Support Local!

This small sign hangs in one of our favorite breakfast spots, The Broad Street Bakery in Southern Pines, NC.  CIA trained owners make amazing food!  We own a boutique real estate firm in Southern Pines and faithfully support local independent businesses when we can.

Some of our favorites restaurants along with The Broad Street Bakery are....

The Bakehouse in Aberdeen, NC for both their baked goods and lunch.  Barcelona burger with garlic sauce.... the only thing I will order.

Curt's Cucina for amazing Italian.  Friends who have lived in Italy have said they have never found better in the states.

Etalia in Southern Pines for Italian cuisine and wood fired pizza.  Of course, their wine dinners should never be missed!

Full Moon Oyster Bar has amazing seafood.  Make sure you get their potato side.

Wolcott's in Southern Pines is my favorite special occasion restaurant.  For those evenings you want to take your time, savor the food, the wine and relax.

Ironwood Cafe on Midland Road in Pinehurst is my favorite outside spot to sit and enjoy dinner.  Actually I most enjoy their martinis and appetizers!  Their dinners and lunch are great but I just enjoy the grazing experience here.

Sweet Basil in the historic district of Southern Pines gives you a great downtown experience.  Get there early or the line will be long.

Southern Prime Steakhouse is on the pricier side and serves great food and great wine but again my favorite is to sit outside on the patio and enjoy their short rib appetizer and a great glass of cabernet.  For me it is big enough for dinner.

Elliott's on Linden is a place I order only one thing!  Shrimp and Grits.  I'm a northern transplant and hated grits until I tasted Mark Elliott's version!

As you can see the area has great restaurants and amazing chefs.  I know that when I hit publish on this blog I will think of several other places we enjoy and I promise to write about them at another time.  In the meantime... support local!

Holiday with the Symphony

The North Carolina Symphony has been entertaining us since 1932.  The symphony performs across the state.  On December 21st David Glover will conduct Holiday Pops at Pinecrest High School's Lee Auditorium from 8 to 10 p.m.  Tickets are $18 to $35 and can be purchased at www.ncsymphony.org.

If you are looking to bring the Christmas holiday in with some toe tapping be sure to purchase your tickets today!

Elvis Fans Check This Out!

December 18th at 2 p.m. join the Sandhills Rotary Club as they present Elvis Christmas Special at the Pinecrest High School Robert E. Lee Auditorium.  Todd Allen Herendeen performs across the country bringing audiences a wide spectrum of music.

The event is being brought to you by Vision 4 Moore, a non profit organization that shares net proceeds with their shared partners.  Visit their website to view the amazing work they have done this year.

Tickets can be purchased at Vision 4 Moore or pick them up at The Country Bookshop, Sandhills Winery, or Given Memorial Library.  General admission is $20 or reserved seating for $30.

The Robert E. Lee Auditorium is located on the Pinecrest High School Campus at 250 Voit Gilmore Lane, Southern Pines.

First Health 2016 Swim Lessons for Children

First Health Swimming Lessons for Children has offerings for ages 3-12 that meet twice each week for 3 weeks.  Each class is 40 minutes and by limiting the class to just 6-10 children your children are sure to get the attention they need. Registration is held the week prior to the class start date. And classes are offered at 3:40, 4:20, 5:05, 5:50, 6:35 and 7:15.  Be sure to check the schedule since different levels of swim are offered at different times to cover the needs of all participants.

Visit the Health & Fitness Website to register.  First Health members have the first opportunity to register followed by the public. 

Classes are available through December.   Cost: $50 members/$65 community.

View their schedule by level of ability here.

First Health also offers life guard training.  But schedule quickly time is running out.

 

Christmas in July

The Christmas Countdown has begun.  At the time of this posting it is just 160 days.  While it may be 90 degrees and summer here in the Sandhills it is the perfect time to get a start on your shopping and help local children!

Caring Hearts of Kids of Moore is having their Christmas in July sale at the National Guard Armory, 500 West Morganton Road in Southern Pines.  The event will be Saturday, July 25th between the hours of 10 and 4.

Admission is free.  Come and visit the 30+ local crafters and help a great cause!  Food and music will also round out the day.

6th Annual Festival of Beers

Isn't it interesting how the perfect cold beer and can make the best summer day even better!

