Issuu

The Horse Town Home Issue

A R T S + C U LTU R E

STEEPLECH A SE PRIM ER F O O D + B E V E R AG E

PERFECTIN G TH E STEEPLECH A SE TAILGATE E V E N T P L A N N I N G + S E RV I C E S

BACK PO RCH ENTERTAI N I NG LI F E + C U LTU R E

TH E SOUTH ERN BELLE CL A SSI C

M A R C H 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.

BRANDI COOK

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.

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

AIKENHOMES.COM I

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March 2023 PUBLISHER

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

Rebecca Williams | rebecca.williams@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Rebecca Williams, Ashley Elvis, Gayle Bryan

Horsing Around in Aiken Traditionally our March issue is dedicated to all things home related, but in Aiken, tradition and March mean one thing - Spring Steeplechase, and we went all in. Going straight to the top, we asked Frank Mullins, President of the Aiken Steeplechase Association, to give a primer on the history and traditions of the Aiken Spring Steeplechase. One of our favorite Steeplechase traditions is tailgating! We invited some friends to tailgate with us Steeplechase-style and hope the enclosed photos provide inspiration as you ponder your railside offerings. When Neon Fig and Board in Aiken are involved, your guests are sure to be impressed. Everyone knows that Aiken is a horse town, but one thing that might surprise outsiders is the depth and breadth of equestrian disciplines practiced in Aiken. Something that has caught our attention as of late is the growing Western scene. We caught up with Meredith Mobley and Tiffany Fuller before their Southern Belle Classic horse sale for a fun Western photo shoot and to talk about their passion for connecting riders with phenomenal horses, regardless of discipline. And, lest you think we totally abandoned the home in this issue, Catherine Hersacher from Bespoke Fine Interiors invited us to her table for some decorating and entertaining tips. There is one other small thing that happens in March - March Madness. That is a pretty big deal in the Bryan house. This March we plan to be cheering on our beloved Gamecock Women’s Basketball Team all the way to Dallas and the Final Four! Until next month, we are off to the races!

CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan, Barry Bornstein

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

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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

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

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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MARCH 2023

inside the issue The Home Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 The Quintessential Room for Entertaining- Your Backyard

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Party Planning EV ENT PLA NNI NG + SE RV IC E S

Our Town A RTS + C U LT U R E

Aiken is Steeped in a Rich Equestrian History,

House Call HO ME + DES I GN

and Our Steeplechase Is the Main Event!

Locals Only FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Must See LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

Driver’s Notebook AU TO + MA R I N E

The Center of Southern Homes is the Porch

20 A History of a Horse Town 28 Tailgating Aiken Style

Inspiration to Style the Perfect Steeplechase Tailgate

42 White Lightning Ford F-150 Lightning® LARIAT

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Rebecca Williams AIken Steeplechase Association President, Frank Mullins, across the street from the Aiken Track Kitchen on Mead Avenue in Aiken’s Historic Horse District.

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!

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MARCH 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1: Suzanne and Katherine leading a Saturday painting class at Almost Aiken Studio and Market. 2: Saturday afternoons are for painting at Almost Aiken Studio and Market. 3: Painting classes are for all ages at Almost Aiken Studio and Market. 4: Organizers Pam Fischbach, Holly Segar and Amy Pathja welcome guests to Black Tie Human Bingo. 5: Great food, fantastic prizes, live music and dancing equals a win for mental health awareness. 6: Aiken Black Tie Human Bingo; the perfect excuse to get dressed up for date night. 7: Enjoying a dance before the Bingo begins. Photography by Gayle Bryan and Rebecca Williams

C I T Y SC E N E

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8: Happy to enjoy an evening out to support suicide prevention. 9: Is this the Bingo Queen? 10: Enjoying an evening with friends to support Mental Health of America. 11: Palmetto Muay Thai and Kick Boxing Owner, Gantt Huiet with family during their Open House! 12: This crew was responsible for the fabulous prizes at Aiken Black Tie Human Bingo. 13: I spy East Coast Custom Detailing’s Chris Williams at Palmetto Muay Thai! 14: Mother and daughter supporting Mental Health of America at Aiken Black Tie Bingo.

