Issuu

The Explore Issue A P R I L 2 02 3

There’s No “EASY” Button in Real Estate, WE JUST MAKE IT LOOK THAT WAY.

Your TRUSTED Real Estate Resource in the area for 38+ years. LICENSED IN SC & GA

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Explore!

April 2023 PUBLISHER

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

Rebecca Williams | rebecca.williams@citylifestyle.com

Explore is a powerful word, and as we discovered while putting this issue together, it means different things to different people. At its heart, to explore is to travel over new territory for adventure or discovery. No matter what explore means to you, we have you covered in this issue. Both Becca (Rebecca Williams, ACL Editorial Coordinator) and I love to explore South Carolina’s lowcountry, but our approach is a little bit different. Becca prefers looking at the architecture, ferreting out unique dining experiences, and searching for hidden treasure at local shops. I know you will enjoy seeing Beaufort through her eyes. For me, it is all about the outdoors. There is not much that makes me happier than exploring an estuary in a kayak or hiking across an unspoiled barrier island with my camera in tow. For this issue, I curated a collection of my favorite lowcountry spots (and images) to experience nature at its best and enjoy wildlife. Kris Hurd, the owner of Global Roads Travel, is very well-traveled, so we asked him to tell us about his favorite global destination. His article about his trip to Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France might have you adding an entry to your bucket list. Airline travel is not required for adventure or exploration. Aiken is a city that is rich in history and natural beauty. To prove the point, we grabbed some friends and explored Historic Aiken with Pedego Bicycles. It is a really fun way to experience the city, and if you’re not careful, you might discover something you didn’t know about the place we call home. Whether it’s in your own backyard or an exciting foreign destination, I hope this issue reminds you to always make time to explore. See you next month!

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan, Ashley Elvis, Kris Hurd, Meghan Bishop, Savannah and Luke Black CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan, Kris Hurd

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

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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.

www.cedarcreekchurch.net/celebrate

Celebrate Like it’s 1993

It’s Cedar Creek Church’s 30th Birthday and we’re going to Celebrate like it’s 1993! 90s-themed attire is highly encouraged. Everyone is invited! Saturday, April 15, 2023: Generations Park - 700 Mack Henry Holland Drive in Aiken FREE Food, Entertainment, Petting Zoo, Inflatables and Fun! 5K Trail Run $25

What’s Happening? Live Music, Petting Zoo, Camel Rides, Chick-Fil-A, Inflatables, 5k trail run, family fun run 9:30 - 10:00 AM: 5K Trail Run Check-In 10:30 AM: 5K Trail Run Starts 11:00 AM: 1 Mile Family Fun Run / Walk Begins Noon: Worship & A Word from Senior Pastor, Phillip Lee 12:30 - 2:00 PM: Lunch is available! 12:30 - 4:00 PM: PARTY

T-shirts will be available to participants who register on or before March 27th. T-shirts are not guaranteed to participants who register after March 27th.

APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Explore Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

18 Explore Beaufort - Editor’s Choice

Lifestyle Letter

Explore Beaufort and Her Surrounding Islands with

City Scene

Aiken City Lifestyle’s Rebecca Williams

Business Monthly

Road Trip T R AV EL

Hot Spot A RTS + C U LT U R E

Hosting Tips EV ENT PLA NNI NG + S E RV IC E S

Outdoor Adventure S PO RTS + R E C R E ATION

Local Limelight S PO RTS + R EC R E ATION

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Events

Travel Journal T R AV EL

26 Explore Entertaining for The Masters Tips To Tee Up The Perfect Masters Gathering

32 Explore Outdoors - Publisher’s Choice ACL Publisher Gayle Bryan Shares Some of Her Favorite Coastal Carolina Spots to Explore

38 Explore Aiken

Join Us on a Tour of Historic Aiken with Pedego Bicylces

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Rebecca Williams Luke and Savannah Black planning their next adventure on a perfect spring afternoon. Thank you to Frank and Kathy Loza for lending us their 1939 Buick!

