- Visit Aiken SC

True Southern Beauty
Delectable Meals | Equestrian Thrills | Historical Tales | Relaxing Trails
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
Aiken, SOuth Carolina:
A Place Like No Other
Welcome to a place like no other—Aiken, South Carolina.
A true Southern beauty, Aiken is canopied in majestic live oaks,
W h a t ’ s i ns i d e ?
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.
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W h at t o D o
Art, History, Horses
Aiken exudes pure Southern charm. Once you visit, however, you
will find that Aiken is much more than just a pretty place. Deemed
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W h e r e t o Ea t
Fine Dining, Cafes + Bakeries, American
Cuisine, Asian, Barbecue, Greek,
Mexican, Pizza + Italian, Food + Nightlife
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W h e r e to S h o p
Boutiques, Signature, Specialty
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W h e r e t o P l ay
Golf, Tennis, Baseball, Hiking, Canoeing
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W h e r e t o S t ay
Unique Accommodations, Inns + Hotels
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S i gna t u r e Ev e n t s
Events Like No Other
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M ap U s
Get Here from Anywhere
as an All American City, Aiken is also urban, sporty and outdoorsy.
Aiken has it all.
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.”
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.com
visitorscenter@cityofaikensc.gov
1-888-AikenSC or 803.293.7846
Your first stop in Aiken should be at
the newly renovated Aiken Railroad
Depot, home of the Aiken Visitors
Center and Train Museum. You will find
everything you need to explore Aiken.
While there, you can learn about
Aiken’s heritage along the rail line.
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What to Do
The 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
Aiken County Historical
Museum (Banksia)
433 Newberry St., SW
803.642.2015
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing
Hall of Fame + Museum
135 Dupree Place
803.642.7631
Aiken Visitors Center + Train Museum
406 Park Ave., SE
803.293.7846
throughout the world for its top class equestrian
events such as Aiken’s Triple Crown and the Fall
Center for African American
History, Art + Culture
120 York St., NE
803.649.2221
Steeplechase. If you want simply to relax and
enjoy nature, we have natural environment
to discover and thousands of acres of
SRS Heritage Museum
224 Lauren St., SW
SRSHeritage.org
pristine forests to explore.
Aiken Trolley Tours
406 Park Ave., SE
803.644.1907
Tailored Tours of Aiken
406 Park Ave., SE
803.295.3870
Historical Tours of Aiken
406 Park Ave., SE
803.649.6608
a r t s + En t e r t a i nm e n t
AECOM Center for the
Performing Arts
126 Newberry St., SW
803.648.1438
Aiken Center for the Arts
122 Laurens St., SW
803.641.9094
Aiken Community
Playhouse
126 Newberry St., SW
803.648.1438
Aiken Mall Cinemas
300 Eastgate Dr.
803.648.2786
Bisquecuts & Glazy 949 Pine Log Rd
803.648.7772
DuPont Planetarium
and RPSEC Observatory
Ruth Patrick Science
Education Center
at USC Aiken
471 University Pkwy.
803.641.3313
Etherredge Center
471 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 #430
803.648.1800
USC-Aiken
Convocation Center
375 Robert Bell Pkwy.
803.641.3715
Van Gogh to Go
337 Hayne Ave., SW
803.645.6025
h i sto ry
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.
Doc Lawren ce
Flavors and More Magazine
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LOv e B i r ds G e t away
E q u e s t r i an e n t h us i as t p l an
Romantic ideas for you to enjoy with your special someone.
A few winning highlights for your trip.
Day 1
Jumpstart 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. After your stroll, sit down on the
patio under the twinkling lights, listening to live music as you enjoy a delicious
meal made with local ingredients. Or for a more casual dinner enjoy Takosushi,
where the far-east meets the southwest and there’s always a crowd.
After dinner, let Aiken Speakeasy and Eats take you on a 1920s experience of the
senses. Enjoy live music and prohibition-inspired decor along with signature craft
cocktails and delicious desserts.
