Great Meals in the Sandhills

I have heard rumors that certain people engage in unspeakable acts with little white balls out in the open, where anyone can see! One of the nation's most prominent locations for such activities is Pinehurst and Southern Pines, North Carolina. While I would never engage in such activities myself, I can recommend restaurants in the region. In fact, some of the best meals I have had in the last year occurred in the area. Elliott's on Linden (905 Linden Road Pinehurst, NC 28374 (910) 215-0775, www.elliottsonlinden.com) centers its concept on local ingredients. Owner-Chef Mark Elliott, a Brit, owns a refrigerated truck. He visits area farms and buys whole lambs and other produce. The wine list is one of the best I have seen, with selections from Helen Turley. And servers know the food. The 1895 Grill at Holly Inn (c/o Pinehurst Resort, 80 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst, NC 28374, (855) 235-8507; restaurant reservations (910) 235-8434, www.pinehurst.com/luxury-north-carolina-hotels.php) is elegant, in a charming, turn of the century resort way. See websites for menus.