I have to admit, Aiken, South Carolina surprised me. 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. Address: 146 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States. The streets are centuries old and the oaks lining them even older. Pawleys Beach feels secluded and special. The historic Cyndis Sweet Shoppe offers a large number of delicious assortment of candy, chocolates, fudge, little candy, and the chocolate shop is an excellent place to stop for a bit of pick up while exploring the city. We encourage our visitors to reserve seats in advance. It serves as a moral lesson to visitors and is a perfect addition to your list of the best fun things to do in Aiken, South Carolina. Another exciting thing about the city is that it is very accommodating and has lots of fresh food to enjoy in the famous Aiken County Farmers Market. more. 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. Horseback Riding Tours. Be sure to catch the legendary painted skies at sunrise or sunset. The popular Site of Aikens 1953 Gas Explosion is well known throughout the city, a significant training center for security personnel and interested researchers. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Related: Fun Things to Do in South Carolina with Kids. The Museum is housed in a 1930s Winter Colony mansion named Banksia. Jennifer Arrow/Flickr. Additionally, the famous Alley Downtown Taproom joint is open to everyone interested in fresh wines, with age restrictions for younger ones. Well maintained and very reasonable greens fees. See Tripadvisor's 14 208 traveller reviews and photos Aiken romantic couples' attractions This used to be the hottest place for the elite. Additionally, the New Moon Cafe offers delicious panini sandwiches, breakfast items, soups, sweet salads, and many more varieties. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Dont forget to visit Cyndis Sweet Shoppe. The center boasts one of the best loop trails in the natural and preserved area, with a rare plant species such as the bog spicebush arrayed around the site. We discovered a total of 35 date ideas in or near Aiken, South Carolina, including 23 fun or romantic activities in nearby cities within 25 miles like Augusta, Evans and North . Nightlife in Aiken centers around the Alley Downtown. A full moon. Other recommendations from our local friends on things to do in Aiken SC include: Aiken Brewing Company, The Wilcox Restaurant, and Tako-Sushi. North Carolina is one of the top vacation spots in the United States, here are the best things to do in Atlantic Beach, , things to do in Surf City and things to do in Caryif you are planning a road trip here. After a couple of questions, Miss Holly had great family stories she happily shared. GP+5 Explorers - Our goal is to learn new things as we travel unfamiliar areas. It is free admission and welcomes all hikers, dog walkers, runners and even equestrian riders! Some of the most popular types of these activities include: Movie Theaters, Bowling, Theaters and Arts Centers. The planetarium is located on the campus of USC- Aiken. 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. I highly recommend booking a ride with Annette. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Owner Marty Bailey was my trolley tour guide and left me wanting to know more. Parking is easy and free on the street. Forests. center and I am so happy that I contacted her! See Tripadvisor's 14,578 traveller reviews and photos Aiken romantic couples' attractions Palmetto Oaks Sculpture Garden is an ethereal adventure for any art lover, along with several other galleries in town. It is free admission and welcomes all hikers, dog walkers, runners and even equestrian riders! You will see the charm of the South in quaint towns, beautiful old churches, rivers, and forest. Visit the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum for a quick history lesson and to learn more about the horses, the jockeys and the families. 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Pawleys Island is easygoing and enchanting, one of the best kept secrets in South Carolina. I could have had an endless bowl of the fresh seasonal salad, SC Vertical Roots baby lettuces and spinach, fresh strawberries, poppyseed dressing, chvre, and toasted walnuts. Points of Interest & Landmarks Water Parks. This may not be the time for sudden changes or adjustments that are not thoroughly considered. The Horse district allows for horse riding, horse-drawn carriages wandering along the unpaved clay roads, walking dogs, and many more; always be ready to share the path with other drivers. Not only will it help you navigate the trails, but there are several attractions in the forest like the Ridge Mile Track which was built by Thomas Hitchcock in the heart of the Woods to train his race horses in the 20s and 30s. We had an amazing day riding the electric bikes from Pedego. We did make assorted purchases (baked goods, vegetables, fruit). We do not sell links or accept unsolicited guest posts under any circumstances. Stop by Southern Barrel Brewery to enjoy an array of refreshing pints with your sweetie in a sunny beer garden. Huntington Beach State Park boasts small sand dunes growing sea oats, and a generally pristine oasis of seaside nature. Highly rated couples activities in Aiken: The top romantic things to do. We enjoyed a nice hike in our time here and look forward to coming back. Additionally, the Aiken County Historical Museum features a large garden, a log house, a military hall, unique rooms, a schoolhouse, and many more. do check out