Audrey Wiggins
Welcome to the Spring Edition of Sandhills Home! As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, spring brings a renewed energy to the Sandhills. This season is bursting with beauty, activity, and connection, and we’re thrilled to share the highlights with you in this issue.
May marks Military Appreciation Month, a meaningful time
for our community. Inside, you’ll find key dates to remember, local events to attend, and heartfelt ways to show your support for the men and women who serve.
SALE PENDING
Golf season is in full swing, and we’re celebrating the return of the legendary North & South Amateur Tournament at Pinehurst No. 2 and No. 4, running from June through August. Plus, we shine a spotlight on the “Horses Benefit Kids” fundraiser and Kentucky Derby Party, supporting the incredible work of the Weymouth Equestrians program.
$1,995,000 $3,295,000
4BR/5.5BA/6,409 sq. ft.
10.08 Acres ~ 6 Stall Center Aisle Barn
3BR/2BA/ 2,886 sq. ft.
In our real estate section, we recap first quarter sales, reintroduce our Neighborhood News segment with insights into the Horse Farm and Whispering Pines markets, and offer expert tips on how to maximize your ROI with kitchen and bath remodels.
Swimming Pool with Poolhouse
Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, we hope this edition keeps you informed, inspired, and connected to the community we all love.
10 Bay Detached Garage
30 Acres ~ 12 Stall Center Aisle Barn with Guest Apartment
Auxillary Barn with 4 Bays for Vehicle 5,000 sq, ft. Unfinished Hay Loft
Miller says Pinehurst continues to commit in making the championship better each year. In the past two years, they’ve increased sponsorships from $15,000 to more than $140,000 and have invested that money into player experience. The goal is to attract all the world’s top amateurs every year.
“Right now, we’re the sixth-highest ranked amateur championship in the United States,” says Miller. “So, we’ve started investing a lot in providing players more meals, transportation from the airport, more workout facilities, better tee gifts, better player hospitality. The better the player
2024 Senior Amateur Champions
Suzi Spotleson and Stan Humphries
experience, the better players we attract, which helps us maintain our ranking and eventually make it even better.”
Registration for this year’s championship closes in mid-May, so the field is yet to be determined, but Miller says they expect a host of local favorites, international challengers and most of the elite players in amateur golf vying for Putter Boy trophy.
The North & South Amateur was created “to provide an annual gathering of those who love the game, rather than a spectacle,” said Pinehurst Resort’s founder Richard Tufts. This is as true today as it was 125 years ago.
2024 Junior Amateur Champions
Trey Marrion and Hallie Wilson
The tournament format consists of a 120-player field competing over two days on Pinehurst No. 2 and No. 4. The field is then cut to 32 players who are entered into a match play format through the rest of the week on Pinehurst No. 2. Spectators are welcome for all events and admission is free.
Maximizing ROI With Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
by Audrey Wiggins
My relationships with clients in the Sandhills extend beyond the transaction. As their local real estate expert, I often receive calls from past clients looking for advice on how to maximize their ROI when planning a remodeling or renovation project.
In my experience, the kitchen and bathroom often stand out as the spaces that provide the best return on investment (ROI) for homeowners. Whether you’re looking to sell your property in the near future or simply enhance its functionality and style, remodeling these two areas is an excellent way to boost both the value and appeal of your home.
The kitchen is widely considered the heart of the home. It’s where families gather, meals are prepared, and memories are made. Because of its central role in everyday life, the kitchen is a major selling point for potential buyers. A well-remodeled kitchen can significantly increase a home’s appeal and market value.
Why a Kitchen Remodel Pays Off:
High Demand Among Buyers: Most buyers consider the kitchen the most important room in the house. If the kitchen is outdated, it can immediately lower the perceived value of the entire home. A modern, functional kitchen with updated appliances and attractive finishes can make a home much more desirable.
Improved Functionality: Remodeling allows homeowners to enhance the kitchen’s layout and functionality. Adding storage space, upgrading countertops, or installing energyefficient appliances can make the space more practical, which adds to the overall value of the home.
Aesthetic Appeal: Today’s homebuyers are increasingly drawn to kitchens with sleek, modern designs, high-end materials, and attention to detail. Renovations such as new cabinetry, stylish backsplashes, and durable countertops like
quartz or granite can drastically enhance a kitchen’s look.
