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photo by Pam Jensen

Audrey Wiggins

The winter blues don’t stand a chance in the Sandhills! Welcome to the 5th edition of Sandhills Home. We’ve been so grateful for the overwhelming support from our community, allowing us to grow from 8 pages to 16! I’m thrilled to share more lifestyle content that celebrates our amazing community.

In this issue, we dive into the Spring Matinee Races at the

Pinehurst Harness Track, explore the top curb appeal trends for 2025, and highlight the benefits of Greenway Systems on both community living and real estate values.

We also shine a spotlight on local events like the Vendor Village and the Carolina Club at the Carolina International 4* CCI & HT (March 15–16) and the Mira-cles Happen Gala on March 6 to benefit the Mira Foundation.

For our real estate update, we provide insights into recent sales data from specific neighborhoods and focus on the latest activity in the Horse Farm market. This edition also brings back our community events calendar and “Where the Locals Go,” which highlights new businesses, events, and some of our beloved local favorites!

As we move into another exciting season in the Sandhills, I hope this edition of Sandhills Home keeps you informed, inspired, and connected to the community we all love.

Put Your Best Hat Forward at the Spring Harness Track Races

Hats “ON” at the Track

Join us for a special event celebrating the conclusion of the 76th spring training season for northern track horses at the Pinehurst Harness Track.

Spring in the Sandhills is the perfect time to embrace seasonal dress-up events, and Pinehurst offers one of the most exciting opportunities to showcase an iconic hat. The Pinehurst Spring Matinee Races are the perfect occasion to dress up and enjoy a day at the track!

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, April 5th, from 1:00–5:00 PM and is hosted by the Pinehurst Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with the Pinehurst Driving and Training Club. This family-friendly event invites everyone to celebrate, dress up, and cheer on the horses that have spent the winter training here.

Tickets are just $5, and many groups and organizations set up tailgating sections. Picnic baskets are encouraged, but food and beverages will also be available for purchase.

This event is more than just a routine gathering for spectators who admire the horses over breakfast at the track restaurant—it marks the thrilling conclusion of their winter training season in the Sandhills.

A TRACKtion at the Track The event takes place at the historic Pinehurst Harness Track, conveniently located just a short “drive” from Pinehurst Resort, between the iconic Fair Barn event center and The Track Restaurant. Opened in 1915 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, “The Track” is located on Beulah Hill Road, adjacent to our renowned #2 Course. This historic site features:

• A one-mile track

• A quarter-mile track

• 18 barns

in Pinehurst!

• Two blacksmith shops

• A tack shop

• A restaurant serving breakfast and lunch

This 111-acre facility serves as a winter training center for standardbred horses, a tradition that dates back to 1915. It offers three training tracks, housing or stalls for nearly 300 horses, and several adjacent paddocks. Training options include a 1/2-mile sand/clay track, a 5/8-mile sand/jog track and a 1-mile clay track The track’s infield also serves as a permanent horse riding arena, frequently hosting local dressage shows and various horse training events.

About the Participants

Standardbred horses are renowned for their suitability for harness racing, competing at either a trot or a pace. Though this type of racing originated in North America, it is now recognized worldwide. These horses are known for their muscular build and good temperament, often visible when they pause for breakfast or rest during training.

Each October, young two-year-old horses arrive at the Pinehurst Harness Track to train in a warmer climate. Here, they learn the fundamentals of racing—pulling a twowheeled cart led by a driver—before debuting in the Matinee Races.

A key part of their training is acclimating to large crowds, making the Matinee Races their first real test before heading north to prestigious tracks such as:

• The Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey

• Yonkers Raceway in New York

• The Red Mile in Kentucky

• Mohawk Park in Ontario, Canada

Over the years, many famous horses have trained at the Pinehurst Harness Track before making their mark in the racing world!

photos by Diane McKay

Connecting Greenways, Connecting Communities

Southern Pines close to finalizing plans for Knoll Road Trail by Greg Girard

If you’ve been fortunate to enjoy the Southern Pines’ greenway network, one of your first treks has probably been the iconic Reservoir Park pathway. Built in 1926, the reservoir was originally the main water source for the town until 1986, when it was converted into a park after Southern Pines started getting water elsewhere in the county. The reservoir quickly became the town’s epicenter for outdoor enjoyment and was the catalyst for the town’s burgeoning greenway system.

