Friends and I had planned a weekend trip to Blowing Rock, but the weather has taken a turn for the worse. So we changed directions and will be staying at the Carolina Inn in Pinehurst. I am looking for restaurant recommendations, light bistro type food preferred.

We tried to book spa appointments but our hotel is booked solid. If you can recommend a local spa, I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

This won't help for this trip, but you need to make a road trip to Whiteville soon and eat here -
http://www.newsouthernkitchen.com/chef_sokun.html

It does look great.

In the Village you will find mostly pub type restaurants. In the Olmsted Village area there's Nina's. Some local favorites in Southern Pines/Aberdeen would be 195 and Ironwood. I wouldn't really consider them bistros though.

That is certainly lovely enough and it may be a "hike" but since you are already that far east you might consider a destination dinner at Vivian Howards' restaurant in Kinston.

Thank you. I hope the snow and ice don't follow me East.

A friend of mine (now diseased) used to live in that area and we loved to go to Sweet Basil for lunch. Not sure if it's still around, but worth checking out.

HAVE FUN!

We will. Sweet Basil is still there, thank you for the recommendation.

It was a lovely weekend. We stayed at the Pinehurst Carolina Inn in a Carolina suite. Very comfortable and spacious for three ladies. The room was attractively furnished, very clean and quiet. The staff at the Inn is gracious and professional. Service is an art here.
The Dining Room was elegant and the food exceptional. Highly recommended.
We also had lunch at Sweet Badil ( thank you, bankbabe) and the Villager Deli. Both were excellent.
The shopping in Pinehurst and Southern Pines is in compact districts, ideal for walking. There is a nice range of stores.
There are a number of nice walking trails in the area. It is ideal for a mid winter break.

Did you happen to hit the olive oil store? forgot to mention it.

I did, Gretchen!
The two big bonanzas were Opulence in Southern Pines and Cool Sweats in Pinehurst.

It sounds like a fun weekend. I like that decor shop on the corner in Pinehurst.

It sounds like a lovely weekend.

It was great!