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!

Jefferson Inn Southern Pines, North Carolina

When you visit an area do you prefer the new and modern hotels with all that brings or do you prefer to stay in a historic inn to get the true feel of a town?

The historic district of Southern Pines, North Carolina is home to the Jefferson Inn.  The Jefferson came to be in the late 1800's.

Just one block west from the train station this hotel was very convenient for travelers.  The Inn completed an historic renovation in 2007 and still welcomes guests to their guestrooms.

The location of the Inn makes it convenient for visitors to enjoy everything Southern Pines has to offer.  Walk to local dining, shopping, parks and more!  If you would rather not go out the Inn offers live music Wednesday through Saturday night.

You will find the Inn located at 150 West New Hampshire Avenue in Southern Pines, North Carolina.  Call them at 910-692-9911

Busy Weekend at The Sunrise Theater

The Sunrise Theater has a busy schedule Saturday and Sunday with live broadcast performances.  Saturday, January 21 at 1 p.m. you can enjoy Romeo and Juliette brought to you from the Metropolitan Opera in New York by satellite.

Sunday brings the HD performance direct from Moscow the Bolsoi Ballet performance of The Sleeping Beauty.  The performance begins at 1 p.m.

Find all necessary ticket information at the Sunrise Theater website.

Things To Do For the Youngest!

Did you know the Southern Pines Library has a reading program for parents and infants?  Ages from birth to 24 months are welcome to attend the Baby Bunny Storytime!  Tuesday, January 17th has two events.  One begins at 10:30 and the other at 11:15.  Space is limited to 20 babies so be sure to arrive early!

The Southern Pines Library is located at 170 W. Connecticut Avenue.

Do You Like to Play Mahjong

Mahjong is 144 tiles of fun that originated in China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).  It was outlawed in China, along with other gambling activities, in 1949 and became legal to play again, in China, in 1985.

You can play every Thursday at the Douglass Community Center in Southern Pines for FREE from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  The only hitch is this is an 55+ adult activity so please leave the kids at home!

You will find the Douglass Community Center at 1185 West Pennsylvania Avenue in Southern Pines.  Come and join the fun!

Southern Pines Carriage Parade

December 10th is one of the Southern Pines premier holiday events!  This is my personal favorite.  The Carriage Parade is presented by the Moore County Driving Club.  This group brings their decorated horses and carriages through the historic downtown of Southern Pines.  You feel as though you have stepped into a Currier and Ives postcard!  Truly beautiful.

Horses will make the loop of  NW Broad and NE Broad. And of course, Santa will bring his carriage!

The event begins at 1:00.  You will want to bring your camera.  Don't be late you won't want to miss a single minute!

December 17th! It WILL Snow!!!

For the 5th year in a row there will be snow in Southern Pines!  

On Saturday, December 17th the Sunrise Theater will host their annual Movie and Snow Spectacular for Arc of Moore County.  The fun starts at 11 a.m. and includes snow, snacks, bounce house, fun and the movie Elf!  Can't make it at 11 that's okay, a $5 donation will allow you to join the festivities in the green space next to the theater at 1:00 p.m.

Your donation to Arc of Moore County benefits individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  You can purchase advance tickets online at www.thearcofmoorecounty.org or at the Sunrise Theater the day of the event.  Please remember seating at the Sunrise is limited for the movie.
Bring the kids, the grand kids or just be young at heart and enjoy the holiday season in Southern Pines.

Blessing of the Hounds 2016

The Blessing of the Hounds in Southern Pines, North Carolina is a Thanksgiving Tradition.  The Moore County Hounds have been in existence for more than 100 years and share this spectacular event with us!  In 2014 the Blessing of the Hounds moved from their long held location at Hobby Field to Buchan Field located on North May Street.

While the event takes place from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. the tailgating begins much earlier!  Come and pick your spot and witness the tradition of riders in their formal hunting attire, the blessing which is performed by Emmanuel Episcopal Church and then  the hunt!

This is a wonderful way to start your Thanksgiving morning!  It will be an event your family and friends will talk about for years to come!

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.

Summer Classic Films

You may have noticed from previous blogs that I do enjoy The Sunrise Theater.  There is another group of classic films being featured on Thursday evenings during the summer.  While some have already passed the remaining films are:

• July 16th         Sleepless in Seattle
• July 23rd         From Russia with Love
• July 30th         The African Queen
• August 6th      Singing in the Rain
• August 13th    Field of Dreams
• August 20th    Nine to Five
• August 27th    Dirty Dancing

All shows begin at 7:30.  Arrive a bit early to be sure to get your glass of wine, beer or soda along with your favorite movie snack!

