sandhillsDig.com - Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Southern Pines - Golf, Events, Restaurants, Shops, Concerts

"Moore on the Menu" 2010 Restaurant Week is back for its second year and it's the perfect time to enjoy the culinary brilliance of our top local independently-owned restaurants.  Take advantage of the four-course Prix Fixe dinners at the special price of $35 per person.

Here's what we dug up:

Vikings Head Football Coach Ryan Riggan and Offensive Coordinator Drew Anker bring us this week's Wednesday What's Up from Woodrow Wilhoit Stadium at Union Pines High School in Cameron. 

Coach Riggan and his 2010 Viking squad travel to Pinecrest High School this Friday night to take on Coach Chris Metzger's Patriot team in the annual "Battle of the Pines."  School officials expect that over 5,000 fans will pack John Williams Stadium for the much ancipated matchup between these county rivals. 

Today started with a realization that a haircut was long overdue.  Anna very sweetly suggested that I go see Ashley at Studio Elite Hair Gallery in downtown Aberdeen.  After a good time catching up with Ashley while she gave me a stylish and much-needed cut, she suggested that I check out Aberdeen Cafe for lunch.  That's all it took.  I walked a few doors down and ordered a sandwich.

After being welcomed by the friendly staff at Aberdeen Cafe, I chose a seat near the front door looking out onto the sidewalk.  I went with the Carolina Chicken Salad, which the cafe is famous for, on toasted wheat bread.  The tender chicken is mixed with apples, raisins, celery and pecans and garnished with lettuce and tomatoes.  My meal was top notch as was the service and the atmosphere.  I always enjoy downtown Aberdeen and local business seems to be really popping.  

Co-chairs Tim Copper and Rob McVay want the Sandhills to know about the 2010 Backyard Bocce Bash to benefit the Sandhills Children's Center.  Team spots are still available so put together a team of four to compete for great prizes and local bragging rights.

Laurie Holden and Wendy Dodson, on behalf of the Moore Co. Literacy Council, bring us this week's Wednesday What's Up from The Wine Cellar and Tasting Room in downtown Southern Pines.  They want you to know about the MCLC's upcoming "Sip for Success" wine tasting and auction fundraiser.  Here's the dig:

The lovely ladies of the Junior League of Moore County are having a social tonight for prospectivce women to learn more info about their membership and philanthropy.  Here is the press release from the Junior League:

"The Junior League of Moore County is having a “Provisional Social” at The Sly Fox Pub (Located at 795 SW Broad St. – corner of Morganton and Broad) in Southern Pines tonight, July 29th at 7 p.m. for ladies over 21 who are interested in information about membership and how to make a difference in our community.

The Junior League is a group of women volunteers trained in leadership that come together to form strategic partnerships, create innovative programs, and raise funds for local community initiatives. So whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, young professional, single or married, if you would like the opportunity to network with fellow women and give your time and skills back to the community, then please stop by and join us to hear how membership in the Junior League of Moore County is right for you."

-Annie Woodruff, member of the Junior League of Moore County

One of our favorite family outings is taking a drive on a pretty weekend afternoon.  This past Saturday, we drove out towards Whispering Pines and saw the progress being made on the new Food Lion on Hwy 22 that will open later this year.  It is located behind the Subway/Domino's Pizza development and it looks like there will be space for other shops and businesses as well.  

Also, just down the road if you take the Whispering Pines exit on the roundabout (instead of the Carthage exit to get to the Food Lion) you will also see the site of the new Harris Teeter! It says it is opening in 2011, but looks like there is still a long way to go!

I had to get out of the heat and decided to go shopping in the sandhillsDig.com Classifieds (Dig Classifieds is like our local version of Craigslist).  Here's what I saw...

This beautiful Drexel desk & chair would definitely inspire some creative work.  It is in great shape, so I think all it needs is a bright pillow in the chair!  Check out the listing here.

I also found a gorgeous home on Dig Classifieds that this desk would look perfect in...check out the listing AND the great view of the 10th hole at National Golf Club. 

The Sunrise Theater's Annual Blues Concert and Crawl is back!  Here's the dig:

The 7th Annual St. Joseph of the Pines/Coalition Golf Classic is set to take place Monday, July 26, 2010 at National Golf Club in Pinehurst.  The event is a fundraiser that benefits the Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care located in Southern Pines. 