Day 2
Wake 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 coffee 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. Sit on the patio at The Aiken Brewing Company and enjoy some wings, a
local brew, and people watching on Aiken’s busiest street. Another 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. Some highlights you won’t want to miss include: 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 a jumble of art-full
gifts; and the Aiken Center for the Arts with different 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 filled with rosemary and sage—the
ambiance and the food are tough to beat. Another delicious option is chefowned restaurant, Malia’s, where you will enjoy an exceptional meal with a menu
that changes monthly reflecting what’s in season.
After dinner, check out what’s playing at the AECOM Theater or the Etherredge
Center where you’re likely to find 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 3
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.
Day 1
Welcome to Aiken, where even our street signs have horse heads and we have a
cross-walk specifically for horse-back riders. When 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. You’ll be wowed by the amount of winnings each horse represents,
along with real racing silks and trophies on display. 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.
Enjoy live music and quality food in one of Aiken’s oldest estates.
Day 2
Wake up early and explore the dirt streets of the “Aiken Horse District” and
watch the horses train at the famed Aiken Training Track, where 39 thoroughbred
champions have trained. 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. Order at the counter, help yourself to coffee, read the clippings on
the wall and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Check out the events going on at Katydid Farm, Highfields 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 Grill & Bar 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 fish tacos and drink specials make everything alright!
Day 3
Relish a good chai latte, fresh smoothie or muffin at Ridgecrest Coffee Bar
where local art surrounds you and you’re welcome to bring a book and stay for a
while. Another equestrian highlight you won’t want to miss is the Gaston Livery
Stable. Take a tour of this historic stable, built circa 1893. The Barn is the only
one remaining in South Carolina with a carriage lift. It is one of the only all brick,
U-shaped barns with a carriage lift in the United States.
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
buffet-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 3 p.m. during the fall and spring.
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The Aiken Polo Club is one of the oldest and
Aiken Polo Club
420 Mead Ave.
803.643.3611
www.aikenpoloclub.org
most historic polo clubs in the United States.
Vibrant downtown, Farmers
Market in the alley, circles (go)
and squares (no) for traffic flow.
Carriages, trolley tours and train
depot. Horses, dogs and kids
welcome here!
The club held its first 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
Kat hy Greev es K l ein
Visit Aiken SC Facebook
at 8 polo fields. Matches are at 3 p.m. every
Sunday during the Spring and Fall seasons.
E q u e s t r i an
Horseback Riding
Rac i ng
Trails
Almost Heaven Stables
220 Golf Course Rd.
Warrenville, SC 29851
803.663.3001
Aiken Training Track
538 Two Notch Rd.
803.648.4631
Hitchcock Woods
803.642.0528
HitchcockWoods.org
McGhees Mile 620 Banks Mill Rd SE
803.640.0211
Langley Pond Loop
US Hwy. 1 at
Langley Dam Rd
Burnettown, SC
803.642.7559
Deerwood Stables
4629 Whiskey Rd.
803.522.8453
Rebel Ranch Horse Tours
803.640.2765
Seahorse Stables
547 Two Notch Rd.
803.500.1441
Willow Creek Petting
Zoo & Pony Rides
862.268.0161
Polo Matc he s
New Bridge Polo
862 New Bridge Rd.
803.644.7706
H i sto r i c S P ots
Aiken Carriage Museum
(By appointment only)
100 Berrie Rd SW
803.642.7631
Aiken Thoroughbred
Racing Hall of Fame
+ Museum
135 Dupree Place
803.642.7631
Gaston Livery Stable
1315 Richland Ave., E
803.648.4123
Eventing & Hunter
Jumper Venues
Aiken Horse Park
931 Powderhouse Rd.
AikenHorsePark.org
Chasin Farm
735 Anderson Pond Rd.
Aiken SC, 29803
803.648.6277
Full Gallup Farm
3828 Wagener Rd.
803.215.6590
Highfields Event Center
118 Gaston St.
803.649.3505
Equestr ian Fr iends
Jumping Branch Farm
179 Fox Pond Rd.
Aiken SC, 29805
803.642.3484
Equine Rescue
532 Glenwood Dr.
803.643.1850
Paradise Farm
4069 Wagener Rd
803.640.4918
Sporting Days Farm
3549 Charleston Hwy.
803.648.0100
Aiken Hounds
803-643-DRAG
Track KItchen
420 Mead Ave
803.641.9628
Whiskey Road Fox Hounds
520 Hitchcock Rd.
803.649.0638
Stable View Farm 117 Stable Dr,
484.356.3173
The Vista Schooling
And Event Center 859 Old Tory Trail
803.272.7999
Explore VisitAikenSC.com to learn
more about equestrian activities.
