Aiken, SC February 2023

LI F E + C U LTU R E

LIFE PARTN ERS/ BUSIN ESS PARTN ERS S T Y LE + B E AU T Y

DAN I+RAYN E TAKES O N AIKEN A R T S + C U LT U R E

LO CAL AIKEN ARTISTS E V E N T P L A N N I N G + S E RV I C E S

GALENTI N E’ S DAY BRU N CH

The Love Issue F E B R UA RY 2 02 3

CURIOUS WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH NOW? Taking Augusta and Aiken Luxury Real Estate International.

Taking Augusta and Aiken Luxury Real Estate International.

Certified Specialist Certified Residential Residential Specialist Accredited Buyer’s Representative Accredited Buyer’s Representative Military Military Friendly Friendly Specialist Specialist

Certified Specialist Certified Residential Residential Specialist Accredited Buyer’s Representative Accredited Buyer’s Representative Seniors Seniors Real Real Estate Estate Specialist Specialist

IT’S A BIG DECISION, WE KNOW. WE’RE HERE TO HELP! Taking Augusta and Aiken Luxury Real Estate International.

AIKENHOMES.COM

II MEYBOHM’S BEST BEST I PRESIDENT CLUB THEBEST BEST I PRESIDENT CLUB MEYBOHM’S TOP TOP 25 25 II BEST BESTOFOF OF

Enhance Your Natural Beauty Look and feel your best with the team at Dani + Rayne Medical Aesthetics.

Photo Credit to Karolina Agner Photography

803 403 1171 | danirayneaesthetics.com | 931 Dougherty Rd Aiken, SC 29803

February 2023 PUBLISHER

Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Rebecca Williams | rebecca.williams@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Can You Feel the Love?

Pondering the month of February evokes happy memories of cutting out paper hearts along with some white doilies to plaster on a shoebox that would serve as my Valentine’s mailbox. Remembering those nights before Valentine’s and the chaos of making sure my kids had filled out cards for every classmate, while I prepared a special treat, bring a smile as well.

This February, Aiken City Lifestyle celebrates loving local and local love.

There is so much to love about living in Aiken, including our vibrant and eclectic art scene. Inside we feature three Aiken artists including a musician, a potter and a photographer.

Aiken is already falling in love with the owners of Dani+Rayne Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Morgan Groothand, DNP, FNP-C and Kristin Cadavos, PA-C. They are passionate about helping patients look and feel their best in their own skin.

We know you will enjoy getting to know them just as much as we have.

As for local love, we got some Aiken business owners that work with their life partners to share their love stories and the blessings and challenges of working with the one you love.

Finally, we celebrated friendship and girl power with some of our gal pals at our first-ever Galentine’s in December Brunch. Something I know after years of entertaining is that good food and good friends are a must. Of course, it helps if you have the dream team of Aiken City Lifestyle photographer and editorial coordinator extraordinaire, Rebecca Williams, and the amazing Maggie Rasmussen, owner of Cleanse Gourmet and Cloudberry and Willow Designs, to elevate your event into something spectacular.

They attended to every detail beautifully. I hope the pictures included inside inspire you to celebrate with some of your besties.

Whether you are supervising the Valentine’s Day assembly line with your kids, planning a night out with a special someone, or enjoying a quiet night in, we hope you feel the love today and always!

See You Next Time!

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

G AY L E B R YA N , P U B L I S H E R @AIKENCIT YLIFEST YLE

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/AIKEN |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Aiken City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Aiken area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Aiken City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

4

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

It's our 1 year anniversary!!

Join us for a celebration of Neon fig and mardi gras!

Visit ouR website to see what we have planned! www.neon-fig.com 803.226.0424 REASONS TO WERM

PLACES TO WERM

• Slip Resistant • Cushioned • Non-Porous • Durable • Seamless

• Barn Floors • Trailer Floors • Stalls • Wash Racks • Shop Floors and more

Now available locally in Aiken!

