Pinehurst

A New England-style village planted in the middle of North Carolina’s Sandhills around 1900, Pinehurst has long been associated with golf’s greatest legends. In 2014, the eyes of the world will center on its hallowed links when the U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst. Non-golfers and golfers who can see beyond the greens also delight in the world-class tennis courts, croquet lawns, equestrian facilities and European-style spa of Pinehurst. Here, too, are culinary experiences to please the most sophisticated of palates. And well-heeled shoppers feel right at home in the upscale boutiques lining the brick walkways of the beautiful little town. ...

A New England-style village planted in the middle of North Carolina’s Sandhills around 1900, Pinehurst has long been associated with golf’s greatest legends. In 2014, the eyes of the world will center on its hallowed links when the U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst. Non-golfers and golfers who can see beyond the greens also delight in the world-class tennis courts, croquet lawns, equestrian facilities and European-style spa of Pinehurst. Here, too, are culinary experiences to please the most sophisticated of palates. And well-heeled shoppers feel right at home in the upscale boutiques lining the brick walkways of the beautiful little town. While history buffs may get lost in the local library, art aficionados often adventure down dusty roads in search of the handcrafted pottery of Jugtown and Seagrove. Nature lovers find the trees, flowers and shrubs that grow in abundance not only beautiful but interesting. Golf clubs or not, there’s something for everyone in Pinehurst.

About the Expert

Carol Timblin has contributed to numerous guidebooks and authored four editions of Houghton Mifflin's Best Places to Stay in the South.