A I K E N , S O U T H C A R O L I N A : A P L AC E L I K E N O OT H E R

True Southern BeautyDelectable Meals | Equestrian Thrills | Historical Tales | Relaxing Trails

TH

IRD

E

DIT

ION

Welcome to a place like no other—Aiken, South Carolina.

A true Southern beauty, Aiken is canopied in majestic live oaks,

decorated with beautifully landscaped gardens and dotted with

massive estate homes harking back to the 1800s when

Aiken was a winter colony retreat for the wealthy.

Aiken exudes pure Southern charm. Once you visit, however, you will

fi nd that Aiken is much more than just a pretty place. Deemed as an

All American City, Aiken is also historic, sporty and outdoorsy. But don’t

take our word for it, follow along with what other guests are saying and

join the conversation by searching #visitaikensc.

Take a peek at what those of us who live here enjoy throughout the

year. We invite you to come to be our guest and see for yourself why

Aiken is “a place like no other.”

Your fi rst stop in Aiken should be at

the newly renovated Aiken Railroad

Depot, home of the Aiken Visitors

Center and Train Museum. You will fi nd

everything you need to explore Aiken.

While there, you can learn about

Aiken’s heritage along the rail line.

Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum

406 Park Ave., SE

Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Saturday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

www.visitaikensc.comvisitorscenter@cityofaikensc.gov1-888-AikenSC or 803.293.7846

W H AT T O D OArt, History, Equestrian, Sports + Play, Spa Treatments

W H E R E T O E ATFine Dining, Cafes + Bakeries, American Cuisine, Asian, Barbecue, Greek, Mexican, Pizza + Italian, Food + Nightlife

W H E R E T O S H O PBoutiques, Signature, Specialty

W H E R E T O S TAYUnique Accommodations, Inns + Hotels

S I G N AT U R E E V E N T SEvents Like No Other

M A P U SGet Here from Anywhere

2

10

14

16

19

20

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E ?

A I K E N , S O U T H C A R O L I N A : A P L A C E L I K E N O O T H E R

Southern hospitality originated somewhere and after a few days in Aiken, there is a feeling that perhaps this easy-going, elegant city, gave birth to gentle living and good manners.

What to DoThe heart of Aiken is found in its charming, art-infused, tree-lined downtown, yet Aiken’s soul stretches beyond the friendly city blocks to its signature gardens, estates, equestrian stables and nature trails. If you are looking for culture and cuisine, we have it. If you are an equestrian, all trails lead to Aiken. Our city is known throughout the world for its top class equestrian events such as Aiken’s Triple Crown and the Fall Steeplechase. If you want simply to relax and enjoy nature, we have natural environment to discover and thousands of acres of pristine forests to explore.

WH

AT

TO

DO

2 3

A R T S + E N T E R TA I N M E N T

H I S T O R Y

DOC LAWRENCEFlavors and More Magazine

AECOM Center for the Performing Arts126 Newberry St., SW803.648.1438

Aiken Center for the Arts122 Laurens St., SW803.641.9094

Aiken Mall Cinemas300 Eastgate Dr. 803.648.2786

Art Nook School & Studio601 Silver Bluff Rd., Ste 10 803.760.7710

Art & Soul of Aiken, LLC228 Richland Ave., NW803.645.9186

Bisquecuts & Glazy  949 Pine Log Rd.803.648.7772

DuPont Planetarium and RPSEC ObservatoryRuth Patrick Science Education Center at USC Aiken471 University Pkwy. 803.641.3313

Etherredge Center471 University Pkwy.803.641.3305

Strikehouse Bowl  2205 Whiskey Rd.803.226.0622

Sugar & Spice Children’s Spa and Fantasy Party Place  161 S Aiken Ln. #430803.648.1800

USC-Aiken Convocation Center375 Robert Bell Pkwy.803.641.3715

Van Gogh to Go337 Hayne Ave., SW803.645.6025

Aiken County Historical Museum (Banksia)433 Newberry St., SW803.642.2015

Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame + Museum135 Dupree Place803.642.7631

Aiken Visitors Center + Train Museum406 Park Ave., SE803.293.7846

Center for African American History, Art + Culture120 York St., NE803.649.2221

SRS Heritage Museum224 Lauren St., SWSRSHeritage.org

Aiken Trolley Tours406 Park Ave., SE803.644.1907

Tailored Tours of Aiken406 Park Ave., SE803.295.3870

Historical Tours of Aiken 406 Park Ave., SE 803.649.6608

4 5

Aiken Arboretum Trail314 Chesterfi eld St., S •803.295.5008A mobile tour showcasing Aiken’s diverse collection of trees.