Now, with nearly 14 miles of trails and multimodal pathways, the community benefits from a plethora of forest bathing opportunities, from the lesser-used Nick’s Creek trailhead to the north to the new 2-mile Whitehall Trail loop adjacent to Reservoir Park. But if your goal is to traverse every mile of the greenway without touching significant stretches of concrete, you’re sure to hit a snag along North Knoll Road. For more than a decade now, there has been a nearly 1.5-mile gap dividing the town’s greenway network. This gap, however, is closer than ever to being filled.

Charles A. Flink, author of The Greenway Imperative, said, “Fundamentally, greenways are about connections—to the land, to our communities, to each other.” This has become even more evident for Moore County as its population growth has exploded in recent years. How best do communities maintain their natural uniqueness and beauty while developing sustainable growth? And beyond creating vibrant downtowns, how do we bind neighborhoods together? An essential component, many would argue, is creating a linked network of trails and multimodal paths for all to utilize.

One of the essential arteries to connect Southern Pines’ growing greenway system is the proposed Knoll Road Trail, which will unite the Knoll Road Greenway south of Midland

Road to the rest of the greenway system north of Midland Road. “BJ Grieve, the town planner, has said it several times,” says Daniel Kohn, chairman of the Southern Pines Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee. “That section is the handle on the barbell.”

But it’s been a long journey for this segment to come to fruition. There have been a few reasons for the delay, mostly notably financing. Southern Pines receives funding through the Department of Transportation’s Federal Transportation Alternative Program, which covers 80 percent of the project. The remainder is covered by the town.

“[That section] was on the bike and pedestrian improvement plan going back 10, 15 years,” says Gerald Ostlund, communication specialist for Southern Pines. “And it was supposed to have been done a few years ago but the state had some budgetary issues that delayed some projects.”

As Kohn describes it, “When you go after funding, you don’t always win. There are challenges on what the town can spend versus what comes from state and federal funding.”

There has also been a bit of pushback from the Longleaf neighborhood, with some in the community citing safety concerns over reducing the road from three lanes to two. Southern Pines, however, has tried to mitigate those concerns by including additional turn lanes and adding chicanes to the plan, as well as reducing the speed limit to 35 mph to slow traffic. These accommodations seem to have appeased the Longleaf neighborhood but have required adjustments to the plan that need town and engineering approval.

Now, with the funding requirements and plans nearly complete, outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes can start believing this essential trail will soon be a reality. “The overall theme during our development of the plan was connectivity and Knoll Road is the key,” says Kohn. “Once we get that development done, we can then look at opportunities along Pennsylvania and Morganton to downtown and even reaching the Fresh Market and Target areas.”

Real Estate agent Audrey Wiggins is a strong proponent of the greenway system. As an avid cyclist and a longstanding member of the Southern Pines Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, she not only benefits personally from the multimodal paths around town, but she also sees firsthand how greenways benefit communities as a whole.

“I’ve been selling real estate in Moore County for 22 years and, over the past decade, the demand for homes and communities near greenspaces, greenway systems and multimodal paths has skyrocketed,” she says. “Greenways and multimodal paths offer numerous benefits to communities and real estate values by enhancing both quality of life and property appeal. These amenities promote recreational opportunities for healthier living, connectivity to neighborhoods, parks, schools and commercial areas, and by preserving the natural landscape while creating

photo courtesy of CVB Home of Golf

scenic spaces. In essence, greenways and multimodal paths make a community more attractive, livable and sustainable, which directly impacts the desirability and value of real estate in the area.”

Indeed, the National Association of Realtors has cited a study that purport greenways have the potential of raising property values by up to 15 percent. And Kohn notes realty websites, like Zillow and Redfin, are starting to use third-party assessments that puts walkability and multimodal scores on properties.

It is, truly, promoting better life. “There’s a lot of reasons greenways benefit communities, but the biggest one is quality of life for people who are looking to be able to get out and go where they like to go without having to get in the car,” says Ostlund. “Or if they do get in the car, they don’t want to spend all their time in the car. They want to walk, they want to bike, they want to roller skate, whatever. So having trails and greenways really raises the quality of life for people.

“And it’s a sense thing, right. When there are trails and there are green spaces, people feel better. And when they feel better, they get out and they do things, and when they get out and they do things, then they actually are better. They’re healthier. So, it’s both a mental and a physical thing.”

The town has yet to announce a date of completion for the Knoll Road Trail, but they plan to put out a bid for a contractor later this year.

For more information, visit southernpines.net/592/Greenways.

Horses and Hospitality Meet

Setter’s Run Farm Carolina International CCI and Horse Trials March 13-16 by

Welcome to the 12th annual Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial at the Carolina Horse Park!

