AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTRY EQUESTRIAN CHRISTMAS.

Lat. 33.566574 | Long. -81.719398

Aiken County, South Carolina

Three people sitting around a fire pit outside a barn with string lights at night. The barn has a wooden exterior and open stable doors, and the people are seated on chairs enjoying a casual gathering.

Samantha Smith [Editor], with Mother [Martha] & Sister [Kara]

Three Runs | Aiken, SC.

Founded in 1835, Aiken was named after William Aiken, the president of the South Carolina Railroad. It became part of Aiken County when the county was formed in 1871. Aiken is home to the University of South Carolina Aiken. The National Civic League gave Aiken the All-America City Award in 1997. Aiken was also named "Best Small Town of the South" by Southern Living.

South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country.

Aiken, South Carolina equestrian landscape with horses and wooden fences in a foggy setting.

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Aiken is a captivating city where history, charm, and modern vitality converge in an intimately Southern experience. With roots dating back to the early 19th century, Aiken boasts a rich history steeped in equestrian heritage, cultural diversity, and a strong sense of community. From their legendary training tracks that have nurtured world-renowned thoroughbreds to their intriguing arts scene that celebrates creativity in all forms, Aiken is a vibrant city woven from threads of tradition and innovation.

Aiken’s history sparkles with stories of historic railroads connecting Aiken to the rest of the country, ushering in new eras of growth and development for the town. The town’s significance further deepened as the the Winter Colonists — Gilded Age glitterati who traveled south seeking respite from the cold winters of the Northeast — brought with them a legacy for gracious living and a fondness for equestrian pursuits, both of which continue to shape the city today.

Today, Aiken residents pride themselves on offering a range of experiences that invite every traveler to pursue their passion. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking picturesque trails and serene parks, a shopaholic exploring charming boutiques, a culinary connoisseur craving new and exciting flavors, or a history buff uncovering stories of the past, Aiken invites you to immerse yourself in their historic streets and enjoy your time in the beating heart of SC’s Thoroughbred Country.

Aiken Downtown Development Assoc. Visit Site

THE WILLCOX HOTEL.

Enjoy the south's finest hospitality at The Willcox, voted one of the best hotels in the world.

Golden logo with text "Danessa Myricks Beauty"
Elegant building with white columns, multiple flags, and a veranda with rocking chairs, illuminated during evening.

The Willcox was built in the late 19th century for well-to do Yankees seeking warmth, light and high society. Aiken was popular with the swells and dandies of the gilded Age and they came in such numbers every winter that the town was dubbed the “Winter Colony.” Great dances were held and ballrooms glittered with candlelight. Old rivals, fiercely competitive but impeccably polite, settled their differences on the polo field. Grand picnics in Hitchcock Woods were laid out with silver, crystal and linen. Politicians, royalty and captains of industry often visited The Willcox.

The far-reaching reputation of The Willcox was built on its atmosphere, impeccable service and excellent cuisine. Famous guests included Winston Churchill, Harold Vanderbilt, W.R. Grace, Elizabeth Arden and Count Bernadette of Sweden. Legend has it that Franklin Delano Roosevelt would ride his private train car to the back door and slip in quietly. The Prince of Wales was regretfully turned away for lack of space. And, The Willcox doormen, sentries of society and taste, assessed the shoes of arriving guests before allowing them inside.

Group of people horseback riding on a forest trail in vintage attire.

In those days Aiken was known as the Newport of the South, the Queen of the Winter Colonies. The ideal of the Winter Colony was to play three sports a day: polo in the morning, golf in the afternoon and a hunt after dark, when riding was at its most hazardous. Both the men and the women, having inherited extraordinarily large fortunes from their ancestors, amused themselves with daring pastimes that were just as challenging as labor. Too rich to work, but too active and restless to sit still, they developed in Aiken a hectic style of leisure that became a lifestyle for the privileged.

As grand and graceful as ever, The Willcox continues to draw people from all over the world to enjoy superb personal service, gracious accommodations, excellent cuisine and their individual interpretation of the “Aiken lifestyle.” Welcoming to all, this treasured piece of Aiken’s history is the living room of the community and a second home to their out-of-town guests.

WILLCOX LODGING | VISIT

Elegant bedroom with four-poster bed, open French doors to balcony, and scenic outdoor view.

WILLCOX DINING | VISIT

A bottle of Terrazas Malbec wine next to three empty wine glasses on a small wooden table by a window.

WILLCOX SALON & SPA | VISIT

Woman in a bathtub holding a wine glass, with candles and a small table nearby.

LAURENS STREET.

The center of downtown

Downtown street scene with parked cars, bare trees, storefronts, small fountain, and traffic light in Aiken, South Carolina.

Downtown Aiken is uniquely southern, it also has a metropolitan flair that invites diversity. At the quaint outdoor dining tables, you may find yourself seated next to an actress, a Governor, a carpenter, horse trainer, billionaire, a jockey or French national. Read More.

A historical marker in Aiken, South Carolina, describing the city's role in the Battle of Aiken and its development as a "Winter Colony" for wealthy Northerners. It mentions sporting facilities like golf courses and racetracks, alongside a sign for Aiken Brewing Co. in the background.

Festival of Trees

December Events

DECEMBER 1-30, 2023

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Street view in Aiken, South Carolina featuring a vintage street clock, with adjacent street signs for Richland Avenue and Laurens Street. A red brick building and storefronts with ATM signs are in the background.

THE ALLEY.

Off Laurens Street

Street scene with people walking under decorative archway, adorned with lights and garlands, at night. The street is lined with brick buildings and trees, illuminated by street lamps.
Front view of Whiskey Alley restaurant with outdoor seating, black umbrellas, and a brown awning.
Whiskey Alley cocktail in a glass with an orange slice, partially enclosed in a smoke box, next to a glass of ice water. The Whiskey Alley logo is visible on the glass.

