Parks & Recreation
One of the best aspects of Carthage is its proximity to an incredible array of recreational and cultural activities. A wide variety of sites and events are close to Carthage and provide opportunities for fun and leisure.
Nancy Kiser Park
Completed in 2002, the Nancy Kiser Park is a nine-acre community park located along Rockingham and South McNeill (N.C. Highway 22) Streets in Carthage, next to Carthage Elementary School. The park contains a baseball/softball field, Born Learning Nature trail, playground, two tennis courts, a basketball court, volleyball court, amphitheater, picnic shelters, and picnic tables. The park is used for athletic events, and for use by community and church groups, or anyone wanting to relax and have a good time. Nancy Kiser Park is owned and operated by the Town of Carthage.
Hillcrest Park
A 45-acre multi-purpose county park and athletic complex is located on the southern edge of Carthage, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 15-501 and N.C. Highway 22. The park contains four 300 foot baseball, soccer, and football fields; playground equipment; a walking trail; plus a picnic area and sand volleyball court. Local, regional, and state athletic and special events can be hosted at the new park. The park is operated by the Moore County Parks and Recreation Department.
Lake Luke Marion
Located on Pinehurst Avenue, next to the Moore County Government Park, Lake Luke Marion is a beautiful facility, with a tree-lined walking trail surrounding the lake. Fish and wildlife are abundant in this popular facility.
Golf Courses
Little River Golf Club, a Dan Maples Classic, is located along U.S. Highway 15-501 south of Carthage. Little River was named one of the Top Ten new courses in the United States by Golf Digest in 1996. Within a few mile's drive, and all in Moore County, one can play 42 golf courses in the Home of American Golf. Famed Pinehurst #2, the site of the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Open, is but a mere 15 minutes drive from Carthage, along with the Village of Pinehurst and its famous shops. Pine Needles Golf Club in Southern Pines, the site of the 2001 U.S. Women's Open, is a similar distance from Carthage.
House in the Horseshoe
A North Carolina State Historic Site, the House in the Horseshoe, is located a few miles north of Carthage. The house was constructed in 1772 and was a battle location during the Revolutionary War. The walls of the house still bear scars and bullet holes. The house is open to the public for tours. Each year, a reenactment of the Revolutionary War battle is held, offering fun for the entire family.
Pottery
Areas of Northern Moore and Southern Randolph County, including the Jugtown and Seagrove areas, are world-famous for their pottery. Most potteries are family-owned and display the skills learned over many generations. Showrooms are available to display the wares of the potters. The North Carolina Pottery Museum can be found in Seagrove.
Antiques
Carthage is located near the heart of antique country in the Sandhills. Carthage contains several antique shops and is just minutes from the antique center of Cameron, which contains many antique stores along N.C. 24-27, and which boasts an annual Antique Festival.
Carthage Buggy Festival
Carthage's history is forever intertwined with the buggy industry. From 1850 to the early 1920s, Carthage was home to the world's leading manufacturer of horse-drawn buggies, the Tyson & Jones Company. Although the original buggy factory burned in 1976, many examples of original Tyson & Jones buggies are still found in Carthage. The importance of the buggy industry to Carthage led to the creation of the Carthage Buggy Festival in 1988. Started in 1989 and held each year on the Saturday before Mother's Day, over 15,000 people attend the Buggy Festival each year and are treated to a variety of activities including food and crafts, musical entertainment encompassing beach, gospel, and country music, free children's rides and events, a classic car show and antique buggy and tractor displays. The Buggy Festival has been consistently named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast and is recognized as one of the finest events in the region. For more information about Buggy Festival events, please visit www.thebuggyfestival.com.
Caviness Park
Located across the street from 105 E. Barrett Street, Caviness Park was named in memory of Wesley Caviness who served as a Town Commissioner from 1993-1994.
Carthage Historic District
Carthage is the oldest town in Moore County, having been incorporated in 1796, and having served as the seat of county government ever since. Carthage boasts an impressive Historic District, including over 50 structures, some dating back to the pre-Civil War period. The Carthage Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located along McReynolds Street (N.C. Highway 24-27) in Carthage.
Carthage Historic Museum
The Carthage Historic Museum, located at the intersection of Rockingham and Saunders Streets in Carthage, next to Nancy Kiser Park, displays the history of Carthage over a 200 year plus period. Located in the historic McPherson House (constructed in 1907), the Museum is staffed and operated by a committee of volunteers and is open to the public on Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. or by appointment.
Horse Country
Just east of Carthage, between Southern Pines and Vass, is Moore County's Horse Country. Many events and shows are held throughout the year for the horse enthusiast, and stables are ready to provide opportunities for riding.