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Where to Eat
Great cuisine is a big part of the downtown Aiken scene and beyond with
a great offering 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 find regional fare prepared by world-renowned chefs as well as
fine 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.
Fine D i n i ng
Caf e s + B ake rie s
Aiken Speakeasy & Eats
126 Laurens St.
803.226.0260
Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe
146 Laurens St., SW
803.226.0191
Casa Bella
120 Chesterfield St., SW
803.641.3107
La Dolcé Bakery • Café • Tea Bar
967 Dougherty Rd.
803.335.1440
Linda’s Bistro
135 York St., SE
803.648.4835
Magnolia Café and Market
210 York St., SE
803.649.3339
Malia’s
120 Laurens St., SW
803.643.3086
New Moon Café
116 Laurens St., NW
803.643.7088
Prime Steakhouse & Lobster
316 Richland Ave., NW
803.642.4488
Nobel Breads and Grocer
1625 Richland Ave., E
803.642.8898
The Stables Restaurant
at Rose Hill Estates
221 Greenville St., NW
803.648.1181
Ridgecrest Coffee
2502 Wagener Rd
803.641.9000
The Restaurant at the Willcox
100 Colleton Ave SW
803.643.3086
Trio Bar & Kitchen
222 The Alley
803.226.0386
The Little Bake Shoppe
1552 Whiskey Rd.
803.226.0703
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Amer i c an Cu i s i n e
Aiken Brewing Co.
Grille & Bar
140 Laurens St., SW
803.502.0707
Aiken Subs Inc.
232 Eastgate Dr.
803.226.0105
Auten’s
969 Pine Log Rd.
803.502.1307
Betsy’s On The Corner
159 Laurens St. NW
803.226.0078
J.C.’s Seafood
3189 Whiskey Rd.
803.648.6303
Pat’s Sub Shop
1747 Whiskey Rd.
803.649.1523
Pat’s Sub Shop
728 E Pine Log Rd.
803.649.1523
Red Pepper Cafe
752 Silver Bluff Rd.
803.643.7088
Sub Station II
951 Pine Log Rd.
803.649.2721
Track Kitchen
420 Mead Ave.
803.641.9628
Jade of China
1014 Pine Log Rd.
803.642.8509
Variety Restaurant
921 York St NE
803.648.6987
Kobe Japanese
Steak & Seafood
1040 Pine Log Rd.
803.642.9080
What’s Cooking
Downtown
123 Laurens St., NW
803.649.1068
Woodside Plantation
Country Club
1000 Woodside
Plantation Dr.