Editor’s Choice.

SMOKED OLD FASHIONED | $17

Elijah Craig Small Batch, Maple Syrup, Aromatic Bitters, Maple Wood Smoke.

Aiken has developed and grown since its inception as a southern haven for northern citizens.  It is a charming town that is progressive and growing, while founded in tradition.  A community of southern culture welcoming folks from every cardinal direction.  Aiken is a community that shares its roads with bicycles, cars, and horses.  It is a city that hosts national baseball championships and the sport of kings.

There was no better place to be for a restaurant embracing old world techniques to bring something new and fresh every single day.  Taking over 40 years of experience and 100s of years of tradition to create an extensive new specials menu every day. 

Downtown is the place to find the best small privately owned businesses and restaurants.  You can find pizza, tacos, sushi, wings and more.  At Whiskey Alley, you can find something new everyday.

The “M’s” of Aiken Dining…

Elevate your Aiken experience with a touch of elegance. Indulge in the art of fine-dining as their top-notch restaurants weave together exquisite flavors, impeccable service, and a refined ambiance. From candlelit dinners to wine-pairing perfection, savor every moment as Aiken invites you to indulge in a culinary journey fit for the most discerning palates. Visit Aiken SC Fine Dining Guide.

Macaluso’s

Enjoy delicious, homemade Italian food in the beautiful downtown Aiken. Website

Elegant restaurant interior with red walls, a decorative red chandelier, round tables set with plates and wine glasses, wooden chairs, and framed wall art.

Malia’s

After more than 30 years in business, Malia’s remains dedicated to the freshest and most ethically produced ingredients.  Website

Cozy restaurant interior with tables set for dining, featuring white tablecloths, black chairs, and orange pendant lights.

Marchand de Vin

Wines of the highest regard. Wine Tastings. Epicurean Adventures. Website

Outdoor buffet spread on a table with various appetizers including cheese, crackers, fruit, and vegetables, accompanied by decorative candles and autumnal decor, with people serving themselves.
Logo of Equino Divine with abstract horse shape
Woman in casual equestrian attire standing in front of horse stable with a brown horse peering out from the stall.

Equine Divine.

Equine Divine is an equine inspired gallery and boutique located in the heart of Aiken, SC.  This one-of-a-kind store specializes in sporting art, unique equestrian jewelry, riding and fashion apparel, home décor and gifts (lots of gifts for everyone).  When you walk into Equine Divine or shop with them online you will be swept away by the variety of their art collection, the selection of their classic, seasonal and fun women’s clothing lines, their children’s corner, their boot and shoe collections, and the abundance of gifts for your two and four legged friends. 

The Willcox logo with text: "The Willcox Hotel, Restaurant, Spa."

THE PERFECT HOT TODDY

Cover of 'Aiken's Sporting Life' featuring two riders on horses and a pack of hunting hounds in a rural setting, part of the 'Images of America' series.

Aiken's Sporting Life | by Linda Knox McLean

Equestrian Corner.

Click For: Discover Aiken County

Aiken hosts year-round equestrian events, featuring polo tournaments in the spring and fall played on historic Whitney field, March triple-crown equestrian events, and dressage riding tournaments.

The Trail Riding Company | Rebel Ranch Horse Tours

Horses peeking from stable windows at a horse barn.

Aiken Polo Club
Season: (September-November) and (April-June)
Games are at Whitney Field off Whiskey Rd. Visit

Three polo players on horseback in action during a game, wearing helmets and team uniforms with numbered jerseys.
Two jockeys racing on horses, wearing blue and yellow riding gear, with trees in the background.

Aiken Steeplechase
The Association was founded in Aiken in 1930. Visit

Aiken Fox Hunts
Aiken Hounds is the oldest drag hunt in America.

The Aiken Hounds | Whiskey Road

Group of horseback riders wearing traditional hunt attire, riding through a wooded area with hounds.
Black silhouette of a cowboy hat and gun, with a red, stylized person falling, conveying a Western theme.
Silhouette of a crow with the text "Death and Glory" and the tagline "An on-line tavern that doesn't really exist."

Vanilla Chai Old Fashioned

Festive cocktail with cinnamon stick, star anise, orange slice, and ice in a glass on a table.

Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

Ingredients: Chai Simple Syrup

Ingredients: Chai Old Fashion

  • 2 ounces (1/4 cup) bourbon

  • 1 ounce lemon juice

  • 1 dash orange bitters

  • 1-2 ounces (2-4 tablespoons) chai tea syrup

  • Sparkling water, for topping

  • Cinnamon and star anise, for serving (optional)

Instructions: Chai Simple Syrup

In a medium pot, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Remove from the heat, add the chai tea bags, cover and steep 10-15 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add the maple. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 3-5 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Instructions: Old Fashion

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, orange bitters, and 2 tablespoons of the chai syrup. Shake to combine.

2. Strain into a glass. If desired top with sparkling water. Garnish with cinnamon and star anise. 

Logo reading 'Half-Baked Harvest' in uppercase letters
Text reading 'Carriage House Inn' in uppercase black letters on a white background.
White colonial-style house with black shutters, an American flag, a porch with steps, surrounded by trees and shrubs.

Circa 1872.

The Carriage House Inn, circa 1872, is located amidst the charm of historic downtown Aiken. The Carriage House Inn doesn’t just reflect its surroundings – it helps define them. Locally owned and operated, the Carriage House Inn is southern hospitality at its best.

Woman wearing a green sweatshirt with "SORRY. CAN'T. HORSES. BYE." text, holding a coffee cup and a bag, wearing jeans.

Women's Sorry Can't Horses Bye Print Sweatshirt