This impressive old hotel underwent a recent renovation to bring the accommodations up to par with its nickname, the “Queen of the South.” You can walk to the village or take resort shuttles across the properties from the Carolina Hotel, which also has a massive breakfast every morning for you to fuel up before your round.

With so many hotels in Pinehurst, I was happy to see on-course cottages open at course No. 8. For those who want the house experience for their buddies trip, the rec room and back patio are ideal. Plus, each cottage can sleep four to eight people.

This converted church is not a resort property, but it is in the heart of the village. It's huge, can sleep up to 14 people, and has an open floor plan with a big yard for cornhole (not "bags"!) and grilling.

After a tasteful renovation in 2019, the Manor has become one of my favorite places to stay in the Pinehurst area. On the first floor you'll find the North & South Bar, which makes my favorite dirty gin martini (with blue-cheese olives), despite being known as a whiskey bar. The Pinehurst Brewery is just behind this location.

This resort hotel—Pinehurst's first, dating back to1895—sits in the middle of the village and has plenty of old-school charm. The rooms are a bit old-fashioned, but the location is prime, and an antique bar in the Holly Tavern is the perfect place to close your evening.

If you want to stay on a resort property but get that bed and breakfast experience, the Magnolia Inn is an intimate retreat. The ground floor is home to the Villaggio Ristorante & Bar, but I can tell you from experience that noise isn’t an issue.

Located inside the village's Theater Building, Lisi Italian is the first restaurant I recommend to anyone visiting the area. They don’t take reservations, but you can visit their in-restaurant bar, Augie’s, while you wait. Once you’re seated, be sure to order the fried meatballs for an appetizer. All of their pasta dishes are fantastic.

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While ordering sushi may not seem ideal in a landlocked town, Neko Thai & Sushi is delicious and has solid cooked dishes, too.

After your round and before dinner, grab a glass of wine, beer, or coffee at the Village Wine Shop. Their patio out front is great for people-watching, and the space behind the building is good for larger groups. It’s worth trying the frozen espresso martini for a treat.

There is plenty of patio seating at the Deuce, which is situated behind the 18th hole at Pinehurst No. 2 in the main clubhouse. You’ll see everything from heckling to cheering all afternoon and through the evening. It has an elevated sports-bar menu and I’d recommend sharing the tater tots for the table. There are also Adirondack chairs lining the wraparound porch if you want to sit back and take in the scene.

The Pinehurst Brewing Company is located in an abandoned steam plant that dates back to 1895. They brew about 10 of their own beers, and the space is great for accommodating groups between the indoor dining and beer garden. Their food menu features smokehouse offerings, but the beer cheese pretzel sticks are a personal favorite.

One of my favorite restaurants in the area, 195 American Fusion has fine-dining dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Start your meal with the tuna tacos and give their cocktail menu a shot. 

This gastropub leans into its British inspiration with fun twists on traditional pub food. The menu is extensive, offering healthier options and a solid burger after a long day on the course.

Ashten’s is a farm-to-table restaurant that touts its "global cuisine from a Southern perspective." Whatever they’re making, I’m eating, and the restaurant is BYOB despite having a full bar menu. Their menu changes frequently with seasonal flavors, but my favorite appetizer, the crispy tempura portabella fries, is a staple.

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If you want a steak dinner can be reserved in advance, Southern Prime can accommodate larger groups and is a white-tablecloth establishment that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

One of the more elegant options in town, Chef Warren’s Bistro has a unique menu that includes vegan dishes. I love watching meals being prepared in the open kitchen. When they're on the menu, the mussels and fries or the Hokkaido scallops (however the chef is preparing them that night) are my go-tos.

New to the area, Cork is a cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Southern Pines that took over a historic theatre building. It’s darker and intimate, but there's plenty of space. They don’t serve food, but outside food and food deliveries are permitted.

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It’s always busy at Chapman’s, but you shouldn’t have to wait too long for a table. It’s another solid pub-style restaurant with lots of menu options.

Another terrrific coffee shop, Amor Ciego serves Colombian-style coffee, along with tea and the best croissants in the area. You have to be there early for the croissants, which typically come in multiple flavors.

One of a few coffee shops in Southern Pines, Maisonette brews Black and White Coffee Roasters and always tempts me with its baked goods. If you’re early enough, they have a daily quiche, sausage roll, and other breakfast items available.

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If you have kids in tow, Red’s Corner offers something for everyone in the family. It’s a food-truck park that typically hosts five to six vendors, ranging from Greek food to barbecue, as well as a beer garden.

If you’re hankering for some pizza, SoPies is the best in town and they’ll deliver to any of the spots listed in this guide that allow it. Get the wings, too.

A staple of the area, Southern Pines Brewing Company is a craft brewery with around a dozen beers on tap, along with frozen beverages. They have a wrap-around deck with plenty of seating and firepits, and it’s another spot that allows you to bring food or have it delivered.