6 Things to Do Beyond Golf in Pinehurst

In a moment of weakness, you agreed to a long weekend in Pinehurst, North Carolina, with someone special who loves to golf. Now you’re not sure what to do with your free time if it doesn’t involve tee times, golf pro shops, and discussions about handicaps.

Luckily, the Pinehurst area has quaint small towns that all possess distinct qualities unrelated to golf, and all within a short drive. From walking along tree-lined streets, browsing antique shops, or visiting pottery studios, the non-golfing visitor will find plenty to see and do in Moore County. 

Belvedere Courtyard is just one of the shopping areas in downtown Southern Pines. It boasts several shops bordering a seating area with a fountain in downtown Southern Pines including Daisy Daydream, a vintage and secondhand shop, Rooted Café and Market, a plant based restaurant, and Love Rose Boutique, a women’s clothing store.  

Lisi’s Italian’s outdoor patio in the village of Pinehurst is the respite needed after a day of hiking, shopping, or even, dare I say, golfing. Start with the fried meatballs or the Brussel sprouts with pancetta, cream, and provolone before one of the house favorites: gnocchi or the square, thin, and crispy pizzas. Save room for the gelato. 

Sandhills Horticultural Gardens features sculptures, trails, and more than a dozen themed gardens to enjoy. Depending on the season, watch the bees and butterflies buzz around the pollinator garden, or let the kids run freely throughout the children’s garden with its playhouse, musical area, blackboards, and gazebo.

Swank Coffee Shop’s eclectic seating arrangements – cozy nooks for one and theater seats and couches for groups – are welcoming enough even without the baked goods and variety of espresso and coffee options. Art and others gift items by local artists line the shelves, keeping you browsing while you enjoy your beverage in downtown Southern Pines. 

Watering Can Wines hosts wine tastings in the lobby of the Tyson-Sinclair Building, a Carthage mansion built in 1905 and repurposed for small businesses. This hidden gem stocks a variety of wines from all over the world, organic wines, and nonalcoholic wines. Look for live music on Friday evenings. The Carthage Wine Academy opens in June – sign up for a class and learn about the different wine regions.  

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve is a 915-acre state park with hiking trails through longleaf pine forests and picnic areas. Look for beaver activity along the edge of ponds. Kids will enjoy the Discovery Center, an indoor area with books, a microscope, puppet theater, and puzzles. Find the corn snakes curled up in their habitats and read through the educational displays. Sit in the rocking chairs and watch the birds eat from the feeders while squirrels work a labyrinth puzzle to get a treat. 

Start your Pinehurst trip planning with the latest itineraries.