Best Local Musician – group

McKenzie Brothers Band

These guys have been playing together for years, entertaining thousands, but the last thing they do is take themselves too seriously. Consider the address for their website: www.backgrounddrunks.com.

2. Dark Horse
3. Whiskey Pines

 


 

Best Local Photographer

Sayer Photography

Tim Sayer’s work virtually jumps out at you. From wedding portraits to everyday life, Sayer Photography has been a mainstay in the community for several years. 360 S Ashe St, Southern Pines • (910) 692-6320 • www.sayerphotography.com

2. Gabby Smith
3. Laura Ingram Photo

 


 

Best Party/Event Planning Company

Maggie’s Farm

Maggie’s Farm has been serving Pinehurst and the Sandhills with creative floral designs, meticulous wedding and event planning, and composed coordination since 1992. 873 Foxfire Rd, Aberdeen • (910) 295-1784 • www.maggiesfarm4flowers.com

2. Social Butterfly
3. Party Tyme

 


 

Best Wedding Venue

The Fair Barn

When it comes to iconic spaces in the Sandhills that stand out for their beauty and uniqueness, there are few that match the Fair Barn. It is the preferred spot for brides, non-profits and others wanting a first-class event. 200 Beulah Hill Rd S, Pinehurst • (910) 295-0166 • www.vopnc.org/our-government/departments/fair-barn

2. Weymouth Center
3. Pinehurst Resort

 


 

Best Place to Get ‘Inked’

Valhalla Tattoo and Gallery

Over the years, Valhalla has made a name for itself not just for its artistry but also for its community outreach, especially with active-duty military and veterans in the Sandhills. If you walk around anywhere in The Pines and spot a tattoo, chances are good it came from Valhalla. 165 E Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines (910) 246-1559 • www.valhallatattooandgallery.com

2. True Tattoo

 


 

Best Dance Studio

Terpsichore

The professional staff at Terpsichore have been serving the community for more than 25 years, and their annual holiday shows and special events are incredible productions. If you’ve got a little dancer in the family, it might be time for some more informed instruction. 176 NW Broad St, Southern Pines • (910) 695-1116 •  www.danceatterpsichore.com

2. Seven Lakes Dance
3. Elite Academy of Dance

 


 

Best Place to Get Creative

Wine & Design

For those who’ve sat around sipping a glass of wine with friends and wondered what else they could do, there’s a place like Wine & Design, where you can enjoy that Pinot Noir with some paint brushes. Just be careful where you’re dipping that brush. 220 W Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines •  (910) 684-3303 • wineanddesign.com/locations/southern_pines

2. 9th of September
3. Hobby Lobby

 


 

Best Place to Go for Live Theater

Sunrise Theater

The venerable Sunrise Theater in downtown Southern Pines is a popular location for entertainment, whether from its stage or screen.  250 NW Broad St, Southern Pines • (910) 692-8501 • www.sunrisetheater.com

2. Temple Theater
3. Sandhills Community College

 


 

Best Non-Profit/Community Music Event

First Friday – Sunrise Theater

An annual rite of spring is the kickoff to the monthly community music concerts in the vacant lot beside the Sunrise Theater in downtown Southern Pines. Hundreds of people show up with camp chairs, wagons of kids, dogs on leashes and laidback attitudes. 250 NW Broad St, Southern Pines • (910) 692-8501 • www.sunrisetheater.com

2. Pinehurst Live After 5
3. Sunrise Theater Blues Crawl

 


 

Best Bar or Restaurant for Live Entertainment

The Jefferson Inn

“The Jeff,” with its outdoor patio and friendly bar staff, is one of the happening evening spots in downtown Southern Pines and you’ll always find someone playing music for the patrons. 150 W New Hampshire Ave, Southern Pines • (910) 692-9911 • www.jeffersoninnsouthernpines.com

2. The Rooster’s Wife
3. The Bell Tree

 


 

Best Place to Go for Trivia Night

Hickory Tavern

The know-it-all’s already had the ready answer as to the winner of this category.  Here you’ll find plenty of opportunity to stun people with your amazing knowledge of utterly useless material. 9735 US-501, Pinehurst • (910) 235-3850 • www.thehickorytavern.com

2. Kickback Jack’s
3. The Sly Fox Pub

 


 

Best Local Musician – solo

Becca Rae

Becca Rae is a mainstream country music artist, best known for her powerhouse vocals and emotionally charged lyrics. The singer-songwriter lives in Southern Pines and is the winner of several songwriting awards. www.beccaraemusic.com

2. Tony Barnes
3. Frankie Moree

 


 

Best Place to Watch a Movie

Sunrise Theater

Sure you could pay $12 to see a movie of dubious quality or you could spend the same amount at the Sunrise for a ticket and a glass of wine and see a first-rate award-winning film. Your choice. 250 NW Broad St, Southern Pines • (910) 692-8501 • www.sunrisetheater.com

2. Frank Theaters
3. Southern Pines Park-Movies in the Park

 


 

Best Place to Sing Your Heart Out

Dugan’s Pub

Go ahead, belt out “Bohemian Rhapsody.” You know you want to. And don’t forget to bang your head too. And we’re laughing with you — not at you. 2 Market Square, Pinehurst • (910) 295-3400 • www.duganspub.net

2. The Bell Tree
3. Pinehurst Live After 5

 


 

Best Place to View Local Art

Arts Council of Moore County

As the county’s oldest and largest arts organization, the Arts Council of Moore County takes pride in the fact that it continues as the arts leader in making our community special. Founded in 1973, the Arts Council is a not-for-profit, charitable organization with the mission to inspire and strengthen through the arts. 482 E Connecticut Ave, Southern Pines • (910) 692-2787 • www.mooreart.org

2. Eye Candy Gallery
3. Artists League of the Sandhills

 


 

Best Place to Get Pottery

Seagrove

While technically not in Moore County, Seagrove, just north of us, is home to dozens of potters offering an array of styles and works.

2. Jugtown
3. Raven Pottery

 


 

Best Place to Watch Art Being Created

Wine & Design

You don’t need to be some Bohemian artist in a Soho loft throwing paints at a canvas. A party of friends drinking wine can come up with crazy artistic ideas. 220 W Pennsylvania Ave, Southern Pines •  (910) 684-3303 • wineanddesign.com/locations/southern_pines

2. Ben Owen Pottery
3. Artists League of the Sandhills