762.250.4234 | Decorative Concrete Solution 3027 River Watch Pkwy, Augusta, GA 30907

Keeping You Cool for Five Generations

Family Owned Since 1909 EMERGENCY SERVICE 24/7/365 | (803) 649-6551 FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

5

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Local Love Issue

20

14

26

32

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Partners

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

14

Inspired By

20

Party Planning

26

Artist’s Palette

32

Self Care

Four Couples That Share Business and Life

20 This One’s for the Girls!

Take a Look Inside Our Spectacular Galentine’s Brunch!

26 Variety Pack

Aiken’s Rich Art Scene - Something for Every Palette

32 Love Yourself

There’s A New Medspa in Town and It’s All About You

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Rebecca Williams David Andrews & Kristen Samoranski, owners of Dirty Chimney, cozying up in front of beautiful chimney ruins.

6

LI FE + C U LT U R E EV ENT PLA NNI NG + SE RV IC E S A RTS + C U LT U R E

ST Y LE + B EAU T Y

Now Open AT A I K E N C O M M O N S

WE CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU TO SEE OUR NEW BOUTIQUE! VB APRICOT LANE AIKEN 803.433.2117 1944 WHISKEY ROAD, SUITE #102 | APRICOTLANEBOUTIQUE.COM

Our vineyard has been family owned and operated for 30 years.

803.275.3200 ThreeStarVandO.com 172 Holmes Pond Rd. ∙ Johnston, SC 29832

TASTING ROOM | GIFT SHOP | EVENTS FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

7

F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 3

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1

3

6

4

7 2

5

1: Team member, Scott Linkenhoker, at the Aiken Homes Team’s Client Appreciation Holiday Event. 2: Aiken Homes Team members, Laurel Youngblood, Steve Block (wife Amy) and Stephanie Carraway. 3: Aiken Homes Team member Stephanie Carraway with clients, Jose DeJesus and Jacklyn Kelly. 4: Aiken Homes Team Member, Stephanie Carraway and client, Nicola Gagne. 5: Adorable rider and pony decked out for the Hoofbeats and Christmas Carols Parade. 6: Vikki Crossland of the Aiken Homes Team and client, Ramona Carter. 7: Vikki Crossland and Brandi Cook celebrate their clients at the Aiken Homes Team’s Holiday Event.

Photography by Gayle Bryan CONTINUED >

8

C I T Y SC E N E

FAMILY OWNED | LOCAL MILITARY & SENIOR DISCOUNT

Let us help you find the wines that you'll love.

Get 10% off with code

LOVEWINE10

Aiken's top stop for wine, craft beer and fine provisions, located in the historic downtown district

Cork & Cap Bottle Shoppe 146 Laurens St. NW Aiken, SC 29801 s h o p c o r k a n d c a sph. o cp oc mo r k a n d c a p . c o m

Cork & Cap Bottle Shoppe

FR E E E S T IM AT E S F ENC E INSTALL WOOD | VINYL | CHAIN LINK | AND MORE 803.507.5729 | YARDBARBERLANDSCAPING.COM FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

9

CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

8

10

13

11

14 9

12

8: End result of Cleanse Gourmet’s, Maggie Rasmussen’s wreath-making class at Aiken Center for the Arts. 9: Showing off beautiful wreaths made at the wreath-making class at Aiken Center for the Arts. 10: Spectacular horse head wreath made at the wreath-making class at Aiken Center for the Arts. 11: P.E.P.S.A. (Professional Elf Pooper Scoopers of America) working the Hoofbeats and Christmas Carols Parade.

12: Riders and horses go all out to make the Hoofbeats and Christmas Carols Parade memorable. 13: Is that Buddy the Elf riding in the Hoofbeats and Christmas Carols Parade? 14: Precious little angel spreading joy at the Hoofbeats and Christmas Carols Parade.

Photography by Gayle Bryan

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @AikenCityLifestyle

10

C I T Y SC E N E

Custom Built, Custom Designed PERSONAL ATTENTION IS OUR ADVANTAGE CUSTOM HOMES EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES & ESTATES RENOVATIONS DESIGN

The Quality You Expect, The Details You Deserve 803.226.2433 WWW.BYDOGWOOD.COM

EDUCATION • PASSION • EXCELLENCE

Automotive, Marine and Aircraft Professional Detailing

803.306.4946 FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

11

THE POWER OF A SKILLED LOCAL TEAM Theisnew year is a new opportunity turn from your “so-so” home from “so-so”Whether to “whoa!” your exterior or Fall a new opportunity to turn yourto home to “whoa!” yourWhether exterior or interior needs ® of the CSRA show interior needs a refresh, we’re the Pros to help you do it right. Let CertaPro Painters a refresh, we’re the Pros to help you do it right. Let CertaPro Painters® of show you the power of you the power of transformation. Schedule your FREE on-site or remote estimate today. transformation. Schedule your FREE on-site or remote estimate today.

