May the Fourth Be With You

Happy Star Wars day, nerds. The month of May is always exciting because there’s always so much packed in — just look at this weekend's social calendar. Friday is Cinco de Mayo. Saturday is Derby Day. If you need us, we’ll be singing a very on-brand karaoke number just like this guy. 

Let The Fiesta Begin 

We put together a list of places where you can celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Guac and roll.

• 4 p.m. to midnight: Join El Patron in Aberdeen for a Cinco De Mayo celebration including drink specials, music and even a mechanical bull. Toro Toro.
• 4-9:30 p.m.: Taco bout a spread. Sly Fox will have a taco bar and margarita flights. Yum. 
• 6:30-11 p.m.: Shake on over to Sanford for Fonda Lupita's celebration. There will be face painting, music, balloon twisting and of course, margarita specials. Chip, Chip, Hooray. 
• 7-9 p.m.: Party with the Sandhills Trolley Co. on its Fiesta Trolley. Sombreros encouraged. Buy tickets in advance.
• While supplies last: Have your taco and eat it, too, with festive treats from C.Cups Cupcakes in Southern Pines and Pinehurst.
• All day: Enjoy half price on your first pitcher of margaritas at Benji's Rincon Jarocho, plus food specials. Bad queso lovin' you. 
• All day: Party and play at Rec Room. Get $5 margaritas (spicy, smoked or classic). Mas A Wrap food truck will be there to satiate your hunger. 
• All day: Red's Corner will be dishing out margaritas and sangria. Baja Dogs food truck will be parked and serving up Baja tacos, carne asada fríes and Mexican corn. 
• All Day: Spice up pizza Fridays with margarita specials at Pinehurst Pizza. Cheers.
• All weekend: Get your sweet and salty fix at Stellar Scoops, a Robbins ice cream shop, with an order of waffle cone tacos and nachos. Nacho average.

We Love a Good Progress Report

Here's one from what will soon be Moore County's newest place to say "I Do." Village Pine Venue, a new venture by Melissa McPeake, is coming together faster than you can ask if he went to Jared.

The Charleston-inspired venue, off McCaskill Road in Carthage, includes more amenities than the amount of cousins your mother wants you to add to the guest list. The beams will be wrapped in white pine and there are 48 ceiling hooks so you can hang greenery, or 48 disco balls, from the ceiling. 

The space will have roll-up garage doors and a bar with a pass-thru window to the patio, a prep kitchen and green room for vendors, an upstairs conference room / flex space and balcony, and a nursery that can give littles a place of their own during a quiet ceremony or a lit dance floor. 

The site also includes spaces for brides and grooms to relax or get ready, separated by a garden with high brick walls and arched entries that's giving real "Secret Garden" vibes. The patio overlooks a pond; an amphitheater is next on the plan.

Melissa broke ground on her dream in October, long after deciding she'd create an event venue if she found the right land for it. "I wanted to have a very inclusive property," Melissa says, "one where you can do anything for your event that you need." 

• Ready to commit? Great, because Melissa is too. She's opening Village Pine Venue months ahead of her original schedule; bookings can begin Sept. 1. Start here.

Here's Another Lunch Pastability

Lisi Italian, in downtown Pinehurst, is expanding its options into casual lunch, served over the counter in their market shop from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Order up a sandwich that will give you a taste of Italy. If you've never tried Lisi, it's time to mix up your rotini because Best Things NC names it one of the best Italian restaurants in North Carolina. Feast your eyes.
 

SPONSORED BY CHICK-FIL-A SOUTHERN PINES

Show Mom You Love Her a Waffly Lot

There are so mini reasons to say you appreciate her but Chick-fil-A can fill her heart and her stomach. Surprise her with a mini breakfast or show her its your pleasure to get her a meal any time of the day with a gift card. Get a mooooove on Mother's Day and stop by the new location.

• Extra credit: Get mom in the photo for once — and post it in the Amazing Moms Photo Contest for a chance to win a $50 CFA gift card. 