You can find The Sunrise Theater at 250 NW Broad Street in the Historic District of Southern Pines.

The Sunrise Theater is just one more thing we love about living here.  Let Towering Pines Real Estate find you the perfect home to enjoy these fun events every day!

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.

Compare Moore County SAT Scores

Schools have a large impact on home purchases.  Quality of a school district is almost always on the top of the list of concerns for buyers.  Whether you have children in school or not being in the right district can give a home strong resale advantages.  The North Carolina SAT Report for 2014 has been released.

We are very proud of our teachers and their dedication to the students of Moore County Schools here in North Carolina.  For a full understanding of a school district be sure to research testing scores, excellence awards and teacher student ratios. NCReportCard.org is a great spot to start.

When you are ready to start your search please give Allan and Terry at Towering Pines Real Estate a call 910-528-1181.

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.

Southern Pines Christmas Horse Carriage Parade

This is by far my favorite holiday event in the Sandhills.  Big thanks to the Moore County Driving Club for decorating both their horses and their carriages along with their own outfits and driving through the historic downtown district of Southern Pines, North Carolina.

The 28th Annual Horse Carriage Parade is this Saturday, December 13th at 1:00.  It is also a great time to enjoy downtown Southern Pines, the small shops, the local restaurants, coffee shops and meet the people.  Southern Pines, NC is the quintessential small town.  

The parade loops both sides of Broad Street which is surrounded by historic buildings built in the late 1800's.  Through the center of Broad Street is the railroad tracks with our small and lovely train station that is enhanced by our town Christmas tree.  The streets are lined with 5 foot Christmas trees that have been decorated by local businesses and the street lights dressed out with lighted wreaths.

Be sure to join us Saturday at 1:00 for a small slice of small town America at Christmas.

Southern Pines, North Carolina Shopping

Small Business Saturday celebrates and helps you discover small businesses!  Southern Pines, North Carolina offers a large variety of local shops in our quaint little Currier and Ives downtown.  You will find toys, clothing, jewelry, art work, pottery, collectibles, antiques, shoes, bicycles, furnishings and more.  While Small Business Saturday is an important day you will often find a nice hustle and bustle in the local shops where our customer service is the best!  When you are ready for a rest be sure to stop in one of the local restaurants or coffee shops for a great pick me up.

Take a peek at what Shopping in Downtown Southern Pines might look like!

Holiday Events for the Kids in Southern Pines, NC

The Southern Pines Business Association Parade of Trees is in full swing and downtown is looking fabulous!

The holiday season kicks off on November 22nd with the Southern Pines Tree Lighting.  Held in Downtown Southern Pines from 4:30 to 6:30.    Keep your eyes open for Jolly St. Nick!

December 6th is our Holiday Parade.  Enjoy the local marching bands, floats and fun.  The parade begins at 11 a.m. in downtown Southern Pines.

December 13th is the Southern Pines Carriage Parade.  Put on by the Moore County Driving Club this is a must see event.  Horses, carriages and their drivers dressed in their holiday best.  Parade begins at 1 p.m. and draws a large crowd.  Be sure to get your spot on Broad Street.

December 23rd brings the annual FREE movie at The Sunrise Theater.  They are showing The Polar Express at 6:30 p.m.

Of course the holiday season rounds out with First Eve ending in the countdown and Pinecone Drop at 8 p.m. on Broad Street.

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!

No School November 4th and 10th ~ What Can Kids Do?

Southern Pines Recreation and Parks has that all taken care of.  

Moore County Schools are closed on November 4th and 10th.  You fear the kids will be bored.  What will they do?

Why not join Day Creations with Ms. Karen.  On November 4th Ages 7 and above will be making their own necklace, bracelet and earrings out of polymer, paper and clay beads.

On November 10th they will be making Thanksgiving crafts!

Classes are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Train Station.  $25 for residents and $50 for non residents.  There is a one time registration fee and a non refundable deposit.  Bring your lunch, snack and drinks.

Contact the Southern Pines Recreation Department for full details.  910-692-2463.

Southern Pines Recreation and Parks is just one of the things that makes living in Southern Pines great.  If you are thinking of making a move please give Towering Pines Real Estate a call at 910-528-1181.