Aiken Golf Club555 Highland Park Dr. • 803.649.6029The Aiken Golf Club is steeped in golf history. Originally built in 1912, it is one of the oldest courses in the nation. Fred Astaire and other celebrities came to Aiken during the cold winter months to test their skills at the golf club.

Aiken State Park1145 State Park Rd. • 803.649.2857Set against the calm, winding South Edisto River, Aiken State Park is a 1000-acre park featuring the calm, blackwater South Edisto River.

Boyd Pond Park373 Boyd Pond Rd.Biking and walking trails, softball, playground, fi shing pier, boat ramp, picnic area, Boyd Observatory, telescope

Carolina Bay Nature Reserve + Climbing WallPrice Ave. • 803.642.7631

Cedar Creek Golf Club 2475 Club Dr. • 803.648.4206

Citizens Park + Splash Park651 Old Airport Rd. • 803.642.7761With vast experience in tournaments, Citizens Park can take care of all your outdoor needs. Teams will experience state-of-the-art covered dugouts with fountains.

210 York Salon Spa + Boutique  210 York St. SE803.270.5900

Power Cuts Salon, Spa + Boutique146 Laurens St., NW803.642.4200

The Spa at the Willcox100 Colleton Ave. SW803.648.1898

Changes Day Spa2645 Whiskey Rd., Ste. 106a803.642.8511

Spa-Go Day Spa933 Dougherty Rd.803.642.5252

HIC Warehouse Indoor Skatepark1120 Edgefi eld Hwy. • 803.507.1291

Hole-N-One Family Center3197 Whiskey Rd. • 803.643.1715

Hopelands Gardens135 Dupree Place • 803.642.7631Wrapped behind a serpentine brick wall is a 14 acre public garden complete with the Dollhouse, a pond and wetlands area.

Library Park355 York St., SE • 803.642.7636Grill, playground, gazebo

Odell Weeks Activity Center  1700 Whiskey Rd. • 803.642.7631Disc golf, walking track, open fi elds, gyms

Pacer Sports  471 University Pkwy. • 803.641.3486Volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, cross-country, tennis, golf and soccer

Silver Bluff Audubon Center + Sanctuary4542 Silver Bluff Rd. • 803.471.0291A 3,250 acre wildlife sanctuary and education center owned by the National Audubon Society, featuring several walking trails.

Quail Trough Hunting Preserve2032 Edgefi eld Hwy. • 803.648.5483

Weeks Tennis Center1745 Two Notch Rd. • 803.642.7739Weeks Tennis Center features 10 hard courts and 10 clay courts, a tennis pro shop (racket stringing available), locker rooms, a lobby with bistro table seating and a welcoming wrap-around porch with Adirondack chairs, dining tables/chairs and ceiling fans.

WH

AT

TO

DO

S P O R T S + P L AY

S PA T R E AT M E N T S

Once dubbed the ‘Winter Colony’ of the Gilded Age’s rich and famous for its fox hunting, horse racing and high society, Aiken is still renowned for equestrian sports, but retains a Southern hospitality to beguile those on a romantic holiday.

NAN BAROUTHAAA Go Magazine

Hitchcock WoodsP. O. Box 1702803.642.0528

Hitchcock Woods is among the largest urban forests in the nation, with about 2,100 acres of forest habitat. Today, equestrians, hikers, dog walkers and runners enjoy the 65 miles of sandy trails.

As you drive through the tunnel of live oaks on South Boundary Avenue and makeyour way to Two Notch Road Southeast, you’ll need to slow down—way down—as you pass what Campbell considers some of the fi nest training facilities in the world.

VALERIE FRASER LUESSESouthern Living Magazine

The Aiken Polo Club is one of the oldest and

most historic polo clubs in the United States.

