Southern Pines Listed in 50 Best Small Towns in America
One of Moore County’s own communities, Southern Pines, was recently ranked in Newsmax’s list of the 50 best small towns in America. The Newsmax article describes Southern Pines as a “historically charming town” complete with “the Weymouth Center grounds, galleries of the Arts Council of Moore County, and plenty of green and peaceful parks for strolls or bicycling.”
Home to over 12,000 people, Southern Pines attracts residents and visitors alike with its rich history, traditions, and high quality of life. Located along US Highway 1, the town was first settled in 1884 with the intentions of becoming a health resort. Since then, Southern Pines has grown into a vibrant hub of commerce, but it still maintains its connections to its roots.
The town has always demonstrated a deep appreciation of and commitment to the arts. In the 20th century, writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe flocked to Southern Pines’ Weymouth House, which had become a popular gathering place for respected writers at the time. Today, the town is home to the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities, a former estate that—in addition to its beautiful grounds—now hosts music festivals, writing competitions, literary programs, and much more. The downtown Sunrise Theater, an independently owned theater, also screens independent films and hosts concerts and theater performances.
Visitors and community members both flock to Southern Pines’ bustling downtown, with its unique shops and restaurants, historic buildings, and wide variety of events. On the first Friday of each month from May to October, the Southern Pines Business Association, Sunrise Theater, and local sponsors host “First Friday,” a live entertainment event designed to bring community members of all ages together in the downtown area. During the spring, summer, and fall, the Moore County Farmer’s Market meets at Downtown Park, showcasing the delicious local products of farmers and artisans in the area. From parades to festivals to music performances, the Southern Pines downtown is a hub of activity.
It would be difficult to talk about Southern Pines without mentioning the plethora of outdoor activities, particularly golf and equestrian sports, for which it is known. Southern Pines has over 40 golf courses, and Home of Golf reports that “twenty-three of the golf courses in the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area were rated 4-stars or better by Golf Digest’s ‘Best Places to Play'.” For those who love to spend time outdoors aside from the golf course, Southern Pines also has an abundance of parks and greenways, and the Recreation and Parks department organizes a variety of activities for individuals of all ages.
From shopping to eating to the arts to recreations—Southern Pines has something to offer for everyone, whether you live here or are just visiting the area!