803-295-5160

Ask About Certapro’s New Flexible Payment Options

ASK HOW YOU CAN GET $350 OFF YOUR INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR PAINT JOB! Each CertaPro Painters® business is independently owned and operated.

Start the New Year off right with Hawthorne Pharmacy.

In-Home Care | Private Duty Nursing | Covid Testing

From prescription refills to medication management to home delivery, your health is our #1 priority.

CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT

803-648-2985 | hawthornesc.com 210 University Pkwy., Aiken, SC 29801

706.945.2334 | www.comfortathomehealthcare.com

Serving communities across the Midlands since 1949.

2541 Jefferson Davis Highway, Warrenville

12

POND CONSTRUCTION | MAINTENANCE | REPAIR

Your oasis awaits...

(803) 226-1002 AMENCORNERPONDS.COM

Eco-Luxe Skincare + Bath Product Boutique Featuring Fresh Unique Flowers And Gifts

Our Healthy Beauty Collection Is Hand Blended In Our Studio With Organic Botanicals + Essential Oils + Results Driven Actives For Glowing Skin.

803 761 2784 | www.cleansegourmet.com 942 Millbrook Avenue Suite 1 Aiken

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

13

PARTNERS ARTICLE BY GAYLE BRYAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS & GAYLE BRYAN

FOUR COUPLES THAT SHARE BUSINESS AND LIFE

David Andrews & Kristen Samoranski Dirty Chimney LOVE STORY I met Kristen at a country bar I had gone to with a buddy to listen to some live music. A group of girls walked in and my eyes found Kristen’s.

After hours of conversation, we exchanged numbers. Less than a year later I proposed and we look forward to our wedding in 2023.

WORK STORY I’ve had a passion for chimneys since I was young. My childhood home was burned down by a chimney fire after an uncertified chimney sweep told my dad everything was good to go! He learned the hard way to only trust a certified inspector. As a Certified Chimney Inspector and Certified CDET Technician I detect flaws in the fireplace, chimney, and dryer vent structures and clean and repair them.

BEST PART Knowing we have each other’s back is the best part of working together.

Kristen knows my day and how it’s planned. She is very talented and educated and makes me me look at things with a different perspective. I admire what she brings to the table every day.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE

14

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

To be honest, I am not the best communicator. I tend to just make decisions, then I find it challenging talking about it later and including her in discussions.

LOVE STORY We met at the Holley House through mutual friends and really connected. After meeting we never really missed a day of talking. We were married eight months later in November of 2013.

WORK STORY Rock Creek Irrigation & Landscapes does pretty much anything involving the outdoors of your home or business. It has been family owned and operated since it was founded by Rankin Jolly in 1995 and is still moving and growing everyday.

As the land development side of the business grew, we eventually spun it off into Rock Creek Land Development. I (Jordan) run the office side of the business and Manse works out in the field mostly, keeping up with and monitoring each job site to make sure everything is running smoothly.

BEST PART The best parts of working together are trust, comfort and flexibility.

Manse & Jordan Jolly Rock Creek Irrigation and Landscapes Rock Creek Land Development

BIGGEST CHALLENGE The biggest challenge we face working together is not being able to separate work from our personal relationship and not really knowing when to stop working.

CONTINUED >

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

15

“The biggest challenge is not knowing when to shut it off and separating house time and work time.”

LOVE STORY I was building a barn in Aiken and had nothing to do in the evening because I didn’t know anyone. I had a softball tournament coming up, so I decided to go to the batting cages. The girl at the counter (who was Carole Ann’s roommate) saw me first and told Carole Ann there was a really cute guy out at the batting cages. Carole Ann called dibs. We talked a little bit and even though I don’t dance, we did Dance, Dance Revolution. We didn’t exchange numbers that night, but we saw each other twice more in the next 24 hours - once at a local church and finally at a USC Aiken baseball game. It was history from there. We met in May, and I asked her to marry me in July.