The club held its fi rst game on Whitney Field

in 1882 and joined the United States Polo

Association before the turn of the century.

Spectators are invited to watch the games

at 8 polo fi elds. Matches are at 3 p.m. every

Sunday during the Spring and Fall seasons.

Aiken Polo Club420 Mead Ave.

803.643.3611www.aikenpoloclub.org

E Q U E S T R I A N

WH

AT

TO

DO

Explore VisitAikenSC.com to learn

more about equestrian activities.

6 7

HORSEBACK RIDINGAlmost Heaven Stables 220 Golf Course Rd.Warrenville, SC 29851803.663.3001

Rebel Ranch Horse ToursTouring Hitchcock Woods803.640.2765

Seahorse StablesTours Horse District + Hitchcock Woods547 Two Notch Rd.803.500.1441

Willow Creek Petting Zoo & Pony Rides862.268.0161

POLO MATCHESNew Bridge Polo862 New Bridge Rd.803.644.7706

TRAILSHitchcock Woods803.642.0528HitchcockWoods.org

Langley Pond LoopUS Hwy. 1 at Langley Dam Rd.Burnettown, SC803.642.7559

EVENTING & HUNTER JUMPER VENUESAiken Horse Park931 Powderhouse Rd.AikenHorsePark.org

Chasin Farm735 Anderson Pond Rd.Aiken SC, 29803803.648.6277

Full Gallup Farm3828 Wagener Rd.803.215.6590

Highfi elds Event Center 118 Gaston St. • 803.649.3505

Jumping Branch Farm179 Fox Pond Rd., Aiken, SC 29805803.642.3484

Paradise Farm 4069 Wagener Rd. • 803.640.4918

Sporting Days Farm3549 Charleston Hwy. • 803.648.0100

Stable View Farm  117 Stable Dr. • 484.356.3173

The Vista Schooling and Event Center  859 Old Tory Trail • 803.272.7999

EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES Aiken Hounds803-643-DRAG

Aiken Equine Rescue Tours available Monday-Saturday from 9 am - 1 pm532 Glenwood Dr.803.643.1850

Track KItchen420 Mead Ave.803.641.9628

Whiskey Road Fox Hounds520 Hitchcock Rd.803.649.0638

RACINGAiken Training Track538 Two Notch Rd. 803.648.4631

McGhees Mile  620 Banks Mill Rd. SE803.640.0211

HISTORIC SPOTSAiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame + Museum135 Dupree Place803.642.7631

Backstretch and Historic Stable and Barn ExperienceMonthly behind the scenes experiencesDeparts from 100 Berrie Rd.803.643.2121

Gaston Livery Stable1315 Richland Ave., E 803.648.4123

9

E Q U E S T R I A N E N T H U S I A S T P L A N

Day 1When you arrive, get a taste of it all as you head straight to the Aiken Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and Museum. Every horse on display has won an Eclipse Award and has spent time during its racing career in Aiken. The museum sits on the property of Hopelands Gardens, a 14-acre estate which opened in 1969 as a public garden, with 100-year-old cedars, meandering trails and ponds.

For dinner, head over to The Stables at Rose Hill, which is one of four stables in America located on its original site, that has been re-purposed as a restaurant.

Day 2Wake up early and stroll through the dirt streets of the “Aiken Horse District” and watch the horses train at the famed Aiken Training Track. Participate in a Backstretch Experience where you’ll see the ins and outs of training a racehorse. You just might see the next winner of the Belmont Stakes or the Kentucky Derby out for a morning gallop around the track. Afterwards, head on to The Track Kitchen where you’re likely to run into all manner of equine industry staff .

Check out the events going on at Katydid Farm, Highfi elds Event Center, or Bruce’s Field and you may be in for a treat to see a dressage event, hunter-jumper competition, steeplechase or even carriage races! Or head to the Hitchcock Woods to see the Aiken Hounds take part in their historic drag hunt every Tuesday and Saturday from October through March. Ride your own horse into the woods or rent one from Seahorse Stables.

