GOLF

Myrtle Beach is the self proclaimed "Golf Capital of the World." Hilton Head may boast more upscale golf courses than any place not named Scottsdale. But neither golfing mecca is dedicated to the game with such singular purpose as the Sandhills region.

Anchored by the Village of Pinehurst, the Sandhills is blessed with a sampling of public access golf courses that many golf aficionados consider to be among the best in the world. And with 43 course to choose from in the Sandhills area, many agree that this is a golfer's paradise.

Additionally, area residents can take advantage of local discount cards that allow you to play over 20 top rated courses at deeply discounted rates. The card, knows as the Capital Card, will pay for itself in two or three rounds. Additionally, seniors have the added benefit of discounted weekday rounds at certain courses. For example, a popular Tuesday hangout in this area is Carolina Lakes. A very nice course with demanding greens, and at $14 a person you have no excuse to not pay off your golfing debts at the end of the round.

Here are a few of our personal local favorites.

• Pinehurst #2 – Host site of the 2005 U.S. Open Championship, this course stands alone among the rest. With it’s narrow fairways, treacherous rough and turtle back greens, this is golf’s greatest test.
• Tobacco Road – Carved out of an old sand pit located just minutes from downtown Sanford and Carolina Trace and Woodlake, this is an unforgettable golf experience. Be prepared to be wowed.
• The Pit Golf Links – Rated as one of the 50 Top Public Courses in America, this Dan Maples design will test your skills. Located just outside the village of Pinehurst, about a 25 minute drive from Sanford.

 

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STATE PARKS

Boating, fishing, mountain biking or just relaxing with a book. Anything is possible at the magnificent state parks in our area. Located within a short drive of our area, they are the perfect spot for a day outing with family or friends.

• Jordan Lake State Park – With over 14,000 acres of water at your fingertips, it’s easy to see why Jordan Lake is the ideal spot for a day of boating and fishing.
• Raven Rock State Park – A diamond in the rough as far as local parks are concerned. Miles of hiking trails with beautiful views.
• Weymouth Woods – A quiet place to enjoy a nice hike and a picnic. Just minutes from downtown Southern Pines and Pinehurst.
• William B. Umstead State Park – Tucked between the growing cities of Raleigh, Cary, Durham and the corporate world of Research Triangle Park is an oasis of tranquility, a peaceful haven far removed from big city worries.
• North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation – The official web site for all state parks in North Carolina. Find hours of operation, directions, and park fee information here.
  

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THEATER

Here are just a few of the many wonderful venues to enjoy high quality theatre or music in our area.

• Temple Theatre (Sanford) – Built in 1925, this cozy 339 seat theatre, located in downtown historic Sanford, produces eight main shows per year ranging from musicals to thought provoking dramas.
• Sunrise Theatre (Southern Pines) - The historic Sunrise Theater is situated amidst the magnolias and long-leaf pines on Broad Street, the theatre functions as a cultural center for the community and features a steady stream of concerts, plays, movies and other events.
• North Carolina Theatre (Raleigh) - The North Carolina Theatre blends seasoned Broadway performers with the very best in regional talent at Raleigh's Memorial Auditorium.
• North Carolina Symphony (Raleigh) - The North Carolina Symphony is a full-time, professional orchestra with 65 members. With its home in spectacular Meymandi Concert Hall, the symphony performs about 60 concerts a year.
  

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CHURCHES

Here is a list of local churches, synagogs and places of worship.

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SHOPPING

Depending on where you move, you may find yourself going toward Raleigh and shopping in the large malls just outside of Cary off Route 1, just 20 minutes from downtown Sanford. Or, you may be closer to some of the other towns in our area.

Sanford

Sanford has a cute downtown area that is being revitalized with new restaurants and coffee houses. Lots of pottery and other craft stores in the area. Catch a movie at the new 10 screen theatre. Expect big things in the next few years as Sanford continues to attract people of all ages.

Pinehurst/Southern Pines/Aberdeen

The specialty shops of Pinehurst and Southern Pines are beautiful. Lots of boutiques and home decorating knick-knacks along Broad street in Southern Pines. Stop off at the local ice cream store for a hot dog and a cone before seeing a movie in the new stadium-seating theatre.

Fayetteville

One of the larger towns in the area, Fayetteville has lots of shopping, including two large malls and plenty of restaurants.

Cross Creek Mall (over 100 stores including The Gap, Sears, Structure, and many more)

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