WORK STORY I am a General Contractor and focus on building custom homes and equestrian estates, while Carole Ann focuses on the design side.

BEST PART The best parts of working together are flexibility and getting to share in the happy moments. We get to enjoy each project together, and we know exactly what the other is talking about at the end of the day.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE The biggest challenge is not knowing when to shut it off and separating house time and work time.

David & Carole Ann Hopkins Dogwood Construction

16

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

James Alford & Erin Eisele Cork & Cap Bottle Shoppe

LOVE STORY It all started on a wet December evening ten years ago at the Motor Supply Bar. James and I met randomly, through wine friends, over house-made charcuterie (head cheese, if I remember correctly) and a dusty bottle of ‘99 Côtes du Rhône that James had brought to share. James was a wine buyer at the time and I had just landed back in the states after a year studying in Italy. Somehow James and I ended up next to each other and small talk quickly turned into hours of conversation.

It was actually on that first night of meeting that we threw around the idea of a shared dream—how we’d both love to do what we love. The concept of a bottle shop was loosely discussed. We never imagined Aiken, but ten years later, here we are!

WORK STORY If you’ve ever visited Cork and Cap and asked for help, you’ve probably met James!

He is our daily operations manager and beverage director. But we still take tasting appointments together often and have a constant dialogue about new ideas, what’s on the shelves and how we enhance the customer experience. I manage the food side of things and do all of the marketing, events and such.

BEST PART The best part of working together is working with your partner in life. We share a vision and both have our roles in making that a success.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE The biggest challenge—is also working with your partner in life! Like most married couples, we have different ideas and ways of doing things. So we try not to upset each other when we disagree.

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

17

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

IN 2021, ACCORDING TO THE SC HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE ANNUAL REPORT, SC DSS IDENTIFIED 236 VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING. YOU CAN HELP PROVIDE A SAFE HOME TO GIRLS IN NEED.

FIND OUT HOW THEBRIDGE2HOME.COM

I F YO U A R E READING THIS...

S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 O UT O F 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH AIKEN CITY LIFESTYLE™ CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN

18

DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS!

When it comes to managing your land, make no compromises!

LAND CLEARING & FORESTRY MULCHING

803-998-8575 | RSForestry.com SIP & PAINT PARTIES AT OUR LOCATION OR YOURS

Paint!

ANY ONE CAN

ART LESSONS P R I VAT E B O O K I N G S PAINT PARTY EVERY SATURDAY AT 4:30 PM

8 0 3 . 3 9 2 . 5 0 1 7 | A L M O S TA I K E N @ G M A I L . C O M B @ A L M O S TA I K E N S T U D I O A N D M A R K E T 8 1 2 A U G U S TA R D , W A R R E N V I L L E , S C 2 9 8 5 1 FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

19

THIS

ONE ’S

THE

FOR

GIRLS!

Take a Look Inside Our Spectacular Galentine’s Brunch!

No Galentine's Brunch is complete without champagne.

Charcuterie cones compliments of Board in Aiken.

Metro Diner Aiken gave JJ’s Diner a run for their money.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

Galentine’s Day is a newcomer as far as holidays go and found its origins on the sitcom Parks and Rec. It is celebrated on February 13th and, according to Parks and Rec character, Leslie Knope, “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it, breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies.” What’s not to love about that?

At Aiken City Lifestyle, we are happy to embrace any holiday that involves spending time with our gal pals and eating waffles. To inspire you to do the same, we invited some friends and business partners to our first-ever Galentine’s Brunch and Photo Shoot. > CONTINUED

20

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | EVENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

Lots of love to all our beautiful friends that made this event special.

Lyndsey and Brandi toasting to a successful year!

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

21

Cleanse Gourmet's bath salt crafting table made for beautiful take-homes for our friends.

Jamie and Delaney sampling the craft cocktails.

It's not a party without Dolly and Marilyn.

Alexis Norris knows how to make an appearance.

