Happening upon the web page for the Pine Crest Inn (www.pinecrestinnpinehurst.com) I was greeted by a digitized rendition (the sort of songs found in e-greeting cards) of "You Look Wonderful Tonight," the classic closing time song made famous by Eric Clapton and associated by many a sentimental person on a meaningful occasion. It didn’t seem to fit with the Inn’s reputation as being an historical meeting place for golfers owned and operated by Donald Ross until his death in 1948. It seemed so, well, cheesy.
Suspending my judgements proved a good idea, since the web page intrigued with tales of fireplace chipping, golf greats who hang out between rounds at the bar with locals, Mr. B’s piano playing in the lobby, terrific food and cozy rooms such as the "telephone" room. The deciding factor in overlooking the questionable leitmotif was that most winning incentive: low tariffs. You see, when my husband was with me in Pinehurst we stayed at the romantic and elegant Holly Inn, but when my single girlfriend came to meet me for the weekend we choose the more affordable and rustic Pine Crest Inn option. What a great idea that turned out to be!
Even though it is just around the corner from Holly Inn, the Pine Crest represents an entirely different experience at Pinehurst. On the downside, the rooms aren’t that great. This old Inn hasn’t seen much refurbishing since its 1912 introduction by Mr. Ross, and the walls are thin enough to make friends (or enemies) of your neighbors right from the get-go. My friend was tucked into a little alcove just barely large enough to navigate around her bags and the bed. My part of the "suite" was a bit larger, yet her side had the bathroom and mine only offered a sink.
The very lively bar area and piano lounge on the main floor and entry provoke a sleep-denying stir most nights until the wee hours as locals and regular visitors alike gather to swap tales while throngs of male golf foursomes battle to flirt with the few girls in town and catch up on local gossip and course conditions. Mr. B plays a mean lounge piano most nights and everyone who walks through the doors is considered an instant friend.
The dining room was the most pleasant surprise. A cooked to order breakfast each morning in a delightful room, dinners suited to the most hearty or health-conscious appetite and that friendly service that has made the Inn a local favorite for nearly a hundred years really emphasized the value of our stay here.
Forget about haute expectations and you will soak up local color, and a great time instead by staying at the Pine Crest Inn.
Read on for more insight into Pine Crest's allure.