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There are no real must see attractions in the immediate area of Pinehurst. But for those looking for a diversion, there are some places of local flavor that could provide a pleasant afternoon of sightseeing. In nearby Asheboro (45 min.) is the very good North Carolina State Zoo.
Bethesda Church & Cemetery- Church, circa 1790, with old slave gallery. Bullet holes from the Civil War can still be seen on the exterior, and graves of pioneer settlers. Guided tours for groups are by appointment only. Bethesda Road (NC 5), Aberdeen. 910-944-1319
House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site-, Pre-revolutionary war house with bullet holes still visible from 1781 skirmish between Whigs and Tories, now reenacted each August. Free guided tours, groups welcome. 324 Alston House Rd., Sanford 910-947-2051
Malcolm Blue Farm & Museum- 1825 antebellum farm with restored farmhouse, gristmill, barns and museum. Open year-round (except holidays) Thursday-Saturday 1-4 pm. Free guided tours available. Bethesda Road (NC 5) Aberdeen. 910-944-9483.
National Rail Road Museum- Former Seaboard Coast Line railway depot. Exhibit includes diesel-electric locomotive and caboose, model railroad layout, re-created telegraph office, and memorabilla. Open Sat. 10-5pm, Sun. 1-5pm, weekdays by appointment. 2 Main St., Hamlet.
North Carolina Zoological Park- 500-acre natural habitat zoo ranked in top 5 North American zoos. Exhibits include polar bears, river otters, bobcats and elk. Open daily except Christmas 9-5pm, $8 adults, $5 child. 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro (NC 211 west to US 220 north to NC 159). 910-879-7307
Pinehurst Harness Track- See the horses put through their training in early mornings. Annual spring Matinee Races, horse shows, and polo matches. Open all year 8 am to dusk. Free guided tours available. NC 5, Pinehurst, 910-295-4446
Rankin Museum of American Heritage- Exhibits include paleontology, native American/Artic artifacts, Civil War relics . Open Tue.-Fri. 10-4pm. Sat-Sun. 2-5 pm. $2 Adults, $1 child. 131 W. Church St., Ellerbe. 910-652-6378
Sandhills Horticultural Gardens- Located on Sandhills Community College Campus, maintained and designed by the Landscape Gardening Department and Sandhills Horticultural Society. 25 acres of gardens including formal English garden and native wetland trail, roses, rhododendron, azaleas. Open daylight hours year round, guided group tours available by appointment, handicapped accessible. 2200 Airport Rd., Pinehurst. 910-695-3882
Shaw House Properties- Three historic houses depicting daily life of early settlers. Shaw House home to the town's first mayor and the oldest house in town on its original foundation. Britt Sanders Cabin circa 1770 and contains a 126 year old loom, Garner House log structure with a log corn crib and hand forged door hinges. Guided tours provided Open Feb-July and Sept. to Mid Dec. 1-4 pm. or by appointment. free (groups $ 1 per person) Morganton & Broad Streets, Southern Pines. 910-692-2051.
Town Creek Inidan Mound- Restored site of the Muskhogean Indians of the Pee Dee area. Interpretive exhibits and slide presentation, reconstructed structures including temples, mortuary, and stockade with guard towers. Closed winter holidays, open all summer holidays. Free. Town Creek Road (between NC 731 and NC 73) Mt. Gilead. 910-439-6802.
Union Station- Victorian structure featuring railroad artifacts from the Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad and an inspection car which is one of two left in the U.S. Open weekdays 8-5pm, groups by appointment. Free. Downtown Aberdeen. 910-944-5902.
