The Famous ‘Blessing of the Hounds’ in Southern Pines NC

Happy Thanksgiving!

Are you looking for an amazing combination of “FAMILY” experiences to share on Thanksgiving? Well, there is no better “Tradition” than to wake up Thanksgiving morning to attend the Blessing of the Hounds in Southern Pines and then before you sit down to that big turkey dinner, (or maybe after to walk off a few of the extra pounds you just gained) play a quick round of golf at The Cradle at Pinehurst Country Club.

The Blessing of the Hounds

… on Thanksgiving morning is an annual tradition that has taken place in Southern Pines for more than 100 years. This is the opening meeting of the Moore County Hounds, the oldest fox-hunting club in North Carolina. Riders who are members of the Moore County Hounds come dressed in formal hunting attire which includes the signature red hunting jackets called “pinks”, white pants, leather riding boots, and hunt caps. Before the release of the hounds, the riders and hounds gather to receive a blessing from a local Episcopal priest. The idea of the blessing dates back to the early medieval days when hunters believed that St. Hubert of Liege, the patron saint of hunters, could protect their hounds and keep them safe during the hunt. The hunt takes place on over 4,000 acres owned by the Walthour-Moss Foundation, which is in the center of Horse Country in Southern Pines.

The Blessing of the Hounds has become

… a big tailgating event for the thousands of spectators who come to watch the pageantry of this tradition. It is a time for the community to come together to show its pride in the equestrian culture, plus it’s a great time for friends and family to enjoy the morning together before heading off to their family feasts. It is a tradition not to be missed!

To add golf into your Thanksgiving family tradition, nearly 120 years after golf arrived in Pinehurst, a new course came to town in 2018. The Cradle is a nine-hole short course that even the newest to the game can enjoy. The Golf Channel calls The Cradle, “the most fun 10 acres in all of golf.” My family and I played it yesterday and we agreed! Mere steps from the Resort Clubhouse, you don’t have to be a member to play. It only takes about 45 minutes to walk the course while you enjoy fun music playing in the background.

There is even a mini-bar called the “Pine Cone”

… to enjoy a beverage while playing. Greens fees for The Cradle are only $50 for adults and replay rounds are free. Kids 17 and under play free when accompanied by a paying adult, and resort guests may book tee times in advance. TEE TIMES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING 1-800-ITS-GOLF. If you are looking for more of a putting course, try Thistle Dhu. It is right next to The Cradle and features 18 holes of mind-bending journeys designed to entertain everyone in the family, from the golfing beginner to the scratch player and everyone in between.

So, whether you are looking for a little golf, a little equestrian tradition, or both, book a trip to Pinehurst and Southern Pines over Thanksgiving. You just may come back every year if you do! For those considering making the move permanent, exploring real estate in Southern Pines NC can help you find the perfect home to enjoy all these amenities year-round.

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