Discover a little slice of Gilmore Girls charm in Pinehurst, North Carolina!
It feels just like stepping into the town of Stars Hollow.
The village of Pinehurst has to be one of the cutest places that you can visit in the south for your own kind of New England paradise.
Perhaps it is most famously known as the “home of golf” with the Pinehurst Golf Resort right in the town. But there’s actually so much more that this charming town has to offer.
So if you’re visiting Pinehurst, make sure to add these fun things to your list!
20 Things to Do in Pinehurst, North Carolina
🍽️ Where to eat and drink in Pinehurst
The Roast Office
Located in the old post office, now it’s a bookshop and café!
Order up and have a little wander perusing the stacks and shelves.
Agora
This is such a sweet spot. Much like the old post office, this used to be an old bank in the village, turned into a coffee shop.
The coffee is excellent and PLEASE make sure to get the cinnamon rolls!
Pinehurst Brewing Co
Oh we had so much fun at the Pinehurst Brewing Co!
It’s definitely a more fun atmosphere here on a night out! Kind of industrial brewery vibes meets an amazing smokehouse kitchen.
Choose from dishes like pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs and chicken PLUS super delicious sides, like hush puppies or fried cheese curd, okra and pickles.
And no worries if BBQ isn’t your fave, they have a pretty extensive menu with something for everyone.
We had the best night here!
The 1985 Grille
A little bit more formal, the 1985 Grille is located within The Holly Inn.
I really like the dark, moody interiors of the restaurant (and the inn!) It kind of feels a little like stepping into a medieval manor.
We had a lovely dinner here – but the service was a bit slow!
The Tavern at The Holly Inn
A much more relaxed experience, this is essentially the “pub” at The Holly Inn.
Great for stopping in for a drink and they have an outdoor patio that would be great in the summertime.
The Villager Deli
The ideal chill spot for sandwiches and sodas.
We sat outside in the sunshine on a mild March day and it could not have been lovelier.
Definitely order the grilled cheese… and if you’re like me, a diet coke!
The Carolina Dining Room
Kind of a staple if you are staying in Pinehurst!
The Carolina Dining Room is the main dining restaurant at Pinehurst Resort featuring classic dishes.
Village Wine Shop
This is a neat little spot in town featuring plenty of wine choices. The interiors are dark and moody and feel a little like a dark academia bookstore or hideaway. And the owners were super lovely.
We ordered our wines and enjoyed them outside on the cute little patio.
Drum & Quill
Your classic pub can be found right in the hub of the village! We sadly did not venture in here as it was totally packed, so my thoughts are that it’s got to be good.
Best things to do in Pinehurst
⛳️ Golf at Pinehurst, of course!
One of the most famous golf courses around!
Joe loved getting to play here during the week, the ultimate course being, Number 2.
For avid golfers, this is an absolute golf bucket lit must!
🍹 The Cradle Course
Now this is MY kind of gofl!
It’s a super short fun course at Pinehurst! You can book into The Cradle which is a Par Three Course, kind of like a bigger version of mini-golf.
In the evenings they play music and have a bar on site. We got margaritas and had a little play around this 9 hole short course. This was a really fun time!
🧖♀️ Spa at Pinehurst Resort
My jet lag required a spa day and Pinehurst has such a lovely spa to enjoy!
Perfect for those who aren’t super into golf (me!) but also want to partake in activities during the day. I enjoyed two massages during my stay while Joe played golf – a win for both of us!
Tufts Bookshop
Located next to/within the same building as The Roast Office coffee shop.
Great for a little browse during the afternoon.
Village Arboretum + Pergola Garden
We were probably a little off timing wise seasonally, as things weren’t quite in bloom yet.
But this area is great for a big walk around and getting your steps in for the day (if you aren’t on the course, that is!)
The USGA Experience and the World Golf Hall of Fame
This was a really neat experience to wander through. We stopped in at the end of the day a little before closing and they actually kindly let us in for free.
You can see memorabilia from famous golfers within these walls and also plenty of trophies too. It was cool to see even as someone with no real interest in golf.
Shop in the cute local stores in the village
For such a small village, there are certainly plenty of shops to check out!
What I like about the local stores in Pinehurst are that everything is a little bit unique. You’ll find really special pieces on your shopping adventures.
Where to stay in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Ok, so staying directly among the Pinehurst Resort can be expensive.
Worth it for a splurge and if you are an avid golfer. But equally there are so many other places nearby that are sooooo much more affordable.
Especially if you decide to book out a private home in the area. There are TONS of rental places in the area that you can find here.
An even more affordable option? Stay in the town of Southern Pines, not too far away.
The Carolina Hotel – Pinehurst Resort
Now if you are staying directly in Pinehurst, The Carolina Hotel is pretty much the main hotel as part of the resorts.
It kind of feels like a Disneyland hotel in a way and reminded me of The Grand Floridian hotel at Disneyworld in Florida.
Everyone here is super friendly, and we really enjoyed our stay! There are so many bars and restaurants on site, it’s essentially a very classically American kind of spot.
Other hotels in the area as part of the Pinehurst Resort? The Carolina Hotel, The Holly Inn, The Manor or The Magnolia Inn.
Thanks so much for joining me along my mini-guide to the beautiful village of Pinehurst, North Carolina!
I hope it helps with your future trips and planning!
Have the best time in this super golf hot spot!
Kelly xoxo
If you’re looking for more things to do in North Carolina, don’t miss my other blog posts!
25 Magical Things to do in Asheville, North Carolina
A Fairytale Stay: The Inn on Biltmore Estate, North Carolina review