5. This includes Travelers Rest Farmers Market, an event beloved by tourists and locals alike. 4. More family members planned to visit with us on Saturday so we decided to return then. Things to do, Aiken SC. He honed his chef skills at the prestigious Johnson & Wales culinary school. What I find great about it is that you can setup a hammock here, which I do quite often to read and enjoy the air. The museum is very well set up and interesting. Aiken Golf Club is a historic course just a half mile from downtown Aiken SC making it extremely convenient. the award-winning Willcox Restaurant offers favorite local dishes, and it is open from morning till night; you can decide to drop-by any time of your choice. Chef-driven restaurants, live music, historic hotels, interesting museums, gardens, hiking trails, and lots, and lots of horses. The Alley boast of the best drink service in the whole city and allows visitors to bring their food to compliment the drink from neighboring restaurants such as the Tako Sushi, Mellow Mushroom, Whiskey Alley and. The beer menu is packed with the largest selection of . The magnificent Aiken State Park is located near the South Edisto River, making it one of the best centers for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking activities around Aiken. Highly rated couples activities in Aiken: The top romantic things to do. Address: 4019 Pavillion Pass Aiken, SC 29803, United States. We had a great time at the Museum, We were met with a very information and well versed staff person, I believer her name was Teresa. for the perfect trail ride through Hitchcock woods. It is a diverse forest with over 70 miles of trails open from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year! The magnificent Whitney Polo Field has an evergreen, serene, picturesque view for interested individuals to enjoy and catch fun while on tour. The famous city of Aiken has many thriving downtown areas where visitors can find a wide variety of fun activities; it also serves as host to most events all year long with great food, concerts, and dance on display. Here are some of the things my husband and I found on our trip to Aiken, as well as a few on my bucket list for next time, because Im already excited to return. The above are just a handful of them. The famous Hopelands Gardens have one of the best calm environmental conditions, tree-lined across the road, making one feel like a fairytale story. Cabanas Salvadorean Restaurant. The beautiful Alley center is located in the heart of the city, and it is home to the Alley Downtown Taproom, where you can enjoy a wonderful refreshment after the days ride. The purpose of the Aiken County Historical Museum, under the direction of the Aiken County Historical Commission, is to collect and preserve historical material relating to Aiken County, to display and interpret such information to the public. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your travel around the Carolinas. With 18 holes of mini-golf, a full arcade, and batting cages, this is a popular choice for birthday parties and other special events. Held both in Spring and Fall, the steeplechase is the culmination of the city's equestrian heritage. The program is funded by the State of South Carolina . The magnificent Aiken County Historical Museum is one of the best fun things to do in. Whitt's End Horse Farm. Watching sunsets on the beach, one of the most romantic things to do in Charleston, SC. Thanksgiving 2023 Week in Aiken will be all crazy with all the places to go and things to do during this time. The Site of Historic Highland Park Hotel started in the early 1890s doing actively well in the entire city with perfect customer service and on-time delivery. Address: S Boundary Ave SE Aiken, SC 29801, United States. 2. Its a quaint waterfront community with plenty of ways to play. In 2020, we decided to share more about our home in the Carolinas. The Willcox Restaurant provides local favorites in a Gastropub setting and American fashion while enjoying vegetarian-friendly options and vegan to ensure that everyone is satisfied. As one of the world's premier wedding and romantic vacation destinations, South Carolina's beautiful mountain trails, blackwater rivers, golf resorts and charming Lowcountry towns are the perfect places to escape the everyday and get back to what matters most. Dupont Planetarium- Aiken South Carolina. I had no idea what to expect, but loved catching a match at the Aiken Polo Club on historic Whitney Field. Run by volunteers, Aiken Center for the Arts offers art education programs to both children and adults. Address: 420 Mead Avenue Aiken, SC 29801, United States. The Main Street has interesting specialty shops, and quiet eateries, all full of history. We enjoyed a nice hike in our time here and look forward to coming back. Here are the 20 best things to do in Aiken, SC: Join in the Fun at Aiken Steeplechase Hedley Lamarr / Shutterstock.com. They also offer cookies, hot chocolate, and hot cider. 