The Moore County Chamber of Commerce is holding its Sixth Annual Festival of Beers on May 16^th at the Southern Pines Elks Club.  Rain or shine this event will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.   Tickets are now $30 for participants and $10 for Designated Driver. 

Come and enjoy some of the best brewers in North Carolina!  There are expected to be 20 breweries present including:  Southern Pines Brewery, Lagunitas, Gizmo, Bomb Shell Breweing, Brew Point, Red Oak, German Ghuistof, Shocktop, Goose Island, White Street and more.

Not a beer drinker but don’t to miss the fun?  Biltmore Winery will also be part of the festival!

Tickets are available at the Chamber or online at www.moorecountychamber.com  .  The Elks Club is located at 280 Country Club Circle in Southern Pines.

All who attend the event must be 21 or older.  No children, no exceptions.

55+ Activities in Southern Pines

The April schedule is out for the Douglass Community Center at 1185 West Pennsylvania Avenue.

Chess Club meets Thursdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  Bring your chess set and enjoy the fun.

Don't forget the Fitness Room is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  Available equipment includes exercise balls, stretch bands, free weights, weight machine, elliptical machine, stationary bikes and treadmills.  Cost is $10 for residents and $20 for non residents for a 6 month cycle.

The group will see Temple Theatre perform "Hairspray".  11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Travel will be to Sanford.  Cost is $26 for residents and $52 for non residents.  There is a minimum of 9 required and a maximum number of 14 for attendance.

For more information on 55+ activities at the Douglass Community Center be sure to call Emma Griffin at 910-692-7376.

Foray for Frogs at Weymouth Woods

North Carolina State Parks is celebrating the "Year of the Amphibian".

Weymouth Woods celebrates this Friday evening at 7 p.m. with a Foray for Frogs.

Be sure to wear closed toed shoes and bug spray, also bring a flash light for a hike down to the creek to listen for the call of toads and frogs.

This program is free and open to the public.  But please leave your four legged friends at home.

You will find this event at 1024 Fort Bragg Road in Southern Pines.

Easter Eggstravaganza

The Town of Aberdeen will be holding an Easter Eggstravaganza for children ages 9 and younger on Saturday, March 28th at the Aberdeen Lake Park.

The fun begins with face painting at 10:30 and the Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m.

The egg hunt will be broken into age categories of 3 and under, 4 - 6 years, and 7 - 9 years of age.  Each group will have their own area and all hunts will begin at the same time.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for the Easter Bunny who will also be joining you at the event.

For more information call 910-944-7275.

Stoneybrook Steeplechase 2015

We are so excited that the 64th running of the Stoneybrook Steeplechase is just weeks away.  This event marks the start of spring here in the Sandhills.

Saturday, April 4th is a day filled with friends and festivities! Gates open at 9:30 and there is a full race day schedule of fun.

If you are one of the "hat enthusiasts" you can register for the competition between 9:30 and 11. Judging is at 11:30.

10 a.m. opens the Vendor Village and Kid Zone and the kids can register for the Stick Horse Races which will begin at 11:30 as well.

Please know that you can purchase a general admission ticket online prior to the event for $25 or $30 at the gate.  There are also tailgating options available.  For those competitive and enthusiastic tailgaters you will be judged at 11:30 also!

Please note that after speaking with the horse park today children are no longer free and must purchase a ticket to attend the event.

The event takes place at the Carolina Horse Park at 2814 Montrose Road, in Raeford, North Carolina.

We look forward to hosting our 2nd Annual Towering Pines Real Estate event for agents, friends and clients!

A Special Thanks to Nancy Hudson of Shutterbug Graphix for this great picture from last years event!

Sandhills Community College Creative Living Classes

Do you love to learn?  Enjoy a learning atmosphere?  Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina offers a great array of classes to keep you engaged.  Here is what is currently offered in their Creative Living Series for March and April.

Follow the Rhoades Scholar Lecture Series
Learn Finance
Enjoy the North Carolina Symphony Lecture Series
Attend the Parenting Workshops
Interested in Dance, Film & Music
How about Hobbies and Crafts
Would you like to learn a New Language
Learn to paint or draw in their Art series
Is Personal Enrichment your thing
Or possibly you have another Special Interest

Sandhills Community College is conveniently located at 3395 Airport Road in Pinehurst, North Carolina.  You can contact them at 910-692-6185.

