MoCo Moms On-The-Go: Coffee & Play beyond southern pines
Welcome to the second round of our coffee shop adventures, where we’ll explore the neighboring communities of Southern Pines. We'll be visiting Aberdeen, Pinehurst, Carthage, and Vass to check out some of our favorite local coffee stops!
Whether you're dashing around town or seeking a cozy spot to savor a cup of coffee with your little ones, Moore County's coffee scene has something special in store for you. Join us as we explore coffee shops and offer insights on whether they’re super mom-friendly or maybe just kinda-sorta. We'll discuss info like toddler-friendly bathrooms, stroller accessibility, and a variety of allergen-friendly options! Get ready to sip, relax, and make cherished moments in these coffee havens!
Pinescones
Addresses:
905 Linden Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374
116 Brucewood Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387
Insta: @pinesconecafe & @pinesconecafesp
It’s interesting to me how far the ‘scone’ has come in Moore County. With humble European origins, Pinescones has taken our area by storm, even reaching their heights of sconedome beyond the Raleigh-Durham area! That being said, what made me fall in love with Pinescones was their café and ambiance. They carry Counter Culture Roasted coffee, a forever favorite of mine, and they’re truly gifted at coming up with an amazing rotating flavor menu. Each month brings new scone flavors along with new espresso drinks and non-caffeinated beverages for those looking for other sweet options.
Nitty-Gritty Kid Specs –
The Southern Pines location isn’t walkable but is located in a plaza with great options for after-coffee shopping
The Southern Pines location has an awesome little kids’ table in the middle of the main dining area. It’s a pint-sized picnic table adjunct to a small toy chest with gently-used play things. Though some additional toys and books could do wonders, what is available has kept my toddler entertained for 15-20 mins!
Easily accessible bathroom in the back of the dining area with a changing station and step stool
Several allergen friendly Gluten-Free (GF), Dairy-Free (DF), and Vegan options
Several caffeine-free options
The Pinehurst location is a little less family-centric but still has all the Pinescone basics. Allergen-friendly options (GF, DF) are rather limited here, so keep that in mind if that’s a priority for your family.
Bonus: You can get a ‘log’ of scones to go. It's a ready-to-slice, pre-made dough log that you can easily prepare within 30 minutes of family or friends dropping by for a visit. I always keep one in the freezer!
Buggytown
Address: 201 S McNeill St, Carthage, NC 28327
Insta: @buggytowncoffee
This may have been one of the first and most “child-friendly” coffee shops I experienced in the area. Family-owned and centered, this place beckons to the Pines Mama. There’s ample seating inside as well as some newly installed outdoor tables and chairs (even a kiddie picnic table or two!). They boast a variety of beverage and food options, though their macaroons and muffins are the best in my book! One huge attraction to me is the built-in “café” play area, where gently used Montessori-style toys are available for play. Something to be grateful for while you take a few breaths and enjoy your coffee in peace!
Nitty-Gritty Kid Specs –
Walkable to downtown Carthage
Located two blocks from Nancy Kisser Playground which recently underwent a makeover
Kid/Toddler snacks, ranging from meals to smoothies
Not allergen-friendly (minimal DF, GF, or vegan options)
Great open and toddler/kid-friendly bathroom
Changing table available
Stroller accessible through the main entrance
Agora Bakery
Address: 15 Chinquapin Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374
Insta: @agorabakeryandcafe
Think Paris of the South. That’s how I always describe my favorite bakery in town. Located in the heart of the village, this coffee shop/bakery/eatery has everything you could need for the casual meet-up. Open early morning through lunch and, without a doubt, the place for weekend brunch, Agora boasts a variety of options. Believe it or not, my favorite item is actually their drip coffee. One of the best in town if you like it black and bursting with flavor. I recommend planning your visit during the week, weekends tend to get quite busy with the brunch crowd.
Nitty-Gritty Kid Specs –
Extremely walkable in the village
Less than a mile walk to Rassie Wicker & Camelot Park
Somewhat stroller friendly, just swing around to the side doors to avoid the stairs. While it’s spacious once you get in there, it can get tight during busy times
Plenty (by far the best in town) allergen-friendly options
Toddler/kid-friendly bathroom, but consider twice before bringing the stroller this way! It's a narrow corridor that requires some expert maneuvering to navigate successfully.
Outdoor seating
The Roast Office
Address: 95 Cherokee Rd, Pinehurst, NC 28374
Insta: @theroastofficenc
It’s probably one of the first coffee shops people think of as it stands as the quintessential landmark and community hub for our locals. Opened from the bones of the village’s old post office, the Roast Office serves several small bites and sandwiches, as well as unique craft lattes and good ole drip coffee. But that’s not what all the hype is about —because attached to the small little coffee shop is the Given Tufts Bookshop where you’ll find rows and rows of used books at great prices and quality. They even have a reading area, just for kids, where we tend to scan through books while waiting for our smoothies! Their themes are rotating and you can take any of these used stories home for just a few dollars.