After all the action, head downtown for lunch at What’s Cookin, or The Aiken Brewing Company and then meander down Laurens Street for some equine-inspired shopping at stores like Aiken Dry Goods, Epona, and Equine Divine. For dinner, head over to The Red Pepper Café, sit on the patio, and let their fi sh tacos and drink specials make everything alright!

Day 3Relish a good chai latte, fresh smoothie or and muffi n at Ridgecrest Coff ee Bar where local art surrounds you and in this laid back atmosphere you’re welcome to bring a book and stay for a while. Take a tour of the Aiken Equine Rescue and see how to give back to the industry in a beautiful setting.

To wrap it all up, you’ll need to head to the Whitney Polo Field and watch six chukkers of polo and stomp the divots during half-time to feel like you’ve gotten a true Aiken equestrian experience. Splurge and sit under the VIP pavilion with buff et style gourmet food and drinks, or pack your own tailgate and enjoy this unique experience from the comfort of your own tailgate set-up. The Aiken Polo Club hosts matches every Sunday at one during the fall and spring.

Welcome to Aiken, where even our street signs have horse heads and we have a cross-walk specifi cally for horse-back riders.

Day 1Jumpstart your romantic weekend with a cocktail and a stroll through the fragrant gardens of gardenias, camellias, and glittering ginkos at Rose Hill Estate. Rose Hill is the quintessential Old Aiken “Winter Colony” estate and it’s where the Garden Club of South Carolina was created. For a more casual dinner enjoy Takosushi, where the far-east meets the southwest and there’s always a crowd.

Day 2Wake up and head downtown to the oldest county farmers market (at the same location) in the state of South Carolina, the Aiken County Farmers Market. Enjoy some local coff ee and a New York Style bagel and talk with the farmers about what’s in season. Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head downtown for some delicious food. A unique dining experience awaits at Magnolia Café & Natural Market where the motto is “Mostly Organic… 100% happy!”

After lunch, saunter hand in hand as you explore Aiken’s charming downtown shops and galleries, including: Plum Pudding, an upscale kitchen and gourmet food store; Lionel Smith, a gentleman’s shop; Nandina Home and Design, “Best of Houzz 2015 Service Award Winner; Equine Divine, all-things equine—a true Aiken store; Threads, contemporary clothes that won’t break the bank; re-fresh, Southern art and art-full gifts; and the Aiken Center for the Arts with diff erent exhibits of both local and national art along with a variety of classes available.

For dinner, follow your nose to Casa Bella Italian Restaurant where you dine in a converted house overlooking a garden fi lled with rosemary and sage. Another delicious option is chef-owned restaurant, Malia’s, where you will enjoy an exceptional meal with a menu that changes monthly refl ecting what’s in season.

After dinner, check out what’s playing at the AECOM Center for the Performing Arts or the Etherredge Center where you’re likely to fi nd anything from a local musical to a travelling Broadway show to a Juilliard performance (if you’re here mid-March, Joye in Aiken is a festival you won’t want to miss!).

Day 3Enjoy a hot cup of fresh coff ee and a green monster smoothie from Aiken’s own coff ee roaster and café, New Moon Café. Or if you want a traditional, Southern-style eggs and grits breakfast, or a pancake that’s the size of your head, Auten’s is the place for you.

Before you head home and back to the real world, treat yourselves to a side by side couples massage at The Willcox. Voted one of the Top 15 Hotel Spas in the US by Conde Naste, your romantic weekend will linger longer as you feel refreshed and rejuvenated on your trip home.

L O V E B I R D S G E TAWAYRomantic ideas for you to enjoy with your special someone.

WH

AT

TO

DO

8

Where to EatGreat cuisine is a big part of the downtown Aiken scene and beyond with a great o� ering of restaurants, cafes and casual dining to suit to your palate and your pocketbook. There is no ending to Aiken’s epicurean options. Handmade burgers, breads and pastries to locally brewed beer are all waiting for you in Aiken.

You will fi nd regional fare prepared by world-renowned chefs as well as fi ne international dining at one of our many award-winning restaurants. Bar-B-Que and down-home country cooking fare have their place in Aiken as do numerous Japanese, Mexican, Italian and Chinese eateries. Interested in afternoon tea or a cup of java? You can enjoy both in great atmospheres around Aiken that are right for conversation. If you are ready for the night, music and quick bites, Aiken stays open late for those who want to rock and roll, or simply want to chill with some cool jazz tunes.

