Sanhills Events June-July 2020

The Sandhills Magazine rundown on what to do to make the most of your free time.

Editor’s Note: As North Carolina gradually reopens and some of the restrictions for social distancing are eased, we hope that events, festivals and concerts begin to enliven our community again. A great online source for an updated event listing is ThePineTimes.com, and we encourage you to check in there often. Another informative source is The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) for the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area website, homeofgolf.com.

Rather than post events that may be postponed or cancelled, Sandhills Magazine is using its calendar space this issue with ideas to Create Your Own Calendar. With such a diverse county full of countryside and wonderful towns, and with the Sandhills being such an easy drive to day trip locations, the options presented may help energize our summertime stay-cations.


Summer Fun Ideas

GOLF


With around 769 golf holes in Moore County, there are plenty of options for every skill level and price point. Here are a few highlights for a fun outing:


The Cradle

Nicknamed “The Most fun 10 Acres in Golf,” this nine hole short course pleases the whole family. It was designed by golf architect Gil Hanse. Green fees for The Cradle are $50 and replay rounds are free. Kids 17 and under play for free when accompanied by a paying adult. pinehurst.com/golf/courses/cradle-short-course/

Talamore Golf Resort

Talamore is an 18-hole course that was opened in 1991 and has remained a consistently well-liked course for golfers in the area. Golf architect Rees Jones designed the course to be both visually beautiful and enjoyable, and a recent shift back to Championship Bermuda greens has been very well-received. Prices to play range from $40 upwards. talamoregolfresort.com/


Southern Pines Golf Club

Built in 1906 by legendary golf course architect Donald Ross, at 6268 yards, it is a short course by today’s standards but with pleasurable, hidden challenges, one of which is more precision off the tee. A course worth playing often to improve your game. Prices range from $39 to $59. southernpinesgolfclub1906.com/


Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club  

A later design by Donald Ross that opened in 1921, Mid Pines remains the same course with the demands and enjoyment that the popular golf architect built into it, and one that was meticulously restored by Kyle Franz in 2013. With the backdrop of the hospitable Mid Pines Inn, this promises to be a special golf outing. From $150 for a round. midpinesinn.com

EXPLORATIONS


Uwharrie National Forest

Uwharrie is a beautiful 50,000 acre National Forest primarily in our neighboring Montgomery, Randolph and Davidson counties, with headquarters in Troy. With numerous walking and hiking trails and the Badin Lake recreation area, it is a perfect place to spend a day exploring the beautiful flora and fauna found in our area.

 

Town Creek Indian Mound

Visit the Town Creek Indian Mound when it reopens, and learn about its important history. Around the 11th Century AD, a new Indian cultural tradition emerged in the Pee Dee River Valley that gave rise to complex societies. These inhabitants built earthen mounds for their spiritual and political leaders, engaged in trade, supported artisans, and celebrated new religions. Only around 30 miles outside of Pinehurst in Mt. Gilead, this is a great day trip and learning experience for the whole family.

 

Experience Indoor Skydiving!

Adventure awaits at Paraclete XP Indoor Skydiving, you can experience “skydiving” from inside a vertical wind tunnel. The sensation has been described as somewhere in between flying and floating. It is an extremely low-risk pursuit that will be fun for the whole family. Located in Raeford, it is well worth the short drive. paracletexp.com

COOL DOWN AT THE BEACH


Wrightsville Beach

A two and a half hour drive will get you to one of the most popular beaches in North Carolina. Leave early to make sure you get a coveted parking spot by the beach. When you’re ready for lunch, head over to Tower 7 or Poe’s Tavern for some delicious take-out food. Stop in Wilmington and go to the historic riverfront along the Cape Fear River on your way out of town.


Carolina/Kure Beach

Want to get slightly more off the beaten path? Head south to Carolina Beach and enjoy a beach day. Stroll on the boardwalk or drive over to Freeman Park — the only beach you can take your 4X4 vehicle on. Make sure to make a stop at Britts Donuts for some of the best donuts ever — cash only!


Southport

A picturesque town with water views, Southport is about two and half hours away and a great spot for a day trip.  Founded in the mid-1700s, visit The Fort Johnson Museum and Visitors Center, to learn more about this historic part of North Carolina. Fan of Nicholas Sparks? His bestseller-turned hit movie, Safe Haven, was set and filmed in Southport.  


LEARN ONLINE!

Sandhills Community College

Enroll in one of the many options for online classes at Sandhills Community College. Browse the course catalog and apply online. Most classes will even help you advance your career or develop useful skill-sets for the future! sandhills.edu/online-programs-and-classes/


Duolingo

Always wanted to learn a language? Download the Duolingo app. It is a simple way to begin learning and with language options from Hindi to Czech, you will have numerous options for what to learn. Pick a language and challenge yourself to spend 15 minutes a day learning and see how much you know by the end of the summer! duolingo.com/


Coursera

Coursera is one of the top online learning sites and is providing many free or low-cost courses to keep you occupied. With options from Data Science to Fashion and Design, there is a course for everyone. Coursera teams up with top programs from around the world to bring incredible online learning opportunities you must check out! coursera.org/

GET ACTIVE


Yoga

The Sandhills are home to some world class yoga options. Check out studios like Hot Asana or Village Yoga. There are many online and Zoom class options available to stay fit and mindful through this trying time. Check out Hot Asana’s online, on-demand yoga classes — an unlimited monthly membership is just $19.99! hotasanastudio.com/in-the-pines


Burn Boot Camp

A newer edition to the Sandhills fitness options, Burn Boot Camp is guaranteed to make you sweat and have you leave feeling great. Sign up for a 14-day free trial for access to the many online programs and community resources they are offering. burnbootcamp.com/locations/pinehurst-nc/


Run!

The Sandhills have some of the best running trails for all levels. Run the Reservoir for a flatter option or The Pinehurst Greenway trail for challenging hills. Download a running app and challenge your friends to keep each other motivated; some of the best are Strava, Nike Run Club, MapMyRun or Runkeeper.

VOLUNTEER


Volunteering is a great way to help others while helping yourself — nothing feels better than giving. Here are a few opportunities to check on.


Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills

Apply to volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club! There are various options, from mentoring children to coordinating fundraisers. The schedules are often flexible so it is easy to find a time to give back. Fill out an application online to get started! sandhillsbgc.org/get-involved/


Meals on Wheels of the Sandhills

Meals on wheels is an incredible organization that delivers daily meals to those in need. Volunteer to deliver meals; volunteers pick up the meals around 11am and deliver them according to a meal route given. The process takes around 1-2 hours and does so much good to give back to the community! mealsonwheelsofthesandhills.com/volunteer


Moore Humane Society

Volunteer to help the communities furry friends! The Moore Humane Society offers numerous volunteer options, from shelter volunteers to dog walkers. You can even foster a pet who needs a loving home until they get adopted.
moorehumane.org/opportunities/