Southern Pines, North Carolina, has a vibrant history and is one of the most walkable small towns in the state. Originally founded as a winter health resort for travelers from the North, today, Southern Pines in Moore County continues its almost 140 years as a thriving community. With approximately 15,900 residents, it attracts hundreds of visitors from near and far to its unique eateries, locally-owned boutique shopping, interesting historical sites, and an abundance of outdoor activities.

Since 1898, folks have been rolling into Southern Pines, North Carolina, through the Southern Pines Station.

Southern Pines Welcome Center Southern Pines Station, 235 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

This important landmark was renovated in 1948 and restored to its 1948 design in 2004, still bringing visitors to the heart of historic downtown Southern Pines.

CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, releases all rights but a photo credit would be appreciated if this image is used anywhere other than Wikipedia. Please leave a note at Wikipedia here. Thank you!, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Back in 1884, John T. Patrick bought 675 acres, and the town was officially incorporated in 1887.

Southern Pines Welcome Center/Facebook To learn about the town’s interesting history, the Southern Pines Welcome Center offers historic photos, brochures, and maps showcasing the various activities available in one of the most walkable small towns in North Carolina.

  1. Start your day off with a fresh juice or specialty coffee at Swank Coffee Shoppe & Handmade Market.

Swank Coffee Shoppe & Handmade Market You can also pick up a scone or some breakfast if you like. Swank Coffee Shoppe, 232 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

  1. Next, book ahead and relish in this treat of a facial at Karma Spa Lounge & Beauty Bar, because you deserve it.

Karma Spa Lounge & Beauty Bar/Facebook Relax and rejuvenate in the peaceful place.

The well-trained professional staff offers a luxurious experience with Aveda products, a cocktail bar, manicures, pedicures, massages, and tanning. ​

Karma Spa Lounge & Beauty Bar/Facebook Choose from a pre-made package or build your own.

  1. Now, for a little shopping try Marie & Marcele, a mother-daughter-owned boutique providing its clients with a family-like atmosphere, bringing the latest trends at affordable prices.

Marie & Marcele Boutique

From recreational activities to dressing up, this place keeps you covered in style.

Marie & Marcele Boutique

For a pick-me-up, try one of the 24 flavors offered at the Ice Cream Parlor Restaurant of homemade and Hershey’s ice cream made into malts, shakes, banana splits, and sundaes.

The Ice Cream Parlor Restaurant November 21, 2020 · Established in 1976, this eatery also serves delicious lunches and dinners. The Ice Cream Parlor Restaurant, 176 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

  1. And if you purchased an athletic outfit at Marie & Marcele, put it on, because Reservoir Park is home to 165 acres and a 95-acre lake featuring many outdoor activities, such as a disc golf course, and kayaking.

turtledovelove/TripAdvisor Reservoir Park, 300 Reservoir Park Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

The breathtaking hike guides you along several spots for picnicking, resting, working the exercise stations, or fishing.

Janice S./TripAdvisor

  1. After building up a thirst, take a pit-stop at Southern Pines Brewing Co. owned by veterans who met while serving in the Green Berets, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Southern Pines Brewing Company/Facebook Southern Pines Brewing Company on Pennsylvania, 205 W Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

The original location has an industrial/rustic feel sitting on the outskirts of town.

Southern Pines Brewing Company/Facebook The other one is downtown at 205 W. Pennsylvania Ave.

  1. By now you must be starving and we recommend Ashten’s Restaurant and Bar.

Ashten’s Restaurant/Facebook Get a head start and check out the diverse menu. Ashten’s, 140 E New Hampshire Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

This Sunday supper is blackened halibut and local oyster mushroom risotto.

Ashten’s Restaurant/Facebook

  1. Saving the best for last, the Sunrise Theater is a nonprofit organization that educates and entertains the community through film and performing arts, while preserving the historic 1940s theater.

Sunrise Theater/Facebook Sunrise Theater, 250 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

Enjoy art-house and indie movies, concerts and simulcast Met operas in the magical interior.

Sunrise Theater/Facebook What’s playing next?

Once you visit Southern Pines, you will see why it is one of the 10 best rural towns in North Carolina, and one of the most walkable small towns in the state. If you visit, please let us know about your experience in the comments below.

Southern Pines Welcome Center

Southern Pines Station, 235 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

CZmarlin — Christopher Ziemnowicz, releases all rights but a photo credit would be appreciated if this image is used anywhere other than Wikipedia. Please leave a note at Wikipedia here. Thank you!, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Southern Pines Welcome Center/Facebook

To learn about the town’s interesting history, the Southern Pines Welcome Center offers historic photos, brochures, and maps showcasing the various activities available in one of the most walkable small towns in North Carolina.

Swank Coffee Shoppe & Handmade Market

You can also pick up a scone or some breakfast if you like.

Swank Coffee Shoppe, 232 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

Karma Spa Lounge & Beauty Bar/Facebook

Relax and rejuvenate in the peaceful place.

Choose from a pre-made package or build your own.

Marie & Marcele Boutique

The Ice Cream Parlor Restaurant November 21, 2020 ·

Established in 1976, this eatery also serves delicious lunches and dinners.

The Ice Cream Parlor Restaurant, 176 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

turtledovelove/TripAdvisor

Reservoir Park, 300 Reservoir Park Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

Janice S./TripAdvisor

Southern Pines Brewing Company/Facebook

Southern Pines Brewing Company on Pennsylvania, 205 W Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

The other one is downtown at 205 W. Pennsylvania Ave.

Ashten’s Restaurant/Facebook

Get a head start and check out the diverse menu.

Ashten’s, 140 E New Hampshire Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

Sunrise Theater/Facebook

Sunrise Theater, 250 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA

What’s playing next?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.