Southern Pines

1. Watch an Independent Film at the Sunrise Theater

The Sunrise Theater first opened its doors in 1898 and has been a prominent landmark on Broad Street every since. Although the theater has seen several reincarnations over the past 100 years, it was recently completely restored to its former glory and is now once again drawing the crowds to watch first-run and independent films in this historic location.

For a fun night out you can book your seats to watch arty or non-mainstream movies that you might not get a chance to see elsewhere. A few of the most popular recent productions include ballets by the Bolshoi Ballet and Riverdance, filmed onstage in Dublin, Ireland.

Address: Sunrise Theater, Sunrise Theater, 250 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910-692-3611

2. Taste Artisan Beers at the Southern Pines Growler Company

Southern Pines Growler Company brewed their very first craft beer in 2014 and opened their brewery taproom just three month later. The brewery was the brain-child of three US servicemen and the brewery is proudly 100% veteran owned.

Southern Pines has gone from strength to strength over the past 6 years and you are invited to come and visit the team in their taproom where you can taste the freshest new test batch of artisan beers. Varieties on tap include American Pale Ale, Cream Ale, German Hafeweizen, Berliner and several IPA’s. There is often a food truck parked outside to supple delicious eats to go with your beer.

Address: Southern Pines Growler Company, Southern Pines Growler Company, 565 Air Tool Dr, Suite E, Southern Pines, NC 28397, Phone: 910-365-9935

3. Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities

The beautiful and historic Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities offers local residents and visitors to Southern Pines a brilliant destination for a day trip. The estate was established by the distinguished writer and conservationist James Boyd in the early 1900’s.

History and architecture enthusiasts will want to tour the beautiful old mansion house and its formal gardens, while nature lovers will enjoy spending time in the forests.

The Weymouth Center offers direct access to the wonderfully scenic trails which crisscross the Boyd Round Timber Tract. Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the mansion on weekdays and to attend the regular literary readings and musical events held in honor of James Boyd.

Address: Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities, 555E Connecticut Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910-692-6261

4. Stroll Through the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens

All nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the beautiful Sandhills Horticultural Gardens in nearby Pinehurst. The gardens are cared for by the horticultural students of Sandhills Community College, who welcome visitors to spend a wonderful hour or two surrounded by beauty. Regardless of which season you choose to visit you will find something to delight the senses.

The garden includes several themed areas including the Hackley Woodland Garden, a native wetland trail garden, the rose garden and the Sir Walter Raleigh formal English garden. There is also a dedicated Children’s Garden where little visitors can have educational fun. These wonderful gardens are free to visit – members receive additional perks including lectures, newsletters and more.

Address: Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, 555 Lindbergh Pl, Pinehurst, NC 28374, Phone: 910-692-6185

5. Full Moon Oyster Bar, Southern Pines

The Full Moon Oyster Bar is a favorite local eatery which specializes in delicious freshly sourced fish and seafood. The beachy décor sets the scene for a lip-smacking lunch or dinner and there are great choices for everyone, even if you hate oysters.

The restaurant claims that many of their recipes have been handed down from generation to generation and you will find several unique flavor combinations. Menu choices include freshly-shucked oysters (served in many different styles), fabulous crab cakes and many other lightly steamed or seared dishes which will delight your taste buds with their fresh-from-the-ocean flavor. Traditionalists can feast on classic Fried Fish and Chips, Angus Steaks or beautifully grilled salmon and line-caught fish.

Address: Full Moon Oyster Bar, 134 Brucewood Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910-246-2048

6. The Bell Tree Restaurant and Tavern

The popular Bell Tree Restaurant and Tavern is modeled on a typical tavern from yesteryear. Expect a comfortable and friendly ambiance teamed with an exceptional choice of drinks, including no fewer than 40 whiskeys, 13 beers on tap and a wide variety of other designer liquors. The food side is no less impressive and you can choose from a selection of delicious bar snacks including finger food, sandwiches, burgers, wraps and quesadillas to accompany your drinks. If you are visiting for dinner you can choose from an interesting and varied menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts. The name of the tavern refers to the prohibition days, when thirsty travelers would ring a bell hidden inside a hollow tree to request a libation.

Address: The Bell Tree Restaurant and Tavern, 155 NE Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910-612-4766

7. Creation Museum

The Creation Museum is unlike any other museum you are likely to have visited. Primarily established to promote the Genesis account of the creation (which completely dismissed the theory of evolution), the museum is home to a large collection of taxidermy animal species, along with antique tools and various bible quotations and slogans in support of creationism.

There are over 200 animals to admire, if you have a taste for this particular art form. Exhibits include wild boar, various antelope, pheasants, caribou, deer and even a fur-covered fish. Entrance to the museum is free but you will be encouraged to leave a donation.

Address: Creation Museum, 156 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910 692 3471

8. Weymouth Woods - Sandhills Nature Preserve

Weymouth Woods - Sandhills Nature Preserve is located 30 miles NW of Fayetteville, in Moore County. Here it offers visitors the opportunity to explore parts of the marvelous long-leaf pine forests which once covered a very large area of the southeastern US.

As you make your way along the hiking or equestrian trails you can enjoy the shade offered by the tall pine trees, many of which are over 100 years old. The woods are a magnet for wildlife and you can expect to spot many unusual or rare birds, animals and plant life. There are 7 miles of hiking trails, 2.5 miles of horse-riding trails, a visitor’s center, auditorium and some nature exhibits to admire.

Address: 1024 Fort Bragg Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387, Phone: 910 692 2167

9. Hatchet Brewing Company

Hatchet Brewing Company was established in Southern Pines in 2017 by Mike and Greg, who became friends while serving in the armed forces. Both men have a passion for craft beer and intended to create a place where the community can meet, make friends and relax with an excellent hand-crafted brew.

Their Tap Room welcomes visitors (including well-behaved children and dogs) to come and spend some time tasting their very special beer line-up. You can choose from one of their 4 flagship brews (which include a Belgian tripel, IPA, lager and a honey beer) or try one of their other hoppy IPA’s, malty stouts and ales or a choice of light beers and alcohol free brews for designated drivers.

Address: Hatchet Brewing Company, 490 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines, NC 28387 , Phone: 910 725 7022