Wine, Chocolate and Valentines in Pinehurst and Southern Pines, NC

Chocolate and Wine Lovers Unite this Saturday for the Chocolate Love Affair.  Wind your way through 18 different stops in the Village of Pinehurst to enjoy the decadent samples available.  Tickets are available online for $35.  The event is rain or shine an begins at 4 p.m.!

Triangle Wine also has an event on Saturday, February 7th.  From 2 to 5 p.m. they will be having a tasting of "Perfect Wines for Date Night."  On February 14th, Valentines Day, they also will have a tasting of "Wines to Pair with Chocolate" from 2 to 5 p.m..  Triangle Wine can be found in the Southern Pines Village Shopping Center across from Kohl's.

Valentine's evening you can bring your sweetheart to The Wine Cellar at 241A NE Broad Street in Southern Pines for music.  Enjoy trying some of their recommended romantic wines.

Enjoy your time while you are here and should one of these excite you to move to our area please give Allan and Terry of Towering Pines Real Estate a call at 910-528-2078.




 

School's Out? Southern Pines has Great Things for the Kids to Do!

Southern Pines has your kids covered during the school year.  Unfortunately these events can fill up quickly and have a current wait list.  You can check the availability on the Southern Pines Camps page.

The available fun includes:

Year Round Day Camp for Kindergarten - 13 years.  Games, sports, arts and crafts, trips and activities make breaks from school one the kids will never forget.  There is a one time non refundable registration fee of $10 for residents and $20 for non residents.  There is also a $20 resident and $40 resident non refundable fee to hold your spot.

Crafty Kids Creation Camp  is available for ages 7 and above.  The next scheduled event is March 30th - April 3rd Bunnies, Chicks, Flowers and Homemade Goodies.  $80 for residents and $160 non residents.

Clay Camp for 5 year old through teens keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming spring catalog.

Full Day Activities for kindergarten through 12 year old currently has a waiting list.  The upcoming events are the Greensboro Science Center on January 26th, Defy Gravity on February 16th, Museum of Life and Science Trip on March 9th and Maple View Farm on April 13th.

Crafty Creations with Ms. Karen for ages 7 and above is held at the downtown train station.  January 26th will be Valentine's Day with fun to enchant you sweetheart.  February 16th is Friendship Bracelets, March 9th is 3D Art Canvas Painting and finishing up with the Spring Into Crafts event on April 13th.  These events are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are $25 for residents and $50 for non residents at the train station.  One time registration fee is required for each child of $10 for residents and $20 for non residents.  Be sure to bring your lunch and a drink!

You can view all Southern Pines Children's Camp 2014-2015 Events here!

Annual New Years Celebration in Southern Pines, NC

Come join the fun as Southern Pines begins the celebration of the New Year.  Starting at 6 p.m. at the Historic Train Station on Broad Street Southern Pines will have its Annual First Eve Celebration.  

There will be live music, carnival games, face painting and much, much more.  The festivities are just the perfect countdown to the Pinecone Drop at 8 p.m. 

This exciting and free event is brought to you by the Southern Pines Recreation and Parks Department and the Southern Pines Business Association.

Moore County Christmas Tree Recycling Event

Wondering what to do with the Christmas Tree now that the holidays are over?  Don't just throw away that tree!  Recycle!

The Christmas Tree Recycling Event is being sponsored, once again, by Keep Moore County Beautiful.

From Monday, December 29th through Friday January 9th, Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. you can drop off your Christmas tree at two different locations:

Moore County Landfill located at 456 Turning Leaf Way (off NC 5) in Aberdeen.

Carthage Collection Center at 5361 U.S. 15-501 South.

Pinehurst Trace in Pinehurst NC | Homes for Sale | Market Report November 2014

Pinehurst Trace in Pinehurst NC is an active and wonderful adult 55+ community.  From the moment you enter this neighborhood you will be struck by how well maintained and lovely everything is.  All homes are single story brick homes with perfectly manicured landscaping.  You will feel far from the hustle and bustle of the world but yet you are close to everything homes for sale in Pinehurst NC have to offer.  This pristine neighborhood is just minutes from First Health Moore County Regional Hospital and very convenient to shopping and restaurants.

