It’s no secret that the quaint village of Pinehurst built its reputation upon one thing — golf.
Located an hour southwest of Cary, the Cradle of American Golf is a bucket list destination for fans of the game, boasting 10 courses nestled into the scenic landscape of the Sandhills. It is well-worth the trip just to experience the 1907 Donald Ross masterpiece, Pinehurst No. 2, a course that few others in the world can rival.
A lap pool awaits guests of the Spa at Pinehurst.
“Everybody who is somebody has played Pinehurst,” said Ben Bridgers, director of golf and Pinehurst Country Club manager. “We get to walk around where all the greats have played and major championships (held), so it feels a little bit like you’re back in time.”
The trek down U.S. 1 to Pinehurst leads to plenty of top-notch golf, but folks in the Triangle looking to get away for the weekend will find more than tee times and putting greens. A trip to Pinehurst is an adventure fueled by relaxation, fun activities and good food.
Visitors will find rocking chairs and wide porches at the shops in the Village of Pinehurst.
“It’s a nice way to get away from the traffic, the hustle and bustle, and come back to a quaint little village that puts you in a good mood,” Bridgers said.
Boston entrepreneur James Walker Tufts began turning dreams of a New England-style resort community into reality after purchasing nearly 6,000 acres of land in 1895.
Pinehurst Resort guests and members pose for a photo next to the fist-pumping statue of 1999 U.S Open champion Payne Stewart. That year was the first time the U.S. Open was played at No. 2.
More than 125 years later, Pinehurst Resort remains in touch with this history, sticking to the original framework and purpose of the land. As you approach the Carolina Hotel, tall, captivating longleaf pines create a sense of tranquility that builds excitement for what the trip could hold. The largest of five lodging accommodations at the resort, the hotel is wrapped by long porches with rocking chairs that look out onto manicured grounds.
Inside, the comfort of cozy rooms, walls of historical photos and the fine dining of the Carolina Dining Room makes it tempting to remain tethered to the hotel, but there is much more to explore, starting with the Spa at Pinehurst right next door. The full-service spa is open daily for massage therapy, facials and body treatments to help you unwind.
Guests take photos of trophies memorializing the many golf tournaments that have been played in Pinehurst.
The Resort Clubhouse, a hub for all golf needs, is the heart of the resort encircled by lush green grass and golf courses that have been sculpted and perfected over generations.
The clubhouse is also home to The Deuce, a soup and sandwich restaurant with a picturesque view of the sprawling landscape overlooking the 18th green of Pinehurst No. 2. While munching on a house made pastrami sandwich, an occasional stray ball may fly into the outdoor seating area.
When it’s time for a change of scenery, retail therapy awaits at the Village of Pinehurst, a walkable district located in the resort’s original buildings. Two blocks of cottage-style storefronts include restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and a cupcake shop.
The village is also a good place to meet locals who can share the best aspects of living in Pinehurst.
The Carolina Hotel is the largest of five lodging accommodations at Pinehurst Resort.
“I’m not a golfer, and I think it’s special,” said Ann Carter, a resident since 1946. “Everyone is very friendly, and the town is very green.”
Carter has seen Pinehurst transform into the bustling tourism destination it is today. Just a few blocks from the village, the Pinehurst Brewing Company has added to the area’s draw since opening in 2018.
Housed in the historic steam plant that once provided power to the Village of Pinehurst, the brewery is a relaxing place to linger, sitting inside or out. The creations of head brewer Eric Mitchell pair well with barbecue, pizza and other American classics from the kitchen.
The Carolina Dining Room at the Carolina Hotel serves inspired dishes, like seared sea scallops with saffron and sweet pepper, risotto, pancetta and shaved Brussels sprouts, trumpet mushrooms, caponata and preserved grapefruit aioli.
When it’s dinner time, a barbecue sandwich and a frosty glass of beer might be your style. For a more formal dinner, the 1895 Grille and the Carolina Dining Room strut high-class experiences. Or check out one of the other dining options found around the resort, from Southern cooking to upscale pub fare.
“We want to make sure the guests are entertained, surprised and well fed, of course, during their stay,” said executive chef Thierry Debailleul.
Whether you’re in search of leisure or sport, a road trip to Pinehurst is the perfect escape from the Triangle, and a journey that will send you home relaxed and refreshed. Learn more about Pinehurst Resort at pinehurst.com.
Golfers take a few early-morning swings.
A full day of golf isn’t for everyone, especially during a quick trip to Pinehurst.
The Cradle, a par-three course, is the perfect compromise to enjoy golf when time is precious. Added in 2018, the course is a fan-favorite, accommodating both new players and the experienced.
“People come here, and they want to play the Cradle,” said Ben Bridgers, director of golf. “It’s a little nine-hole course, 789 yards. It’s just so much fun.”
The course can be completed in an hour, leaving plenty of time to explore the rest of what the resort offers. At a cost-effective $50 per player, replay rounds are free all day if you have the time.
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We live right next door to Pinehurst in Southern Pines and have for 6 years. The area is charming and there are quite a few charming restaurants. surprisingly, we do not golf but we were invited by our daughter and hubby to move there and are so happy to be here!