The crown jewel of competitions has been the Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial with Title SponsorSetters’ Run Farm. The Carolina International has provided an outlet for the Carolina Horse Park to reach the ever growing residential communities of Raeford to further its mission. Not only does the event offer 4 days of Eventing’s best and brightest stars competing for the crown, but it also offers a world class vendor village.

Founded in 1998, the Carolina Horse Park Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of open space for equestrian and recreational purposes with multi-disciplined capabilities suitable for championship level equine competitions. In addition,the park runs over 30 events year round and it hosts other agricultural and educational events and activities for both horse and non-horse enthusiasts.

This year, the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Lifestyle Property Partners Vendor Village is slated to be bigger and better than ever! There will be boutique shopping, art booths, tack stores, farm & equipment booths, veterinarian services booths, Southern Pines Brewery, Pony’tails Go-Bar, and food trucks galore! A kids zone featuring bouncy houses and rock climbing walls will be open on Saturday, March 15, and Sunday, March 16. The best part … it is 100% free to the public to come out and enjoy all the action!

Interested in a front row seat and VIP experience? Join us in the Carolina Club, which offers catered meals and open bar Thursday - Saturday (Feb 13-15), with specialized, covered seating for Dressage, Showjumping and Cross Country!

On Friday and Saturday look forward to a special experience with our ‘Artist in Residency,’ Larissa Lycholaj. Watch as she creates a unique work of art live in the club for everyone to enjoy. This masterpiece will be available via Silent Auction,

Audrey Wiggins

with the winner announced during Saturday night’s Awards Ceremony. Additionally, a gallery of her artwork will be on display and available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Carolina Horse Park Foundation. Tickets for the Carolina Club are $325 and reserve tables are also available for purchase.

Visit www.carolinainternationalcci.com or scan the QR code to see the schedule of events, sponsorship opportunities, and to purchase Carolina Club tickets.

photo by Pam Jensen

Southern Cuts Butcher Shop & Southernway Catering

A Reputation for Southern Hospitality

Referrals and repeat customers are what has kept owner Ray Herring in the catering business since 2012 in Laurinburg. When events slowed down in 2020 and meat shortages persisted, Herring decided to complement catering by opening Souther Cuts Butcher Shop first in Laurinburg, where the business quickly made a name for itself with its selection of Certified Angus Beef Prime. Customers drove from Moore County for Herring’s selection of short ribs, brisket, tomahawks, ribeyes and ground beef plus deli cuts, sausages, poultry, pork, lamn and seafood.

With that much demand for his product, he decided to move to downtown Southern Pines in 2024. The new location allowed him to expand his menu items with specialties like veal

sweetbreads, bison, kangaroo, veniso, elk and oxtail. Customers can also browse pantry items like beef tallow, duxk fat, barbecue sauces, spiced peaches and more.

Southernway Catering offers hospitality services beyond preparing and serving quality meat and sides. Every aspect of event celebrations can be coordinated through Herring, including tables and chairs, décor and flowers, to fine china and utensils. They are accustomed to traveling for events and carry state-of-the-art equipment to keep foods hot or cold for eight hours or more.

Call 910-855-6328 for a catering consultation, or to place an order at the Butcher Shop, and get a taste of some Southern Charm!

Southernway Catering Southernway Catering

Four Top Curb Appeal Trends for Real Estate in 2025

by Audrey Wiggins

In today’s competitive real estate market, first impressions are everything. Curb appeal—a property’s exterior appearance—continues to play a vital role in attracting buyers and boosting home values. For 2025, new trends in design, landscaping, and sustainable practices are redefining how homes are perceived from the street.

Here are 4 ofmy top picks for curb appeal trends shaping the real estate landscape this year:

1. Smart Lighting Solutions

Outdoor lighting is more than just a safety feature; it’s now a design statement. Popular trends include:

• Solar-Powered Fixtures: Energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, these lights require no wiring and reduce energy bills.

• Smart Lights: Connected to apps or voice assistants, they offer customizable brightness and color to highlight architectural features and pathways.

• Layered Lighting: Combining uplighting, path lights, and accent lights creates depth and drama in a home’s exterior.

2. Modern Hardscaping

Hardscaping—the non-living elements of landscaping—is evolving to focus on sleek, functional designs:

• Clean Lines: Minimalist pathways, retaining walls, and driveways with geometric patterns are dominating the trend.

• Mixed Materials: Blending concrete, wood, stone, and metal adds texture and visual interest.