The gold sugar rim adds an elegant touch to the Prickly Pear & Rose Lemonade.

Maggie and Rachel cheersing to a sucessfully planned event!

The cotton candy garnish adds the wow factor to the Prosecco Punch.

22

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | EVENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

Thank You! Maggie Rasmussen graciously provided florals, craft cocktails and styled the event tailored to our vision. We cannot thank her enough. The bath salt crafting table she curated made for a fun activity and take-home goody for our guests.

We would also like to thank the following vendors for making this event a success and going above and beyond!

• Florals and Craft Drinks - Cloudberry and Willow Designs (@cloudberrywillow)

ACL Girls just want to have fun!

• Charcuterie Cones - Board in Aiken

Board in Aiken’s, Ashley and Casey, brought the charcuterie and the fun!

(@boardinaiken) • Marble Heart, Dolly and Marilyn Cookies Billie McAllister (@billie.mcallister) • Chicken & Waffles - Metro Diner Aiken (@metrodiner) • Marie Copinet 'Caractere' Brut Rose, Champagne - Cork and Cap Bottle Shoppe (@shopcorkandcap) • Luxury Bath Salts Station - Cleanse Gourmet (@cleansegourmetfreshskincare) • Pizza - Mellow Mushroom Aiken (@mellow_aiken) • Macarons - Mac Daddy Macarons (@macdaddymacarons_sc), Baked by Becca (@baked_by_becca), Publix Aiken

YOU CAN'T HAVE A PARTY WITHOUT ATTENDEES. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FRIENDS FOR PARTICIPATING: • Erin Eisele (Cork and Cap Bottle Shoppe) • Casey Young & Ashley Elvis (Board in Aiken) • Liz Walker (That's My Nurse) • Brandi Cook (Aiken Homes Team - Meybohm) • Catherine Hersacher (Bespoke Fine Interiors) • Morgan Groothand (Dani+Rayne Medical Aesthetics) • Kristin Cadavos (Dani+Rayne Medical Aesthetics) • Jamie Gleiter (Certapro Painters) • Delany Tavenner (G.L. Williams & Daughter Trucking) • Lyndsey Newson (Apricot Lane Boutique) • Alexis Norris (Influencer @leximakenzie2)

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

23

The QUALITY You Expect.

The INTEGRITY You Deserve.

Rite Price Roofing & Exteriors

“The Right Choice, Guaranteed”

ROOFING | SIDING | GUTTERS

ROOFING & EXTERIOR

803-514-0053

WWW.RITEROOF S .COM

Look ahead!

Are you truly protected?

We’re an independent agency that can meet all of your insurance needs.

Auto

Aiken 215 Silverbluff Rd. 803.649.6461

|

Home Farm

| |

Business | Life | Retirement Commercial Trucking North Augusta 921 Georgia Ave. 803.279.8046

Belvedere 853 Belvedere Clearwater Rd. 803.593.4208

heathinsuranceandfinancial.com

24

Embroidery

Custom Patches Plasma Cut Signs Laser Engraving Photo Gifts

(803) 845-0230 | aikenead.com 117 Laurens St NW Aiken, SC 29801

CONNECTION

FLEXIBILITY

SERVICE

Free public charter school that serves Aiken and surrounding counties

Where relationships matter

hcacs.net | 803.226.0160 1200 Toolebeck Rd Aiken, SC 29803 @HCACS

@hca_wearethevillage

Karen Peterson Interiors Full Interior Design Service Window Treatments Color Selections Furniture Placement Re-upholstery Service

Wallpaper Interior Design Consultation Shopping Service

Call for an in-home appointment 803.641.9769 | karenpetersoninteriors.com

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

25

Variety Pack AIKEN’S RICH ART SCENE OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE’S TASTE ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

Retired engineer and Aiken Artist Guild member, John Gordon, had a love for pottery at a young age. He became enamored with the art after seeing a potter work while on a family trip to the Southwest. John specifically remembers seeing the artist using the needle tool and wanted to learn that for himself. During Christmases as a child, he would ask for a pottery wheel. Both of his parents were college professors, and he jokingly notes they did not encourage that artistic side of him. It wasn’t until the early 2000s when his wife, knowing that he had been dreaming of it since childhood, got him pottery lessons as a Christmas gift.

