Sunday champagne brunch at The Carolina is a special treat that should be experienced at least once by anyone within a reasonable distance of the resort. Make a day trip out of it if you aren't staying in Pinehurst. Located in the main restaurant of the historic hotel, it's pricey, but well worth the cost. The restaurant is expansive and bright; the elegant white linens and crystal glasses assure that you realize this is something special. A cooking station allows you to get fresh made-to-order omelets, waffles and pancakes (including crêpes) but there are several buffet stations with both hot and cold items. The pastry chef is a miracle-worker; it's highly advised that you not be on a low-carb diet (or drop it for the day) when you visit this land of epicurean marvels.

Carol, Angela and I indulged ourselves before we headed back to the Triangle and home. We chose Mimosas (champagne mixed with orange juice) and dined on everything from roast lamb to smoked salmon and bagels. The highlight of the repast was a sinfully rich strawberry crêpe filled with whipped cream and covered with a hot strawberry and liqueur sauce. We actually needed the services of the spa more after we waddled out to our respective cars than we had when we arrived two days earlier.

Our experiences were exceptional in every way. Carol's husband kept telling her: "You're so soft! Come here, you're so soft!" Angela's husband was pleased that Angela's long locks remained virtually untouched, although Angela had "post-traumatic tresses" syndrome, wishing she had been a little more adventurous with her haircut. As for me, my gorgeous toes and relaxed muscles pleased me more than anything. It's a short enough drive; I can go back any time for a bit of day pampering. I worry, though, that the relaxation mode would have me hating to get back in my car to drive home.

The Spa at Pinehurst has added a "teen spa," with make-up lessons and other activities and treatments appropriate for teens, and a special mom-and-daughter series of treatments and specials as well. We think this is a terrific idea and I wish it had been around when my daughter was younger.

Whether you go for the day or go for a couple of nights, the trip is worth it. For those who just want to sample the spa without a major investment, there are treatments as low as $25 or so. This allows access to the fitness center, the main pool, the steam, sauna and whirlpool baths... in other words, all of the elegance you can handle. And they'll even throw in a strawberry smoothie.

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HOLLY INN PHOTOS

CAROLINA HOTEL PHOTOS

The Spa at Pinehurst