Pinehurst

Sandhills Horticultural Gardens cover over 32 acres of beautifully conceived gardens where visitors can admire a wonderful collection of plants, both endemic and exotic. The garden started off with a modest Holly Garden in 1978 and over the years many other theme gardens have been added including the Rose Garden, a Hillside Garden, a Conifer Garden and a Fruit and Vegetable Garden, to name but a few. The gardens are open every day of the year at no cost, offering locals and visitors a few hours of inspirational serenity. Highlights include the Children’s Garden, Japanese Garden and the peaceful Wetlands Garden. Members can attend educational workshops and lectures.

Sandhills Horticultural Garden, 555 Lindbergh Place, Pinehurst, NC 28374, Phone: 910-692-6185

One of the oldest equine sports facilities in the state, Pinehurst Harness Track has been a winter training center for Standard bred race horses since 1915. Surrounded by a beautifully manicured golf course, the facility has two tracks, stables and everything else required for over-winter boarding. Visitors are welcome to come to the track early in the morning to watch the resident horses being put through their paces. After watching the morning gallops you can retire to the on-site restaurant for a hearty North Carolina breakfast – their blueberry pancakes are legendary. The track hosts regular races and events during the year and there is an on-site tack shop where equestrians can get kitted out.

Pinehurst Harness Track, 200 Beulah Hill Road N, Pinehurst, NC 28374, Phone: 910-215-0816

Tufts Archives is part museum, part research facility and part book shop, located in the renovated Pinehurst Post Office. The Archives includes the Given Book Store, which has been sourcing quality second-hand books for all ages, which are sold on at very reasonable prices to the Pinehurst community. There is also a lending library facility. The Archives are located in a wing of the library which was built in 1975. Here visitors can find photos, documents, graphics and maps relating to the interesting history of the town and the man who put in all on the map back in the late 1800’s.

Tufts Archives, 150 Cherokee Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374, Phone: 910-295-3642

Chef/Owner Vince Continenza brings his own very personal touch to classic American cuisine at Ironwood. This popular eatery benefits from a unique location, tucked away between towering pines along the historic Midland Road. Inside you will find a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff to welcome you. There is an impressive bar area as well as a dining room and a lovely outdoor terrace where you can dine alfresco. Menu highlights include their certified house-aged Angus Beef steaks, beautiful Scottish Salmon, Crab Cakes and a delicious Pork Osso Bucco with Gorgonzola Polenta. The wine list includes many delicious wines served by the glass or bottle.

Ironwood, 2176 Midland Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374, Phone: 910-255-0000

The Pinehurst Track Restaurant is located on the Pinehurst Harness Track property, where it has become a firm favorite among Pinehurst locals and many visitors. The restaurant is family owned and run and offers a warm welcome and delicious no-frills home-style cuisine. Visitors can choose from a large selection of racing-themed breakfast dishes which include the Horseman’s Special, the Filly’s Feast, At the Post (French toast) and their legendary Stalemate Blueberry Pancakes. The lunch menu includes the Racing Hot Reuben, Trotting Turkey Club and the Pure Bred Burger. Be sure to carry some cash with you as the restaurant does not accept credit cards.

Pinehurst Track Restaurant, 200 Beulah Hill Road N, Pinehurst, NC 28374, Phone: 910-295-2597