The 7,000 square foot clubhouse is the social hub of the neighborhood.  There is a great room, meeting rooms, kitchen, fitness center and library.  Through the clubhouse you can access the pool.

Many residents of Pinehurst Trace also enjoy hours of tennis as just another way to enjoy living in the Pinehurst North Carolina area also known as the Golf Capital of the United States.

You may wish to purchase a resale home or possibly purchase a lot and pick your own builder for a new construction home in Pinehurst Trace.  The Pinehurst Trace Homeowners Association provide maintenance of lawns and will also provide exterior maintenance for each residence.  You may want enjoy this as your second home or decide to retire here in style!

Homes range between 1300 and 2400 square feet with 2 and 3 bedroom styles.  Homes can be found with one or two car attached garages.  This is a great community for ages 55 or older.

There are currently 7 Pinehurst Trace homes for sale in Pinehurst NC with living space ranging from 1400 to 3900 square feet.  Home price range varies from $156,900 to $250,000.  There are 230 homes in Pinehurst Trace.  11 homes have sold year to date.  Five of these are 2 bedrooms and six were 3 bedrooms.

Save Money When Buying a Home - Homes for Heroes Moore County

Welcome Carson and Alana to Whispering Pines!

Through Homes for Heroes Moore County and their vendor affiliates Carson and Alana saved $3234.06 when buying their home in Whispering Pines, NC.

Homes for Heroes in Moore County is a community minded company whose purpose is to provide real rebates and real discounts for heroes who are buying or selling a home in the Southern Pines area.


The mission of Homes for Heroes is to provide extraordinary savings to local heroes who provide extraordinary services to our community every day.


Heroes include but are not limited to teachers, firefighters, peace officers, health care workers and military.

When you are ready to buy or sell your home in the Pinehurst area give Allan and Terry a call at 910-528-1181 to discuss how much money you can save!

Where Do I Vote In Moore County, North Carolina?

You may be tired of the negative advertising, the robo calls and the menagerie of signs on every corner of town but Election Day is finally upon us.  Tomorrow is the big day! Your vote is your voice!
Take the time tomorrow to head to the polls and be heard.  While you may be only one vote, remember there are powers in numbers.  Your vote makes a difference.

Not sure where your polling place is?  Here is the list of all Moore County polling sites.  If you still are not sure give Moore County Board of Elections a call at 910-947-3868.  Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

It's our government, don't leave the decision to others.  Go Vote!

Looking for Halloween Fun in Southern Pines, North Carolina?

Southern Pines, North Carolina begins the Halloween festivities at 5 p.m.  Kids 10 and under should head to the downtown park for the Southern Pines Halloween Haunt.  There will be games, edible crafts, bingo, a flashlight egg hunt and more. 

For those a little older who like a really big scare, check out the Aberdeen Fear Factory.  This is North Carolina’s largest indoor haunt with 25,000 square feet of sheer terror.  The faint of heart should remain at home!  You will find them at 10570 NC Hwy 211 in Aberdeen.  Check out their website for ticket prices.

For those of you whose real treat is a relaxing evening with a nice glass of wine you might want to head to Cypress Bend Vineyards in Wagram.  Wear your costume (there will be judging) and enjoy the music of Black Water Rhythm & Blues.  Gates open at 7.  Cost is $10 per person.

Please be sure to always be safe.  Watch for all those little ghouls and goblins.

How to Pick The Right School for Your Child

Moving with children can be an overwhelming task. Finding the right school where your child will thrive is one of your most important decisions.

Factors to consider when choosing the best school in Moore County for your child:

School Size
Class Size
What is the student performance?
What percentage of students are performing at or above average?
How does that percentage compare to the entire district or state?
What is the school's safety?
How many suspensions?
School Attendance?
Students access to books
Students access to technology
How many classrooms are connected to technology?

There is no need to worry about finding this information.  You can access all of the school information at NC School Report Cards.  Whether you are looking for the best school in Pinehurst, the best school in Southern Pines or absolutely anywhere in the state of North Carolina simply visit NC School Report Cards.

Towering Pines Real Estate looks forward to helping you with your move!