Discover Aiken's Southern Charm in this breathtaking fall air! While life in general may not look quite the same, we welcome you to the beautiful haven that Aiken is to many. In order to extend our Southern hospitality, we continue put safety measures in place. And, yes, you’ll need masks when visiting, but Aiken makes social distancing easy and safe. From the beautiful gardens to golf courses to scenes of equestrian life to amazing food and the arts and culture life to unique outdoor excursions, Aiken is the place for a memorable and safe getaway. Whether you’re visiting Aiken for the first time or making a return trip, this social distancing itinerary will help you during your stay. |  Photo Credit: Red Shed Diner (Facebook) | "After cleaning one’s plate at the Red Shed, it is customary to get up from the table and browse a display of the day’s desserts. There are too many for the waitstaff to enumerate, and the array of them is too beautiful not to browse. That’s the worst thing about eating in this happy little roadside stand and diner: no appetite is big enough to sample even half of everything that looks good" - Michael Stern. Click here for full article. |  Photo Credit: Michael Shaffer | "As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Hopelands Gardens is a dreamy 14-acre estate where gently winding paths shaded by century-old live oak trees meander through lush gardens, wetlands, fountains and ponds. Located just blocks from downtown Aiken but behind a serpentine brick wall, the quiet natural beauty of the gardens affords visitors a peaceful escape and a chance to slow down and just “be”" - Liz. To read full article, click here. |  The hand painted logo is in the Polo Room, which will be a private space to book in advance. Photo Credit: Wild Wing Cafe (Facebook) | 470 Fabian Drive Located on Aiken's southside, Wild Wing Cafe is set to open soon! This music and entertainment venue is known for its popular chicken wings in 30 different made from scratch sauces. From char-grilled chicken sandwiches to mountains of nachos and big crisp salads with freshly prepared salad dressings and dips, Wild Wings serves freshly prepared food options for everyone, including a "Wild Child Menu", serving everything from grilled cheese to shrimp. For full menu, click here. |  Photo Credit: Fuse In Aiken (Facebook) | 222 The Alley SW A new eatery, Fuse Aiken, will be opening soon in the heart of downtown Aiken. Chef Chris Najmola (AKA Naj) is a native South Carolinian who has a vision to bring international cuisine with a southern flare. Menu options include the Miami Pork Shoulder (gochujang braised pork shoulder, miso black eyed peas, collards and kimchi and sticky rice), Chocolate Chili Chicken (dark chocolate chili roasted bone in thigh and leg, mole, basmati, elote street corn), and Thai Strip (new Savannah NY strip, Carolina gold rice, local corn, green beans, tomatoes, thai vinaigrette) to name a few of many scrumptious choices. Click here for more details. |  Photo Credit: Rose Hill (Facebook) | Rose Hill
221 Greenville St NW Enjoy the serenity of landscape gardens and dine in at one of Aiken's recently refurbished restaurants, The Stables or alternatively Sheffield's (to open soon) at Rose Hill. The Stables Restaurant has a new chef and menu. Experience delicious cuisine prepared by Chef Jeff Hairston and his team. The menu changes daily, pending availability of fresh local produce and is adjusted seasonally as well. The menu lists Knife and Fork options serving Chicken and Waffles, Nashville Hot Sauce Cast Iron Ribeye, Succotash Bourbon Black Pepper Pork and Bourbon Black Pepper Glaze to name a few. The patio offers outdoor seating with live bands. For reservations, click here. |  Photo Credit: Everette Leigh | Highfields, 118 Gaston St., 6 - 11 p.m., Friday, October 16 Built in 1893, the Gaston Livery Stable is a former full-service livery stable located in Aiken. It is significant for its role in the city’s turn-of-the-century transportation industry and as a notable example of brick, U-shaped barn design and construction. It is, also, important to equine and agricultural history. The barn retains an overall high degree of historic integrity. A celebration to "Raise the Roof" will feature an on-line virtual auction with wood fired gourmet pizza and a cash bar. Gates open at 6 p.m. Music by Third Time Charmers starts at 7 p.m. For more information, click here. | Highfields, 118 Gaston St.
Hours: 6 - 10 p.m.
Saturday, October 17 The Aiken Music Fest presents The Get Right Band on Saturday, October 17 from 6 - 10 p.m., with a $10 per person entry fee. This is an outside event where you can enjoy refreshments and food from local vendors, along with shopping at the makers and creators market. Kid's activities will be available for families to enjoy! Click here for the full schedule of events. | Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave. The Aiken Polo Club has matches open to the public every Sunday until November 8 at 3 p.m. These matches are held on the historic Whitney Field in Aiken’s historic horse district. The games usually last an hour and a half to two hours. General admission is $5 per person with free parking in the sand lot next to the field. Fieldside parking (limited availability) is $50 per car. Sit under the VIP pavillion or pack your own tailgate. Admission to the Alan Lyle Corey Pavilion is $40 per person and includes refreshments. For more information, call the polo hotline at (803) 643-3611 or click here. | Please visit our Festivals and Events page or our calendar for a list of events and visit here for a listing of cancellations and postponements. | Hungry for More? Get the scoop with new stories by following us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE! | City of Aiken Tourism Division
PO Box 1177
Aiken, SC 29802
803-293-7846
1-888-AikenSC
www.visitaikensc.com | |
