Famous as a historic town, you must plan a long weekend getaway to this hidden gem for running away from the crowd and diving into the enriching lives of our ancestors. Aberdeen is a quaint little town in Moore County, North Carolina which is a part of the Raleigh–Durham–Cary-Chapel Hill Combined Statistical Area. The Aberdeen Historic District is a national district which encompasses 101 buildings developed between 1880 and 1940. Keep your cameras ready to capture some notable examples of the American Craftsman style architecture. Read on to learn more about the things you can get up to in Aberdeen!
1. Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve
Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve is a unique window onto the longleaf pine forests that once covered millions of acres in the southeastern US. The lanky pines – some of them hundreds of years old – tower over expanses of wire grass and rare and intriguing species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, pine barrens tree frog, bog spicebush, fox squirrel and a myriad of wildflowers. A network of short, easy trails provides an outdoor classroom for ranger-led hikes that teach about this ecology or for quiet contemplation. The forest is a natural theater for birding and viewing wildlife. The visitor center’s museum-quality exhibits explore the longleaf forest, its flora and fauna and its unique history.
The preserve’s exhibit hall focuses on the natural history of the longleaf pine forest, including geology, plants, animals and the use of prescribed fires to maintain the forest. One exhibit highlights the use of pine resin in the naval stores industry. The museum is located in the park’s visitor center and is open daily. Naturalists also offer environmental education programs for the public and school groups.
Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve & Museum
Address: 1024 N Fort Bragg Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA
2. Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities
Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities was built in 1920 by James and Katharine Boyd. Currently it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The center was open for public in 1977 by the Friends of Weymouth, for the conservation and development of this place as a natural preserve and park. While you are visiting you can explore the sprawling gardens and longleaf pines, take a Boyd house tour or visit the NC Literary Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is located in the study of James Boyd and realizes a dream of the late Sam Ragan to honor writers who have achieved enduring stature in their devotion to writing and to their state.
Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities
Address: 555 E Connecticut Ave, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA
3. Southern Pines Golf Club
The legendary Donald Ross opened this Golf Club of Southern Pines in 1906. What started as a nine hole course, was expanded to eighteen holes between 1910-12 and grew to have 36 holes by 1930. If you are visiting Aberdeen, then the Southern Pines is a must visit destination offering a fantastic golfing experience. Also, If you really have never played on any of the Donald Ross designed golf courses, then you have to play Southern Pines for its unique experience.
Southern Pines Golf Club
Address: 290 Country Club Cir, Southern Pines, NC 28387-6504
Website: Southern Pines Golf Club
4. Reservoir Park, Southern Pines
The Reservoir Park in Southern Pines is a wonderful place for a walk or run or picnic with family. As the name suggests this park is about 2.5 miles (4 km) around the lake. Nature trails, hiking trails, fishing and boating are some of the activities that can be enjoyed here at anytime of the year. There are sheltered picnic tables with grills for sitting and enjoying with family.
Reservoir Park, Southern Pines
Address: 300 Reservoir Park Road, Southern Pines, NC 28387
Website: Reservoir Park, Southern Pines
5. Moore County Historical Association
The Moore County Historical Association owns and maintains five house museums built in the Southern Pines area between the 17th & 18th century. These five house museums are:
Shaw House, c. 1820 Sanders Cabin, c. 1770 Garner House, c. 1790 Corn Crib Tobacco Barn
The hours of operation of these museums are from Tuesday through Friday, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Moore County Historical Association
Address: 110 W Morganton Rd, Southern Pines, NC
Website: Moore County Historical Association
6. Railhouse Brewery & Pub
A rustic quaint brewery, famous amongst locals for its variety of beer - this is where you must head over and quench your thirst for some good beer. Founded in December 2010, by Brian Evitts of the U.S. Navy and Mike Ratkowski of the U.S. Army, the Railhouse Brewery and Pub is in the historic town of Aberdeen. Quickly gaining momentum, their beers are currently be found across North Carolina, South Carolina and parts of Georgia. This craft brewery offers 16 taps, a full liquor bar, and pub-fare. When visiting Aberdeen, this must be on your list of pubs to visit!
Railhouse Brewery & Pub
Address: 105 E South St, Aberdeen, NC 28315, USA
Website: Railhouse Brewery & Pub
7. Colonial Heights Park
Located in the heart of the town, the Colonial Heights Park is loved by families as it is the go-to place for playing ball. Grab your kit, wear your jerseys and support your kids as they play kickball or baseball in this park.
Colonial Heights Park
Address: 504 Park Drive, Aberdeen, North Carolina 28315
Travel in time to bask in the historical glory of our ancestors
A beautiful town, Aberdeen attracts visitors all year round. For people who are driven by history and love to delve deeper into natural and historical sites, there is so much to see around here. A walk in the Aberdeen Historical District will give you the feels of the 18th-century, on the other hand walking around the forest trails of tall pine trees, you will discover new flora and fauna.
Ain’t it exciting! Get packing!