One of my favorite places to visit is the Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities. Located near the heart of Southern Pines this special gem in the Sandhills was established in 1979. Everyone visiting or living in our area should spend time at this historical landmark walking the grounds and taking part in it’s many cultural events.
Originally Weymouth was a 1,200-acre estate established at the turn of the 20th century by the grandfather of author James Boyd. Boyd was a popular American writer made famous by his historical novels written in the 1920’s and 30’s; Drums, Marching On, Long Hunt, Roll River and Bitter Creek.
The Boyd’s were active in the Sandhills Community for many years and in 1941 they purchased The Pilot, the local newspaper. James would serve as editor until his death in 1944 and then his wife Katherine assumed its management until 1969.
In 1979 the Weymouth Estate was purchased by the Friends of Weymouth and the Cultural Center was established. Today the Center encompasses the Weymouth Gardens, the Writer’s in-Residence program as well as the Chamber Music Series, Ragan Writer’s Series and it’s Arts and Humanities Lecture Series. Our local youth in grades 1 – 12 as well as adults are encouraged to take part in the Moore County Writers’ Competition held yearly and hosted by the Weymouth Center.
For nature lovers the Weymouth Gardens are a lovely place to visit as well as walking and picnicking in the Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve. While in the woods make sure to visit the world’s oldest known living Longleaf Pine estimated to be well over 400 years old.
Today the Boyd House is a popular site for private parties, weddings, and for fundraising and special events. The beautiful home and its acreage are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. To learn more about the many cultural events taking place at Weymouth visit weymouthcenter.org. If you would like to know more about the many cultural events, and the advantages of living in the Sandhills region call or text me at 910-528-6427.
–Lin Hutaff