36 Hours in Pinehurst, Southern Pines & Aberdeen (Couples Getaway from Raleigh)

If the walls could talk…they do at The Carolina Hotel, the gracious heart of Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

Pinehurst may be famed today as the Home of American Golf, but it didn’t start that way. Long before championship Sundays and birdie putts, Boston entrepreneur James Walker Tufts, a soda-fountain magnate, purchased thousands of acres in these healing Sandhills with a different vision: a wellness retreat where Northerners could trade harsh winters and “consumption” for kinder climates and restorative days.

It began with The Holly Inn (1895), then blossomed into cottages and grand hotels. Guests arrived by train to Southern Pines and continued on a spur to their winter haven, paying a seasonal rate to convalesce among longleaf pines. One day Tufts watched a few folks swatting balls around a dusty field and wondered, What if…? The rest is golfing lore.

Pinehurst has since grown into one of the most coveted places in the world to tee it up; the U.S. Open Championship returned to famed Pinehurst No. 2 in 2024 and will be back again in 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047.

As I listened to stories from staff in the hotel lobby and gift shop, I kept thinking how life taps us on the shoulder, sometimes as simple as people playing golf. It’s on us to notice, and to build something beautiful from it. Pinehurst and its walkable village were intentionally designed to be one welcoming experience – history, hospitality, and that unmistakable Sandhills soul.

We feel the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area is a North Carolina treasure and are so thankful it’s only an hour away from Raleigh – easy to explore in a day, or for a couple’s weekend getaway like we did.

But I’ll have to warn you – the Village of Pinehurst is a utopian bubble of sorts. Expect a whole lot of joy, friendliness and happiness as people move about their days slowly, pursuing their passions, and taking care of their bodies and souls. It might not be the reality of our everyday lives, but it’s the place we want to escape to.

Pinehurst, North Carolina

Even better, our weekend escape from Raleigh timed with Craig’s birthday and since he is a golf lover it couldn’t have been a more suitable destination to help celebrate. Thank you to our partner for these 36 hours in Pinehurst campaign, Home of American Golf. Here is what we got up to.

Friday morning: Southern Pines ➜ Pinehurst

How you start your weekend in Pinehurst will depend on when you can arrive. It’s only an hour’s drive from Raleigh, so hopefully you can depart early so you can soak up the sandhill hours. Adapt our itinerary as you see fit. We had time to leave on the Friday morning, so we decided to start with coffee in Southern Pines. You will be visiting Southern Pines on Saturday so you could just start your itinerary in Pinehurst.

Amor Ciego Coffee Co, Southern Pines

Amor Ciego Coffee Co

This cozy café is a community favorite for its smooth lattes, pour-overs, and quiet nooks. It’s the perfect welcome to the Sandhills – slower pace, friendly faces, and coffee crafted with care. (Maisonette is another option if you crave flaky French pastries, but for pure coffee lovers, Amor Ciego is hard to beat.)

Maisonette coffee + tea house

If you head straight to Pinehurst for your caffeine fix, Agora Bakery has the best coffee in Pinehurst followed by the Village Wine Shop!

Wander Southern Pines’ downtown

In Southern Pines, stroll along Broad Street’s tree-lined sidewalks and discover shops with personality. Here are some stops we recommend:

• Southern Whey tempts with artisanal cheeses and charcuterie—perfect for snacks or picnic supplies.
• Against the Grain Shoppe (our favorite in Southern Pines) showcases NC-made goods, from handmade pottery to quirky gifts. This is our favorite store in the Sandhills, and we always come home with an NC souvenir.
• Indulge your sweet tooth at C Cups Cupcakery – they have delicious gluten free cupcakes. They also have a bakery location in Pinehurst.
• Or pop into Casino Guitars, a world-class guitar shop with a cult YouTube following where you can admire vintage guitars and maybe even hear an impromptu riff.

Lunch at Carolina Vista Lounge, Pinehurst Resort

The Carolina Vista Lounge is a perfect spot for lunch. Although it’s located Inside the historic Carolina Hotel, it has a modern casual vibe but with slightly elevated food.

