The longest hike and bike trail in the state, the Palmetto Trail, finishes right in town. Thoroughbred Country, consisting of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell Counties, is one of eleven state-appointed tourism regions in South Carolina. Plan your perfect escape at any one of these delightful destinations to relax and reconnect. 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. 1. From sleeping on the beach next to the sound, Rock Hill is an alluring hamlet chock full of charm and a fantastic city in South Carolina to visit. A favorite among all the romantic getaways in South Carolina, time slows down in this tiny paradise. In the late 1800s Aiken became the winter colony for elite families from the Northeast. Spanning 13,000 acres, this lush state park in Greenville County has breathtaking views of the Carolinas and Georgia. Whitt's End Horse Farm. We had an amazing day riding the electric bikes from Pedego. 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. Check out our posts on Beaufort and Greenville. In search of the best and fun things to do in Aiken, SC? This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We did make assorted purchases (baked goods, vegetables, fruit). You can go crabbing or fishing, though the ambiance of the town may encourage you to do nothing more than soak up the views and relax. There are countless fun things you can do in Aiken, South Carolina, for both the young and old ones, ranging from education and a variety of relaxation spots. Its all copyrighted. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. German immigrants founded it, and its name means garden of the gods. It is a diverse forest with over 70 miles of trails open from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year! 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. Cameron grew up in Charlotte and spent his childhood traveling around this great region. Additionally, the favorite Aiken Brewing Company is a brewpub that possesses a bit of a home vibe, and it serves meals in a pub-style manner with changes in the production of craft beer. Annette was amazing, very patience with me and my 13 y/o daughter. There is a boat ramp that is open to the entire public for no cost at all, although the fishing Principle is in South Carolina. Owner Marty Bailey was my trolley tour guide and left me wanting to know more. Our January 2024 festivals and events calendar includes tons of fun things to do in South Carolina. Its full of historic homes and a gorgeous harbor. If you are visiting Aiken, SC and enjoy getting some fresh air, Hitchcock Woods is a great place to check out! A bowling alley featuring 16 wood lanes, Park Avenue Lanes Inc is USBC certified. There are plenty of bohemian boutiques and live music, ideal for spending a day strolling around. Raven Cliff Falls is named for the notable native population of ravens that make their homes here. Aiken Steeplechase features the Crazy pant contests and Hat Contests, plus visiting the village of shops. The museum is very well set up and interesting. The DuPont Planetarium exists to inspire others to explore the majesty of the heavens. Rock Hill is the largest city in York County, and the, Are you interested in visiting Summerville, South Carolina? Hole-N-One Miniature Golf & Games is a center of entertainment, games, food, and fun. Related: Fun Things to Do in South Carolina with Kids. Highly rated couples activities in Aiken: The top romantic things to do. The Carriage House has a gorgeous porch for evening cocktails with an outdoor fireplace for chilly nights. 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. And did we mention, this gem is truly only a five minute drive from Main Street Aiken. It is usually "THE" place to be if you were in the Social 500. It features over 30 horse stables and dedicated trails for riding throughout the city. The architecture here holds a spectacular surprise around every corner. We only write about places we love in an attempt to help you in your adventures, but we cant guarantee you will love them, too. 12. Old Georgetown Creamery deserves a visit, with vintage flair and sweet treats to beat the heat. This is definitely the place to enjoy some authentic down home country cooking at any number of the eateries around. We also love Edisto Beach State Park for its maritime forests and ACE Basic Wildlife Refuge for its vast network of wetlands. 40% Off Food and Drink at Mellow Mushroom. You can put in as much effort as you Ghost & Vampire Tours Historical & Heritage Tours. Breeze Days at Aiken Training Track- Training Open to the Public; . Additionally, the Aiken State Park featured magnificent exhibits such as four lakes where visitors can engage in fishing activities, twenty-five campsites, and three large picnic shelters available for rental. Find out our 15 best picks for the best weekend romantic getaways in South Carolina: 1. Neptune Island Waterpark is a fun-filled way to channel your inner kid and enjoy some thrilling water rides. Keep in mind the trails are sandy for people and, Jess and Tony were great guides -terrific. Pro Tips: Wear sunscreen and bring water. Visit New Bridge Polo & Country Club. 1625 Richland Avenue East. Christmas is my favorite time to visit. By Curious786327. The magnificent city is nicknamed Thoroughbred Country, which houses several top restaurants that produce delicious dishes and many unique shops, with most restaurants offering exceptional pickup of goods. The boats, the marsh, and the vibrant pink, purple and blue sky. Horseback Riding Tours. After, six years of international travel they settled down and launched Lost in the Carolinas to share their experiences about and travel tips on South Carolina and North Carolina. Aiken is known as the Polo Capital of the United States, so it only makes sense that you prioritize a match during your visit, trust me, you wont be sorry. There was live bluegrass music, food vendors, and plenty of tents selling souvenirs. Address: 1145 State Park Rd, Windsor, SC 29856, United States. I stay in hotels in this area 2-3 nights a week and weather permitting walk each night at this facility. 12. In the evening its a very mixed group with runners, people walking dawgs and lots of families. Address: 340 Boyd Pond Rd. French Quarter Inn - Charleston. We enjoyed a nice hike in our time here and look forward to coming back. Quiet campground not very big. DuPont Planetarium and RPSEC Observatory Vacations. Jess and Tony were great guides -terrific horses for the perfect trail ride through Hitchcock woods. 3. 