WH

ER

E T

O E

AT

10 11

FINE DININGAlloro227 The Alley802.226.0151

The Bradley 231 The Alley803.226.0567

Casa Bella 120 Chesterfi eld St., SW803.641.3107

Linda’s Bistro 135 York St., SE803.648.4835

Malia’s 120 Laurens St., SW803.643.3086

Prime Steakhouse & Lobster 316 Richland Ave., NW 803.642.4488

The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estates221 Greenville St., NW803.648.1181

The Restaurant at the Willcox 100 Colleton Ave. SW803.643.3086

CAFES + BAKERIESLa Dolcé Bakery • Café • Tea Bar 967 Dougherty Rd. 803.335.1440

Magnolia Café and Market126 Laurens St., NW803.649.3339

New Moon Café116 Laurens St., NW 803.643.7088

Ridgecrest Coff ee(Two Locations)2502 Wagener Rd.803.641.9000

108 Coach Light Way802.226.0096

The Little Bake Shoppe1552 Whiskey Rd.803.226.0703

Hungry for more?

VisitAikenSC.com has

a full list of restaurants.

5

AMERICAN CUISINE

Aiken Brewing Co. Grille & Bar140 Laurens St., SW 803.502.0707

Auten’s969 Pine Log Rd.803.502.1307

Betsy’s On The Corner159 Laurens St. NW803.226.0078

J.C.’s Seafood3189 Whiskey Rd.803.648.6303

Little Howie’s103 Williamsburg St. SE803.648.0402

Pat’s Sub Shop728 E Pine Log Rd.803.649.1523

Red Pepper Cafe752 Silver Bluff Rd. 803.643.7088

Sub Station II951 Pine Log Rd.803.649.2721

Trio Bar & Kitchen222 The Alley803.226.0386

MEXICANMargaritas150 Laurens St. SW803.226.0573

Maria’s Mexican Restaurant716 E Pine Log Rd.803.648.8840

Mi Rancho3607 Richland Ave. W803.644.1111

Salsa’s Mex Mex Grill109 Tamil Dr.803.643.2722

Takosushi 210 The Alley803.642.8899

Una Mas Taqueria148 Laurens St. SW803.226.0911

GREEKAcropolis Pizza Restaurant1647 Richland Ave., W803.649.7601

Zorbas Island Pizza and Grill510 Silver Bluff Rd.803.643.8777

New China252 Eastgate Dr.803.641.1229

Ni Hao Chinese Buff et3553 Richland Ave. W803.648.5233

Red Bowl Asian Bistro2645 Whiskey Rd.803.226.9888

Sakura Japanese Steak House1913 Whiskey Rd.803.648.3238

Taj Aiken Indian Cuisine210 The Alley803.642.8899

Takosushi 210 The Alley803.642.8899

Tokyo Grill3555 Richland Ave. W803.502.7868

Track Kitchen420 Mead Ave.803.641.9628

Variety Restaurant921 York St. NE803.648.6987

What’s Cooking Downtown123 Laurens St., NW803.649.1068

ASIANAnShu Asian Cafe122 Coach Light Way803.226.0556

Eastern Buff et190 Aiken Mall Dr.803.642.2788

Evergreen Buff et1141 York St. NE803.648.3231

Golden China774 Silver Bluff Rd.803.642.3988

Hibachi House246 Eastgate Dr.803.226.0689

Jade of China1014 Pine Log Rd.803.642.8509

PIZZA + ITALIANApizza di Napoli740 Silver Bluff Rd.803.226.0700

Ferrando’s Italian Pizzeria152 S Aiken Ln. Ste 103803.644.8881

Mellow Mushroom151 Bee Ln.803.474.8454

Pizza Joint 125 Richland Ave.803.648.9074

Roma’s116 Coach Light Way803.643.7828