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

MARCH 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. Purebred Compost Brings the Power of Green Purebred Compost, a locally and female owned, business brings the power of green nutrients from the farm to your home. Purebred’s compost adds significant amounts of organic matter to the soil when used in recommended quantities. This organic matter can increase aeration, nutrient capacity, soil drainage, and water-holding capacity. The advantageous impacts of using Purebred’s Composts on soil structure can have a greater effect on plant growth than the fertilizer quantity in the blends.

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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

The Quintessential

SPACE

for Gathering This month we focus on the home, specifically the quintessential Aiken home, in the sense of entertaining. When you think of the Southern home, there is an unspoken extra room that we use especially in the spring and summer afternoons, and that is the porch. Well, the porch, patio, sunroom, wherever you and your guests talk, gather and dine. We share exciting news, frustrations, secrets, goals; we share our lives on the porch. We went to one of Aiken’s most respected interior designers, Catherine Hersacher of Bespoke Fine Interiors, to stage and prepare the perfect dinner party tablescape on the exquisite patio in her downtown Aiken home. In honor of the many equestrian events this month, we incorporated that theme in the shoot. Being an equestrian herself, Catherine delivered flawlessly. No tablescape would be complete without florals, so Catherine called on organic farmer, Kate Van Cantfort of Southerlee Farm. Instead of conforming to the traditional botanical trends, Catherine and Kate used local vegetation all harvested by Kate and preserved after the shoot. The lush greens and subtle variegation of the greenery, paired with the soft sunset, made for the perfect shoot and definitely caught the guest's attention. CONTINUED >

In the South, the Center of Spring Entertaining is the Porch

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

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

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

Some may ask why go through all the effort to stage and prepare a dinner party? Why invest in special plates and napkins for one event? Why plate the food beautifully when it’s just going to be eaten? The answer, in short, is fellowship. Fellowship that creates connections and helps guests make meaningful memories. Having a vision, theme and design for your table creates a visual feast for your guests. They connect through noticing details, trying new food, experiencing the unique mood you choose to provide, even noticing the unique textures of the table linens. Catherine and Kate sourced pieces from their own collection as well as pieces from Thoroughbred Style. A beautiful table sets the stage, but the food is the main attraction. For the meal, Catherine chose several options for her guests which provided the perfect flow. Before the guests sat down for dinner, she offered an assortment of fruits, a lovely charcuterie board from Blue Collard Market and pimiento cheese dip. Cork and Cap Bottle Shoppe in downtown Aiken provided the perfect wine options, a chardonnay, and cabernet. When the main course was served, guests enjoyed a beautifully roasted chicken with brussel sprouts prepared and styled by Catherine and Kate. Needless to say, the dinner party was a great success, and it left us wanting to plan our own outdoor gathering soon.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED AND ATTENDEDCatherine Hersacher Bespoke Fine Interiors (home, art direction, table, dishware, silverware, food styling) IG @bespokefineinteriors bespokefineinteriors.com Kate Van Cantfort Southerlee Farm (floral design and event styling, food styling) IG @southerleefarm @katevancantfort southerleefarm.com Kelly Smith Thoroughbred Style, LLC (horse plates and cashmere blend blankets) IG @thoroughbredstyle thoroughbred-style.myshopify.com Blue Collard Market (charcuterie) IG @bluecollardaiken bluecollard.com Erin Eisle + James Alford Cork and Cap Bottle Shoppe (wines served and displayed) IG @shopcorkandcap shopcorkandcap.com

Also joining us on the patio, Emma Van Cantfort, Daniel Hill from Bridlewood Farm, and Morgan Purvis with Old Barnwell. MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

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Rebecca Williams

A History of a Horse Town Aiken is Steeped in a Rich Equestrian History, and Our Spring Steeplechase Is the Main Event! ARTICLE BY FRANK MULLINS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARRY BORNSTEIN AND REBECCA WILLIAMS

