Beyond the Greens: A Day Trip Guide to Pinehurst for Non-Golfers

“Oh, do you golf?”

If I had a dollar for every time I heard that in the weeks leading up to a recent trip to Pinehurst, well, I could probably afford to buy a set of clubs and hire an instructor.

No, sorry, to answer your question, I don’t golf (but I am flattered you think I’m athletic and coordinated enough to do so!).

So why on earth would I visit a destination that is quite literally known as the Home of American Golf?

This post is created in partnership with the Convention & Visitors Bureau Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area of North Carolina, but as always, all opinions are my own.

One, I had an inkling that there would be far more to this quaint village than rolling golf courses. And two, Pinehurst is only a two-hour drive from my home in Charlotte, making it an effortless journey through the pines.

Heading to Pinehurst and don’t know your putters from your irons? Well, by the end of this post, you still won’t know the difference – but you will discover everything you need to know for a great visit to this unique corner of North Carolina.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHY VISIT PINEHURST?

If you are a golfer, there’s no need to even ask this question. Pinehurst has been a destination for players and fans of the sport for well over a century, and one particular course is so renowned that it will host the Men’s U.S. Open five times over the next three decades (more than any other course currently on the schedule).

But if you’re not a golfer? Well, you’re in luck. I’d even say you have the most luck – without the time commitment required of a day on the greens, you’re free to explore so much more of everything this iconic village has to offer. There’s a little something for everyone here, from history buffs to those in search of leisure – I can’t wait to show you how to ace your day in Pinehurst, no golfing experience necessary.

A DAY-TRIP ITINERARY FOR PINEHURST

Start your day the local way

The entrance to Agora in Pinehurst — It’s hard to miss the impressive entrance to Agora Bakery and Cafe

Biscuits, eggs, and sausage on a brightly lit table with a little pastry — Agora’s biscuits are made from scratch – and they are a must order at breakfast time

Agora Bakery and Cafe

It’s easy to see why Agora Bakery and Cafe is the perfect way to start your day in Pinehurst. This gorgeous sun-filled cafe is set in the former Bank of Pinehurst (check out the old vault door while you wait in line to order!), and features a wonderfully curated menu of breakfast classics and freshly baked goods.

Portions are generous and prices are so reasonable for the quality, and on a beautiful day, many locals order their usual and spill out onto the patio with a mimosa flight or Carolina coffee spiked with bourbon. With a full day ahead, I was disappointed to not join them – until I took a sip of my un-spiked coffee and tucked into my scratch-made biscuit. Utter perfection, no booze needed.

→Agora Bakery and Cafe // 15 Chinquapin Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374

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Get acquainted with the area

Tufts Archives

With such a rich legacy of the sport in the area, the Tufts Archives at the Given Memorial Library is the perfect introduction to Pinehurst. Stroll through history one display at a time, and learn how James W. Tufts transformed six thousand acres of sandy land into a premier golfing destination. That’s not a task one accomplishes alone, of course, and the Tufts Archives are also home to legendary golf course designer Donald Ross’ original designs.

As someone who isn’t well-versed in golf, I naively went in to the archives expecting to breeze through the exhibits. However, I was quickly drawn in – and happy to be proven wrong – thanks to both the coverage of day-to-day life and the days that made history. From gymkhana (the equestrian kind, not the motorsport) to the innovative and daring women who sparked change in women’s golf wear to an impressive roster of famous faces who have appeared on the grounds, the archives provide an up close look at all the things that make Pinehurst, well, Pinehurst.

Note: Admission to the Tufts Archives is free, though donations are suggested.

→Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives // 150 Cherokee Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374

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Explore the Village of Pinehurst

A pub in the Village of Pinehurst — Bop around the Village of Pinehurst on a sunny day

Exterior of The Village Wine Shop — The Village Wine Shop is a popular stop for a glass of wine from a well-curated list

Village Center

Pinehurst’s Village Center is packed full of cute shops and wonderful places to eat and drink. By mid-morning, most of these charming local businesses should be open and ready to draw you inside to be delighted.

Have a generous pour from The Village Wine Shop if you’re feeling thirsty or check out the latest styles at Monkee’s. Forgot something? The Corner Store is sure to have it in stock. Once you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, find an empty bench to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Leisure is the name of our game today, after all.

→Village Center Directory // Village Center Map

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Toast to the lunch hour(s)

Exterior of Pinehurst Brewing Company — Steam no longer runs through the pipes at the village’s former steam plant – beer does.

A tray of barbecue — So much more than beer, Pinehurst Brewing Company has an excellent menu of brewpub favorites

Pinehurst Brewing Company

The Village of Pinehurst’s historic steam plant was abandoned for years until it reopened as Pinehurst Brewing Company in 2018, and now this brewery and restaurant is seemingly always packed. Not that it’s hard to see why, because it’s the rare kind of place that manages to offer a food menu on par with its beers brewed in-house (hey, a golf joke!).

First-timers should build a flight from the list of rotating beers before committing to a big pour, and everyone should consider ordering a hearty plate of Carolina barbecue. Oh – and don’t forget to pick up your Sandhills Pour Tour Passport and ask for a sticker so you can leave one step closer to a free souvenir glass!

→Pinehurst Brewing Company // 300 Magnolia Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374

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Follow in the footsteps of legends

Pinehurst Resort

With golf courses and accommodations throughout the Village of Pinehurst, you’re never far from the grounds of Pinehurst Resort. Since you’re in the area, take a moment for a photo op at the iconic Carolina Hotel, a sight so grand in scale that it just may stop you in your tracks.

