Greg V. Austin, PGA

 Things To Do

For The Active Lifestyle

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If enjoying the beautiful scenery and taking in the local culture is not enough, there are many things to do to keep you busy. You will find the local driving range busy with people just getting off work or there to unwind, while others are at a cooking class at one of the top restaurants in the area. Our area might be known for the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of fun and exciting things to do!

THINGS TO DO

Tufts Archives, Pinehurst, (910) 295-3642. Given Memorial Library, Pinehurst James Walker Tufts' dream of Pinehurst unfolds in the letters, pictures, and news clippings displayed here dating from 1895. Also houses the original sketches and drawings of famed golf architect Donald Ross. Hours are 9:30 am-5 pm Mon.-Fri. and 9:30 am-12:30 pm Sat. Free. 

Weymouth Woods, Southern Pines, (910) 692-6261. 555 E. Connecticut Avenue, Southern Pines. Former home of author and publisher James Boyd and home to the NC Literary Hall of Fame, the Weymouth Center sits on 24 acres surrounded by stately longleaf pines. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The facilities are available for rent for private functions. Office Hours are Mon. - Fri. 10am-2pm. Docent led tours by appointment for $5/person.

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, Southern Pines, (910) 692-2167. 1024 Ft. Bragg Road, Southern Pines. The facility has 898 acres of wildflowers, forest animals, streams and ponds, four and one-half miles of hiking trails with informative stations, a beaver pond, a newly renovated museum with participation exhibits and a full-time naturalist. A Sunday nature study program is offered each spring and summer. Open Daily, except for Christmas Day. Hours: Nov.-March 9 AM - 6 PM and April-Oct. 9 AM - 7 PM.

Knollwood Driving Range, Southern Pines – The best public driving range in the area. You can sneak in and out of Knollwood if you only have 30 minutes to spare. Knollwood is also a great place for introductory lessons.  They even have a short 18 hole course that’s only $12 to play after 5.

Stoneybrook Steeplechase, Raeford – For about 50 years, the big Steeplechase of the year was held right at the edge of Southern Pines on a private farm.  The event outgrew its first home at about the same time as the creation of the Carolina Horse Park and the construction of brand new track.  Every year on the first Saturday in April, thousands of fans converge on the Horse Park for this rite of springtime.  The attire ranges from cut offs and t-shirts to tails and top hats; and picnics range from KFC to catered gourmet spreads.  It’s an all day event, so be sure to bring your sunscreen and a designated driver!

Tour de Moore, Southern Pines, Southern Pines – Every year during Springfest, the Tour de Moore bike race attracts bicyclists of all ages and levels. One of the longest running cycling events in North Carolina , the 100 mile road race takes competitors around the perimeter of the county. The race is considered to be a classic and rich in history; a great accomplishment to all participants.

Kitchen Essence Cooking School, Pinehurst – Chef Mark Elliott opened cooking school as a backdrop to his award winning restaurant, Elliott’s on Linden. Mark offers cooking classes for groups of 10.  Each class has a different theme; and it is great fun with a group of friends.  In effect, you watch Mark cook you a great 6 course meal while the wine steward keeps your glass full.

Reservoir Park, Southern Pines – For the enthusiastic runner, the reservoir is a great place to run and get outside for some fresh air. You will also see families taking walks with their dogs, bass fishing or people just enjoying the beautiful scenery.

 
Sandhills Community College- SCC offers 41 technical, certificate and diploma programs for all ages. There are also 6 bachelor degree programs offered through partnerships with St. Andrews Presbyterian College and UNC-Pembroke.  SCC has great adult education programs and one of the best horticultural schools in the southeast with one of the largest collection of hollies in the US!

First Health Wellness Centers, Pinehurst and Southern Pines – First Health Hospital understands that making an investment in the long term health of Moore County residents is an investment in its own future.  First Health has built several state of the art Wellness Centers, and membership is available at very low cost.  The main center in Pinehurst is a sprawling facility with an indoor track, a 10 lane Olympic size pool, numerous exercise and weight training machines, racquetball courts, a basketball court and several exercise rooms.