Barry Bornstein

O UR TOWN | ARTS + CU LTURE

At its core, Aiken is a horse town – always was and always will be. Horses were already here when the railroad arrived in the Mid-1800’s and the Savannah River Plant was announced in 1950. Horses carried the first settlers to Aiken. Multitudes of horses came in on the railroad as Winter Colonists turned Aiken into a winter haven. Horses arrived giving us flat racing, fox hunting, polo, steeplechasing, and every horse discipline imaginable. Every city in the dawn of our great country grew because of the horse. Today horses have faded away from most hamlets, but not in Aiken. We are still all about the horse as much as we ever were. Farms in and around Aiken are thriving and bustling with horses. Bruce’s Field is packed weekly with world-class events. Sunday afternoon polo at Whitney Field is wall to wall with tailgate parties during the Spring and Fall seasons. The Aiken Training Track is filled with horses training for flat racing and steeplechasing on its sand track. Highfields Event Center has a full calendar of shows and continues to grow. The Aiken Steeplechase is squarely in the middle of this horse juggernaut. The Aiken Steeplechase is one of the few to hold two nationally sanctioned races each year – Spring and Fall. Tens of thousands of patrons attend both meets but especially in the Spring. The Spring meet is the largest single day sporting event in the CSRA. The sport’s top owners, trainers, and riders from across the eastern seaboard are drawn to Aiken because of the rich history and high quality of the racecourse. The Aiken Steeplechase was formed by a group of prominent horsemen that included Thomas Hitchcock, Temple Gwathmey Jr., and Harry Worchester Smith. Smith was a textile magnate who had a deep love for horses and Aiken. He authored a book in 1935 titled “Life and Sport in Aiken – And Those Who Made It.”

Temple Gwathmey came from a powerful equine family and was one of the leading steeplechase riders in the country by age 20. His passion for steeplechase racing was legendary, but he died early at the age of 23 after a hard spill during a race. Hitchcock was known as the father of American steeplechase horse racing. In addition to the steeplechase course he built on his estate (The Ridge Mile Track in Hitchcock Woods), he founded the Palmetto Golf Club and the Aiken Hounds. In 1930, Smith, Gwathmey, and Hitchcock organized the first steeplechase race meet in Hitchcock Woods along the Aiken Hounds dragline. Over 1,000 onlookers watched the first steeplechase in Aiken including children on horseback from Aiken Prep. With this our history began. Aiken’s Steeplechase flourished until it was suspended for World War II. After the war, Aiken had a population explosion when Savanah River Plant arrived, and many new people moved in. As the community settled into its new form, attention turned again to sport and the Aiken Steeplechase was revived in 1967 after a 25-year hiatus. The tradition of the steeplechase was resurrected by a stalwart group that included Charlie Bird III, GH Bostwick, MacKenzie Miller, Willard Thompson, Ford Conger, and Paul Mellon. Due to the efforts of this group, the Aiken Steeplechase flourished and grew expansively through the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. The modern history of the Aiken Steeplechase found it co-located with The Aiken Horse Park Foundation on what is today called Bruce’s Field. The events held at Bruce’s Field by The Aiken Horse Park Foundation were a great success and were growing rapidly. At the same time, the Aiken Steeplechase meets were also being held at Bruce’s Field and were growing tremendously in attendance each year. In 2019 the decision was made to find a new home for Aiken Steeplechase so that growth for both parties could continue.

“The Aiken Steeplechase is one of the few to hold two nationally sanctioned races each year – Spring and Fall. Tens of thousands of patrons attend both meets but especially in the Spring.”

CONTINUED >

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

Barry Bornstein

“Because of the wisdom of our founders, the fabulous array of food and shopping in downtown Aiken and the superb quality of our racecourse, Aiken Steeplechase’s future is very bright.” A search committee was formed and an undeveloped parcel of land on the outskirts of the east side of downtown Aiken was found and purchased. This property was annexed into the city, and a state-of-the-art steeplechase racecourse was built that included Aiken’s fabled sandy soil, banked turns, and straights. The banking of the racecourse helps horses maintain a constant speed while remaining in balance through the turns. This, along with Aiken’s quick-draining sandy soil, makes for safer footing and has compelled many in the steeplechase world to rate our turf and course quality as one of the finest.