Vista Club sandwich / Little Gem Lettuce salad

As we knew we had a lot of eating coming up during our Pinehurst weekend, I went for a light and delicious Little Gem Lettuce salad with quinoa sweet potato velvet, beets and aged goat cheese. And Craig thoroughly enjoyed his Vista Club sandwich. You may want to indulge in a seasonal cocktail, now or later in the evening.

Check-in: The Holly Inn at Pinehurst Resort

If you want to soak up Pinehurst’s history, there’s no better choice than The Holly Inn. Built in 1895 as the resort’s very first hotel, the Holly exudes cozy, old-world charm with just the right balance of comfort and character. Think wood-paneled walls, vintage photographs, and a warm lobby that feels more like a historic inn than a resort hotel.

Since 1985

We loved our accommodation for the welcoming service, spacious rooms, and its timeless atmosphere helping you to feel connected to the Pinehurst story the moment you step through the door. Despite its age, everything feels polished and well-kept, with all the modern comforts you need for a relaxing stay.

Pinehurst’s first hotel

Guests at the Holly Inn can also take full advantage of Pinehurst Resort’s shared amenities – from golf courses and pools to spa services and restaurants – no matter which of the resort’s hotels you call home.

Breakfast at the Holly Inn

Another perk: the resort offers an optional meal plan, which includes daily breakfast (either here at the Holly or at the grand Carolina Hotel buffet with live piano) plus a three-course dinner at one of Pinehurst’s signature restaurants, such as 1895 Grille or Carolina Vista Lounge. It’s a seamless way to enjoy the best of Pinehurst’s dining without overthinking where to go!

Village of Pinehurst shopping

Pinehurst Village

The Village of Pinehurst was designed with charm in mind. Just wander some of the streets under the shade of majestic oak and magnolia trees and you’ll get a sense of why original landscape architect Frederick Olmstead wanted to create the feel of a village in the trees.

Part of its charm is how small the village is, only a couple of blocks, so ambling pace is encouraged. There are a few boutique stores to browse for golf apparel, Southern home décor, and unique finds. Below are some not to miss:

Monkees / Gentlemen’s Corner

• Raleigh locals will be familiar with the boutique clothing store, Monkees. They also have a location in Pinehurst Village and Southern Pines.
• Purple Thistle Kitchen Co has cute kitchen items and home décor items
• Gentlemen ‘s Corner is the place to go for elevated and stylish clothing for men, no matter the occasion. They now have a store in downtown Cary.
• A cozy store not to miss is the Given Tufts Bookshop inside Pinehurst’s old Post Office. We pop in every visit to Pinehurst looking for a used book deal. They also have a great selection of used vinyls and a coffee shop with plenty of space to sit. All books in here are donated and all the staff are volunteers!

Live After 5 Concert at the Village Arboretum

As the sun sets, join locals spread out on picnic blankets at this free outdoor concert series. It’s family-friendly, relaxed, and a great way to ease into your getaway with live music under the pines. We enjoyed seeing two bands, especially the local support Whiskey Pines Band.

You can walk to the venue easily from the Holly Inn and be sure to take the forested pathway through the arboretum gardens to get to the open field.

Easy stroll from the Holly Inn

Live after Five takes place on the second Friday night in April, May, August, September and October, kicking off with an opener at 5:15 PM, followed by a headlining act at 6:00 PM. The festivities wrap up by 9:00 PM, making it a perfect night out for music lovers of all ages.

Food trucks

If Live after Five is not on during your visit, you can check the calendar of events to see if something else is on, or just spend the time relaxing at the hotel pool, strolling Pinehurst village or enjoying a drink.

Pre-dinner drinks at The Village Wine Shop

Village Wine Shop

This local gathering place in Pinehurst has you covered with wine (glass or bottle), beer, frozen drinks or coffee. It has a European wine-bar feel with cozy nooks and elegant spaces inside or outside. Wines from The Village Wine Shop are mostly from small family vineyards and are natural/organic and estate bottled. It was a perfect place for a pre-dinner drink on a balmy evening.