Individual player spots, four player teams and sponsorship opportunities are still available.  Here's the dig:

Looking to get a head start on your holiday shopping?  Every year we stock up on Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, baby gifts, etc. at Pinehurst Resort's Summer Sale.  The sale starts this Friday in the St. Andrews Room at the Clubhouse.  Golf apparel with the infamous putterboy logo will be available for up to 65% OFF.  Here's the dig:

Donald Ross is well known for his influence on golf in the Sandhills and around the world.  But did you know about his famous "moonlight golf" match in 1906?  After sharing a meal in Pinehurst, Ross and Jack Jolly, a guest golf pro from New York, challenged one another to 18 holes under the stars.  Ross won the match with a score of 88 while using hickory-shafted clubs.  

sandhillsDig.com was recently in downtown Southern Pines and noticed a good looking couple being whisked away in...a pedicab!!! Naturally, we wanted to get the scoop and tell our readers about this fun and enviromentally friendly local business.

sandhillsDig.com loves celebrating and we hear the Town of Aberdeen has planned another great event to celebrate the 4th of July.  For over 40 years Aberdeen has welcomed family and friends throughout the Sandhills to celebrate America's independence.  Plus, there is always something for everyone to enjoy...including your Uncle Ned!

This is what we dug up:

First Friday Southern Pines is back this Friday night with a horn-driven funk band named Hot Politics. Formed out of Greensboro, NC, Hot Politics loves an audience and is well known for getting crowds on their feet dancing with their original funk music. 

As always, it all gets started at 5pm so come early (with friends and of course, your children) and stake out your favorite spot next to the Sunrise Theater on Broad Street in downtown Southern Pines.  The Carolina Brewery will be offering beer on tap and the weather locally is forecasted to be perfect...sunny with a high in the low 80's.

*Photo courtesy of hotpolitcsband.com

Stay connected to what we're diggin' in the Sandhills and click here to sign up for our email updates.

The Sly Fox is open...we've already been for lunch AND dinner.  Here's what we know:

There is an amazing outdoor "beer garden" that will be THE place to be once this heatwave we are having goes away...

I call a chair near the fountain (you can't see it from this photo but it is over to the right)...

And bring me one of these...

Inside, the decor is simple but unique.  I love the British flag curtain.  

Andy Heisinger of the The Sly Fox brings us this week's Wednesday What's Up from their much-anticipated local restaurant on the corner of Broad Street & Morganton Road in downtown Southern Pines. 

The Sly Fox is a gastropub focusing on quality food with a European influence and an unmatched beer selection. It is Mark Elliott's (Elliotts on Linden) second restaurant in the Sandhills and first in Southern Pines. 

We've been in the house for a few years now and still hadn't replaced the rotted window box (actually we just took it down and left it blank for a year...).  I searched local stores as well as the internet (Lowes, Frontgate...you name it) and couldn't find a window box long enough to fit our extra-long space.  A reliable source recommended we give Randy Cranford, of Cranford's Quality Home Repairs, a call.  

Randy was able to custom-build a simple window box exactly the way I specified AND he had it done in time for a special baby shower we were throwing for a friend.  

I was talking to Randy about what other types of services he provides and as it turns out, he also does any small home repairs. Basically, if you have a "honey do" list at your house, he's the man for the job.  I almost didn't want to write this post if it meant sharing what a great find this is - but then I reminded myself that this is why we have sandhillsDig.com.  To share the great stories and people we have right here in the Sandhills -- people who make this place special.

So...if you have any Randy Cranford's in your life, speak up.  Let us tell more stories like this.

A beautiful new window box (see how long it is!)

Adding plants...always the most fun part....

We recently hosted a baby shower for a dear friend. It was a huge success but I couldn't have done it without the help of friends, family and a few key Sandhills businesses.

First of all, if you ever are meaning to get things done at home, there is nothing like hosting a party to help overcome some procrastinated projects. Tanya at Renee's Fabrics & Accessories on Main St. in downtown Aberdeen turned some fabric I'd been saving into some beautiful pillows for my living room sofa in record time. 

Next, I made some pom poms to add some festive flair.  Thanks to my friend Ginger who writes the Happy House Blog, I read a tutorial she found and posted on how to make and hang these tissue paper balls.