O UR TOWN | ARTS + CU LTURE

Because of the wisdom of our founders, the fabulous array of food and shopping in downtown Aiken and the superb quality of our racecourse, Aiken Steeplechase’s future is very bright. At both our Spring and Fall meets, you will find southern hospitality at its very finest. Multitudes of steeplechase racing enthusiasts line the inside and outside of the racecourse two rows deep for every race meet. As the number and quality of our races at the Aiken Steeplechase continues to grow, so does our stature as a premier racecourse. The legacy started by our founders and this stalwart group of gentlemen will continue far into the future.

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Open House TAKE A TOUR OF SERENITY FARM WITH THE AIKEN HOMES TEAM ARTICLE BY GAYLE BRYAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

With horses and houses on the brain, our thoughts traveled to the wonderful equestrian properties and horse farms that are vital to the heartbeat of Aiken. We sought out our friends and real estate agents in the know, Vikki Crossland and Brandi Cook from the Aiken Homes Team at Meybohm Real Estate, for some insight. They took us on a tour of one of their beautiful barndominium properties, and it was the ultimate home for the working horseman (or woman). Serenity Farm is a beautiful 28.76 acre equestrian farm located in Allwin Farms, one of Aikens's most exclusive equestrian communities. The small gated community offers miles of wooded walking and riding trails and a 30-acre stocked pond to enjoy. This barndominuim offers two separate living areas, each with a private entrance. This opens up options for a mother-in-law suite, living quarters for farm hands, or rental income. Both have open kitchen, dining and living room areas with two bedrooms, a bathroom and laundry room. Large balconies that overlook the stunning horse farm complement both areas and are perfect for enjoying the coming and going of the sun. The farm itself is well-equipped and maintained. It offers nine pastures, 11 oversized stalls, a wash stall with hot water, a feed room, a hay shed, a large workshop, a tack room and a new pig pen and shed. And for ultimate flexibility, dressage and jump arenas were recently leveled and can be tailored to accommodate different equestrian disciplines. Sadly, this property will probably be off the market before this issue hits mailboxes, but if it peaked your interest, the Aiken Homes Team can help you find an Aiken property that is uniquely you.

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LOCA LS ON LY | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ELVIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

Tailgating AIKEN STYLE

As March rolls in, the days become longer and the temps a little warmer. Green pops of color show on the trees and we all know spring is here! And with that, we look forward to one of Aiken’s biggest yearly events-Aiken Steeplechase. The time-honored and highly anticipated tradition of tailgating is one of the main attractions of Aiken Steeplechase. Dating back to the late 1800s, patrons gathered on the backs of truck beds or station wagons to enjoy a bite to eat, a cold drink, and socializing with friends, but modern tailgating has taken on a life of its own. Themed tablescapes, serving pieces, decor, menu items, and, of course, the cocktail has taken center stage of race day. Whether simple or elaborate, every detail is planned to provide the perfect setting for hanging out with friends, enjoying delicious bites, and cheersing a winning bet! CONTINUED >