803.649.3383
Asian
Eastern Buffet
190 Aiken Mall Dr.
803.642.2788
Evergreen Buffet
1141 York St. NE
803.648.3231
Golden China
774 Silver Bluff Rd.
803.642.3988
Hibachi House
246 Eastgate Dr.
803.226.0689
New China
252 Eastgate Dr.
803.641.1229
Ni Hao Chinese Buffet
3553 Richland Ave. W
803.648.5233
Red Bowl Asian Bistro
2645 Whiskey Rd.
803.226.9888
Sakura Japanese
Steak House
1913 Whiskey Rd.
803.648.3238
Takosushi
210 The Alley
803.642.8899
Tokyo Grill
3555 Richland Ave. W
803.502.7868
B arbe cue
Buckwheat’s BBQ
651 Silver Bluff Rd
803.226.0941
Carolina Bar-B-Que 109 Main St S
New Ellenton, SC 29809
803.652.2919
Duke’s Bar-B-Q
4248 Whiskey Rd.
803.649.7675
G re e k
Acropolis
Pizza Restaurant
1647 Richland Ave., W
803.649.7601
Zorbas Island Pizza
and Grill
510 Silver Bluff Rd.
803.643.8777
Me x ican
Maria’s Mexican
Restaurant
716 E Pine Log Rd.
803.648.8840
Mi Rancho
3607 Richland Ave. W
803.644.1111
Salsa’s Mex Mex Grill
109 Tamil Dr.
803.643.2722
Takosushi
210 The Alley
803.642.8899
Food +
Nightlife
City Billiards
208 Richland Ave.
803.649.7362
P izz a + Italian
Grumpy’s Sports Pub
216 Eastgate Dr.
803.226.9868
Apizza di Napoli
740 Silver Bluff Rd.
803.226.0700
Hilton Garden Inn Aiken
350 Eastgate Dr.
803.641.4220
Ferrando’s Italian
Pizzeria
152 S Aiken Ln Ste 103
803.644.8881
Locals
1208 Whiskey Rd
803.649.0082
Mellow Mushroom
151 Bee Ln
803.474.8454
Playoffs Sports Bar
205 Richland Ave. W
803.648.1028
Pizza Joint
125 Richland Ave.
803.648.9074
Polo Tavern in
Hotel Aiken
235 Richland Ave. W
803.648.4265
Roma’s
1376 Whiskey Rd.
803.643.7828
Wing Place
732 E Pine Log Rd.
803.644.7777
Travinia Italian Kitchen
470 Fabian Dr.
803.642.9642
Hungry for more? VisitAikenSC.com
has a full list of restaurants.
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Lionel Smith, Ltd.
132 Laurens St., SW
803.648.2100
Ant iq ue s
Aiken Antique Mall
112 Laurens St., SW
803.648.6700
Elliott Office Supply
115 Laurens St NW
803.649.4151
Laurens Street Antiques
117 Laurens St., SW
803.642.6779
Where to Shop
York Cottage Antiques
409 Hayne Ave., SW
803.642.9524
till you drop, but visitors will certainly
Clot h ing
have the opportunity when they visit our
Affordables Apparel
113 Laurens St SW #104
803.335.3760
We don’t necessarily advocate shopping
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
offer exclusive equestrian apparel and
accessories. Get ready, set…Go shopping!
Aiken Dry Goods
110 Laurens St., SW
803.226.0100
Charlotte’s
Bridal Fashions
142 Laurens St SW
803.648.5136
Birds & Butterflies
117 Laurens St., NW
803.649.7999
Threads
108 Laurens St., SW
803.335.1452
Cyndi’s Sweet Shop
146 Laurens St SW
803.226.0191
Vinyas
118 Laurens St., SW
803.642.9684
Epona
137 Laurens St., SW
803.262.5102
Specialty
+ Signatur e
Stor es
Guest Cottage
Linens & Gifts
405 Hayne St SW
803.649.4565
3 Monkey’s Fine Gifts
133 Laurens St., NW
803.648.7592
ACTS Resale Store
405 ½ Hayne Ave.
803.649.3800
Aiken Center for the Arts
122 Laurens St., SW
803.641.9094
Bone-I-Fide Bakery
127 Laurens St., SW
803.642.7578
Downtown Dog
150-A Laurens St., SW
803.226.0347
Folly
116 Laurens St., SW
803.226.0550
Unusual finds
Pitter Patter
Children’s Boutique
151 Laurens St., SW
803.643.8000
Return Engagement
113 Laurens St., SW
Suite 106
803.642.3337
of the shopping options in downtown and all around.
The Paisley Peacock
109 Laurens St., NW
803.215.8452
Equine Divine
126 Laurens St., SW
803.642.9772
Fox & Lady
104 Laurens St SW
803.291.0389
Ready to shop till you drop? VisitAikenSC.com lists all
Since opening our doors in 1976, we have prided
ourselves in finding 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 find
the finest in men’s fashion from all over the world
and bring them to Aiken, SC.
Artisan Market & Decor
119 Laurens St NW
803.643.7581.
