The Best Coffee Shops, Restaurants, and Weekend Spots Around Southern Pines

One of the best parts about living in Southern Pines and Pinehurst is that weekends don’t need much planning to feel special.

The Sandhills area has quietly built a lifestyle scene that blends small-town charm with elevated local experiences. Whether you’re new to the area, visiting for the weekend, or thinking about relocating, here are some local favorites that make life here so enjoyable.

Start the Morning with Coffee and a Slow Pace

Locals here love a slower start to the day, especially on weekends.

A few favorite coffee spots include:

• Swank Coffee Shoppe & Handmade Market — A downtown staple known for coffee, breakfast, and locally made goods.
• Brim — Great coffee and a cozy atmosphere tucked near the Village.
• Amor Ciego Coffee — A favorite for craft coffee and laid-back mornings and walking distance to our office 

Many locals grab coffee and spend time walking downtown Southern Pines or exploring the Village of Pinehurst before the day gets busy.

Where Locals Love to Eat

For a smaller town, the food scene here consistently surprises people.

Some local favorites include:

• Ashten's Restaurant — A longtime favorite for elevated Southern cuisine and date nights.
• Chef Warren's — Known for upscale dining and special occasions.
• Ironwood Cafe — A Pinehurst classic with a loyal local following.
• Drum & Quill Public House — A go-to for casual dinners and drinks in the Village.
• Elliotts on Linden — One of the area’s most loved fine dining experiences.
• Southern Prime Steakhouse — Perfect for celebrations, steak dinners, and cocktails.

The area also has a growing brewery and casual dining scene that keeps weekends fun without needing to drive to a larger city.

Breweries, Patios, and Weekend Hangouts

When the weather is nice — which is most of the year — patios stay busy around the Sandhills.

Popular local hangouts include:

• Railhouse Brewery 
• Southern Pines Growler Company
• Pinehurst Brewing Company

From live music nights to food trucks and community events, there’s usually something happening on the weekends.

Beyond Golf: Favorite Ways to Spend the Weekend

While golf is certainly part of the culture here, locals know there’s much more to enjoy.

Weekend favorites include:

• Exploring downtown shops in Southern Pines
• Walking the trails at Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve
• Visiting the Village of Pinehurst
• Horse country drives through the backroads of Moore County
• Farmers markets and seasonal festivals
• Spa afternoons and brunch with friends

The lifestyle here feels balanced — active without being rushed.

Why People Love Living Here Full-Time

Visitors often come for a weekend and quickly start imagining life here.

That’s because the Sandhills offers something people are craving more and more:

• Community
• Space to breathe
• Beautiful scenery
• Local businesses with personality
• Walkable downtown areas
• A slower, more intentional pace of life

Whether you’re grabbing coffee downtown, meeting friends for dinner, or spending the afternoon outside, everyday life in Southern Pines and Pinehurst tends to feel a little more enjoyable.

And honestly, that’s what makes this area so special.