BARBECUEBuckwheat’s BBQ651 Silver Bluff Rd.803.226.0941

Carolina Bar-B-Que  109 Main St. SNew Ellenton, SC 29809803.652.2919

Duke’s Bar-B-Q4248 Whiskey Rd.803.649.7675

Willie Jewel’s1376 Whiskey Rd.803.226.0260

FOOD + NIGHTLIFEThe Alley Taproom214 The Alley803.920.7153

City Billiards208 Richland Ave. 803.649.7362

Grumpy’s Sports Pub216 Eastgate Dr.803.226.9868

Hilton Garden Inn Aiken350 Eastgate Dr. 803.641.4220

Locals1208 Whiskey Rd.803.649.0082

Playoff s Sports Bar205 Richland Ave. W803.648.1028

Polo Tavern in Hotel Aiken235 Richland Ave. W803.648.4265

Wing Place732 E Pine Log Rd.803.644.7777

WH

ER

E T

O E

AT

12 13

Lionel Smith, Ltd. 132 Laurens St., SW

803.648.2100

Where to ShopWe don’t necessarily advocate shopping till you drop, but visitors will certainly have the opportunity when they visit our city. Aiken’s downtown features delightful, one-of-a-kind boutiques and stores full of unique, unexpected gifts. Browse through lovely stores with antiques galore, or set your sights on the many boutiques that o� er exclusive equestrian apparel and accessories. Get ready, set…Go shopping!

Since opening our doors in 1976, we have prided ourselves in fi nding unique clothing and accessories in the men’s market place. We shop markets all along the east coast for vendors that provide quality products that deserve the price on the tag. We fi nd the fi nest in men’s fashion from all over the world and bring them to Aiken, SC.

15W

HE

RE

TO

SH

OP

14

Ready to shop till you drop? VisitAikenSC.com lists all

of the shopping options in downtown and all around.

ANTIQUESAiken Antique Mall112 Laurens St., SW803.648.6700

Elliott Offi ce Supply115 Laurens St. NW803.649.4151

Laurens Street Antiques117 Laurens St., SW803.642.6779

York Cottage Antiques409 Hayne Ave., SW803.642.9524

CLOTHINGAff ordables Apparel113 Laurens St., SW #104803.335.3760

Aiken Dry Goods124 Laurens St., NW803.226.0100

Caroline’s151 Laurens St., SW803.643.8000

Charlotte’s Bridal Fashions142 Laurens St., SW803.648.5136

Equine Divine126 Laurens St., SW803.642.9772

Folly116 Laurens St., SW803.226.0550

Fox & Lady110 Laurens St., SW803.291.0389

Nicole Simpkins Collection318 Park Ave. SE803.507.0937

Pitter Patter151 Laurens St., SW803.643.8000

Return Engagement113 Laurens St., SWSuite 106 803.642.3337

The Paisley Peacock109 Laurens St., NW803.215.8452

Threads108 Laurens St., SW803.335.1452

SPECIALTY + SIGNATURE3 Monkey’s Fine Gifts133 Laurens St., NW 803.648.7592

ACTS Resale Store405 ½ Hayne Ave.803.649.3800

Aiken Center for the Arts122 Laurens St., SW803.641.9094

Bone-I-Fide Bakery127 Laurens St., SW803.642.7578

Downtown Dog150-A Laurens St., SW803.226.0347

UNUSUAL FINDSArtisan Market & Decor 119 Laurens St., NW803.643.7581.