Dinner at Lisi Italian

Brussels sprouts / Octopus

I don’t think there was a person in town we spoke to that did not recommend Lisi Italian as the best place to eat in Pinehurst. We had a special octopus and potato dish and a creamy brussels sprouts for starters.

Rigatoni Bolognese / Gnocchi

Gluten free options are sparse, but they do make delicious gluten free gnocchi. I had alla vodka with sausage. Craig had a creamy rigatoni Bolognese. Warning – the portion sizes are huge; we would have got one appetizer to share had we known. We certainly walked away with a bulging stomach and leftovers. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve been at an Italian family table—except with the refinement of a resort town.

Saturday: Pinehurst • Aberdeen • Southern Pines

Breakfast with a soundtrack

Carolina Dining Room

With meal plans in hand, we wandered over to the Carolina Hotel for their legendary breakfast buffet in the Carolina Dining Room. Here you’ll find stations piled up with Southern classics, omelets made to order, the best fruit selection I’ve ever enjoyed at a breakfast buffet, and a pianist playing in the background.

It’s a slice of old-world elegance to start your day. It was filled with a vibrancy of joyful anticipation as golfers fueled up for their day on the dream course.

Sandhills Farmers Market (9:30–1:00)

Held at Tufts Memorial Park Pinehurst is the Sandhills Farmers Market with more than 40 local growers and makers bringing produce, flowers, baked goods, and artisanal treats.

It’s a place to stock up on strawberries and asparagus in spring, chat with flower farmers like Jonathan (a Vietnamese refugee whose family story inspires), or Tim, the friendly owner of the markets, or simply soak up the community vibe. Many say it’s the “social heartbeat” of Pinehurst on Saturdays.

We love a local farmers’ market

Let’s also be honest – most likely it’s the adorable puppy siblings at the back of the vintage pickup truck drawing in the crowds!

The Rolling Brunch Train (11am – 3pm)

Rolling Brunch Trail

The Rolling Brunch Train is a standout Pinehurst experience. Board a vintage train near Pinehurst’s Cradle short course and ride in retro style to Aberdeen while sipping mimosas and filling your plate from a rolling brunch buffet.

Choose your favorite uniquely decorated vintage carriage to sit at, which includes lounge chair style, dining style, small cabins, and our favorite, the outdoor carriage. Or just roam up and down for the entire 30-minute trip – the pink and blue hallways provide perfect photo opportunities.

Choose a carriage, any carriage!

Hors d’oeuvres like mini quiches, chicken and waffles, and sweet potato biscuits will be passed around, or pastries and fruit are at the help yourself stand throughout the four-hour experience (11am – 4pm). You can ride back and forth the entire time – which we saw many couples and friend groups celebrating birthdays doing.

Ready to explore Aberdeen

We decided to hop off in Aberdeen for a stroll through local shops and grab a caffeine kick at High Octane Coffee, before catching the train back when it returned after another lap.

Coffee and shopping in Aberdeen

Since you know we’re public transport lovers, we enjoyed being able to visit Aberdeen without worrying about driving or parking! Note: if you are gluten free, food options on the train are only the quiche and fruit, so plan accordingly.

Great views from the outside carriage

If the Rolling Brunch Train is not operating on your visit, they may have another entertaining train experience to enjoy like the Carolina Christmas Trail, Bunny Tales & Rails, and the stationary Engine Room 87 overlooking the golf course.

Shaw House Heritage Fair (afternoon, seasonal)

Shaw House

In Southern Pines, history lovers can dive into a 19th-century world at the Shaw House, a beautifully preserved 1820s home, the oldest in Southern Pines. We visited during the Heritage Fair which hosted local markets (including a large antique section), costumed interpreters demonstrating old crafts, and live music held on the porch of an historic out house.  It’s a living-history glimpse into how the early Scottish settlers built their lives in the Sandhills.