• Outdoor Living Features: Fire pits, built-in seating, and outdoor kitchens are becoming must-haves, extending living spaces into the front yard.

3. Bold Door Colors

A vibrant front door remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost curb appeal. Trending colors for 2025 include:

• Deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red.

• Warm, earthy shades such as terracotta, mustard yellow, and clay.

• Classic black or charcoal for a timeless, sophisticated look. Pairing bold door colors with contrasting trim and updated hardware enhances the overall effect.

4. Customized Front Yard Designs

In 2025, personalization is key. Homeowners are tailoring front yards to reflect their lifestyles:

• Seating Areas: Benches, swings, or bistro sets make front yards more inviting.

• Themed Gardens: Pollinator-friendly gardens, Zen rock gardens, or coastal-inspired landscaping create unique atmospheres.

• Water Features: Compact fountains and birdbaths add a

touch of tranquility.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, curb appeal has taken on a new significance. It’s no longer just about making a home look attractive from the outside; it’s about creating outdoor spaces that offer comfort and enjoyment for those spending more time at home. From cozy patios to functional gardens, homeowners are designing inviting exteriors that serve as personal retreats, reflecting the growing desire for outdoor relaxation and connection.

Best Hat Forward

Make a Day of It!

continued from page 3

If you’re planning to attend this special event, consider making a day of it with visits to some of our suggested local favorites:

Agora Bakery – A cozy spot for coffee and Europeaninspired treats

The Track Restaurant – Famous for its blueberry pancakes (served until noon!)

Pinehurst Resort – Stroll the grounds or try your putting skills at Thistle Dhu

Downtown Pinehurst – Explore charming boutiques like The Gentleman’s Corner, Monkee’s, Bump & Baby, and The Corner Store

The Village Wine Shop – Browse a curated selection of fine wines and enjoy a high-end glass

Lisi Italian – Savor some of the best authentic Italian cuisine in the area

Join Us and Celebrate Spring! We hope you’ll come cheer on spring at the Pinehurst Spring Matinee Races!

photo by Diane McKay

Thank You

to all the vendors and contractors that have turned the Yadkin Road project into our Home.

The Hardgrove Family

4 Seasons Heating + Air

Arbor Aves Tree Service

Artistic Kitchens

Bells-n-Whistles Flooring

Audrey Wiggins Realtor

Builders FirstSource

C-Horse Land Mgmt

Carolina Custom Kitchens

Collins Drywall

Cutler Tree Service

Duke Energy

Elephant Ears Décor

Emerald Painting

Ernie Lamb

Ferguson Appliances

Flinchum Electric

GFL Environmental

John Cole Plumbing

John Zoppi Masonry

JP Morgan / Chase

Knollbrook Farms

Longleaf Hardware

McNeill Oil + Propane

Quality Equipment

Ramon Licon Carpentry

RGStrickland Builders

Robbins, May + Rich LLP

Rodriguez Construction

S.Pines / Moore County

Santiago Solano Painting

Set in Stone

State Farm Insurance

Steve Clark

Tony Dimaio Construction

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NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

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Mira Foundation Guide Dogs Making Miracles for Children

Mira USA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing independence and quality of life for blind children, with a local office in Southern Pines.

As the first organization in the United States that provides guide dogs for eligible children between the ages of 11 and 16, we provide intensive training for the child with the dog, and a wide array of related support services for these youngsters and their families. We provide these services free of charge. In addition, we provide targeted educational outreach to promote public awareness.

Join us on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM, as we celebrate an unforgettable night dedicated to making miracles happen, held at the Country Club of North Carolina - 55 Clubhouse Dr, Pinehurst.

Meet our 2024 guide dog recipients, Elijah & Shaelin, and their guide dogs, Maple & Guirro.

This event promises not only to be a celebration of our achievements but a testament to the impact we’ve made over the years. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly special. Secure your tickets now for an evening of joy, inspiration, and the magic of turning dreams into reality.

The Gala will feature music and a live auction, offering exclusive items and experiences. To top it all off, indulge in a delightful dinner, surrounded by the collective spirit of generosity.

Local Resources Sandhills

Are you interested in advertising in the next issue of Sandhills Home? Contact us - info.SandhillsHome@gmail.com for ad sizes, rates and deadlines.

Artistic Kitchens and Baths will customize cabinets for your kitchen, bathroom, office, tack room - whatever you need. We can design cabinets to fit your space and maximize your storage. We work with kitchen vendors to complete the project, finishing with custom countertops, paint, appliances and more, making renovating or building a new home in the NC Sandhills easy!