John learned the craft and developed what he calls a folk-art style. Now John enjoys teaching others the skill he has been drawn to most of his life and uses his own needle tool regularly.

John Gordon Pottery Instructor

26

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Kenny George Band Recording Artists

If you’ve been in Aiken for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the Kenny George Band.

The band consists of Kenny George (lead guitar, vocals, song writer), Randy Borawski (drums/ harmony), Center Ely (steel guitar) and Brooks Andrews (bass) all meshed together to form a band more suited to haunt Austin, Texas or Nashville scenes. The uniqueness and authenticity of their art is evident as soon as you hear it with storytelling lyrics as a prominent element. It’s quite refreshing to hear their take on southern folk rock. There is no Free Bird here, but sounds reminiscent of everything from the Rolling Stones when they did country to traditional outlaw country with a hint of blues.

The band tours all over the Midwest and Eastern US, playing around 100 shows a year. When asked about their favorite place to play, Kenny named The Roasting Room in Bluffton, SC. “They always went above and beyond by taking care of the bands, promoting shows, as well as having great sound and lighting. The crowds there were also attentive to the music.”

George points out, “Our goal has always been to connect with our audiences. Our music is honest and organic, and we deliberately avoid pretense. We may seem like a ragtag bunch, but there’s a passion, purpose and sincerity that underscores everything we do, and hopefully that’s apparent even the first time you hear us play.” Being from Aiken, the band has a soft spot for The Aiken Brewing Company.

Kenny noted, “Aiken Brew Pub was the first place I played, so I’ll always love that place.”

The Kenny George Band will be playing at The Aiken Brewing Company on their final night before closing, March 17th.

“Our goal has always been to connect with our audiences. Our music is honest and organic, and we deliberately avoid pretense. We may seem like a ragtag bunch, but there’s passion, purpose and sincerity that underscores everything we do, and hopefully that’s apparent the first time you hear us play.” Kenny George

CONTINUED >

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

27

Barry Bornstein is influential in the Aiken equestrian community in many ways. He is on the Board of Directors for the Aiken Trials and contributes to the media surrounding it. But, you’re probably most familiar with Barry’s work in equestrian photography. The Aiken Training Track and Aiken Steeplechase Association have relied on Barry for his artistic eye and skill to represent their events in the media for years. He spends his year divided between Aiken and Saratoga, New York, documenting the lifestyle and dedication of the trainers, riders and horses at the respected racing tracks.

Barry’s work spans many decades, and along the way he has received media awards, been featured in national publications as well as in gallery showings in Saratoga and Aiken. This year was his second year being featured in The National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame exhibition, Photo Finish. The photo that was honored this year was Barry’s exquisite capture of historic Whitney Barns here in Aiken that were restored after escaping demolition.

Barry began his media journey in elementary school. His peers noticed his sense of irony even at a young age, which he still pairs with his photography. His skill with a camera further led to college sports photography for his yearbook. Barry states that wit and irony was a good icebreaker with the girls, which paid off, leading him to his wife Valerie. Valerie is an equestrian and that sparked Barry’s interest in equine photography. Not always at the race track, Barry has also photographed such music icons as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker in concert.

Barry Bornstein Photographer

“Barry’s work spans many decades, and along the way he has received media awards, been featured in national publications as well as in gallery showings in Saratoga and Aiken.”

28

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CULTURE

Family Owned and Operated Since 1995 www.rockcreeklandscapes.com | 803.649.1802

Rock Creek Land Development Is A Full Service Grading & Paving Company 803.645.8584 www.rockcreekld.com

Site Construction | Asphalt Paving | Hauling Driveway/Road Construction | Building Pads | Much More!

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

29

It’s the PEOPLE N e x t H o m e i s c l i e n t - c e n t r i c . We f o c u s o n o u r c l i e n t ’s s u c c e s s b y p r o v i d i n g p r o g r e s s i v e t e c h n o l o g y, c r e a t i v e e n e r g y, u n i q u e m a r ke t i n g and superior service.