Nitty-Gritty Kid Specs –
Walkable location in the heart of the village
About a mile walk to Rassie Wicker & Camelot Park
This is not stroller accessible from the front, though you can circle around the back for stroller and handicap entry. We usually park the stroller out front while grabbing our coffee and heading to the playground!
Limited allergen-friendly options
Multiple toddler/young child-friendly bathrooms
Outdoor seating
Crossroads Coffee Co
Address: 133 Main St, Vass, NC 28394
Insta: @coffeefromcrcc
If you haven’t made the trip out to Vass yet to see this place, you’re missing out on a hidden gem. It’s small and quaint but packed with all the vibes you need to get your morning started. House-made syrups and pastries are available, as well as some non-caffeinated beverages to channel your sweet tooth. The staff are super friendly and proud of this unique shop in the heart of Vass.
Nitty-Gritty Kid Specs –
There’s not much walkability, there are minimal sidewalks, but it's not too challenging to walk to the Vass Library along a main road if you're up for it.
Crossroads is located about a mile drive from a community playground that’s elementary school-aged (limited toddler play though there are several fields for running)
Limited allergen-friendly options
The bathroom is smaller, but still toddler/young child-friendly
Outdoor seating is limited
High Octane
Address: 140 S Sycamore St, Aberdeen, NC 28315
Insta: @highoctanegirls
Woman-owned and operated, this revamped petrol station is a perfect meeting spot in the Pines area. They feature several unique and diverse coffee drinks, with seasonal rotating menus similar to our other shops in the area. The space is quite historic with cozy vibes and a decent amount of in-house seating. They are also known for their Italian sodas, so make sure to try the bubbly when you can!
Nitty-Gritty Kid Specs –
Great walkability in the heart of downtown Aberdeen. It’s about two blocks from a cute downtown playground (with restrooms on site) as well as a quick car ride to Aberdeen Lake Park and playground.
Stroller-friendly, though tight around the ordering counter
No real allergen-friendly baked goods or snacks, but they do have a few toddler-friendly options
The bathroom is small but toddler/young child-friendly
Great outdoor seating, but note that this is right on the railroad tracks!
Bonus: The High Octane girls host several Aberdeen events, including a monthly Farmers Market and some shop-specific events. Evenings are also a hit, as they carry gourmet beers and wine as well.
Cactus Creek Gourmet Coffee Roasters
Address: 120 O’Conner Pl, Aberdeen, NC 28315
Insta: @cactuscreekcoffee
Though primarily coffee roasters, the shop often gets missed as a morning cup destination. Tucked just away from the main drag leaving Aberdeen is my absolute favorite coffee in town. They have the variety to accommodate any picky eater or coffee-snob alike! From cold foam to cappuccino these guys have it covered. Honestly though, you need to BUY their roasted coffee. They sell so many gourmet flavors, single serve, decaf, tea, and even flavored syrups to make your at-home coffee experience almost as good as stopping by.
Nitty-Gritty Kid Specs –
It’s not very walkable, as it’s off a main road. Short drive to Aberdeen playground
Extremely stroller-friendly
Minimal snacks but there are a few local homemade scones and cookies depending on the time
The bathroom is toddler/young child-friendly
There’s no outdoor seating or indoor, but there is a large field next to the building for some simple strolling after grabbing a drink
Just a few honorable mentions (We had to!)
Pony Espresso
Address: 801 SW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387
I’ll admit, I’m a HUGE fan girl. Embarrassingly so. This place may not be a classic coffee shop but it is every Pines mom’s best friend. This drive-thru-only coffee destination is fast, delicious, and always full of new concoctions and treats. They carry local pastries, scones, cookies, and coffee cakes for sale at the window as well as a comprehensive list of caffeine. My favorites from here? Their dirty chai is the best in town and I love that they offer MCT oil as an add-in to any beverage!
Off the Rail Nutrition
Address: 1381 N Sandhills Blvd, Aberdeen, NC 28315
Though around for a while, it recently changed ownership to a young entrepreneur named Faith a little over a year ago. This is not a coffee shop in the traditional sense but needed to be mentioned for its hidden-gem qualities! This is first and foremost a loaded yes oasis (which sets it apart from other nutritional shake and smoothie places around town!). It’s also a gourmet nutritional shake shop, home to a variety of shakes and smoothies (literally any and every flavor your heart desires). The service is incredible, the prices are well worth it, and every mom needs to stop in to get a shake and tea. Think about it, a dessert shake (German Chocolate Cake, anyone?) with added coffee, packed full of protein, means taking care of yourself and body while on the go!
That’s a wrap! If you’re looking for Coffee Shops specific to Southern Pines, check out Round 1 of MoCo Moms On-The-Go: Coffee & Play in Southern Pines!