SANDHILLS AREA EVENTS

MARCH - APRIL - MAY 2025

March 2025

Mar 1-Apr 2: Painted Ponies Art Walk downtown Southern Pines. Live auction April 5 online - carolinahorsepark.com

Mar 1-2: Sedgefield at The Park Winter Classic NCHJA /SCHJA “C” H/J Show, Carolina Horse Park

Mar 2: Pinehurst Schooling Show, Pinehurst Harness Track

Mar 7: Young People’s Fine Arts Festival opening 5-7pm, Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House

Mar 8: MIRA Mira-cles Happen Gala, CCNC

Mar 8: Wine in the Pines fundraiser for the Junior League of Moore County, Pinehurst Fair Barn 6-10pm

Mar 8: Seagrove Pottery Tea & Pottery 10am - 5pm

Mar 8: Habitat for Humanity hosts Women Build Empowerment Brunch at Pinehurst CC, from 11am-1:30 in honor on Int’l Women’s Day.

Mar 8-9: Treehouse Southern Pines Horse Trials, Carolina Horse Park

Mar 11: Southern Pines Town Council Meeting 6pm, E. S. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave.

Mar 11: Pinehurst Village Council meeting 7:30pm, 395 Magnolia Rd.

Mar 13-16: Carolina International CCI 4* & HT, Carolina Horse Park

Mar 13: Prancing Horse Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship Barn Dance, Pinehurst Fair Barn

March 22: Heather Ridge Farm Picnics & Ponies Series Show

March 22: MCH Hunter Trials, Southern Pines Firestone Field

Mar 25: Pinehurst Village Council meeting 7:30pm, 395 Magnolia Rd.

March 29-30: Blooming Art, Garden Club of the Sandhills, Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House

Mar 30-31: March Magic Dressage, Carolina Horse Park April 2025

April 4: Art Opening 6-8pm, Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House

April 5: Painted Ponies Art Walk Live Auction online at event.gives/paintedponies25

April 5: Spring Matinee Races Pinehurst Harness Track 1-5pm

April 5: Party for the Pine After Party 12-5pm, Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House

April 8: Southern Pines Town Council Meeting 6pm, E. S. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave.

April 8: Pinehurst Village Council meeting 7:30pm, 395 Magnolia Rd.

April 9-10: Lecture by Ellen Burke, Campbell House

April 12: Gulley’s Garden Center & Nomad Jax Spring Open House 10am-4pm - NE Broad Street between Illinois & Indiana Ave

April 22: Pinehurst Village Council meeting 7:30pm, 395 Magnolia Rd.

April 24-25: Lecture by Abbe Allen, Campbell House

April 26: Springfest Arts & Crafts Festival, Southern Pines10am-4pm

April 27: Moore County Choral Concert with Servire Chorus 50th Anniversary season finale at 4pm, Pinecrest HS

May 2025

May 2: Art opening, 6-8pm, Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House

May 3: Derby Days, Weymouth Center

May 13: Southern Pines Town Council Meeting 6pm, E. S. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave.

February 2 - April 2, 2025

Live Online Auction April 5, 2025 event.gives/paintedponies25

New Businesses & Favorite Places

Gulley’s Garden Center Flower Bar - full service florist offering premium arrangements, baskets for every event & occasion. 445 SE Broad Street, Southern Pines. Call 910-6923223 to order. Gulleysgardencenter.com

First Tee of the Sandhills is moving to Cameron with plans for a putting area, nine-hole par 3 course, a driving range, clubhouse and a nature area. Timeline TBD

The Yinzers Truck - food truck bringing Pittsburgh-style food to the Sandhills. Pierogis, Pittsburgh salads, Sandwiches-n-friesit’s a ‘Burgh thing! Check facebook for menu

Cheeky Bubbles Mobile Bar - owners Alexis Hokenstrom and Chandler Fahn say “Cheers to Everything” for events and celebrations. info@cheekybubblesllc.com

Rainbow Cycles - family-owned local bike shop, offering top cycling products & professional bike repair and fitting services. 239 NE Broad St, Southern Pines, (910) 692-4494

Wine Cellar - We specialized in low production family owned wine brands, featuring over twenty wines by the glass every day, 8 craft beers on tap, and over 90 bottled craft brews and ciders. Live acoustic music most Fri and Sat evenings. 241-A NE Broad St, Southern Pines, (910) 692-3066