Aiken County Farmers Market115 Williamsburg803.293.2214

Barbara Sue Brodie Needleworks345 Hayne Ave., SW803.644.0990

Birds & Butterfl ies117 Laurens St., NW803.649.7999

Cyndi’s Sweet Shop146 Laurens St., SW803.226.0191

Epona137 Laurens St., SW803.262.5102

Guest Cottage Linens & Gifts405 Hayne St. SW803.649.4565

High Country Olive Oil113 Laurens St., SWSuite 105803.649.9907

Material Things318 Park Ave. SE803.643.3701

MB Jewelry and Beads145 Laurens St., SW803.502.0200

Nandina Home & Design  158 Laurens St. SW803.649.0616

Plum Pudding101 Laurens St., NW803.644.4600

re-fresh131 Laurens St., SW803.649.9663

The Ivy Cottage206 Park Ave., SE803.643.0535

Unique Expressions1521 Whiskey Rd.803.641.7906

INNS + HOTELSAmerica’s Best Value Inn2577 Whiskey Rd.803.641.8800

Clarion Inn155 Colony Pkwy.803.648.0999

Days Inn Downtown1204 Richland Ave., W803.649.5524

Econo Lodge 3560 Richland Ave.803.649.3968

Fairfi eld Inn & Suites185 Colony Pkwy.803.648.7808

Hampton Inn100 Tamil Dr. at Whiskey Rd.803.648.2525

Holiday Inn Express and Suites2897 Whiskey Rd.803.508.7700

Hotel Aiken235 Richland Ave., W803.648.4265

Hilton Garden Inn350 E. Gate Dr.803.641.4220

Howard Johnson1936 Whiskey Rd.803.649.5000

Inn at Houndslake897 Houndslake Dr.803.648.9535

Knights Inn1850 Richland Ave.803.648.6821

Quality Inn & Suites3608 Richland Ave.803.641.1100

Sleep Inn1002 Monterey Dr.803.644.9900

Towne Place Suites1008 Monterey Dr.803.641.7373

Where to StayLet us charm you with a host of great places where you can stay for months, a week or a just a few days. Aiken o� ers beautiful and historic hotels and bed and breakfasts as well as accommodations you can fi nd in any major city. Pick your favorite and come stay a while.

UNIQUE ACCOMMODATIONS

WH

ER

E T

O S

TA

Y16 17

Even if you’re not coming to take part in or witness a steeplechase race, you’ll enjoy the cute downtown and the rolling hills that surround the town. Aiken, located near the middle of South Carolina’s border with Georgia, is one of the state’s real hidden gems, and you won’t want to miss it.

LANI SEELINGERThe Culture Trip

208 Abbeville Bed and Breakfast208 Abbeville Ave., NW803.649.3109This fully restored 100-year-old home has three large bedrooms with full baths. Within walking distance to Downtown Aiken restaurants and shopping, this comfortable, quiet home will become your favorite hideaway.

Aiken Luxury Rentals215 Grace Ave., SE803.648.2804Aiken Luxury Rentals off ers award-winning rental houses in beautiful downtown Aiken that includes spectacular historic cottages, lofts, studios and carriage houses. Properties are fully furnished. All-inclusive short term and long term rental packages are available.

Carriage House Inn 139 Laurens St., NW803.644.5888One of National Geographic’s featured Places to Stay in 2009. This lovely inn is located in the heart of downtown Aiken. With wonderful weekend packages and exceptional personal service, you will not want to leave.

Hotel Aiken 139 Laurens St., NW803.644.5888Originally built in 1898, the main building of Hotel Aiken has gone through many changes and a series of major and continuous renovations since 2001. Hotel Aiken provides all the modern amenities one would expect with three separate bars for your entertainment!

Inn at Houndslake897 Houndslake Dr.803.648.9535This quiet, comfortable, aff ordable, 30 room inn has beautiful golf course views. It is located in the heart of Houndslake Country Club, one of Aiken’s fi nest communities. When you stay at The Inn at Houndslake, membership privileges to the club are extended to every guest.

Laurens Street Apartment and Arbor House RentalLauren’s St., SW803.292.6968These two historic apartments are located in beautiful historic downtown Aiken. Guests can walk to over 25 local restaurants, quaint shops and clothing boutiques.

Rose Hill Estate221 Greenville St., NW803.648.1181Built in 1900, this 10,000-square-foot Winter Colony estate is the epitome of peace, southern comfort and hospitality. This landscaped beauty covers an entire city block in downtown Aiken.

The Willcox100 Colleton Ave., SW803.648.1898The Willcox is a gracious, traditional Southern hotel with long porches and stately white pillars. The Willcox was built in the late 1800s for well-to-do northerners seeking warmth, light and high society in Aiken’s “winter colony.” Voted one of the best hotels in the world by both Travel + Leisure and Condenast Traveler, your stay at the Willcox will be one of luxury you will never forget. Now off ering 3-6 bedroom vacation rentals.

FA M I LY F U NA few suggestions for you to maximize your time with your family.