Aiken County Farmers
Market
115 Williamsburg
803.293.2214
Barbara Sue Brodie
Needleworks
345 Hayne Ave., SW
803.644.0990
High Country Olive Oil
113 Laurens St., SW
Suite 105
803.649.9907
Marcella’s Fine
Cigars-Tobacco 161 S Aiken Ln # 500
803.649.0377
Material Things
318 Park Ave SE
803.643.3701
MB Jewelry and Beads
145 Laurens St., SW
803.502.0200
Nandina Home & Design 158 Laurens St SW
803.649.0616
Plum Pudding
101 Laurens St., NW
803.644.4600
re-fresh
131 Laurens St., SW
803.649.9663
The Ivy Cottage
206 Park Ave., SE
803.643.0535
Unique Expressions
1521 Whiskey Rd
803.641.7906
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Where to Play
Whether you hit a long drive,
drive in a home run, drive a
power serve or love to ride your
bike in the country, Aiken is well
worth the drive. With a mild
winter climate, lazy summer
days and thousands of acres
set aside for sports of all kinds,
Aiken is sure to please you, your
Hitchcock Woods
P. O. Box 1702
803.642.0528
family and your team.
sp o r t s + P l ay
Aiken Arboretum Trail
314 Chesterfield St., S
803.293.7846
A mobile tour showcasing Aiken’s
diverse collection of trees.
Aiken Golf Club
555 Highland Park Dr.
803.649.6029
The 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 Park
1145 State Park Rd.
803.649.2857
Set against the calm, winding South
Edisto River, Aiken State Park is a
1000-acre park featuring the calm,
blackwater South Edisto River.
Boyd Pond Park
373 Boyd Pond Rd
Biking and walking trails, softball,
playground, fishing pier, boat ramp,
picnic area, Boyd Observatory,
telescope
Carolina Bay Nature Reserve
+ Climbing Wall
Price Ave.
803.642.7631
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.
Cedar Creek Golf Club
2475 Club Dr.
803.648.4206
Citizens Park + Splash Park
651 Old Airport Rd.
803.642.7761
With 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.
HIC Warehouse Indoor Skatepark
1120 Edgefield Hwy
803.507.1291
Hole-N-One Family Center
3197 Whiskey Rd.
803.643.1715
Hopelands Gardens
135 Dupree Place
803.642.7631
Wrapped behind a serpentine brick wall is
a 14 acre public garden complete with the
Dollhouse, a pond and wetlands area.
Library Park
355 York St., SE
803.642.7636
Grill, playground, gazebo
Odell Weeks Activity Center 1700 Whiskey Rd
803.642.7631
Disc golf, walking track, open fields, gyms
Pacer Sports 471 University Parkway
803.641.3486
Volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball,
cross-country, tennis, golf and soccer
Silver Bluff Audubon Center + Sanctuary
4542 Silver Bluff Rd.
803.471.0291
A 3,250 acre wildlife sanctuary and education
center owned by the National Audubon
Society, featuring several walking trails.
Quail Trough Hunting Preserve
2032 Edgefield Hwy.
803.648.5483
Weeks Tennis Center
1745 Two Notch Rd.
803.642.7739
Weeks Tennis Center is an
immaculate lighted facility featuring
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. Reservations
are required and there is a fee for
court use.
G o l f C l ubs o p e n t o pub l i c
du r i ng mas t e r s w e e k o n ly
Houndslake Country Club
901 Houndslake Dr.
803.648.6805
Palmetto Golf Club
275 Berrie Rd. SW
803.649.2951
Woodside Plantation Country Club
1000 Woodside Plantation Dr.
803.649.3383
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Where to Stay
Inns + Hotels
America’s Best Value Inn
2577 Whiskey Rd.
803.641.8800
Let us charm you with a host of
great places where you can stay for
months, a week or a just a few days.
Clarion Inn
155 Colony Pkwy.
803.648.0999
Aiken offers beautiful and historic
hotels and bed and breakfasts as
well as accommodations you can
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!
find in any major city. Pick your
favorite and come stay a while.
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 Seeli ng er
The Culture Trip
Uniqu e Acco mm o dat i o ns
208 Abbeville Bed and Breakfast
208 Abbeville Ave., NW
803.649.3109
This 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.
Carriage House Inn
139 Laurens St., NW
803.644.5888
One 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.
