Sandhills, NC

Made up of golf courses in Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Southern Pines and the surrounding area, this region of North Carolina features some of the best golf in the U.S. It's also one of the most easily reached areas as it's located about halfway between New York and Florida.

In addition to the world-renowned Pinehurst resort, the area also features a number of popular accommodations such as the Best Western Pinehurst Inn and the Residence Inn Southern Pines. And if a conventional hotel is not your cup of tea, you can consider a stay in popular condo communities in such areas as Linville Gardens, Longleaf, and The Pit. These multi-room condos offer much more space than a standard hotel and generally provide full kitchen, living room, and more.

However, we know it is golf you're interested in and, bubba, do we have some great choices. Fans of Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses will find two in the area: the 7,122-yard National Golf Club in Pinehurst, and the 7,018-yard Legacy Golf Links in nearby Aberdeen. The Golden Bear did the former; his son Jack II designed the latter.

Other excellent choices around Pinehurst and Southern Pines include The Carolina (an Arnold Palmer design that opened in 1997), The Club at Longleaf (Dan Maples, 1998), Hyland Hills (Tom Jackson, 1973), and Talamore (Rees Jones, 1991). While these tracks will please players of all levels, there's one course in the area visitors find the most memorable. Located north of Pinehurst in Sanford, the Mike Stranz-designed Tobacco Road Golf Club is unlike any golf course you have seen anywhere – not even in Scotland and Ireland. You may love it, you may not – but you won't forget it.

Actually, "unforgettable" is the perfect way to describe any trip to the Sandhills – whether it's your first or your latest. The wonderful weather, beautiful scenery, great golf, and the charming village of Pinehurst combine to steal your heart away the moment you arrive. Take it from us, you'll never forget a golf trip to the Carolina Sandhills!