F E B R U A R YAntiques in the Heart of Aiken

Battle of Aiken

M A R C HJoye in AikenAiken Trials

Aiken Spring Steeplechase

A P R I LPacers and Polo

Aiken Horse ShowHorses n’ Courses

Run United Half MarathonAiken Spring Classic Horse Show

M AYAiken Charity Horse Show

Aiken Garden ShowAiken Bluegrass Festival

Hops N’ Hogs

S E P T E M B E RAiken’s Makin’Oktoberfest

O C T O B E RWestern Carolina State Fair

Fall Steeplechase

N O V E M B E RBlessing of the Hounds

Southern City Film Festival

D E C E M B E RChristmas Craft ShowNight of 1000 Lights

Christmas in Hopelands

A full list of events is located on

www.VisitAikenSC.com

SIG

NA

TU

RE

EV

EN

TS

18 19

E V E N T S L I K E N O O T H E RA I K E N ’ S A N N UA L S I G N AT U R E E V E N TS

R E C U R R I N G E V E N T S

Polo at Historic Whitney Field: Sundays in the Spring + Fall at 1 p.m.

Thursday Night Farmers Market in the Alley: Thursday evenings during the month of June 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Hopelands Concert Series: Monday evenings April-June

Day 1Hop out of the car and stretch your legs! Pick up some home-made bread from New Moon Café and head over to the beautiful Hopelands Gardens where you can feed the ducks or have a nibble yourself. Check out the life-size “dollhouse,” try to fi gure out the walking labyrinth, and stop in at the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame (including a great kid’s area!) and all the while enjoy your surroundings of one-hundred year old cypress trees and beautiful fountains.

For dinner who doesn’t love pizza? Head to Mellow Mushroom or The Pizza Joint for a delicious meal and family-friendly atmosphere. After dinner treat yourself to Flanigan’s Ice Cream, voted number one ice-cream parlor in Aiken!

Day 2Enjoy a home-made cinnamon roll, made-from-scratch donuts, and other delicacies at The Little Bake Shoppe to get your day started off on the right foot! Afterwards, experience Aiken via horseback! Take a ride through 2,000 acre, Hitchcock Woods with Seahorse Stables friendly horses or take a trail ride on Almost Heaven Stables property and horses! After your ride, head downtown to grab lunch at Betsy’s on the Corner, an old-fashioned diner where you can enjoy a hot lunch and an old-fashioned root-beer fl oat! Spend some time exploring downtown—the whole family will love Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe, with retro candies from then and now. And if a furry-companion is in the mix Downtown Dog is the place to go!

Take some time to see the trains at the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum where interactive displays and a model train is set-up depicting the railroad as it was in 1916! See if you can complete the scavenger hunt and win a prize!

For dinner, try out local favorite The Wing Place (with live entertainment every second Saturday) or Roma’s for an aff ordable, authentic Italian experience. After dinner head to the DuPont Planetarium for exciting shows every Saturday evening on what’s happening in our skies, along with an opportunity to look through the Bechtel Telescope in the observatory and see the wonder of space for yourself!

Day 3Head over to Aiken State Park to rent canoes, go fi shing, or enjoy a swim in one of the swimmin’ holes. Or during the summer months, head over to Herb n’ Berries U-Pick Blueberry Farm to pick your own delicious blueberries and take a taste of Aiken home with you! After you’ve worked up an appetite, grab lunch at Una Mas Taqueria – where the food is so fresh they don’t even own a freezer!

M A P U S !Whether you are flying in or driving in, getting to Aiken is convenient.

We are located off Interstate 20, only 20 minutes east of Augusta,

Georgia and one hour west of Columbia, South Carolina. It’s easy

as pecan pie to fly into either Aiken Municpal, Augusta or Columbia

airports, grab a rental car and head our way for your getaway.

Interested in day tripping or weekend trips? Aiken is conveniently

located only 2 ½ hours from many major southern cities including

Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Greenville, Charleston, and Hilton Head

Island, South Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

VisitAikenSC

www.VisitAikenSC.com

1.888.AIKENSC or 803.293.7846

A I K E N , S O U T H C A R O L I N A : A P L A C E L I K E N O O T H E R