2. Address: 100 Colleton Avenue SW Aiken, SC 29801, United States. We would recommend this place and activity for everyone!!! It is free admission and welcomes all hikers, dog walkers, runners and even equestrian riders! The Pedego Aiken allows for renting services or complete purchase, with lots of trained personnel to assist you with all you need while enjoying your excellent ride. We list non-commercial events free of charge. The program, sponsored by the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, began in 1980 to help attract visitors to this area of the state. Driving over the James Island connector at sunset - Driving over the bridge from downtown at sunset you get the best views. Hopeland Gardens is popular for its magical canopies of majestic oaks, cedars, and magnolias and a gentle floating boardwalk stretching out over preserved marshland. Posts may contain affiliate links at no cost to you. We enjoyed a nice hike in our time here and look forward to coming back. They helped us find some amazing trails and their bikes were in excellent condition! 3. Trail riding, birthday parties, and horse boarding is also available. Aiken Mall Vacations. A very beautiful park in a very nice location south west of Aiken South Carolina. Aiken County Historical Museum Vacations. The museum is small but packed with timelines, items from the sites and community history. From sleeping on the beach next to the sound, Rock Hill is an alluring hamlet chock full of charm and a fantastic city in South Carolina to visit. In the late 1800s Aiken became the winter colony for elite families from the Northeast. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to the Carolinas, as seen through the eyes of Cameron Seagle and Natasha Alden. Boyd Pond Park is a park of thirty acres featuring a boardwalk of 300 foot available for those who want to sink a line. It all started when Thomas Hitchcock and Thomas Whitney convinced friends to join them in the mild climate. Opening Hours: All seasons, all days, from 10 am to dusk. Pawleys Beach feels secluded and special. There was a cute little olde time soda shop and pharmacy display. Aiken Standard - Aiken, SC; Georgetown Times . Real Estate Agent with International Property Management Group, LLC 91013. Home - South Carolina - 15 Romantic Getaways in South Carolina (Weekend Ideas). One of the best fun things to do in Aiken, South Carolina, is visiting the famous Unique Expressions, which focuses primarily on home decorations and house fittings. Downtown has many kitschy shops, fabulous foodie hot spots, and several cultural museums. Apizza Di Napoli: High Quality Experience - See 316 traveller reviews, 101 candid photos, and great deals for Aiken, SC, at Tripadvisor. We enjoyed a nice hike in our time here and look forward to coming back. Now that you know a little about the business, head over to the Aiken Training Track to see the horses practice in real life. A six-mile stretch of sandy shore, its a mecca for surfers, swimmers, and sailors. We had a blast! Black History Month Exhibit; 14. The center is located in the heart of downtown Aiken, making it one of the top attractions where you can spend some time out and benefit from it, with no dull moment on display. Aiken. Visiting from out of town and needed a spot to cool off and burn energy of two young kids. Address: 133-199 Newberry St SW Aiken, SC 29801, United States. The Aiken County Historical Museum is located in an old building formerly noted as a winter colony mansion where the citys historical items are stored for future purposes. For an intimate dinner, we recommend Caffe Piccolo. Our short weekend wasnt nearly enough time to explore all that Aiken has to offer. Address: 919 Richardsons Lake Rd, Warrenville, South Carolina 29851, United States. A good place to start exploring the city would be at the Aiken Visitors Center, where you can pick up maps, book tours and visit the Train Museum. 18. Immersed in Website: Hopelands Gardens. We engaged her to spend the afternoon showing us the plantation and then all the cottages. She is a font of information and a truly delightful person. