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
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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
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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.
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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 2 Escape2557 Whiskey Rd803.500.1508
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
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 Laurens St., SWSRSHeritage.org
Aiken Trolley Tours406 Park Ave., SE803.644.1907
Tailored Tours of Aiken803.295.3870
Historical Tours of Aiken 803.649.6608
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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.
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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 1 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
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Explore VisitAikenSC.com to learn
more about equestrian activities.
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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
Polo Lessons at Fire Star Polo Club3289 Camp Rawls Rd.Wagner, SC631.457.9630
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, as well as private, behind the scenes experiencesDeparts from 100 Berrie Rd.803.643.2121
Gaston Livery Stable1315 Richland Ave., E 803.648.4123
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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 or been named a national champion, 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 horseback 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 2Welcome the day with a cappuccino and croissant at Pardon My French Café, bonjour y’all! Then visit the oldest farmers market (at the same location) in the state of South Carolina, the Aiken County Farmers Market and chat 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.
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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.
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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 Estate221 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
Magnolia126 Laurens St., NW803.649.3339
New Moon Café116 Laurens St., NW 803.643.7088
Pardon My French Cafe337 Hayne Ave SW803.645.6025
Ridgecrest Coff ee Bar2502 Wagener Rd.803.641.9000
The Little Bake Shoppe1552 Whiskey Rd.803.226.0703
Hungry for more?
VisitAikenSC.com has
a full list of restaurants.
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AMERICAN CUISINE
Aiken Brewing Co. 140 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
Sukiya Japanese Steakhouse226 East Gate Dr.803.226.0322
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 Jewell’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
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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.
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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 Monkeys 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
White Rose Eclectics116A Pendleton St803.624.7285
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
Thru Time and Ages218 York St., SE803.226.0611
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 awhile.
UNIQUE ACCOMMODATIONS
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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!
The 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 Conde Nast 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
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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
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 lifesize “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 Rebel Ranch Horse Tours 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 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 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