Pinehurst Resort
Pinehurst, N.C.
800-487-4653, pinehurst.com
Sit in the rocking chair on the big porch of the 107-year-old Carolina Hotel and it's easy to appreciate Pinehurst's appeal: the view never seems to change. The reality, however, is that there's constant progress here. This year marks the conclusion of a three-year upgrade that has seen rooms get flat-screen TVs, marble-tiled bathrooms, and ultra-plush bedding. Nevertheless, most folks come here to walk the fairways at Donald Ross' fabled No. 2, the two-time U.S. Open venue. There may be eight courses at the resort, but there's only one No. 2.