Pinehurst

Pinehurst, rising from sandpits and a pine-barren wasteland to the No. 3 golf destination in the world, was originally slated to be a health settlement for the working people of the north. When Pinehurst founder, James Walker Tufts, a philanthropist as well as an astute businessman, laid claim to 5,500 acres of land in 1895, he wanted to provide a place for people with serious health conditions such as tuberculosis to escape the harsh winter weather. He set to build a New England-style village that would serve as a center of activity for resort guests and the community.

The first golf championship held in Pinehurst was the united North and South Amateur Championship in 1901 and Donald Ross, a Scottish immigrant, was named the new head professional. Ross went on to design many well-known courses, including Pinehurst's famed No. 2, which was completed in 1907. The resort has been enjoyed for over 100 years as an example of southern charm, world-class golf, and its exceptional lifestyle. A vibrant business district today, the Village of Pinehurst remains virtually unchanged in its layout from his original design. If you get lost - don't feel like you are alone. Famed architect, Fredrick Law Olmsted, encouraged his firm to build its street system in concentric circles surrounding the Holly Inn (Pinehurst's first hotel)…so you would get lost on purpose, slow down, and enjoy the fragrant air. The Village and Business Guild have a variety of events through-out the year – from the annual Dickensian-like village Christmas tree lighting, to St. Patrick's Day and 4th of July Parades, to fall's Holly Arts and Crafts Festival, and seasonal open-air concerts. With clothing stores, restaurants, galleries and local pottery shops, the Village of Pinehurst offers a little bit of everything. Within walking distance of the resorts Carolina Hotel, Holly Inn and Manor Inn, it provides the perfect distraction for a day outdoors. In 1996 Pinehurst was designated as a national landmark - especially meaningful as it is the only golf-related designation of its kind in the United States.

Population: 12,114