4. Aiken is one of South Carolinas most popular cities, with many fun things to do and see. For an intimate dinner, we recommend Caffe Piccolo. There is no charge to visit the Museum. We enjoyed a nice hike in our time here and look forward to coming back. Walhalla is a whimsical town for an amorous adventure, and visiting is one of the best things to do in South Carolina. The owners were so friendly and helpful! Hitchcock Woods is one of the nations largest urban forests at over 2,000 acres and has several trails to wander for adventurers of all skill levels. The trail is a bit over two miles long with 700 ft of gain, and offers plenty of spectacular panoramas of these enormous and enchanting falls. In addition to the white tablecloth Malias Restaurant, you dont want to miss Betsys Round the Corner. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum has played an essential role in making Aiken city a tourist and attractive environment in racing sports and more. The city of Aiken was established in 1835 and named after William Aiken, the president of the South Carolina Railroad, and is packed with both outdoor and historical attractions. Goods are displayedon tables built by farmers and their families of Aiken County over 50 years ago. We enjoyed a nice hike in our time here and look forward to coming back. The mystical Famous South Boundary with Overhanging Oaks is one of the best spots for your beautiful photoshoot and video recording for both music and movie. Aiken Mall Vacations. Keep in mind the trails are sandy for people and, Jess and Tony were great guides -terrific. The beautiful Hopelands Gardens is one of the rare locations for picturesque activities, with many magnificent live photos and various static pictures on display from the garden. Its the ideal setting for an intimate nature-filled escape. The sparkling Savannah River surrounds the town of Aiken, which has a charming and bustling downtown. 1/26/13-1/28/13. Raven Cliff Falls is the tallest waterfall in South Carolina at over 320 feet high! Aiken, South Carolina 6 May 2023. We had a great time and will definitely be back. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. Ask a local about Gray Man or Alice Flagg. Came to visit friends that I haven't seen in a long time and my niecces, nephews, grand nieces and grandnephews. Aiken State Natural Area (southcarolinaparks.com) is a 1,067-acre park on the banks of the South Edisto River built by an African-American . The Newberry Street Fountain offers interested individuals and family members tidbits of information about each location in the city with a 12 Mile tour. More family members planned to visit with us on Saturday so we decided to return then. Additionally, the store features one of the best customer services, with trained personnel and staff who help in gifts suggestions and help interested individuals enjoy one of the best shopping experiences. If you make a reservation, please arrive no later than 20 minutes before the show starts. The antique churches are destinations for architectural aficionados. Bluffton is a cool and calm coastal destination. The only thing better than visiting and viewing the amazing art and artists is learning how to become one yourself. The magnificent Site of Historic Highland Park Hotel is located on the large hill of the famous Aiken Golf Club, making it one of the fun attractions of Aiken. This is well worth the time and if you have ever been curious about the site, it answers questions. A sweet slice of authentic coastal life, it has hospitality to spare and there is plenty of recreation for a rollicking good time. Trek to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve for the perfect view of Morris Lighthouse. Not everything was as good as we had ever bought/eaten but visiting with and supporting the local farmers was definitely a positive! The old adage of southern hospitality rings true in these romantic weekend getaways in SC that take you away from the stress of everyday life. 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. The Train Museum, located on the second floor, has nine dioramas that depict the towns along the original South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company right of way. All those pleasures mean there are some amazing romantic getaways in South Carolina to enjoy with your loved ones. Wonderful volunteers at the history museum. All well and good, but the proof is in the food, which revolves around locally sourced ingredients. There are lots of outdoor recreational activities and rich historical attractions to enjoy. 9. 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. What are the best outdoor activities in Aiken? Something to look forward to at the end of a work day! This is an ideal reprieve for those who love resorts. There was a cute little olde time soda shop and pharmacy display. Our love story begins in Wilmington, where we met while attending UNCW. This article may contain affiliate links. If youre looking for one of the best romantic getaways in Charleston SC, you cant go wrong at Folly Beach. With 3D theaters available, the newest movies and blockbusters can be enjoyed as intended. 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. French Quarter Inn - Charleston. the award-winning Willcox Restaurant offers favorite local dishes, and it is open from morning till night; you can decide to drop-by any time of your choice. We hiked on the Jungle Trail. Its a quaint waterfront community with plenty of ways to play. The magnificent Aiken County Farmers Market is well designated on the citys Historic documentaries with a wide range of farm produce on display, such as beans, fruits, corn, tomatoes, and many more. I highly recommend booking a ride with Annette. If you love to relax by playing a game of golf, check out Old South Golf Links. Her 14 acre estate is now a tranquil public garden with childrens story time, a performance stage where free concerts are held and is a stop on the Aiken Arboretum Trail, a free phone tour of Aikens diverse trees. It is a diverse forest with over 70 miles of trails open from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year! Landrum is a small, sweet gem of South Carolina and a fantastic laid back place for one of the best romantic getaways in South Carolina. TRAVEL PRO GUIDE . Become a Celebrity for a Day in Las Vegas! I was a little worried about being under dressed as we had just come from a hike, but there were women in Lilly shifts, as well as men in shorts and t-shirts. Additionally, the Whitney Polo Field is open for sports lovers and interested individuals to catch a match while enjoying the city of Aiken, South Carolina. AIKEN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM. 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. Cabanas Salvadorean Restaurant is a family-owned establishment specializing in authentic El Salvadorian food and is the only restaurant in the region to serve such food. Experience live Polo matches on the beautiful turf of the Whitney Polo Field, which was launched officially in 1882. You can even go riding at Langley Pond Park Loop Trail. 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. The volunteers at the front were. 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