Carolina Day Trips: Insider Tips for Visiting Aiken, South Carolina


	More about Aiken, SC

Carolina Day Trip: Insider Tips for Visiting Aiken, SC

iken is a one-of-a-kind treasure, with so much to see and do that you may find yourself stretching your 36 hours into two or three days.

First, you'll need a place to stay, and although there are many excellent possibilities, The Willcox is a grand old lady who has seen her share of dignitaries as well as romantic interludes. Old-fashioned and graceful, you'll enjoy the common areas of the inn as much as the beautiful guest rooms and impeccable service. How long has it been since you slept on a featherbed? This one is definitely worth a splurge.


f you can tear yourself away from what feels like a scene from Gone with the Wind, head downtown for shopping and sightseeing. First get your bearings by taking a town tour, sponsored by Aiken Tourism Department. (Available Saturday only). Tours last from 10am-12. Noon and cost $12 per person. Located at 121 Richland Avenue East. Call 803.642.7630. If that's not your cup of tea, look for an alternative at The CURIOSITY Shop. Purveyor of goods from the British Isles, Scandinavia, Europe, India, South Africa and all parts of the former British Empire, it might be your only source for Nambarrie, Northern Ireland's favorite tea. May we also suggest Equine Divine (this is a horse town, for sure). Equine Divine - located in the historically-rich Holley Hardware Building - is Aiken's only equine exclusive art and upscale home decor gallery dedicated to the numerous equine pursuits enjoyed in Aiken and the people who enjoy them. Then, switch gears and head for the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame at Whiskey Road & Dupree Place. Commemorating locally-trained horses that are national champions and have won fame on tracks and fields across the nation, this hall of fame is filled with horse racing memorabilia and awards. 803.642.7758. It's surrounded by Hopeland Gardens a dazzling 14-acre garden filled with camellias, azaleas, and other Southern Favorites. By now it's past time for lunch, but luckily there are a number of possibilities. Linda's Bistro is a frequently recommended restaurant, with great reviews on Trip Advisor. Sample: "My wife and I ate at Linda's Bistro last week and we had a FANTASTIC meal and we are accustomed to eating in the finest restaurants in the country. Truly excellent." If that sounds like you, try it out. Another great choice is Magnolia Natural Market, where you can eat vegan, vegetarian, or meat-based. We're intrigued by the butternut squash and Granny Smith apple soup, although the shrimp gumbo sounds tempting. Call 803.649.3339. Note: On Tuesdays, they host a European produce market, so the dining room is otherwise occupied. Then, why not visit Plum Pudding Gourmet Kitchen Store? They have a great selection of dinnerware and home decor products. C.E. Corey dinnerware, including her beautiful Aiken China is available there. Hard to find gourmet foods and ingredients are located in their gourmet food department. You're sure to find something for your gourmet kitchen there. Call 888.940.7586. Then, head back to your room to indulge in a quick nap on that featherbed. It is a vacation and you'll need your energy (and a camera) to stroll through The Hitchcock Woods. The natural beauty and quiet solitude is stunning in this unique southern forest located in the midst of an urban area, the city of Aiken. Maintenance of the trails and protection and management of the natural resources in the Woods, are all directed by the trustees who serve in the same spirit as the founding trustees. You'll feel as though you're in an enchanted forest, and indeed you are. Later, you'll be ready to dine and locals rave about Malia's at 120 Laurens Street in Aiken, 803.643.3086. The Seafood Singapore is exotic, while the stuffed Cornish hen is a comforting and delicious treat. There may well be live entertainment afoot, from a local bistro, or Aiken's award-winning theater. Aiken Community Playhouse, at 803.648.1438. Then, it's back to bed for more restful sleep in luxurious surroundings. The next morning, well rested and ready for more adventure, consider a morning trip to nearby Denmark, home of one of South Carolina's most popular artists. Jim Harrison's iconic landscape paintings of barns, country stores, seascapes and country roads are beloved by all ages. His gallery is positioned at the crossroads of South Main Street and Highway 78 in the tiny town of Denmark, about 40 miles from Aiken. Call 1.800.793.5796.
Related Topics Aiken, SC Day Trips Directory



About the Author Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and public relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business and management.