Eric Rickenbach President

S e r v i n g c l i e n t s a c r o s s t h e A i ke n , G r e e n w o o d , Le x i n g t o n , C o l u m b i a , & A u g u s t a , G A a r e a 803.741.5048 | nexthomerealtyconsultants.com 1305 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841

transmisSion work • exhaust work general & computer repairs • A/C • brakes

Mention this ad & receive free cleaning with inspection - JANUARY ONLY CHARLESTON - GOOSE CREEK MT. PLEASANT - SUMMERVILLE

803 455 2446

www.dirtychimney.llc 30

3773 Whiskey Road • Aiken, SC 29803

PUSH Zone Kidz Zone Strength New Tanning

Training | Personal Training | Small-Group Training | 24 Hour Access | Cardio Equipment | Hydro-Massage Training Equipment Aquatics Area | Aquatic Classes Beds | Sauna and Steam Rooms | Group Exercise Classes

803 648 4653 | maxfitnessaiken.com 101 Corporate Parkway Aiken, South Carolina 29803

WWW.STJAIKEN.ORG | RICHLAND AVE. & NEWBERRY ST. | (803) 648-6891

St. John's United United Methodist Methodist Church Church

All are welcome at St. john's! we invite you to join us at any of our worship services.

8:30 am 9:02 am 11:00 am 6:00 pm

Sanctuary Faith Center Sanctuary Around the Fountain

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF AUGUSTA™ 1529 Crescent Dr. // Augusta, GA 706-736-8478 // 803-642-7269

www.ohdaugusta.com

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

31

Love Yourself THERE’S A NEW MEDSPA IN TOWN AND IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS Dani+Rayne Medical Aesthetics is a new medspa that is taking Aiken by storm. The charismatic owners and providers, Kristin Cadavos, PA-C and Master Injector, Dr. Morgan Groothand, NP, spent ten years training with top plastic surgeons and dermatologists before bringing Dani+Rayne to Aiken in the fall.

They provide science-based, safe and luxurious skincare treatments with the end goal of helping their patients look and feel their absolute best. They are passionate about their work which comes from the belief that everyone deserves to look and feel beautiful in their own skin.

When trusting someone with your appearance you want to feel safe and confident in their skill and service. With a decade of experience between them, you know you have that in Kristin and Morgan. They will take the time to walk you through your treatment step by step so that you can feel confident and comfortable throughout the process. Services currently include PRP, Botox, Kybella, Filler, Sculptra and Chemical Peel treatments.

32

S ELF CA R E | STY L E + BEAUTY

“Our goal was to bring an aesthetic experience to Aiken that made the people in its community really proud to call its own. We want our business to be a reason people travel to Aiken from Augusta and all surrounding areas.”

— ­K R I S T I N A N D M O R G A N

CONTINUED >

FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

33

Sugar Magnolia’s Courtney Curry lent us the adorable Nissan Figaro “Sugaree” car for the Dani+Rayne photo shoot. Thanks to the City of Aiken for the support and allowing the girls to ambush the Alley! We definitely caused a scene!

34

S ELF CA R E | STY L E + BEAUTY

Patrick Boylan has been surveying since 2014, and a licensed Registered Land Surveyor in South Carolina since 2019.

Living in the Aiken area, Patrick can get to any survey in a hurry. Give Patrick a call or send him an email with your survey request, and he will get back to you in a hurry!

Patrick Boylan, PLS | 803-480-4495 pboylan@boylansurveying.com | boylansurveying.com

EDU C AT E

|

ADVOCATE

|

That’s My Nurse helps you better understand and manage your chronic health conditions, medications, and healthcare so you can stay active, healthy, independent and out of the hospital!

ThatsM y N urse.com

|

COOR DINATE CAR E

“ That’s My Nurse is the the best thing that has

happened to me! Liz took me to my doctors’ appointment and went as my advocate. It helped me communicate better with my doctors.” - CG

803 . 5 99. 665 5

|

in fo @th a ts myn u rs e. co m

From window cleaning and roof stain removal to gutter cleaning and mildew removal, Sunshine Pressure Washing has you covered.

Serving Aiken for 25 years

(803) 642-6341 thesunshineboys.com FEBR UARY 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

35

803-335-2272

budgetblinds.com/northaugusta