Shaw House

What you’ll probably ponder the most as you walk through the cabin is how they coped with 10 kids in three small rooms – thankfully, they were able to add more rooms onto the home as they prospered. You’ll walk away with immense gratitude for living in our current crazy time period!

Lunch & Tour: BHAWK Distillery, Southern Pines

More than just food and drink – BHAWK is a story of service, resilience, and purpose. Founded by Brad and Jess Halling, both Army veterans, BHAWK (Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko.) is dedicated to honoring “fallen eagles” of Mogadishu and beyond, a battle that Brad was a part of.

Brad and Jess Halling

The impressive success of the distillery in just one year is testament to the mission, service and quality of the BHAWK product. We started with a delicious lunch on their patio overlooking a grassy field and paddock (plans to come for a live music stage here!)

Stylish interior

The menu is small (especially for gluten free) – from shareables, entrees, and desserts – but fresh and flavorful. I had a delicious grilled chicken salad and salivated over Craig’s BHAWK smash burger – he agreed with most raving fans, the curried onion relish and whipped herb goat cheese really elevated it.

Smash burger / Chicken salad

The star accompaniment was The O’Bradley cocktail with the signature Madam Colonel Pistachio Bourbon cream with house triple sec, house vanilla vodka, cream, dehydrated orange wheel and shaved bark chocolate. Hello divine! Craig’s Sergeant Valor Rye was equally outstanding – I could easily drink that one neat!

O’Bradley cocktail / Sergeant Valor Rye

Grab a cocktail (in a plastic cup) to enjoy on the tour of the distillery. My Irene Old Fashioned came a close second to my favorite old fashioned at the Albatross Bar in Cary. On the tour you’ll learn more about inspiring stories that have driven Brad & Jess’ success and mission and outstanding bourbon.

Distillery tour

The tour is immersive: walk through the production floor, see the gleaming Vendome stills, and learn the rules of bourbon-making (did you know bourbon must be at least 51% corn?). I probably learned the most about distilling liquor on this tour than I have on any other.

Bourbon + gin

The tour finishes in the Gratitude Room, which is lined with tributes to fallen soldiers, for tastings of Sergeant’s Valor bourbon, rye, and the fan-favorite Madam Colonel Pistachio Bourbon Cream – the only pistachio bourbon cream in the USA. It was inspired by Jess’ time in Sicily where she attended a pistachio festival and the cream used comes from her home state of Wisconsin.

Gratitude room

Intentionality is in everything BHAWK touches. As of publication, Madam Colonel Pistachio Bourbon Cream is coming first in the Coolest Thing Made in NC competition. BHAWK also distill their own vodka and gin, and I must say it’s probably the only gin I’ve tasted where I could drink it neat.

Fantastic tour & distillery

I am not a spirit connoisseur by any means, but in comparison to all the distillery tours and tastings I have done, I would say the BHAWK ones were my favorite – we departed with a bottle of Sergeant Valor Rye.

Brad and Jess Halling

BHAWK distillery is equal parts education and emotion—you’ll leave with both a new appreciation for spirits and a complimentary rocks glass for your bar. Again. So lucky that it’s only an hour away from Raleigh!

Dinner at 1895 Grille, Holly Inn

With Pinehurst Resort’s meal plan, we weren’t going to miss the chance to enjoy a true fine-dining experience at 1895 Grille, a restaurant that blends Southern hospitality with gourmet flair.

Located just a few floors below our room at the Holly Inn, 1895 Grille wraps you in history from the moment you step inside. The walls are lined with vintage black-and-white photos capturing joyful Pinehurst memories through the decades, setting the stage for a memorable evening.

Pre-dinner cocktails

My grilled octopus was an unexpected highlight—perfectly tender and paired with olives, charred corn, harissa, pancetta hash, and mojo verde. Easily one of the best octopus dishes I’ve had in the U.S., rivaling even my favorite at Brasserie du Soleil in Wilmington. Craig started with baked oysters and a shrimp cocktail, both fresh and beautifully presented.