INSPIRATION TO STYLE THE PERFECT STEEPLECHASE TAILGATE MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

LOCA LS ON LY | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Aiken City Lifestyle’s Rebecca Williams, along with help from local businesses, styled the perfect tailgate setup for inspiration at this year’s race day party. The historic Green Boundary Club provided a beautiful backdrop for the shoot. The 1995 Land Rover Defender 90 and 1990 Range Rover were graciously loaned by Chris Swindle at Car Cave. Neon Fig showcased some of their always-impressive savory menu items: Salmon Bagels, Pimento Cheese and Smoked Trout Dip and a salad duo consisting of their Cucumber Salad and the Squash and Pomegranate Salad. Paige Chapman Harden brought her incredible homemade tomato pie and Ashley and Casey with Board in Aiken built a beautiful charcuterie platter with meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, and pickled vegetables. The tailgate spread also included decorative pieces to round out the whole look. 3 Monkeys Fine Gifts on Laurens Street in downtown Aiken provided a beautiful champagne bucket and serving tray along with a horse painting and fun horse napkins–just the right finishing touches! From the paddock to the finish line, these essentials guarantee all that’s needed for enjoying a day at the Aiken Steeplechase horse races.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THESE FRIENDS FOR PARTICIPATING IN OUR SHOOT: Vickki Crossland and Scott Linkenhoker Aiken Homes Team/Meybohm Leilana Pacheco - Gold Wowie Jessica Miller and David Maxwell Aiken Steeplechase Association Abbie Bryan Gambill - Aiken City Lifestyle (part time model/full time daughter) Special thanks to Equine Divine for outfitting Abbie Gambill for our shoot. If you like the look, she is sporting a Fior Da Liso Taupe Stripped Carina Blouse, Barbour Classic Bedale Wax Jacket and Sligo Boots by Dubarry. > CONTINUED

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

LOCA LS ON LY | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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

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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

MILITARY & SENIOR DISCOUNT FREE ESTIMATES

FENCE INSTALLATION AND REPAIR, REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT 2416 Beaver Creek Lane Aiken, South Carolina 29803 (803) 507-5729 yardbarberlandscaping.com

BV MAR CH 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

Southern Belle Classic TWO SOUTHERN BELLES BRING THEIR PASSION FOR MATCHING GREAT HORSES WITH GREAT PEOPLE TO AIKEN

ARTICLE BY GAYLE BRYAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

What do you get when you combine the talents and passions of two southern belles from South Carolina? One is an award winning dressage equestrian and the other an accomplished barrel racer. Tiffany Fuller raises and trains barrel horses and races them all across the Southeast. Meredith Mobley is a United States Dressage Federation bronze and silver medalist. Combined they are Belles in Boots, business partners that apply their unique skills and equestrian backgrounds to horse training and sales. Their business relationship developed through comparable training philosophies, ethics, and goals, and they are firm believers in starting young horses gently and correctly no matter the discipline.

They also share a passion for matching great horses with great people which has lead them to host an elite sale to bring together quality horses and discriminate buyers. The Southern Belle Classic, the South’s Elite Horse Sale, will be held at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina on March 24-25. It is free to the public and will feature reputable sellers hand picked for their integrity, horsemanship and history of producing proven and honest broke horses. An online catalog of cosigned horses can be viewed at southernbelleclassic.com. It’s not just a horse sale; it is also a bit of a party. On Friday, March 24 there will be a ticketed dinner and entertainment after the open preview. Saturday will offer vendors and food trucks as well as a happy hour before the auction begins at 6 pm. We were delighted when Meredith and Tiffany consented to bring their horses to Stable View for a shoot prior to the sale. They were outfitted by Tumbleweed in Aiken and Cinch Jeans, and their western vibe was just what we needed to round out our Horses and Homes Issue.

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

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 3773 Whiskey Road • Aiken, SC 29803 38

803.641.9769 | karenpetersoninteriors.com

DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS!

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

LAND CLEARING & FORESTRY MULCHING

803-998-8575 | RSForestry.com 2153 WHISKEY RD AIKEN

Professional Automotive, Residential and Commercial Window Tinting PROFESSIONALISM. EXCELLENCE. TIMELINESS.

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MARCH 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

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Kenny George Band

AIKEN BR EW IN G COMPAN Y | 9 :0 0 P M Come celebrate St. Patrick's Day downtown at the Brew Pub with Aiken's own Kenny George Band! Show starts at 9pm.

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80th Running of the Aiken Trials

7 24 TWO N OTCH R OAD S OUT H E AST A I K E N, S C | 1 1 :30 A M Watch young thoroughbreds get a taste of live racing at the first leg of the Aiken Triple Crown. Tickets are available online, at the Training Track office, Unique Expressions, Aiken Saddlery or the Aiken Visitors Center.