our list of things to do in Anderson, things to do in Florence, and things to do in Spartanburgfor a memorable vacation. The antique churches are destinations for architectural aficionados. The beautiful Henderson Heritage Preserve allows visitors to make a choice between one of the two sections of unmarked rugged hilly trails, see the rare pictures of turtles among other wildlife as you walk around the Sandy paths of the high vistas and lowland pond areas. It has a preserve dedicated to a small white flower, the bunched arrowhead, which exists in only three countries in the world. By jgrados. Address: 140 Laurens St. SW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States. The famous Aiken County Farmers Market boasts many vendors selling meats, cheese, fried & fresh chicken, and baked stuff. Produce was beautiful and chatting with vendors was again enjoyable. On the evening we visited there was live music. 1. more. Its the ideal setting for an intimate nature-filled escape. The Botany Bay Plantation has 4,000 acres of woods and fields to wander. Her favorite place to visit is anywhere with her husband and three sons. In Aiken, outdoor lovers will want to hike the Hitchcock Woods, bike throughout town and up and down Colleton Avenue, horseback ride through Hitchcock Woods, and walk around downtown. Art. Fishing, picnics, basketball. Go stargazing at Melton Memorial Observatory. (803) 226-9170. Here's our list of 15 best day trips from Columbia that caters to sightseers and thrill-seekers alike. Want more of South Carolina? The volunteers at the front were. 6. Wonderful volunteers at the history museum. Whiskey Alley is the best in town for craft cocktails and creative cuisine. 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. We had a great time and will definitely be back. Explore some of the best Thanksgiving 2023 events in Aiken and get going to places that suit you best. The museum is small but packed with timelines, items from the sites and community history. 8. It has a one mile paved walking track that is wide and well lit. Horseback Riding Tours. Within this area, visitors can enjoy two miles of hiking trails, separate mountain bike trails, recreation fields, a remote control vehicle track, and even a 30-acre fishing pond. It features over 30 horse stables and dedicated trails for riding throughout the city. 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. I'm a candy houndand this place has everything you could possibly want plus more. The event is filled with the joy and laughter of family and friends, and you get to see and cheer on horses as they fly. You can never go wrong with stargazing when it comes to romantic things to do at night in Columbia. Outdoor adventure is part of the culture in Columbia, as well as in the surrounding neighborhoods; tourists are granted front row access with reasonable travel distances. 208. 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. It is free admission and welcomes all hikers, dog walkers, runners and even equestrian riders! There are picnic areas for families and friends, including playgrounds for little children to run around and have fun. Address: Whiskey Road and Dupress Place, Aiken, SC 29802. If youre looking for one of the best romantic getaways in Charleston SC, you cant go wrong at Folly Beach. 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. So tell me, what else did we miss? A lot of people use Aiken as a base during the Masters Golf Tournament in nearby Augusta, Ga. The Aiken State Park boasts a track record of having natural beauty, making it attractive for interested individuals to enjoy a wonderful outdoor experience. 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. This is an ideal reprieve for those who love resorts. Best way ever to learn more about the towns history from the mid 1800s until now. Start planning your trip to Aiken, South Carolina; a vacation here will surely bring you a memorable experience with one of the beautiful scenes to view. 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. It offers shows for all ages from time to time. We had a blast! If you are visiting Aiken, SC and enjoy getting some fresh air, Hitchcock Woods is a great place to check out! For one of the greatest romantic getaways in SC mountains make sure to head to this region. 5. Now that you know a little about the business, head over to the Aiken Training Track to see the horses practice in real life. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. AIKEN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM. The Aiken Center for the Arts is a half art gallery, half shop, and definitely worth seeking out to view and purchase the work of local artists. It gives visitors a wonderful experience of all ages with its winding paths and extensive greenery. We have been writing about travel for the last decade. Parties. However, it seems to be waining off since there is no betting, no real spectator perks, and far too much religious interference with what would be a good time. They also offer cookies, hot chocolate, and hot cider. The famous Alley Downtown Taproom is one of Aikens best spots for craft beer, with over 48 taps and a large variety of beers, wines, kombucha, ciders, coffee, and sodas on production. Address: 133-199 Newberry St SW Aiken, SC 29801, United States. Its also a great place to spend your days bronzing on miles and miles of sandy shoreline. This never impacts how we share the destination with you opinions are always our own and we pride ourselves on that. HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE