AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTRY EQUESTRIAN CHRISTMAS.
Lat. 33.566574 | Long. -81.719398
Aiken County, South Carolina
Samantha Smith [Editor], with Mother [Martha] & Sister [Kara]
Three Runs | Aiken, SC.
Founded in 1835, Aiken was named after William Aiken, the president of the South Carolina Railroad. It became part of Aiken County when the county was formed in 1871. Aiken is home to the University of South Carolina Aiken. The National Civic League gave Aiken the All-America City Award in 1997. Aiken was also named "Best Small Town of the South" by Southern Living.
South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country.
Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Aiken is a captivating city where history, charm, and modern vitality converge in an intimately Southern experience. With roots dating back to the early 19th century, Aiken boasts a rich history steeped in equestrian heritage, cultural diversity, and a strong sense of community. From their legendary training tracks that have nurtured world-renowned thoroughbreds to their intriguing arts scene that celebrates creativity in all forms, Aiken is a vibrant city woven from threads of tradition and innovation.
Aiken’s history sparkles with stories of historic railroads connecting Aiken to the rest of the country, ushering in new eras of growth and development for the town. The town’s significance further deepened as the the Winter Colonists — Gilded Age glitterati who traveled south seeking respite from the cold winters of the Northeast — brought with them a legacy for gracious living and a fondness for equestrian pursuits, both of which continue to shape the city today.
Today, Aiken residents pride themselves on offering a range of experiences that invite every traveler to pursue their passion. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking picturesque trails and serene parks, a shopaholic exploring charming boutiques, a culinary connoisseur craving new and exciting flavors, or a history buff uncovering stories of the past, Aiken invites you to immerse yourself in their historic streets and enjoy your time in the beating heart of SC’s Thoroughbred Country.
Aiken Downtown Development Assoc. Visit Site
THE WILLCOX HOTEL.
Enjoy the south's finest hospitality at The Willcox, voted one of the best hotels in the world.
The Willcox was built in the late 19th century for well-to do Yankees seeking warmth, light and high society. Aiken was popular with the swells and dandies of the gilded Age and they came in such numbers every winter that the town was dubbed the “Winter Colony.” Great dances were held and ballrooms glittered with candlelight. Old rivals, fiercely competitive but impeccably polite, settled their differences on the polo field. Grand picnics in Hitchcock Woods were laid out with silver, crystal and linen. Politicians, royalty and captains of industry often visited The Willcox.
The far-reaching reputation of The Willcox was built on its atmosphere, impeccable service and excellent cuisine. Famous guests included Winston Churchill, Harold Vanderbilt, W.R. Grace, Elizabeth Arden and Count Bernadette of Sweden. Legend has it that Franklin Delano Roosevelt would ride his private train car to the back door and slip in quietly. The Prince of Wales was regretfully turned away for lack of space. And, The Willcox doormen, sentries of society and taste, assessed the shoes of arriving guests before allowing them inside.
In those days Aiken was known as the Newport of the South, the Queen of the Winter Colonies. The ideal of the Winter Colony was to play three sports a day: polo in the morning, golf in the afternoon and a hunt after dark, when riding was at its most hazardous. Both the men and the women, having inherited extraordinarily large fortunes from their ancestors, amused themselves with daring pastimes that were just as challenging as labor. Too rich to work, but too active and restless to sit still, they developed in Aiken a hectic style of leisure that became a lifestyle for the privileged.
As grand and graceful as ever, The Willcox continues to draw people from all over the world to enjoy superb personal service, gracious accommodations, excellent cuisine and their individual interpretation of the “Aiken lifestyle.” Welcoming to all, this treasured piece of Aiken’s history is the living room of the community and a second home to their out-of-town guests.
WILLCOX LODGING | VISIT
WILLCOX DINING | VISIT
WILLCOX SALON & SPA | VISIT
LAURENS STREET.
The center of downtown
Downtown Aiken is uniquely southern, it also has a metropolitan flair that invites diversity. At the quaint outdoor dining tables, you may find yourself seated next to an actress, a Governor, a carpenter, horse trainer, billionaire, a jockey or French national. Read More.