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What A Wonderful World – A Tribute to Louis Armstrong

AMEN TUM CEN TER FOR THE P E R F O R MI NG A RTS | 7 :30 P M Aiken Performing Arts Presents What A Wonderful World – A Tribute to Louis Armstrong. Longineu Parsons is one of the world’s finest trumpeters and when he interprets Louis, he goes far beyond what can be studied and learned. The way he touches the trumpet and growls his vocals is as though he is channeling the great master of American music.

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The Southern Belle Classic

STABLE VIEW 117 STABLE DR , A I KE N, S C The South’s Elite Horse Sale is March 25th, with preview night and ticketed dinner on March 24th. View 59 of the country’s finest horses at the same place and same time for your convenience and shopping pleasure. Hand selected trainers presenting the country’s finest horses. There will also be food, entertainment, and vendors!

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

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

EVE N TS

TASTING ROOM | GIFT SHOP | EVENTS

Look ahead!

In-Home Care | Private Duty Nursing | Covid Testing

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Aiken 215 Silverbluff Rd. 803.649.6461

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

Belvedere 853 Belvedere Clearwater Rd. 803.593.4208

heathinsuranceandfinancial.com

CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A FREE IN-HOME ASSESSMENT 706.945.2334 | www.comfortathomehealthcare.com

2541 Jefferson Davis Highway, Warrenville

EDUCATION • PASSION • EXCELLENCE

Automotive, Marine and Aircraft Professional Detailing

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

White Lightning Ford F-150 Lightning® LARIAT

Layton Woody eyeing the scenery, with the 2023 Ford Lightning from Stokes Hodges Ford

ARTICLE BY GAYLE BRYAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS Ever since Layton Woody's Mama (Vikki Woody of Vikki’s, A Unique Boutique) posted about his likeness to Yellowstone’s Rip, we’ve been looking for an opportunity to feature Layton in a shoot. The Keller Williams real estate agent's western style pairs perfectly with the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning® LARIAT we borrowed from Stokes Hodges Ford. Stable View near sunset was the perfect location to shoot them both. The Ford F-150 Lightning® LARIAT may look like your daddy’s Ford, but if you open the hood, you will find two electric motors. As you would expect from an EV, it is quiet. What you might not expect from an EV is 580 horsepower (with the larger Extended-Range battery) that powers the truck from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. The Lightning boasts a range of 230 to 320 miles per charge depending on the battery chosen though towing

D R IV E R’S N OT E BOOK | AUTO + MARI NE

does reduce the range. Interestingly, the F-150 Lightning® can be used as a back up generator with a fully charged truck able to supply an average sized home with electricity for up to three days. I don’t think Daddy’s Ford could do that!

Ford F-150 Lightning® LARIAT

MSRP: Starting at $74,474 Range: 240/320 Engine: Dual Electric Motors Transmission: Ford F-150 Lightning® LARIAT Horse Power: 462 Standard Range/580 Extended Range Seating: 5 Stokes Hodges Ford 1850 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, South Carolina

Follow @graceinthegraypodcast | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | www.cedarcreekchurch.net/podcasts

Using the black and white of Scripture to

speak truth into the gray areas of culture.

Jesus called the church to be in the world, to be involved and lead out in culture. Not to accept or embrace all aspects but to be involved and speak into the culture in a way that teaches His grace, paints a picture of His love for a broken world, and ultimately points them to hope. For the believer, this podcast will hold up the truth of scripture against areas that might not be clear and inform our thinking and actions that will honor God. If you’re not a believer or if you are just starting to explore the idea of faith in God, it’s hard to imagine that the Bible can offer clarity and guidance in your life. The world tells us that a book written thousands of years ago can’t help with parenting struggles, mental health, stress at work, or complex relationships. Grace in the Gray takes these gray areas and shares the black-and-white truths from the Bible in a relatable conversation so our thinking and actions can be informed in the midst of how the world tells us to exist.

Grace in the Gray Podcast is a production of Cedar Creek Church.