Grilled octopus / Baked oysters

For mains, Craig celebrated his birthday in style with an Australian favorite – lamb, served with fingerling potatoes, marinated beets, and feta. I couldn’t have been happier with the pork chop special, full of warming fall flavors and paired beautifully with a glass of Napa Valley reserve cabernet.

Lamb / Pork

The staff were excellent- attentive, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. They catered to my gluten-free needs with care and even surprised Craig with a birthday brownie after noticing we were celebrating. (He had planned to skip dessert, so I was extra happy not to share my lemon drop with him!)

Lemon drop / Chocolate brownie

If you’re not gluten-free, go all in on the triple chocolate soufflé, which is said to be an experience on its own. Still, I never felt like I missed out, the locally made gluten-free bread and dessert options were fantastic.

Dinner at 1895 Grille was the perfect, elegant finale to a day rich with experiences in Pinehurst.

Nightcap & live music at Dugan’s Pub

The Sandhills is quite the live music region! Our friends at the Carolina Hotel front desk told us the best for the evening was happening at Dugans, an Irish pub across the road from the Holly Inn. Turns out the artist was from Raleigh and he was fantastic! Around the corner, the Drum & Quill pub often has live music as well.

Sunday – Pinehurst

You can use your meal plan to enjoy the buffet breakfast at the Holly Inn, or return to the Carolina Dining Room, or have breakfast at local favorite Agora. We took advantage of the meal plan and slotted in Agora for lunch before departing back to Raleigh.

Agora Bakery + Café

BLAT / Gluten free choc muffin

Housed in a beautifully restored 1910 bank building, Agora Bakery & Cafe feels both historic and stylish. Expect buttery croissants, strong lattes, and French-inspired pastries that make lingering inevitable. This is a gathering place that welcomes all – including families – with options to cater to anyone with lots of seating inside and out.

“As I was full from all our weekend eating, I settled for a delicious gluten free chocolate muffin and craig was impressed with his BLAT and side salad. Bring your patience, Agora typically sees long lines because it’s so good. They serve lunch and an all-day breakfast.

Thistle Dhu Putting Course

Before heading home, gather your family or friends at the whimsical Thistle Dhu Putting Course, located just outside the Pinehurst Clubhouse and right beside the legendary No. 2 course. No tee time or green fees required (they even have putters you can use), just drop a ball and laugh your way around 18 rolling greens.

This isn’t your typical mini-golf with windmills and gimmicks—it’s a taste of the real greens, fast and a little challenging, but still suitable for novices. Thistle Dhu is considered the first-ever miniature golf course in the U.S., making it as historic as it is entertaining.

First taste of golfing Pinehurst

I’m more of a “dream-about-playing-golf-in-my-next-life” kind of player, but even I was excited to give it a go—and to my surprise, I actually played halfway decently! Meanwhile, Craig was busy imagining his next round at The Cradle or maybe even No. 2.

Fun fact: The name Thistle Dhu came from its designer, who, upon finishing the course, declared, “This’ll do!” The name stuck, and nearly a century later, the charm remains.

This’ll do, for now!

Souvenir stop: While you’re here, pop into the clubhouse pro shop for Pinehurst merch. Craig picked up a birthday shirt and a whiskey glass, but the selection runs from classic polos to collectible gear. Golf fans will also want to check out the new Titleist Shop at Pinehurst, which opened just days before our visit. It’s tucked right by No. 2’s 18th green, No. 4’s first tee, Thistle Dhu, and Pinehurst’s historic driving range – another must-stop for anyone who loves the game.

Titleist retail store

Helpful Tips

• Reservations: Book dining and the BHAWK tour ahead – weekends fill quickly.
• Events vary seasonally: Check schedules for Live After 5, the Farmers Market, and the Rolling Brunch Train when planning.
• Getting around: The three towns – Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen – are all about 15-minutes apart. Driving is simplest; rideshares are available for evening returns. And when you’re in each town you can easily walk to places. Finding street parking was not an issue for us.

Disclosure: This trip was created in partnership with Home of American Golf. All opinions, stories, and happy taste buds are our own.