About Aiken South Carolina

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Aiken, SC - WINNER: Aiken: A Distinctive Destination

Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 vacation destinations across the United States that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization.

The destinations selected in 2008 range from a French colonial village along the banks of the Mississippi River that captures the pioneer spirit of the early settlers, to a small Texas town that serves as a gateway to the unspoiled terrain of the 19th century western frontier, to a gorgeous Southern city with roots three centuries deep, and a coastal town renowned for its seafood and historic buildings.

"These twelve communities represent the richness and diversity of America’s cultural heritage," says Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “and in preserving their historic fabric and spirit of place are models for other towns and cities."
Aiken, SC

Few counties in the United States have a more varied history than Aiken, South Carolina. Once home to a Native American culture that developed the earliest known pottery in North America, Aiken was also one of the first railroad towns to emerge in the 1830s. It soon became the darling of the burgeoning wealthy elite as people in the Northern United States and Canada flocked to this "Winter Colony" to escape the bitter weather. First used as a health resort because of its healing combination of warm dry air and spring water, wealthy horse enthusiasts eventually took advantage of Aiken's climate and established an enduring tradition of equestrian sports that continues to the present day.

Aiken has long been committed to preserving its rich historic fabric. More than 70 stately homes and buildings of historical and architectural importance are located within three National Register Historic Districts, which can be explored on foot or horse-drawn carriage. Attractions include The Willcox Inn, an exquisite example of southern Neo-Classical architecture built in 1898 and once the winter hideaway for Winston Churchill, Averill Harriman and Fred Astair; Banksia, a historical museum housed in an 1860s-mansion that allows visitors to venture back in time through period rooms and exhibits; Hopelands Gardens, a 14-acre public garden and museum; and the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. Aiken has also worked hard to preserve its African-American history through the rehabilitation of Friendship Baptist Church, Aiken's oldest African American church, and Aiken Colored Cemetery, which dates from 1852 with more than 100 veterans, slaves and former slaves interred there.

"Aiken has long been a visitor's paradise," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "The past and the present merge seamlessly to offer all the necessary ingredients for a great vacation."

"With the history, the beautiful parkways and gardens, quaint shops and art galleries added to the recreational venues, you can understand why unique is the word most visitors use to describe our charming city," said Carla Cloud, executive director of the Aiken Downtown Development Association.

Aiken's commitment to protecting its historic core has not been limited to its architecture but has also included its lush and impressive landscape. The city is home to Hitchcock Woods, a 2,000-acre preserve for equestrian pursuits and peaceful walks. A treasure like no other, it is closely associated with Aiken’s early history as a winter resort and center of sporting activity and stands as the largest urban forest in the United States.

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Aiken, SC - a surprising little town. It's diverse and charming, metropolitan and old-time America all at once. The city population is approximately 25,000 and average year-'round temperatures are 65°. Aiken was officially born in 1835 and has hosted such well-known people as Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Aiken is best known for its equine culture. In fact, Aiken today has come to be known as the "town the horses built." The wealthy folks from the north and some big southern cities fell smitten with the Aiken area in the early 19th century. The area quickly became known as an elite winter retreat. Polo, fox hunting, and horse racing became a vital part of Aiken County history and still reign today. So, for a very long time folks have come to Aiken South Carolina to stop and smell the Magnolias.

There's even a "historic" section that rivals any big-city's cozy corner of history. I should know I grew up in Boston's Back Bay.

The historic area is filled with sidewalk cafes and shoppes of all kinds, and dolloped with antique boutiques. There is even a hearty Farmer's Market set up for the freshest choices in local fare. See the Aiken Links section for more info.

City dwellers fear not. Down the way you'll find all the modern accruements like supermarkets, Home Depot, Lowes, even a mall with a Cineplex! And, Augusta Georgia is about twenty minutes away, if you need a traffic jam for sanity.

Thinking about retiring in Aiken? You should know Aiken's milder year-round climate makes it a wonderfully comfortable area. And housing is still dare I say it - affordable.

Retirees and relocators alike enjoy an abundance of community activities and exploring the gorgeous woods and plantations sprinkled all around this beautiful town. There's several health facilities and many services for you too. Heck, there's even a whole "college" for you to keep learning and enjoying. See the Aiken Links section for more info.

For those of you labeled "Horse People," you have come to the right place! You have heard of Aiken surely. It's a horse-lover's paradise here in Aiken. And, according to the book, America's 100 Best Places to Retire, "There's hardly a major race in America without an Aiken-reared blue blood at the starting gate." They are not kidding. Oak covered streets are lined with fields where stunning horses frolic about.

As a matter of fact, Polo is very active here in Aiken. Aiken plays host to the prestigious Triple Crown in March of every year at the Aiken Training Track. The event spans three weekends. Plus, the Aiken Trials is a series of harness, flat and steeplechase races. The final weekend hosts several polo matches. See the Aiken Links section for more info.

Aiken's not easy to get to. Which suits us just fine. You can fly into Augusta Georgia and drive the twenty minutes, or drive in via dusty highways. You're going to be amazed that a place like this still exists in America. Make the effort explore Aiken South Carolina. When you're ready call me - I'll give you a tour when you arrive, and sell you a home after you decide Aiken is your kind of town.

See my AIKEN LINKS section to explore a heaping helping of additional Information