Get lost in time in the Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. -- One of the greatest joys of staying at the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club is its intimacy with the charming village. Pinehurst incorporated into a municipality in 1980 and became a National Historic Landmark (along with the resort) in 1996. The golfer-friendly vibe is apparent wherever you turn.

The resort runs the downtown Putter Boy Shop, which is currently stocked with merchandise for the 2014 U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open. Owner Tom Stewart showcases his dream collection of golf art, books and collectibles at his Old Sport & Gallery. You could get lost in there easily for a few hours.

The Tufts Archives in the Given Memorial Library spells out the history of Pinehurst Resort founder James Walker Tufts and Donald Ross.

The Pine Crest Inn, which celebrated its 100th birthday Nov. 1, 2013, welcomes golfers who walk in the front door with a chance to chip off the carpet into a target in the fireplace. There are plenty of other places to eat, drink and be merry with a foursome of friends, like Dugan's Pub and The Tavern inside The Holly Inn.

Thirty-two of the 38 original cottages built in the village from 1895-96 can be seen on a self-guided walking tour. Chris Wilkes, a resident of Arlington, Va., who recently stayed at The Holly Inn, enjoyed walking about with his father, George. "It feels like a little village you don't see anymore. It reminds you of a town from the 1930s," he said.