From the Carolina Hotel, it’s just a short drive over to the famed Pinehurst No. 2, where golfers travel from all over the world for the chance to play on this masterpiece course designed by Donald Ross. If time allows, grab a drink at The Deuce or sit on the lounge chairs to watch people putter about at Thistle Dhu.

→Pinehurst Resort // 80 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374
→Pinehurst No. 2 // 1 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374

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Okay, play a little golf

A minigolf course in Pinehurst — The perfect golf activity for non-golfers: a round at Wee Pines

Alyssa with a putter and a pink ball that is stuck — Even if you are terrible at mini golf (see above), it’s still a fun way to spend an afternoon in Pinehurst

Wee Pines Mini Golf

I’m a big fan of seeking out attractions that match the destination, and Wee Pines Mini Golf offers a fun and accessible way for non-golfers to engage with Pinehurst’s premier draw. Choose between two courses (or play both!), pick out a bright putter and golf ball, and challenge your friends and family to a round of this nostalgic game.

Add a challenge if you’d like (say, loser buys dinner, everyone has to putt with their non-dominant hand, or add a requirement to bounce the ball off the sides before scoring), but Michael and I found the course plenty challenging on its own. No matter who winds up with the best score, you’ll all be able to walk away saying you played golf in Pinehurst when people inevitably ask. I mean it’s technically true, right?

→Wee Pines Mini Golf // 265 Central Park Ave, Pinehurst, NC 28374

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Get out in nature

Sandhills Horticultural Gardens

An easy way to stretch the travel budget is to find free activities – and as you can see, Sandhills Horticultural Gardens is a beautiful place to spend an hour without spending a cent. Open daily from dawn to dusk, these thirty-two-acre gardens allow visitors to take an enchanting stroll through rose gardens, woodland gardens, a Japanese garden, a succulent garden, and more. With ever-changing nature guiding the gardens, this is one experience that will never be the same twice.

Before leaving, don’t miss the chance to wander through artist Patrick Dougherty’s installation, What Goes Around Comes Around. This swirling piece sculpted from saplings allowed the artist to circle back to the community that raised him, and today grants visitors a little shade and shelter on a warm, sunny day.

Edit: Sadly the sculpture has been removed for safety; a new sculpture by Mike Roig will be installed in summer 2024.

→Sandhills Horticultural Gardens // 3245 Airport Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374

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Call it a night at a Pinehurst staple

Lisi Italian

Wind down (or wine down, your choice) your day in Pinehurst with the locals over dinner at Lisi Italian. Don’t be surprised to find a wait when you arrive, as it’s a popular spot that doesn’t accept reservations. Not to worry – you can slip downstairs for a cocktail at Augie’s Room while you wait.

With a menu inspired by Italy, you’ll find that every dish in the restaurant sounds delicious – and while the pizza was good, it was the pasta that stole the show. Order a few dishes for the table to share, and savor your time spent with good company in Pinehurst (and perhaps start planning your next adventure together!).

→Lisi Italian // 90 Cherokee Rd #1c, Pinehurst, NC 28374

WITH MORE TIME IN PINEHURST

Exterior of The Spa at Pinehurst — With more time in Pinehurst, you could indulge in a treatment or two at The Spa at Pinehurst

While a day allows you to dabble in all that Pinehurst has to offer, if you have more time to spare for your visit, all the better. More time allows for a slower pace, and leisure is where this village thrives. For maximum relaxation, consider a visit to The Spa at Pinehurst, which comes highly recommended.

More time means more meals, and I have my eye on a few delicious-looking eateries for my next visit:

Maxie’s Grill and Tap Room for relaxed sports bar fare.
Neko Thai & Sushi for, well, I bet you can guess what they serve!
Pinehurst Track Restaurant for a hearty breakfast on a budget (cash only!).
Drum & Quill for an authentic American tavern experience.
Carolina Dining Room for its famous breakfast buffet.
Scrollicious for rolled ice cream and snow ice.

Once you’ve conquered all of that, it’s time to explore the neighboring towns of Aberdeen and Southern Pines – head to my Sandhills weekend guide to start planning your adventures!

TRAVEL TIPS FOR PINEHURST

Exterior of The Roast Office in Pinehurst with free parking — Golf carts abound, but cars are still king in Pinehurst (thankfully, parking is free and plentiful!)

My top tip for visiting Pinehurst (other than checking the weather, but you already know to do that!): Choose the date for your visit wisely. Saturdays are probably the best day to visit Pinehurst, while Sundays and Mondays (particularly Mondays) see the closure of many local businesses. Likewise, it might be helpful to check the local events calendar as tournaments may mean crowding at local restaurants.

As someone who is used to having to pay to park while traveling, it was such a delight to discover parking in Pinehurst is free and that spots were readily available wherever I went. I’d heard rumors about bad traffic between Sandhills cities, but either I’m so used to driving in Charlotte that I felt numb to it or traffic was light during my visit. In any case, during large events or perhaps even just on great weather days, allow a little extra time in transit.

If you’re planning on spending an extended time in Pinehurst, it is possible to visit without a vehicle if you’re staying at the resort through the dedicated shuttle service, though I think most travelers will find a car is an asset.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON EXPLORING PINEHURST AS A NON-GOLFER

It’s impossible to avoid the influence of the sport that built Pinehurst, but why would you want to? Instead, spend a day in Pinehurst with all the best non-sport aspects of golf: time outside, camaraderie, and a great beer or glass of wine when it’s all over.

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Questions for you

Have you ever visited a major destination without taking part in its premier attraction?

Who is the best at mini golf in your household?

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Thank you to the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area of North Carolina for your generous hospitality and for making this trip possible!