Golfing at Pinehurst

Pinehurst is a New England–style village with quiet, shaded streets and immaculately kept homes ranging from massive Victorians to tiny cottages. It was laid out in the late 1800s in a wagon-wheel pattern by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Asheville's Biltmore Estate and New York City's Central Park. Annie Oakley lived here for a number of years and headed the local gun club. Today Pinehurst is renowned for its golf courses.

Although golfers will be in heaven, their nongolfing friends and family might be at a loss for entertainment around these sleepy parts. Don't expect to find much nightlife here or practically anything open late. Instead, this is a good place to stroll and sleep in. The town operates at a different pace than most of the world, and that's a big part of its charm. There are hardly any restaurants in Pinehurst that are not attached to hotels and lodges. When booking your trip, make sure to check out packages that include meals where you're staying.

Pinehurst Resort. Pinehurst is famously known for its golf, and the courses—known by their numbers—can bring a tear to a golfer's eye with their beauty. The courses range from the first, designed in 1898 by legendary Donald Ross, to the most recent, designed in 1995 by Tom Fazio to mark the resort's centennial. No. 2 has hosted more single golf championships than any site in the country, and the U.S. Open will next return there in 2024. The hilly terrain of No. 7 makes it especially tough. 80 Carolina Vista Dr., Pinehurst, North Carolina, 28374. 855/235–8507 Ext. 4; www.pinehurst.com.