Aiken Luxury Rentals
215 Grace Ave., SE
803.648.2804
Aiken Luxury Rentals offers awardwinning rental houses in beautiful
downtown Aiken that includes
spectacular historic cottages,
lofts, studios and carriage houses.
Properties are fully furnished. Allinclusive short term and long term
rental packages are available.
Cottage Rose Guest House
324A Park Ave., SE
803.645.0324
This historic 1,000-square-foot, two
bedroom walk-up apartment is located
in downtown Aiken, next to the Aiken
Visitors Center and Train Museum.
Hotel Aiken
139 Laurens St., NW
803.644.5888
Originally built in 1898, the main
building of Hotel Aiken has gone
Inn at Houndslake
897 Houndslake Drive
803.648.9535
This quiet, comfortable, affordable, 30 room
inn has beautiful golf course views. It is
located in the heart of Houndslake Country
Club, one of Aiken’s finest 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 Rental
Lauren’s St., SW
803.292.6968
These 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 Estate
221 Greenville St., NW
803.648.1181
Built 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 Willcox
100 Colleton Ave., SW
803.648.1898
The 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.
Days Inn Downtown
1204 Richland Ave., W
803.649.5524
Econo Lodge
3560 Richland Ave.
803.649.3968
Fairfield Inn & Suites
185 Colony Pkwy.
803.648.7808
Hampton Inn
100 Tamil Dr. at Whiskey Rd.
803.648.2525
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
2897 Whiskey Rd.
803.508.7700
Hotel Aiken
235 Richland Ave., W
803.648.4265
Hilton Garden Inn
350 E. Gate Dr.
803.641.4220
Howard Johnson
1936 Whiskey Rd.
803.649.5000
Inn at Houndslake
897 Houndslake Dr.
803.648.9535
Knights Inn
1850 Richland Ave.
803.648.6821
Quality Inn & Suites
3608 Richland Ave.
803.641.1100
Sleep Inn
1002 Monterey Dr.
803.644.9900
Towne Place Suites
1008 Monterey Dr.
803.641.7373
w h e r e t o s t ay
18
19
F am i ly F un Id e as
A few suggestions for you to maximize your time with your family.
Day 1
Hop out of the car and stretch your legs! Pick up some home-made bread from
Noble Breads 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 figure 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 onehundred 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 2
Enjoy 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 float! Spend some time exploring
downtown—the whole family will love Cyndi’s Sweet Shop, 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 affordable, 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 3
Sleep in, and enjoy your last day in Aiken adventuring through Aiken’s beautiful
landscapes. Head over to Aiken State Park to rent canoes, go fishing, 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 competing barbecue joints, Carolina Bar-B-Que (listed as one of
Southern Living’s Top 50 BBQ Joints) or Duke’s Bar-B-Que, which many locals
will argue is even better...Try both for yourself!
Ev e n t s L i k e N o O t h e r
A i k e n ’ s A n n u a l s i g n at u r e e v e n t s
F e b r ua r y
S e p t e mb e r
Antiques in the Heart of Aiken
Battle of Aiken
Aiken’s Makin’
Oktoberfest
March
O c to b e r
Joye in Aiken
Aiken Trials
Aiken Spring Steeplechase
April
Pacers and Polo
Aiken Horse Show
Western Carolina State Fair
Fall Steeplechase
N o v e mb e r
Blessing of the Hounds
Southern City Film Festival
Horses n’ Courses
D E c e mb e r
Run United Half Marathon
Christmas Craft Show
Aiken Spring Classic Horse Show
Night of 1000 Lights
Christmas in Hopelands
M ay
Aiken Charity Horse Show
Lobster Race
Aiken Bluegrass Festival
A full list of events
is located on
www.VisitAikenSC.com
Hops N’ Hogs
RE c u r r i ng e v e n t s
Polo at Historic Whitney Field: Sundays in the Spring + Fall at 3pm
Aiken Downtown Farmers Market in the Alley:
Thursday evenings in the Spring + Summer
Hopelands Concert Series: Monday evenings May-August
M ap Us !
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 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.
www.VisitAikenSC.com
1.888.AIKENSC or 803.293.7846
VisitAikenSC
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