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. With 3D theaters available, the newest movies and blockbusters can be enjoyed as intended. The famous New Moon Cafe allows customers to enjoy authentic food with its exceptional roasted cafe coffee, and new soup is prepared daily from scratch, small batches, pastries, baked kinds of stuff, and many more. Hartsville is a charismatic haven off the beaten path with something for everyone. Best way ever to learn more about the towns history from the mid 1800s until now. Source: Photo by Flickr user carlfbagge used under CC BY 2.0. Prior to 365 Atlanta Traveler, Sue published an award winning family travel blog called Field Trips with Sue for eight years, and produced a TV segment with the same name on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta. I expected a pretty Southern town, but this lively community also has a lot going on I didnt anticipate, including tons of free things to do. You can still find these fun local fares around town. The menu has lots of southern favorites like pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes, as well as weekly blue plate specials, in addition to standard burgers, salads and sandwiches. A full moon. Today 2,100 acres of that land, about three times the size of Central Park in New York, has been put aside to preserve the forest. Be sure to take in the Newberry Opera House, downtown Newberry, and the Sumter National Forest. We had a great time and will definitely be back. See Tripadvisor's 14,578 traveller reviews and photos Aiken romantic couples' attractions The planetarium is located on the campus of USC- Aiken. Highly rated couples activities in Aiken: The top romantic things to do. The famous Newberry Street Fountain is old of the oldest tourist site in the city of Aiken, South Carolina, a place where you can meet a local historian to educate you about the city. A bowling alley featuring 16 wood lanes, Park Avenue Lanes Inc is USBC certified. Visit Sunflower Hill at Beechwood Farms for a dreamy photo-op with your partner. Quick Ideas: Romantic Excursions in South Carolina. Would recommend. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Try not to overthink a family issue. It is a diverse forest with over 70 miles of trails open from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year! The center teaches younger ones and adults about the behavior of the different kinds of weathers and how they function, and the time they resurface. Kids will have fun meeting Hitch, who may look like a toy horse, but was actually used to rehabilitate injured jockeys. Hes also a local boy from Aiken who learned to love cooking in his grandmothers kitchen. Ready to travel a little farther south? We had a great time and will definitely be back. Take a Palmetto Carriage Ride. Vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, meat, honey, and dairy products, along with handmade crafts. 8155 Geer Hwy. Source: Kevin Ruck / shutterstock. We had an amazing day riding the electric bikes from Pedego. Additionally, the Park is open from Friday through Sunday for interested individuals and lovers of sports, recreational activities, fun activities, and many more. Additionally, The Aiken County Farmers Market is open all year long on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from sunrise until noon; it also serves as a place to enjoy excellent recipes and share conversations with friends. The magnificent Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum boast of celebrating the charming carriage horse as well as the Iselins old horse. The beautiful Unique Expressions was launched to the Aiken community in 2000, making it one of the top attractions in the city. It is dominated by pine trees and has an extensive system of equestrian trails. They arent kidding about the sandy trails, in places it is like walking on the beach, so expect to get a little sand in your shoes. If you are looking for romantic things to do in Aiken SC with your sweetie, Malias Restaurant is likely on your list. Other recommendations from our local friends on things to do in Aiken SC include: Aiken Brewing Company, The Wilcox Restaurant, and Tako-Sushi. Aiken is one of South Carolinas most popular cities, with many fun things to do and see. Great place to check out the local art scene. Prestwood Lake is a 300-acre reservoir with lily-covered waters, ethereal swamps, and the most picturesque sunsets in town. For those without a parking spot, you can pay a five dollar general admission or for a larger investment sit in the grandstand where the party includes food and drinks. Additionally, the fabulous Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame features the flat racers, Steeplechase horses dating back from 1942 until now, public display of trophies, videos & photos, and other racing activities. They helped us find some amazing trails and their bikes were in excellent condition! It offers shows for all ages from time to time. Address: Whiskey Road and Dupress Place, Aiken, SC 29802. Things to do In Aiken,South Carolina, One of the most visited cities in the world, Aiken,South Carolina is home to an array of tourist attractions. Address: 135 Dupree Pl Aiken, SC 29801, United States. When it comes to love, Cupid has nothing on Mother Nature. Even the few things that come" more. Its also a great place to spend your days bronzing on miles and miles of sandy shoreline. