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Rude Dante goes to North Carolina


OK - good news - Rude Dante is on the board for 2022! And he has delighted us with tales of his recent venture to the great state of North Carolina, a region not covered prior in the RJG. There's also a side trip to Greenville, South Carolina.

Incidentally the RJG's Official Grandma (Dad's side) lived in Greenville until 1974 (RIP 1988), so I went a few times as a little tyke, remembering very well our last visit in 1972.

Here's his brief summary, and then we'll add the entries:

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After about 2 weeks hanging out and dining in and around the Sand Hill region of North Carolina. (Was working in either Biscoe or Troy, sleeping in Olmsted Village / Pinehurst area). These will be a cluster of Pinehurst village and nearby locations, followed by some outliers.

Pinehurst is truly a golf mecca, with 9 full-length courses of 18 holes each plus a variety of additional features like Thistle Du (purportedly the first miniature golf course in the US) and the Cradle (a short 9-hole jaunt). Even a guy like Dante who plays maybe one scramble per year can find enjoyment in this place. Played the relatively tame course #1 with a coworker and a couple named Bill & Linda who were at least mid-70s, maybe 80s. If I ever become a 'real' golfer, I'll go back and play a few others.

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Up on the Roof (atop the Embassy Suites hotel, Greenville SC)

An uneventful place other than the great views of the area (which are factored into drink prices here). Spent more on a couple apps and 2 rounds of beverages than a full dinner nearby.

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