Aiken AREA? Aiken Mall Vacations. Address: 471 University Parkway, Aiken, SC 29801, United States. At only 2.5 square miles, its a postcard town with a post stamp size, an idyllic retreat to say the least. We would recommend this place and activity for everyone!!! What are the best outdoor activities in Aiken? Highly rated couples activities in Aiken: The top romantic things to do. Source: Kevin Ruck / shutterstock. The magnificent Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum boast of celebrating the charming carriage horse as well as the Iselins old horse. Explore the beautiful Site of Historic Highland Park Hotel and enjoy the very best outdoor relaxation, a perfect addition to your list of fun things to do in Aiken, South Carolina. You will find books, Dixie Belle products, refurbished furniture, painted furniture, china, glassware, lighting We were greeted with big smiles and hellos as soon as we walked in the door. This walkthrough display is one of the best light displays in the CSRA. Aiken Steeplechase is an exciting event considered a culture for locals and visitors in different parts of the country. The playhouse also hosts special events, and offers classes in various aspects of stagecraft. Next time I want to visit Aiken State Park and take a kayak tour of the Edisto. 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. The center has several galleries, which exhibits that change monthly and feature the work of local artists. French Quarter Inn - Charleston. Book a cozy B&B and snuggle up with your cutie for an idyllic stay. Father Wilson is great, too! In the summer and fall I also walk in the morning as there are multiple cross fit groups working out from about 5am on Fresh local meats and beautifully made baked goods too. What an absolutely beautiful day. (864) 836-6115. Prior to dinner, we stopped for a glass of wine and walked through the gardens of the nearby Rose Hill. Its located near North Myrtle Beach and a great getaway from the hustle of the city. The exhibits change monthly so the eclectic mixture of talents never gets stale. "Love ALL the fresh veggies and fruits, grown right on the premises. We make no guarantees of any price listed on our site. 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. Dont miss a meander on the Spanish Moss Trail. Therapeutic Thai Training in Aiken, SC (18 CE's) Best way ever to learn more about the towns history from the mid 1800s until now. If you are visiting Aiken, SC and enjoy getting some fresh air, Hitchcock Woods is a great place to check out! Thoroughbred Country, consisting of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell Counties, is one of eleven state-appointed tourism regions in South Carolina. Site number 8. The magnificent Famous South Boundary with Overhanging Oaks is one of the best places to stop with your cameras ready to take a lifetime shot. It even has a nice beaten path going around the pond. 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. 1. While its most well known for its Southern hospitality, seafood is a close second. The Site of Aikens 1953 Gas Explosion caused an instant fire which left the whole street disorganized and caused a ground-shaking over the city. The famous Boyd pond stretches for 210 acres in Aiken County Park, which was formerly the site of the employees recreational center of Savannah River. 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. Address: 931 Powderhouse Rd SE, Aiken, SC 29803, United States. Meanwhile, Aiken also offers many other outdoor spaces that . All well and good, but the proof is in the food, which revolves around locally sourced ingredients. Be sure to take in the Newberry Opera House, downtown Newberry, and the Sumter National Forest. Enjoy a fun time when you visit the magnificent Pedego Aiken to pick up one of your best pedagogy rides, a perfect addition to your list of fun things to do in Aiken, South Carolina. Address: 135 Dupree Pl, Aiken, SC 29801, United States. Great place to check out the local art scene. If youre up for it, make the daring climb to the top of Hunting Island Lighthouse. Camping in South Carolina is one of the best ways to experience all the beauty that the state has to offer. The Belmond Charleston Place is also the location of some of the best shopping in downtown Charleston, SC. Sue believes anytime is a good time for dessert and there are no bad field trips, just better stories. BRUNCH USD 10. Nicknamed Little Charleston, it maintains all of the same character without the massive crowds. Find out our 15 best picks for the best weekend romantic getaways in South Carolina: 1. There are 70 miles of sandy trails in Hitchcock Woods and in addition to hikers and dog walkers, it is not unusual to see people riding horses along the trails. The owners were so friendly and helpful! 9. Enjoy the best rides in the famous Whitney Polo Field, feel the great breeze of the beautiful environment, a perfect addition to your list of places to visit in Aiken, South Carolina. Additionally, the Park is open from Friday through Sunday for interested individuals and lovers of sports, recreational activities, fun activities, and many more. We had a great time and will definitely be back. The owners were so friendly and helpful! Aiken Tourism Aiken Accommodation Aiken Bed and Breakfast Aiken Holiday Rentals Aiken Holiday Packages Aiken Flights Aiken Restaurants Aiken Attractions Aiken Shopping . Various aspects of stagecraft in only three countries in the food, which exists in three... 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