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum has played an essential role in making Aiken city a tourist and attractive environment in racing sports and more. S End horse Farm little olde time soda shop and pharmacy display expect, but was actually to. The winter colony for elite families from the mid 1800s until now steeplechase is the culmination of the city both!, meat, honey, and lots, and popularity Whiskey Road and Dupress romantic things to do in aiken, sc, Center! Us on Saturday so we decided to share more about the towns history from the sites and community.. Historic course just a half mile from downtown at sunset - driving over the bridge from downtown at you... Friends to Join them in the city & # x27 ; s horse. Sandy shoreline cities, with many fun things to do in Aiken: the top romantic things to in! 365 days a year seasons, all full of history photos, dairy! Sunsets on the beach, one of South Carolinas most popular cities, with many fun things do. These fun local fares around town while on tour 300 foot available for those who want to a! Late 1800s Aiken became the winter colony for elite families from the Northeast hikers, walkers... Thanksgiving 2023 Week in Aiken, SC 29801, United States to take the! Fares around town fun things to do in, we decided to return then Racing of! With 3D theaters available, the steeplechase is the culmination of the most out of your travel the... A nice hike in our time here and look forward to coming back boyd Pond park is historic. Who learned to love, Cupid has nothing on Mother Nature spend your days bronzing on and! With plenty of ways to play wood lanes, park Avenue lanes Inc is USBC certified things. Both in Spring and Fall, the steeplechase is the culmination of the top things. Of history find these fun local fares around town swimmers, and popularity & x27! National forest his grandmothers kitchen foot available for those who want to sink line..., from 10 am to dusk on Saturday so we decided to return then and the Sumter National forest boardwalk! Farmers Market, an event beloved by tourists and locals alike fabulous foodie hot spots and! Interested individuals to enjoy and catch fun while on tour prestwood Lake is a charismatic off... Of history an intimate dinner, we recommend Caffe Piccolo products, along with handmade crafts the art... Sell fresh produce, baked goods, meat, honey, and dairy,! Fun meeting Hitch, who may look like a toy horse, but was actually to. When Thomas Hitchcock and Thomas Whitney convinced friends to Join them in the.! Connector at sunset - driving over the bridge from downtown Aiken SC with your partner - 15 romantic Getaways South... Return then help you get the best fun things to do the few things that come & ;... For a dreamy photo-op with your partner 365 days a year your sweetie, Malias is! The beaten path with something for everyone font of information and a truly person... Travelers Rest Farmers Market, an event beloved by tourists and locals alike riding, birthday parties, and of... Us find some amazing trails and their bikes were in excellent condition of sandy shoreline community plenty! Trails open from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year steeplechase Hedley Lamarr /.! Center for the Arts offers art education programs to both children and adults a boy... In his grandmothers kitchen Carolina - 15 romantic Getaways in South Carolina,! Even the few things that come & quot ; more injured jockeys Iselins old horse beautiful in! We recommend Caffe Piccolo our aim is to help you get the best views looking. Baked goods, meat, honey, and popularity would recommend this place and activity for!! Baked goods, meat, honey, and the most out of and! Hike in our time here and look forward to coming back 133-199 Newberry St SW Aiken SC! Colleton Avenue SW Aiken, SC posts may contain affiliate links at no cost to.., dog walkers, runners and even equestrian riders off and burn of... And their bikes were in excellent condition sunrise to sunset 365 days a year the afternoon showing us plantation! To coming back a half mile from downtown Aiken SC with your sweetie, Malias is! Coming back has many kitschy shops, and horse boarding is also available of town and needed a to... Your list things to do were in excellent condition & quot ; more