John and Deborah Wilson, owners of Artistic Kitchens and Baths, are local experts on current trends and best practices to ensure positive ROI. “Current trends couple stained cabinets with painted cabinets, most often stained island and hood cabinetry which bring alive the painted cabinets. Paint color selection is trending away from white with gray being a popular alternative but in 2025 we are seeiing a re-emergence of blue and green color accents”. John also advises to seek the advice of a cabinet professional on appliance selection prior to purchasing to allocate proper space for installation.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homeowners can expect to recoup anywhere from 60% to 80% of the costs associated with a kitchen remodel upon selling their home, depending on the scope and quality of the work.
Just like the kitchen, the bathroom is a space that heavily influences a home’s value. Today’s buyers are looking for bathrooms that feel like a retreat — a place to unwind after a long day. Bathrooms that offer modern fixtures, efficient layouts, and a spa-like atmosphere can make a substantial impact on a home’s selling price.
Why a Bathroom Remodel Pays Off:
Buyer Preferences: Potential buyers often prioritize updated bathrooms, particularly the master bath. Features like double vanities, luxurious soaking tubs, and walk-in showers with contemporary finishes are highly sought after.
Small Renovations, Big Results: Compared to a full-scale kitchen remodel, bathroom renovations can be more costeffective, yet they still provide impressive returns. Simply replacing fixtures, updating the vanity, or installing new tile can go a long way in improving the space.
Energy Efficiency: Installing water-efficient toilets, low-
flow showerheads, and energy-efficient lighting are appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. These updates not only lower utility bills but also add to the bathroom’s overall appeal.
“Recent design trends for bathrooms is the introduction of thin, full-sheet Quartz slabs and floating cabinets and shelves. Quartz sheets, while somewhat more expensive than traditional tile, come with the added advantage of making for easy cleaning since there is little or no grout to contend with. The design itself looks cleaner and less complicated when applying large format quartz to shower walls and even bathroom walls, especially when complemented by the use of frameless glass surrounds in showers” says John.
A bathroom remodel can provide a return of approximately 60% to 70% of the investment, with high-end renovations
recouping even more. The cost-to-value ratio makes bathroom remodeling one of the most profitable home improvements.
Kitchen and bathroom remodels are two of the smartest investments homeowners can make when it comes to maximizing ROI. By upgrading these key areas, homeowners can not only increase the value of their home but also create spaces that are functional, stylish, and appealing to potential buyers. Homes with these renovations/remodels often experience higher initial offers with less days on market.
Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to enjoy a more comfortable and modern living space, remodeling these rooms will likely provide some of the best returns on your investment.
Photography by Rip Charbonnet
Honoring Military Appreciation Month in the Sandhills
The month of May in the Sandhills is a deeply honorable, insightful, and pride-filled time in our community— especially given our proximity to Fort Bragg and the large population of soldiers and their families who call this area home. In 1999, Congress officially recognized May as National Military Appreciation Month to ensure the nation publicly honors and acknowledges those who serve in the military.
Here in the Sandhills, it’s not just an option to recognize this month—it’s a meaningful opportunity to participate in events and observances that directly acknowledge our neighbors and community members.
Below is a bit more about the key dates marked on our calendars throughout May, and the opportunities they offer to celebrate and reflect.
Key Observances in May
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day, established in 1949, was created to unify the separate military branches under the Department of Defense. President Truman championed this effort in the 1950s as a “parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.” The day aims to celebrate the strength and unity of the U.S. military as one cohesive force.
The first official celebration took place in 1950, featuring B-36 bombers flying over state capitals, marches in Washington, D.C., and parades in New York City. It served as both a recognition of service and an educational opportunity for the public to better understand the military’s vital role, its equipment, and the specialties unique to each branch.
Ways to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the Sandhills:
- Wear red, white, and blue
- Display your American flag
by Melissa Kohlman
- Thank a military member
- Donate to a veteran or military-based organization
- Volunteer through the VA or a veterans service organization
- Visit or support a local veteran-owned business
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Military Spouse Appreciation Day will be observed on Friday, May 9. Celebrated annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day, this day honors the strength, resilience, and dedication of military spouses—often referred to as the “silent heroes” who hold families together while their loved ones serve.