SPONSORED BY THE SANDHILLS CHILDREN'S CENTER

Mission Imbocceball

Saturday, May 20: Round up some teammates for a Bocce Ball tournament benefitting the Sandhills Children's Center, at the Pinehurst Polo Field near the Fair Barn. Tent decorating, tailgating and costumes are encouraged. Register as a team of 4 or come to watch and support. Never played? It's a simple game — don't be afraid to give it a shot. Register here.
 

SPONSORED BY THE WEYMOUTH CENTER FOR THE ARTS & HUMANITIES

Join the Winner's Circle

Saturday, May 6, 5-8 p.m. And help Weymouth Equestrians win its own run for the roses with a fundraiser for its free after-school program, held in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills. The Derby Day watch party includes live bluegrass, bourbon and barbecue plus a best dressed / best hat contest, a prize raffle for your Derby picks, a Mint Julep toast and a Kentucky Butter Cake from Ashten's. Place your bets before tickets run out.

Ramp Up Your Support 

Saturday, May 6, noon to 4 p.m.: Roll over to Memorial Park for a pop-up skate jam. Take advantage of skating, contests, giveaways, a food truck, silent auction and more. Skating is open to all ages. Proceeds will benefit Skaters for Moore, which is working to raise funds to build a community skate park. And because lately it seems to rain every weekend, check the Skaters for Moore instagram for rain date announcements. L8er, Skater.
 

SPONSORED BY LONGELEAF ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Don't Feed the Animals

They're all stuffed. Bring an injured or sick stuffed animal to Stuffy Stitch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, and let the staff from Longleaf Animal Hospital fix them up while teaching their humans about basic animal care. There will also be food trucks, games and vendors, and donations will be accepted to benefit Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services and Moore County Citizens’ Pet Responsibility Committee. The event is being held at the Bogey's ball field. Leashed pets are welcome — one stuffed animal per child, please.


YOUR WEEKEND LINEUP: 

• Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Join Southern Pines Public Library for Pages of the Pines, a book festival celebrating local authors. Bookmark this. 
• Saturday, May 6, 4-10 p.m.: Have a day at the races. Forget NASCAR, we have golf cart racing at the Race of the Pines. The event is a fundraiser to benefit veterans. More on what's cooking here.
• Sunday, May 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Head to Misty Morning Ranch in Robbins for a makers market. Meet local farmers and artisan crafters from the area. Hatchet Brewing Co. will be on site along with music, a bouncy house and even ostrich tacos. Meet an ostrich.
• Sunday, May 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Shop til you drop at Pop Up in the Pines, with more than 70 vendors at Southern Pines Brewing Co. on Air Tool Drive. Treat yourself. 
• Sunday, May 7, 1-5 p.m.: Join James Creek Cider House for a Very Berry Jamboree featuring strawberry slashes, a farmers market, shortcakes and live music. Have a berry good time. 

SPONSORED BY CAMP MONROE

Where Bucket Hats and Sunscreen Thrive

Let them be a happy camper this summer. They'll discover strengths, forge friendships and make memories through friendly competition, crafts, outdoor adventures and more. Summer spots are filling up fast at Camp Monroe, but overnight and daytime options are still available for ages 6-16. Secret handshakes encouraged.
 

SPONSORED BY LIBERTY SOCCER ACADEMY

Bend it Like Beckham

Get your kicks at well-rounded summer day camps or competitive teams at Liberty Soccer Academy. 

• Premier Day Camp: Ages 5-14 can take advantage of skill development, positional education, fun activities and small-sided games fitting for beginning, intermediate and advanced players. Cost is $200 a week // $700 for six weeks. Use your head; sign up here. 
• Competitive Teams: Try out for Academy and Elite teams for players u9-u14 all this month at Rassie Wicker Park. Get your gooaaaal.

See You, Socialites.

Your homework: Tell us what event you're excited for this month.