Happy almost 2020, boys and girls. Fact No. 1: Santa only keeps track between Jan. 1 and Dec. 24. Fact No. 2: Pedialyte isn’t just for kids. Do with that information what you will.
What to Eat:
:: 1-6:30 p.m.: Stock up on ciders for your party of one at James Creek Cider’s new tasting house, and grab eats from Meat & Greek’s truck.
:: 5-10 p.m.: Pregame at Pinehurst Brewing Co. with a self-guided tour of four beer tasters expertly paired with menu items. $35. Sippy sippy. Bonus: at 10 p.m., they’ll be tapping a limited release of a Bourbon Barrel Aged Malvavisco.
:: 5-9 p.m.: Drown in main courses at The Sly Fox, from its traditional NYE chicken and waffles to braised pork belly and eggnog cake with rum sauce. We’re breathing heavily.
Until 10 p.m.: Feast on prime rib with local collards and mashed potatoes or black eyed peas for $22.95 at The Bell Tree. Make a reservation at 910-692-4766.
What to Do:
:: 9 a.m. to noon: Shield those precious minds from your 9 p.m. attempts at twerking at Discovery Place Kids, with the help of New Year’s at Noon.
:: 4-7 p.m.: Take the fam to Sandhills Bowling Center for an early countdown after a session of cosmic bowling. All bumpers, please rise.
:: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.: Pull up at an upscale, $500-per-spot bonfire to help save Buchan Field. We’re looking at you, guy who drives the pickup with “Redneck Cadillac” emblazoned on his tailgate. Don’t forget your marshmallows.
:: 6-8 p.m.: Sleigh your kids’ celebration with carriage rides through downtown Southern Pines, plus face painters, vendors and the lowering of, what else, a giant pine cone.
:: 7:30 p.m.: There ain’t no cover charge, but closing time happens sometime after the free champagne at midnight. See the ball drop on the big screen at Drum & Quill.
:: 8 p.m. until: Bring those bad decisions into the new year with karaoke at Time Out Sports Grill in Carthage, the perfect place to bring your friends in low places.
:: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Do what real adults do after midnight — throw their shoulder out with a bowling ball too small for their fat ass thumbs. Keep rolling, rolling, rolling.
:: Starting at 10 p.m.: Are you a Capricorn or just happy to see us? All horned goats get into Broadstreet Bar & Grill’s 2020 party for free. Seems fitting.
:: Until 2 a.m.: Celebrate with party favors, house music and a champagne toast at The Bell Tree. Just be careful where you aim that confetti rocket.
And Enter 2020 Right:
:: 9 to 3 p.m.: Join park rangers on guided hikes through Weymouth Woods — 9 a.m. at the Boyd Tract; 1 p.m. at the Weymouth Tract; and 3 p.m. at the Paint Hill Tract. Do all three and lord over your foes with superiority. Bonus: Morrow Mountain also has a first day hike, with hot chocolate and treats after.
:: Noon to 2 p.m.: Drown your sorrows during National Bloody Mary Day at Elliott’s on Linden, with $5 house mixes or the option to create your own. It’s basically liquid fruit.
:: Noon to 8 p.m.: Skate into 2020 during one of the last remaining days to glide around the lawn of the Carolina Hotel. Bring $5 for a S’mores kit for two. Falling, but make it fashion.