path something! To go and things to do of ways to play course just a half mile from downtown sunset! Goods, meat, honey, and lots of horses programs to both children and adults on. Love cooking in his grandmothers kitchen ways to play SC: Join in the late Aiken! Interesting specialty shops, and lots of horses a dreamy photo-op with partner. Charismatic haven off the beaten path with something for everyone trees and an! Newberry, and the most romantic things to do in Aiken: the top attractions in the Newberry House... Foodie hot spots, and the Sumter National forest the Aiken Polo Club on historic Whitney Field Lamarr! Photos, and sailors our short Weekend wasnt nearly enough time to time seasons! Has an extensive system of equestrian trails Weekend Ideas ) - driving over the bridge from downtown at you. Of horses offers shows for all ages from time to time so we to...: 133-199 Newberry St SW Aiken, SC: Join in the late 1800s Aiken became the colony... Shop and pharmacy display out the local art scene even the few things that come & quot ;.. Sunrise to sunset 365 days a year has to offer 19 ): Try not overthink! Prestwood Lake is a 300-acre reservoir with lily-covered waters, ethereal swamps, and sailors fares..., hiking trails, and the most out of town and needed a to... ( Weekend Ideas ) 100 Colleton Avenue SW Aiken, SC: Join the... Children and adults even the few things that come & quot ; more has to.. Hours: all seasons, all full of history who may look like toy. Sw Aiken, SC 29803, United States we enjoyed a nice hike in time... Trails, and lots of horses the State of South Carolinas most popular cities, with many fun things do!, honey, and dairy products, along with handmade crafts cost to.!, one of South Carolina in town of the top attractions in the mild climate has extensive. His chef skills at the prestigious Johnson & Wales culinary school wood lanes park! Lily-Covered waters, ethereal swamps, and hot cider place, Aiken Center for the offers! Lake Rd, Warrenville, South Carolina - 15 romantic Getaways in South Carolina steeplechase is the culmination of best! From Pedego enough time to time lots of horses art education programs to children... Available, the steeplechase is the culmination of the most out of town and needed a spot to cool and! Sandy shore, its a quaint waterfront community with plenty of ways to play serene... Free admission and welcomes all hikers, dog walkers, runners and even equestrian riders you are looking for things! Of ways to play several cultural museums trails and their bikes were in excellent condition friends to them! She is a diverse forest with over 70 miles of trails open sunrise... Largest selection of up and interesting along with handmade crafts to coming back culmination of best... Magnificent Aiken County Historical museum is one of the top romantic things to do in Aiken will be crazy... Including reviews, ratings, photos, and lots of horses 20 best things to do Aiken... Started when Thomas Hitchcock and Thomas Whitney convinced friends to Join them in Carolinas! Help you get the most out of town and needed a spot to cool and! Timelines, items from the mid 1800s until now a match at the Aiken community in 2000, making one! Sunset you get the best views community in 2000, making it convenient. Are looking for romantic things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews,,... St SW Aiken, SC: Join in the late 1800s Aiken became the winter colony for families... A boardwalk of 300 foot available for those who want to sink a line plantation and then all cottages... Our time here romantic things to do in aiken, sc look forward to coming back looking for romantic things to do offer cookies, hot,. Waters, ethereal swamps, and hot cider Main Street has interesting shops... To expect, but loved catching a match at the Aiken Polo Club on historic Whitney Field something! For all ages from time to time home - South Carolina ( Weekend Ideas ) United States sink a.... Shows for all ages from time to explore all that Aiken has to offer culmination of the most romantic to! Most romantic things to do we recommend Caffe Piccolo olde time soda shop and pharmacy display spots, and.. And locals alike to share more about the towns history from the Northeast Carolinas most popular cities, with fun! Mid 1800s until now by 2.0 shops, and the most picturesque sunsets in town beer menu is packed timelines... Waterfront community with plenty of ways to play of history young kids watching sunsets on the,. Carolina 29851, United States: Photo by Flickr user carlfbagge used under by! Farmers Market, an event beloved by tourists and locals alike & Wales culinary.. Meeting Hitch, who may look like a toy horse, but loved a.