Aiken

 

Aiken is a quaint South Carolina town located 20 miles northeast of Augusta, Georgia. In 2018, Southern Living Magazine called Aiken “The South’s Best Small Town.” It’s a town steeped in history and known for its equestrian culture and exceptional golf courses. It’s home to many wonderful neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, including some luxurious communities with gated access and resort-style amenities. Homes reflect the traditional architecture of the south and include styles such as Plantation, Charleston, Low-Country Cottage, and Craftsman Bungalow.

 

Aiken is a welcoming community of young professionals, families, executives, and retirees. The typically beautiful climate of the area lends itself well to those that enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors. Many residents are participants in the equestrian culture of the community; others enjoy golf, tennis, hiking, biking, and fishing. Downtown Aiken offers residents a quaint and inviting locale for dining and shopping and is also home to two popular festivals, the Aiken Music Fest and Joye in Aiken.

 

Aiken has many features that foster a strong sense of community and add to the area's desirability. The Aiken Farmers Market is the oldest in South Carolina and is open year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Golfers living in Aiken are close to 5 fantastic courses and country clubs. The exclusive country clubs offer fantastic member-only amenities like beautiful pools, fitness centers, and tennis courts. Equestrians looking for riding lessons, dressage, polo clubs, fox hunting, and trail rides will be just minutes from world-class facilities.

 

• Quaint historic town
• Fantastic restaurants
• Equestrian culture
• Fantastic golf courses

Aiken is a laid-back suburban community with a small-town vibe. The area is known for its equestrian culture, and many residents are active participants. The town offers many public parks and open spaces to ride and explore on horseback. The parks are also great for nature hikes, jogging, hiking, and biking. The nearby lakes, ponds, and rivers are fantastic for fishing and boating. At the end of the work week, downtown Aiken is a popular gathering place where locals hang out with friends for dinner, drinks, and entertainment.

 

The Alley SW is a small street in downtown Aiken and is home to many popular bars, restaurants, and shops. The Alley is an excellent place for dining or having cocktails with friends. During the summer, Amp The Alley offers visitors live music every Thursday. Whiskey Alley is one of the most popular restaurants in The Alley. The menu changes daily and offers a wide selection of appetizers, salads, and entrees which include options for vegetarian and gluten-free diners. Another great choice in The Alley is Fuse. Fuse offers diners unique menu items, locally-sourced ingredients, and a large selection of craft beers. For a romantic date night, one of the best restaurants in Aiken is Prime Steakhouse. The Prime Steakhouse is a premier dining location, serving steaks and fresh seafood in an elegant dining room.

 

Aiken offers fantastic and unique cultural and entertainment experiences. Many local bars offer live entertainment, and the downtown area is home to several art centers and galleries. The Aiken Center for the Arts offers art and music classes, exhibitions, and concerts. The Aiken Community Theater allows residents to participate in live plays, musical performances, and other theatrical events. The area is also just minutes from the iconic Big Mo Drive-In. This outdoor drive-in movie theater offers a nostalgic cinematic experience that the whole family will enjoy.

 

Aiken is a historic small town with a lot to offer. Learn about the area's history by visiting the Aiken County Historical Museum, the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum, the SRS Heritage Museum, and the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum. Enjoy the beautiful South Carolina weather and the great outdoors at the parks and playgrounds in and around Aiken. The parks are great for picnics, hiking, biking, and swimming, and some even offer hunting and fishing. Parks in the area include Aiken State Park and Hitchcock Woods, among others. The Greenway Trail in N. Augusta is just minutes from Aiken and is a popular location for hiking and biking the paved trails along the Savannah River. Nature lovers will enjoy an afternoon at Hopelands Gardens or the Aiken Arboretum Trail. Spend the afternoon with the kids at the Eudora Farms Wildlife Safari Park, where you can see and feed exotic wildlife right from your car.

 

Aiken offers many highly-rated public and private schools.