Small-Town Find

Southern Living, Aug 2005 by Latham, Tanner C

Cute boutiques and charming lunch stops line the main drag of this North Carolina gem.

Find the hidden jewels that make Southern Pines, North Carolina, a perfect day-trip destination. Park and walk the town's main street to discover a few of our favorite stops.

Lunch and a Snack

Around 11:30 or so, you'll see the crowds beginning to squeeze into Sweet Basil Café, a tiny eatery featuring West Coast flavors and accents. (Note: We recommend arriving at 11 a.m. or around 2 p.m., after the lunch rush, for the best seats.) While Pepi Brown and her brother, John Davis, grew up in the area, they both spent time in California and Colorado honing their restaurant skills. John even took a year to study pastries in Italy. Their culinary experiences are reflected in the menu, especially the rosemary- and Parmesan-encrusted focaccia breads used for sandwiches. Try the grilled eggplant sandwich with roasted red peppers, arugula, and garlic-basil mayonnaise ($7.25).

For something sweet while you stroll, step inside The Ice Cream Parlor, just down the street from Sweet Basil. Cappuccino Crunch and German Chocolate Cake ($1.70 for a single scoop, $2.50 for a double) top the list of 24 Hershey's ice-cream flavors.

A Few Rascally Rabbits

Debbie Amos thought opening a gift and accessories boutique downtown was a little crazy. "I had a wild hair to do this, but once I incorporated the rabbits, I knew the name would fit," she says. She's surrounded in her shop, A Wild Hare, by a herd of rabbits, from ceramic figurines to bunnies painted on canvas. The shop's theme is prevalent but not exclusive; other items include trendy home decor such as dinnerware, lamps, and candles. You'll also find beautiful artwork-some by North Carolina artists-lining the walls of this space, built in 1902 as the Belvedere hotel.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon up and down the main drag, ducking in when something catches your fancy. You may even find a few favorites of your own. TANNER C. LATHAM

Sweet Basil Café: 134 NW. Broad Street, Southern Pines, NC 28387; (910) 693-1487. The Ice Cream Parlor: 176 NW. Broad Street; (910) 692-7273. A Wild Hare: 125 SW. Broad Street; (910) 692-7096 or www.awildhare.com.