THE ALLEY.
Off Laurens Street
Editor’s Choice.
SMOKED OLD FASHIONED | $17
Elijah Craig Small Batch, Maple Syrup, Aromatic Bitters, Maple Wood Smoke.
Aiken has developed and grown since its inception as a southern haven for northern citizens. It is a charming town that is progressive and growing, while founded in tradition. A community of southern culture welcoming folks from every cardinal direction. Aiken is a community that shares its roads with bicycles, cars, and horses. It is a city that hosts national baseball championships and the sport of kings.
There was no better place to be for a restaurant embracing old world techniques to bring something new and fresh every single day. Taking over 40 years of experience and 100s of years of tradition to create an extensive new specials menu every day.
Downtown is the place to find the best small privately owned businesses and restaurants. You can find pizza, tacos, sushi, wings and more. At Whiskey Alley, you can find something new everyday.
The “M’s” of Aiken Dining…
Elevate your Aiken experience with a touch of elegance. Indulge in the art of fine-dining as their top-notch restaurants weave together exquisite flavors, impeccable service, and a refined ambiance. From candlelit dinners to wine-pairing perfection, savor every moment as Aiken invites you to indulge in a culinary journey fit for the most discerning palates. Visit Aiken SC Fine Dining Guide.
Macaluso’s
Enjoy delicious, homemade Italian food in the beautiful downtown Aiken. Website
Malia’s
After more than 30 years in business, Malia’s remains dedicated to the freshest and most ethically produced ingredients. Website
Marchand de Vin
Wines of the highest regard. Wine Tastings. Epicurean Adventures. Website
Equine Divine.
Equine Divine is an equine inspired gallery and boutique located in the heart of Aiken, SC. This one-of-a-kind store specializes in sporting art, unique equestrian jewelry, riding and fashion apparel, home décor and gifts (lots of gifts for everyone). When you walk into Equine Divine or shop with them online you will be swept away by the variety of their art collection, the selection of their classic, seasonal and fun women’s clothing lines, their children’s corner, their boot and shoe collections, and the abundance of gifts for your two and four legged friends.
THE PERFECT HOT TODDY
Aiken's Sporting Life | by Linda Knox McLean
Equestrian Corner.
Click For: Discover Aiken County
Aiken hosts year-round equestrian events, featuring polo tournaments in the spring and fall played on historic Whitney field, March triple-crown equestrian events, and dressage riding tournaments.
The Trail Riding Company | Rebel Ranch Horse Tours
Aiken Polo Club
Season: (September-November) and (April-June)
Games are at Whitney Field off Whiskey Rd. Visit
Aiken Steeplechase
The Association was founded in Aiken in 1930. Visit
Aiken Fox Hunts
Aiken Hounds is the oldest drag hunt in America.
The Aiken Hounds | Whiskey Road
Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned
Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
Ingredients: Chai Simple Syrup
1/3 cup real maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients: Chai Old Fashion
2 ounces (1/4 cup) bourbon
1 ounce lemon juice
1 dash orange bitters
1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) chai tea syrup
Sparkling water, for topping
Cinnamon and star anise, for serving (optional)
Instructions: Chai Simple Syrup
In a medium pot, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Remove from the heat, add the chai tea bags, cover and steep 10-15 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add the maple. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 3-5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Instructions: Old Fashion
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, orange bitters, and 2 tablespoons of the chai syrup. Shake to combine.
2. Strain into a glass. If desired top with sparkling water. Garnish with cinnamon and star anise.
Circa 1872.
The Carriage House Inn, circa 1872, is located amidst the charm of historic downtown Aiken. The Carriage House Inn doesn’t just reflect its surroundings – it helps define them. Locally owned and operated, the Carriage House Inn is southern hospitality at its best.
Women's Sorry Can't Horses Bye Print Sweatshirt
The Signs of Downtown.
The Dubarry Glanmire country boot is a real eyecatcher.