While President Ronald Reagan originally recognized the importance of this day, it was later formalized in 1999 with a proclamation stating: “Military spouses, who stand alongside our men and women in uniform, share in our service members’ heroic endeavors through selfless service, immeasurable contributions, and noble sacrifices... On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to these extraordinary individuals who strengthen and enrich our fighting forces, our communities, and our Republic.”
Support and resources available to military spouses include:
- Tuition Assistance through the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account
- Military Spouse Scholarships
- Free on-base classes
- Military discounts
- National Park and Federal Recreational Land Passes
- Morale, Welfare & Recreation programs
- Military lodging, hotels, and travel services
- Tax benefits
- Employment opportunities
by
photography
Jameson Everett
Memorial Day
A solemn day of remembrance, Memorial Day is often misunderstood or mischaracterized as a celebration. In the Sandhills, it’s treated with the reverence it deserves—a day to honor and mourn those who died in service to our country. Flags are placed throughout the area, and ceremonies are held to pay tribute to fallen heroes.
The holiday was first proclaimed in 1868 by Commander in Chief John Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, shortly after the Civil War. Since then, it has remained a powerful national tradition.
One notable local event around Memorial Day is the Duskin & Stevens Beef and Beer Festival, which honors the legacies of Mike Duskin and Riley Stephens. This fundraiser supports scholarships for children of special operations service members. Held at The Fair Barn in Pinehurst on May 22, 2025, 6:00-10:00pm, the event includes live music, catered BBQ, kids’ activities, and a strong sense of community centered around remembrance and giving back.
Looking Ahead: The Army’s 250th Anniversary
As we move into June, there’s another significant milestone approaching: The U.S. Army will celebrate its 250th anniversary on June 14th. Given our connection to Fort Bragg, this will be an especially meaningful event locally. Be on the lookout for celebrations and activities in and around the base.June 14 is also recognized as Flag Day.
Final Reflections
One of the unique blessings of living in the Sandhills is how easy it is to participate in meaningful reflection and celebration. Whether you attend an event or simply take a quiet moment while driving past a flag, there’s a constant reminder of the pride, sacrifice, and strength embedded in our community.
Local Veteran-Owned Businesses to Support
If you’re looking to show support this month, consider visiting one of these locally owned, veteran-led businesses (just to name a few):
Blue Diamond Staging & Design Home staging business
Southern Pines Brewing Company 3 locations, taproom, brewery, events
Blue Jay Cedar Roof Cleaning
Roof cleaning services
BHAWK Distillery, bar, restaurant
Cardinal State Storage Storage company
Empowered Nutrition Nutrition consulting
Gentle Renew Cleaning and power washing
Gulley’s Garden Center and Flower Bar Trees & Shrubs, annuals, houseplants
Full-service fresh florals
Hidden Adventures Travel Company Travel consulting
ABC Enterprises
Veteran-owned construction company
May Street Cycles
Bicycle shop in Southern Pines
Property Solutions 360 Property services
R. Riveter
Military-made handbags and products
Hatchet Brewing Co.
Brewery, bar, private event hosting
Local Resources Sandhills
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
MAY - JUNE - JULY 2025
May 2025
May 2: Sunrise Theater First Friday concert series - J & the Causeways, 5-9pm, downtown Southern Pines
May 2: Opening Reception for Art Show: In This Moment, 6-8pm Moore County Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House
May 2: Prancing Horse Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship, Spring Horse Show
May 3: Weymouth Center “Horses Benefit Kids” Fundraiser 3pm and Kentucky Derby Watch Party 5pm
May 3: Moore County Driving Club Cinco De Mayo Mini CT & HDT, Big Sky Farm
May 3: Buckhorn Farm Dressage & CT, Vass
May 8: Moore County Arts Council ARTour to Charlotte to see the artwork of Annie Leibovitz, info at https://www.mooreart.org
May 9: Live After 5 free concert series, 5:15 - 9pm, The Pinehurst Arboretum 375 Magnolia Road
May 9 : Military Spouse Appreciation Day
May 10: Mother’s Day
May 10-11: War Horse Eventing Series, Carolina Horse Park
May 11: Pop Up in the Pines-Mini Market Series at Hatchett Brewery, Southern Pines 11-4 pm
May 13: Southern Pines Town Council Meeting 6pm, E. S. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave.
