If you’re the kind of person whose last three commemorative ornaments have been artistic renditions of dumpster fires, here’s where to forget some of the past year (or two):
THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY:
Join the North & South Bar on New Year’s Eve for a classic cocktail, or a champagne clink when the clock strikes 12. Enjoy the upscale atmosphere inside or snag a seat by a fire pit for a midnight lip lock. The party goes until 1 a.m., plenty of time to sample one of the bar’s 100+ styles of bourbons, whiskeys, ryes and scotch — plus the Pinehurst Reserve, specially blended and barreled by Woodford. Cheers to that.
RING IN ’23 AT A BAR:
- 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Dress up for a roaring 20’s themed party at diVine Lounge with live music. A $10 cover includes a glass of bubbly. A little party never killed nobody.
- 7-10 p.m.: Get a beer flight from Southern Pines Growler Co. and listen to the Trailer Park Romeos as a pre-countdown celebration. Cheers.
- 7-10 p.m.: Hear live music from The Simpletons at Hatchet Brewing Co. and enjoy Dawg Wagon food truck from 5-9. Thats what’s up, dawg.
- 7:30 p.m. until: No need to leave Robbins to get your party on. Shady Spot Tavern is hosting a NYE party with DJ Sound Bytes. Bring a covered dish to share. We’ll toast to that.
- 7:30 to midnight: Harmonize with Momma Molasses and Chelsea Dawn at The Wine Cellar. Pour the bubbly.
- 8 p.m. until: Ring in the new year with The Stone Dolls at Railhouse Brewery. Bring your party hat.
- 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Party with the band Sprockett and their special guest, Nashville recording artist Rachel Pinson at 715 Bar & Grill. Also enjoy $1 PBR. Sip, sip, hooray.
- 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.: The Dirt Road Sinners brings its show to Drum & Quill, which is hosting a champagne toast at midnight. Rock into the New Year.
- 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Rock out with Aftermath! at O’Donnell’s Pub. Bring cash for a cover charge. Shots, shots, shots.
- 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.: JD & Bill will be performing at Neville’s Club. Play pool and dance to the music. Here’s to 12 new chapters.
- 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Join The Bell Treefor a New Year’s Eve party with band Dark Horse. Bring some cash for a cover charge. Pop, Fizz, Clink.
- Until midnight: Reserve your spot for Time Out Sports Grill and their blowout celebration. Enjoy champagne, food and drink specials. Count it down.
- Until midnight: Try one of the two new beers on draft and ring it in with Pinehurst Brewing Co. as the John Norris Band plays until midnight. Hoppy new year.
OR, AT NOT A BAR:
- 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.: The Sunrise Theater shows “Devotion,” the story of Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in U.S. Navy history. Get your tickets here.
- 6-8 p.m.: Bring the family to see the pine cone drop in downtown Southern Pines. Live music, stilt walkers, characters, face painting and more will provide free entertainment. See you on the Sunrise square.
- 5:30-8 p.m.: Drop Roll some balls at Sandhills Bowling Center. For $20 enjoy food, unlimited bowling, unlimited sodas, giveaways and more. Reserve your lane early.
- 7 p.m.: Grab someone you love for a New Year’s Eve date night that’s out of the box. Wine & Design is hosting a “Cigars and Roses” paint class. Cost is $75 for two. Begin the new year with rose colored glasses.
- 7-9 p.m.: Sip some brews on the New Year’s Cruise with Sandhills Trolley Co. The theme is steampunk — costumes are optional but fun is not. Tix are $30 and you’ll stop at The Island Bar and Hooka and end at diVine. 2022 is rolling out.
HOW TO PREGAME:
- 1-7 p.m.: Stop by the Cookies—N—Moore food truck for the $20 cash dozen New Year’s Eve sale. Don’t show up to the party empty handed.
- 5-9 p.m.: Indulge in a New Year’s Eve dinner at the Pinecrest Inn. Choose between lobster and shrimp risotto, ribeye and more. Make a reservation.
- 9 p.m. — until: Munch on your favorite Hickory Tavern grub and listen to Whiskey Pines serenade the restaurant. New year, same wings.
- Enjoy cocktail and dinner specials at Ashten’s Restaurant. Call for a reservation.
- 5-9 p.m.: Treat yourself to a 4-course meal for $59.95 at Table on the Green with live jazz music. See the menu.
AND GET A START ON 2023:
- Jan. 1, 8 a.m. to noon: Toast to the new year with a mimosa and breakfast buffet at the Pinecrest Inn. Reservations are not required. Eat this for luck.
- Jan. 1, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Elliotts on Linden is hosting New Year’s Brunch and celebrating National Bloody Mary Day. Cost is $30/person, get your reservations in early. Hello, 2023.
- Enjoy a traditional southerner’s New Year’s Day dinner at Maxie’s Grill & Tap Room. Pork, black-eyed peas and collard greens will be on your plate for prosperity, luck and wealth. We’ll take what we can get.
