A golfer's mecca, Pinehurst is a historic village more than 100 years old. The area has nearly 50 courses, including those at the legendary Carolina Hotel and Pinehurst Country Club, which contains eight 18-hole courses and a top-ranked golf school. Allow one day—unless you're really serious about bringing your handicap down. If that's the case, stay a week. The 2005 U.S. Open was played on Pinehurst No. 2. 55 mi/90 km southwest of Raleigh.