May 14: Heather Ridge Farm Picnics & Ponies Series, D/CT/HT/WD
May 15-18: Triangle Farms Sandhills Classic “A” H/J Show, Carolina Horse Park
May 17: Blue & Brews: A Festival at the Farm, Malcolm Blue Farm, Aberdeen 12-7pm
May 17: Armed Forces Day
May 22: Beef and Beer Festival, 6-10pm Pinehurst Fair Barn
May 23-25: Carolina Polocrosse Club, Polocrosse in the Pines Tournament, Pinehurst 1 Mile Track
May 23-25: Sedgefield at The Park Winter Classic NCHJA /SCHJA “C” H/J Show, Carolina Horse Park
May 24: Youth Photography Class 12-2 pm at Campbell House, Purchase tickets at https://ticketmesandhills.com
May 26: Memorial Day holiday
June 2025
June 1: Sandhills Starter Show Dressage & CT, Silver Leaf Farm, 1480 Carolina Horse Farm Lane, Raeford
June 6: Sunrise Theater First Friday concert series- Neighbor, 5-8:30pm
June 6: Opening reception Arts Council Galleries at Campbell House, “Blurred Boundaries” 6-8pm. Exhibition dates June 6-17.
June 7-8: War Horse Eventing Series, Carolina Horse Park
June 10: Southern Pines Town Council Meeting 6pm, E. S. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave.
June 13-15: Sedgefield at The Park Winter Classic “C” H/J Show, Carolina Horse Park
June 17: Ice Cream Social at the Lavendar Farm 6-7:30pm, Lazy Fox Lavender Farm 272 Edgewood Road, Cameron
June 18: Heather Ridge Farm Picnics & Ponies, D/CT/HT/WD
June 19-22: Sedgefield at The Park Winter Classic USEF Regional “B” H/J Show, Carolina Horse Park
June 22: Pop Up in the Pines-Mini Market 11-4pm, Hatchet Brewing Company, 490 SW Broad St., Southern Pines
June 22-28: North & South Men’s Amateur Championship
June 22-28: North & South Women’s Amateur Championship
June 23-29: NCHJA “A” H/J Show, Carolina Horse Park
June 27: Sandhills Pour Tour and Wine Trail Tour, 1:00pm
June 28: Buckhorn Farm Dressage & CT, Vass
June 29-July 2: North & South Junior Amateur Championship
July 2025
July 4: Independence Day
New Businesses & Favorite Places
Wahinekapu is expanding to a new location in Vass at 128 Main Street, and to the former location of Frankie’s Southern Grinds on Old US 1 - all happening soon!
The Whale Tea
10840 US-15-501, Ste 501, Southern Pines
Boba Teas and sweet treats
Coast (from owner of Roast)
US-1 Business in Vass
Seafood house in casual setting
Seven 27 Lounge
38 Chinquapin Rd, Pinehurst Lounge and restaurant
July 8-12: Enter the Fine Arts Festival by Arts Council of Moore County For application and details, visit mooreart.org/fine-arts-festival/
The Arts Council’s Fine Arts Festival provides incentive for artists to improve their technique and a place to showcase and sell their artwork. The festival has since grown into a major art exhibit featuring artists from all over the country. The art is also judged in seven categories and over $2,800 in cash prizes and ribbons are awarded.
Exhibition Dates: July 23-August 27, 2025. Entry Fees (non-refundable): Arts Council Members $20 per entry, Non-members $30 per entry. Eligibility: Any artist (16+ years old) is eligible to enter.
Categories: Drawing, Oil , Acrylic, Watercolor, Photography, 3-Dimensional, Mixed Media / All Other Mediums (See mooreart.org/fine-arts-festival for entry requirements)
Awards (awarded at judge’s discretion):
$500 – Sara Wilson Hodgkins Best in Show
$125 – 1st Place in each category
$100 – 2nd Place in each category
$ 75 – 3rd Place in each category
Ribbons for all Honorable Mention