You know it’s going to be an amazing mom’s getaway weekend when you arrive at Pinehurst Resort and you’re instantly greeted with the enthusiastic “The weather is going to be clear and sunny skies. Will you be golfing and playing tennis or here for the spa?” In a weekend only filled with 48 hours and so many incredible options, I could hardly contain my excitement.
My gal pal Cheryl and I were there for our first tennis lesson since we were kids and a weekend getaway sans husbands and kids.
Pinehurst Resort & Spa has the type of vibe you feel when you’re looking at the best travel magazines and planning your next vacation. The resort is traditional yet modern. It’s elegant yet casual—all at the same time. It feels like a big breath of fresh air. Looking to plan your next getaway? Here are my suggestions on how to spend your weekend!
Day 1
Drinks at The Deuce
After a 5 1/2 hour car ride from Washington, D.C. we were more than excited to grab a few small bites and drinks at The Deuce. Overlooking the historic 18th hole of Pinehurst No. 2, The Deuce features indoor and outdoor dining in a relaxed setting. Some call it the best 19th hole in golf and the perfect place to end your round. This restaurant was voted the “Best New Restaurant in Golf” by Golf Magazine. The bar features a variety of creative cocktails and nearly a dozen craft beers on tap, including North Carolina microbrews.
Take a Dip at One of Several Swimming Pools
There are several swimming pools to choose from: the family pool (Carolina Hotel), the adult pool (The Holly Inn), and the more private swimming pool at the Spa (access available with a spa treatment).
Dinner at The Carolina Dining Room
Step away from the stressors of life and into a picturesque throwback in time in Pinehurst’s expansive Carolina Dining Room, offering breakfast and dinner daily. Executive Chef Thierry Debailleul’s amazing menu features hand-selected aged beef and signature dry seasoning rub for their steaks and chops. Menus change seasonally, invoking the fresh flavors of the area and local farmers’ picks.
We enjoyed a nice dinner of Surf & Turf. The lobster was grilled to perfection and the steak was juicy and delicious! The dining room was straight out of a scene from the movie “The Great Gatsby” with its mint condition carpeting and Southern charm decor. We felt right at home and enjoyed the ambience just as much as we enjoyed our dinner.
Day 2
All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet at The Carolina Dining Room
Who doesn’t love an all-you-can-eat breakfast? With so many great options to choose from, you can definitely have your cake and eat it too! Traditional hotcakes, bacon, sausage, southern homemade grits, biscuits—you name it, it’s here! There’s also a made-to-order omelette station and a cereal bar complete with cold cereal, hot cereal and much, much more!
The Village of Pinehurst
Strolling through this quaint and charming village was the icing on the cake during our second afternoon. There was a farmer’s market where we got to meet the locals, make friends with some cute doggies and do a little souvenir shopping. We even had time for a glass of wine at The Wine Shop—a throwback to the era of the Speak Easy—we really enjoyed the wine tasting room! And the customer service was impeccable.
Tennis Lesson
Pinehurst has a rich history of tennis, hosting local, national, sectional and professional level events. Their facility offers its members and guests 16 clay tennis courts, a full service tennis shop, and a full staff of USPTA and PTR certified professional instructors. As a resort guest you can enjoy access to all club amenities including ball machine, equipment and court rentals. They also offer a wide variety of instruction to all levels and ages.
My friend Cheryl and I met up with Aimee Bonnell, an instructor at Pinehurst who is known for her tennis instruction as well as her Pickleball instruction. The one hour semi-private lesson was truly the highlight of my day! Learning some basics of tennis brought back that childlike joy Cheryl and I both remember from our childhoods. The excitement and energy of the game of tennis hasn’t been lost on us, even as busy moms. We approached our lesson with sheer happiness. Soaking in the sounds of our surroundings was also very cathartic for us, given the fact that time seemed to slow down. Surrounded by a mature pine forest of fresh wisping needles clattering in the spring wind made our setting very idealiyc and dreamlike! Spending time connecting with Cheryl while learning with Aimee was enough to reignite a passion in both of us to begin playing tennis upon our return home.
Spa Treatment at The Spa at Pinehurst
The Spa at Pinehurst is designed to wrap you in complete tranquility. Settle in for the day and soothe your mind, body, and soul. Spa packages are available, including facials, massages, nail services, body treatments and there’s even cryotherapy.
Dinner at 1895 Grille
This restaurant is absolutely Michelin star worthy! To begin, the customer service was exquisite. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, inviting, and gracious. This is a must on your bucket list if you’re staying at Pinehurst and are a serious foodie. The 1895 Grille is one of the best upscale restaurants I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing. The extensive menu is phenomenal, making it a little challenging to make a selection. My guests and I treated our dinner like a tasting menu, we had several courses that we shared samples of with one another. The service was upbeat and fast. We can’t wait to return for another fine culinary experience! More over on Instastories under the Highlights Reel.
Day 3
Grab a picnic lunch and head to Lake Pinehurst
The Market is a great place to get some grab-and-go items and pack an afternoon picnic. Unfortunately, we had to head home and didn’t have time to hit up Lake Pinehurst this time, but it’s on my must list for next time. You can boat, fish, swim and sunbathe on the private 200-acre lake located just a short shuttle ride from The Village of Pinehurst.
Guests can rent kayaks, and pontoon boats for a day on the water. Rods and tackle are also available so you can catch everything from large mouth bass to catfish.This is an angler’s dream vacation spot!
The lake also features a beach area with umbrellas, chairs and cabanas for lunch, beverages or snacks. Changing areas, chairs, and towels are provided.
When you spend time at Pinehurst Resort, you create a legacy of adventure that will last for generations and generations to come…memories for a lifetime.
For more information on planning your visit to Pinehurst, visit www.pinehurst.com and be sure to follow along over on Instagram (under Highlights).
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