A bungee cord lacing system which stretches and adjusts to different calf sizes interweaves up the back of the boot along a leather panel that helps to elongate the leg. The look is matched by their performance, as GORE-TEX technology, DryFast-DrySoft™ leathers and strongly bonded soles deliver warm, waterproof, hard-wearing boots. Great across tough terrain, in tough conditions and a striking boot to stand out from the crowd.
108 Laurens St SW
Aiken, SC 29851
(803)226-0121
GREAT THINGS IN BUSINESS ARE NEVER DONE BY ONE PERSON,THEY ARE DONE BY A TEAM OF PEOPLE, AND THESE ARE THEIR PEOPLE :) Read More.
THE NEW MOON CAFE
New Moon is an innovative culinary family fueled by community and a passion for bringing people together over great food & the perfect cup of coffee. VISIT SITE.
Beatriz Ball
Snaffle Bit Equestrian Wine Bucket by Beatriz Ball
Wise Fox Stocking Hook
Aiken Has Lots Of Foxes.
Prime Steakhouse
In Their Own Words…
“Prime Steakhouse is Aiken’s premier restaurant located in historic Downtown Aiken. The atmosphere of the restaurant includes modern artwork on brick walls, beautiful table settings, and an exciting bar serving only premium drinks.
They are an authentic, big-city steakhouse reminiscent of Chicago or New York City. Offering the finest in aged steaks, whole lobsters, and fresh seafood, all meats are black angus or prime graded and dry aged, on premise, for no less than 28 days.
Open seven nights a week, you are invite to dine with them for an extraordinary experience that will captivate your party for an evening of amazing food and pure bliss.
They only serve the best!”
316 Richland Ave NW, Aiken SC 29801
(803) 642-4488
Within this store you will find a bohemian spirit, a sense of tradition, and a true sense of authenticity.
Everything Kitchen…
Shop Plum Pudding's great selection of quality kitchen products 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Browse their wide selection of quality kitchen supplies, C.E. Corey's dinnerware, Juliska dinnerware, Vietri dinnerware, Mariposa, cookware and kitchen tools. Orders are packed and shipped promptly.
In addition to one of the nation's largest selections of VIETRI and Juliska dinnerware, they are also home to dinnerware by C.E. Corey, including her beloved "Aiken" China! If you are in the Aiken, SC area, stop by and see them! They are located on the corner of Richland Avenue and Laurens Street NW in beautiful historic downtown Aiken.
Plum Pudding
101 Laurens Street NW
Aiken, SC 29801
888-940-7586
1912
The Aiken Golf Club is steeped in golf history. Originally built in 1912, with a portion of its design attributed to John Inglis, it is one of the oldest courses in the nation. Professional golfers Babe Didrikson Zaharis and Patty Berg among others, played here. Fred Astaire and other celebrities came to Aiken during the cold winter months to test their skills. May Dunn was instrumental in making it the first course in America to feature tees especially for women.
Completely renovated and reopened to considerable fanfare during 1999, the course has never looked or played better. They invite you to come see for yourself. It will test your skill while reminding you of golf venues of old. Come be a part of golf history.
HISTORY
The Aiken County Historical Museum (ACHM) consists primarily of a 17,500 sq.ft. building on a 3.5 acre campus. The 17,500 sq.ft. building is called Banksia and it is a former Winter Colony home. Portions of the museum’s building date back to 1862 while the most modern portion of the building was constructed in 1931.
The museum has three floors of exhibits that illustrate the history of Aiken County from the era of Native Americans to modern day. Exhibit highlights include the history of the county’s communities, the impact of the Savannah River Site, the development of the Winter Colony, a 1950s drug store interior, and two fire engines. The grounds of the museum’s campus host an 1890s schoolhouse, an early 19th century log cabin, a buttery, and beautiful gardens maintained by local garden clubs.
The ACHM has lots of family-friendly events, tour programs, a traveling trunk program, and other fun educational events as part of their regular programming. The object collection of the ACHM focuses on preservation of objects related to residents of the county. The collection is ever growing.