup of upcoming music, theater, and literary arts opportunities.
Reservoir Park: This peaceful park known for its 95-acre lake also features a disc golf course and miles of hiking and biking trails (there’s even a bike repair station if you need it). Launch your sailboat, canoe, or kayak from the public boat ramp. Close by is Whitehall Tract, 157 acres of protected land with two miles of walking trails. During the spring, don’t miss Pinecone Pathways, a county-wide scavenger hunt for glass pinecones made by artists at Starworks. From late March to Earth Day, 100 glass pinecones are placed on Moore County trails, just waiting for a lucky finder to spot them.
Tee off at one of nearly 40 premium golf courses in Moore County. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Home of American Golf: Moore County and golf go together like fairways and greens. The nearly 40 courses within a 15-mile radius of Southern Pines regularly exceed the expectations of both amateur and professional golfers. When the U.S. Open returns to nearby Pinehurst Resort (for the fifth time) in June 2029, 250,000 visitors are expected in the area. Ready to hit the greens? Make a reservation to play at these renowned courses anytime throughout the year:
The Jefferson Inn: What began as a boarding house in 1901 is now a local landmark. Known for its luxurious rooms with plush linens, rocking chairs on the front porch, and first-rate restaurant, this hotel is just half a block from the train station in Southern Pines’ historic downtown district.
Duncraig Manor & Gardens: At this 1928 English Tudor-style manor — originally built by the chairman of the Quaker Oaks Company — choose from eight room types, each with its own special flair. Be sure to pack a book or pick one off the shelf, and carve out some time to read and relax in the library.
Unwind at Duncraig Manor & Gardens, or travel in with your horse and stay at Tanglewood Farm. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Tanglewood Farm: Located on a 10-acre horse farm less than a 10-minute drive from downtown, this is a far cry from your typical bed and breakfast experience. Each apartment has its own private entrance, living area, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. You can even travel with your horse and board it in their stables.
Sandhills Motoring Expo: Held annually over Memorial Day weekend, the Sandhills Motoring Expo is a must-do for automobile enthusiasts. Events are held daily and include a block party, a car show on the ramp at the Moore County Airport, and the grand finale — the Concours in the Village, which features more than 125 field automobiles along with sponsor and vendor displays. All events are free and open to the public for spectating.
Catch the aerial show at the Sandhills Motoring Expo. Photography courtesy of Sandhills Motoring Expo
Peach Week: Peach Week in Moore County is a week-long celebration of all things peachy. This expansion of the N.C. Peach Festival features a restaurant competition with peach-inspired dishes and drinks, “Run Your Peach Off” 5k fun run, food truck battle, Peachgrass Festival, scavenger hunt for glass peaches, and much more!
Bring your peachy-keen spirit for summer’s annual Peach Week. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Pinehurst Barbecue Festival: A masterclass in Carolina flavor, the annual Pinehurst Barbecue Festival brings together some of the state’s most accomplished pitmasters over Labor Day weekend. Set in the Village of Pinehurst, the festival offers gourmet samplings of smoked meats, artisanal pours paired with chef-crafted plates, and a grilling workshop.
Great Trails State Day Pottery Pinecone Hunt: Search for handcrafted ceramic treasures hidden along Moore County’s trails in recognition of Great Trails Day. Held on the third Saturday in October, the pottery pinecone hunt features 30 limited-edition glazed pinecones hidden along select trails as a part of the statewide tribute to the natural corridors that connect us.
Every Thanksgiving Day morning, an Episcopal priest blesses hunters and hounds at Buchan Field. Photography courtesy of Visit Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Winter Holidays: Kick off the holiday season on Thanksgiving Day morning with the Blessing of the Hounds, a cherished regional tradition. The merriment continues with Southern Pines’ annual tree lighting, featuring a festive choral accompaniment and a special appearance from Saint Nick. End aboard the Sandhills Trolley Company’s Holly Trolley Express, where families can enjoy a reading of The Polar Express, visit with Santa, sing carols, and sip hot cocoa.
A Triangle couple explores the Sandhills for the first time — and shares their itinerary for a perfect spring getaway.
At R.Riveter in Southern Pines, each handbag represents a commitment to changing the lives of military families.
For two decades, diners have found a warm welcome at Ashten’s Restaurant & Pub.
This story was published on Apr 23, 2026
Split-rail fences don’t shout “keep out.” They lean, they shift, they invite. And in western North Carolina, they remind us that some lines are meant to hold, not harden.
Each May, spring climbs nearly 3,000 feet to the seat of Alleghany County. Here, as the rhododendrons blush, a beloved mountain town welcomes visitors with its food, art, and flourish of color and creativity.
Brief but delicious, soft-shell crab season is cherished by diners as well as the folks who work around the clock to put these native pinchers on our plates.
When it comes to poultry, the best is raised close to home.
