The best of the north and the south fuse beautifully within the Village of Pinehurst. Conceived in the late 1890s as a winter resort for “snowbirds,” the downtown village maintains the New England charm that inspired it. Designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Pinehurst is a walker-friendly village featuring boutiques, fine and casual dining, and a variety of hotels, including the four-diamond rated Pinehurst Resort and Spa.

Pinehurst claims eight championship golf courses, and the renowned Pinehurst No. 2 will host the U.S. Open for the third time in 2014 along with the Women’s Open. In 1996, the Village was named a National Historic Landmark, particularly notable as it is the only golf-related designation in the country. While Pinehurst is consistently rated one of the top three golf destinations in the world, there are certainly ample diversions for non-golfers. With world-class tennis facilities, three championship croquet courts, and lawn bowling, residents and visitors enjoy exceptional recreational opportunities. Horse enthusiasts flock to the Pinehurst Harness Track, host to equine activities ranging from dressage to jumping shows, while Pinehurst’s younger residents appreciate the castle inspired Camelot Playground and the Rassie Wicker Park hockey rink.

Special events abound throughout the year, from the Holly Arts and Crafts Festival to the Dickensian family tree-lighting and sing-along.