Virginia Golfer Sep / Oct 2017 | Page 37

village of Pinehurst and is known for its pork chops—slowly braised much like osso buco—as well as for its friendly bar. In fact, “Mr. B’s Lounge” has been called the “best 19th hole in America” and includes visit-wor- thy golf memorabilia and chip- ping in the bar, as well as rocking chairs on the front porch. While the watering hole here is leg- endary, this is also a quaint old bed-and-breakfast with good food and attentive service. NORTH CAROLINA CUISINE For fine dining, The Ironwood in Pinehurst (910-255-0000) features American cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients. Ask for outdoor patio seating under the magnolia trees. Some claim they have the “best wine pours” in the region. Ashtens in Southern Pines (910-246-3510) is where the locals go for quality farm-to-ta- ble dining. Ask for pub seating and leave room for ice cream or sorbet, which are made in house. Or visit Elliott’s on Linden (910-215- 0775) for shrimp and grits for dinner. It now offers a wine bar and an outdoor fire pit to relive the day’s best shots. For more casual dining, House of Fish (910-944-0826) in Aberdeen offers fresh, made-to-order seafood ranging from fresh oysters, crab cakes to the catch of the day. If you’re looking for tasty pulled-pork barbe- cue, the locals suggest Pik N Pig (910-947- 7591) in nearby Carthage, N.C., which serves up slow-smoked, wood-cooked barbecue, as well as ribs, beef brisket and smoked chick- en. Save room for some banana pudding. Curt’s Cucina (910-725-1868) in South- ern Pines has a small menu, but offers excellent Italian pasta dishes, while Vito’s Restaurant (Southern Pines 910-692-7815; Pinehurst 910-295-0304) is the place to go for pizza. Note: Vito’s does not take credit cards, but there’s an ATM on site. A must-go breakfast/brunch restaurant is The Pinehurst Track Restaurant (910- 295-2597) located on the grounds of the Pinehurst Harness Track. This is where the local golfers start their day before a round. Opens at 6:30 a.m. If you’re looking for a sports bar in South- ern Pines with decent steaks or burgers, vsga.org LEFT: Only have time for 9? Try Knollwood Fairways in Southern Pines. ABOVE: The Rees Jones-designed Talamore Golf Course has installed new Champion Bermuda putting surfaces. check out CharBar No. 7 (910-725-2266), or Chapman’s Food & Spirits (910-246-0497), where the menu ranges from fish tacos and pork ribs to lobster mac-n-cheese. Pinehurst Village features some fine local bars, including Dugan’s Pub (910- 295-3400), a popular Irish pub, and The Drum and Quill Public House (910-295- 3193), an often-packed local pub named for golf journalist Bob Drum. The Bell Tree Tavern (910-692-4766) in downtown Southern Pines is a traditional tavern that features live music, cookouts and game- day celebrations. And if you are looking for an excep- tional working microbrewery and pub, check out Railhouse Brewery (910- 783-5280) in Aberdeen. Established by three retired military veterans, you can wash down pizza, wings, pretzels and Wisconsin cheese curds with a choice of six different locally brewed beers, including three international craft-beer award winners. Last but not least, The Spa at Pinehurst (855-235-8507) can soothe your aching muscles when your golfing mind has said, “Go,” and your body has finally said, “No.” This full-service spa offers massage, facials and even a Gentleman’s Menu to get you back in the swing of your favorite game. And if your favorite game brings you to the Sandhills of North Carolina, you are certain to find just what you are looking for in the Greater Pinehurst region. To plan your next trip to the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area, visit homeofgolf.com. S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 17 | V I R G I N I A G O L F E R 35