downtownGo Local: Shop at Home

Moore County offers several locales for shopping, each with its own unique flavor and flair. Pick a spot to spend the day, then rest your weary legs and refuel at a local eatery.

Southern Pines

Southern Pines’ historic district is a boutique shopper’s heaven. Spend the morning shopping up one side of Broad Street and down the other for a trendy new outfit, sinful pair of shoes and piece of to-die-for jewelry. You can always encourage your spouse to take the kids to the “Sandy Park” and then on to Gulley’s Garden Center, where they can wander through the endless maze of plants and visit Mr. Gulley’s private military museum.

Then meet them at the Ice Cream Parlor for a homemade lunch and a scoop of ice cream.

Pinehurst

The historic shopping district flanks the resort and offers an array of specialty boutiques and cafés. Before you hit the brick walkways, however, pop into the bustling, historic Villager for breakfast. You’re bound to run into someone you know.

Linda’s Pinehurst Café is another great spot with lots of room to spread out the morning paper. Once you’re fueled, hit the brick sidewalks and meander in and out of the boutiques around the picturesque village until you’re ready to drop. To round out the morning, have lunch at Ten-ya for modern Asian cuisine and sushi or Dugan’s for Irish pub fare. The adjacent Sandhills Woman’s Exchange is open seasonally and offers lunch and consignment wares including cookbooks, antiques, handmade quilts and children’s clothing.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen’s historic district is lined with boutiques like Aberdeen Bead Company, the Garden Room for funky yard accessories and Aldena Frye Custom Floral for a few fresh flowers. For sustenance head to La Poblanita for fresh, authentic Mexican or Southern Lights for more traditional American cuisine.

Cameron

If you’re an antiques buff or collector—or just love to go treasure hunting in the county—Cameron is the place to be. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Cameron boasts three blocks of antique shops, vintage homes and churches dating back to the 1870s. You’re sure to be famished after all your exploring, so take in lunch at quaint Miss Belle’s Tea Room or the Dewberry Deli.

Carthage

If history, antiques, shops and good home cooking are what you crave, head to the county seat: Carthage. If you’re an early starter, begin your day with your favorite cuppa joe and a pastry at The Moore Coffee Company. Comfy couches, good books and travel magazines and a strong cup of coffee make for a relaxing start to the day.

Next, unload all those items you’ve been promising to clear out of the house at the local eBay store. On the site of the old Carthage Firehouse, the store has plenty of room to safely accommodate your junk—er, treasures. After that, you’ll surely have room in your car’s trunk for new stuff. Walk up to the town center, where the original courthouse rises from the center of the circle and is surrounded by shops, restaurants and governmental offices. Once you’re finished, head to the Pik N Pig for an authentic southern barbeque lunch. Family-owned for years, this is by far a top local favorite for regulars and newbies as well.

Mainstream Shopping

For mainstream shopping, head to Pinecrest Plaza in Southern Pines or the Commons in Aberdeen. Anchor stores including, Belk, Best Buy and PetSmart, are flanked by other favorites. This is where to get your bulk shopping and errands done