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APRIL 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1: Juanita Campbell (Center for African American History, Art and Culture) at Black History Month Parade. 2: Lots of smiles at the Aiken Black History Month Parade! 3: Sporting a nice ride at the Aiken Black History Month Parade. 4: Old friends and new came out to support #bossbobby at Beyond Bijoux’s new location. 5: Saturday shopping at Cold Creek Nurseries is fun for all ages. 6: Pulling out all the stops to celebrate Mardi Gras in Downtown Aiken. 7: Celebrating Mardi Gras in Downtown Aiken with a four-legged friend. Photography by Gayle Bryan

C I T Y SC E N E

14 12

8: Mardi Gras in Downtown Aiken is a family affair. 9: Boy Scouts of America marching in the Aiken Black History Month Parade. 10: Brothers and Sisters of Aiken County representing at the Aiken Black History Month Parade. 11: The greenhouse at Cold Creek is a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon. 12: The Alley was hopping for Mardi Gras in Downtown Aiken. 13: Where’s Waldo Mardi Gras style at Mardi Gras in Downtown Aiken. 14: Getting the spring planters ready at Cold Creek Nurseries. Photography by Gayle Bryan

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AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

CIT Y SCENE CONTINUED

21 19

15: Waving from a float at the Aiken Black History Month Parade. 16: Brooke Thomas (Ginger Bee) and #bossbobby (Beyond Bijoux) celebrating Beyond Bijoux’s new location. 17: Purebred Compost owner Lisa Wilson gets ribbon cutting tips from Aiken Chamber President David Jameson. 18: Dressed to the nines for the Aiken Black History Month Parade. 19: The Aiken Master Gardners were on hand for a demonstration at Purebred Compost’s launch party. 20: Pretty in purple at Mardi Gras in Downtown Aiken. 21: Delany Tavenner giving the scoop on the benefits of Purebred Compost.

Photography by Gayle Bryan

C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @AikenCityLifestyle

28 26

22: Feeling a Mardi Gras/Steeplechase vibe here. Only in Aiken! 23: Tending to the succulents at Cold Creek Nurseries. 24: Aiken Chamber Ambassadors representing at the launch party for Purebred Compost. 25: Lost Dog entertaining the gardeners at Cold Creek Nurseries. 26: Lisa Williams, Delany Tavenner and Kirk McGowan celebrate the launch of their “project unicorn”. 27: Getting ready for the ribbon cutting at Purebred Compost’s launch party. 28: Nicole Cook (Evello) and Candice Gonzalez at the Grand Opening of Beyond Bijoux’s new location. Photography by Gayle Bryan

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

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APRIL 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Spring Polo at La Bourgogne Club de Polo LLC

New Delivery Service for Horse Show Patrons

Saturday Polo matches are open to the public every Saturday at 1pm, March 4th, 2023 through May 27th, 2023. Gates open at 12 pm. Join hundreds of fans each week for exciting polo action, live national anthem, theme weeks, half-time entertainment, food, drinks and traditional divot-stomping. To purchase tickets for Saturday Polo, please visit Eventbrite. For more information on sponsorship please contact Liv directly at (410) 935-6420.

Horse Show Express is a delivery service that tailors to the equine and canine needs of horse show patrons. Clients can order needed items from local tack and pet stores, arrange payment, and Horse Show Express will handle the pick up and delivery. They deliver to all Aiken horse show venues and to private barns. Clients can relax and let Horse Show Express handle the running around. Email Lisa at horseshowdelivery@gmail. com for more information. Photography Provided

Scan to read more. Scan to read more.

Assisted Living & Memory Care Coming Summer of 2023 Opening in Summer 2023, Aiken’s newest senior living community Oaks at Aiken will be an assisted living and memory care community, located on Whiskey Road at South Meadows Subdivision. This will be long-term care just as you had hoped would be available for your loved one. As a faith-based, family-operated and person-directed community, Oaks Senior Living strives to create vibrant, life-affirming environments where each person matters and everyone has opportunities for growth, regardless of age or abilities.

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Fripp Island at sunset is truly magical!

Explore Beaufort Editor’s Choice EXPLORE BEAUFORT AND HER SURROUNDING ISLANDS WITH AIKEN CITY LIFESTYLE’S REBECCA WILLIAMS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

R OA D T R IP | TR AVEL

In South Carolina, we are fortunate to be located within a day's drive to some of the best travel destinations in America. One of my favorite road trips will always be heading towards the Lowcountry with the windows down and the music up. There’s something magical about the Spanish moss and oyster beds gleaming in the sun with the seagrass blowing in the breeze as I approach my favorite destination along the South Carolina coast, Beaufort and her surrounding islands. The town of Beaufort boasts several large festivals such as the annual Beaufort Water Festival in July, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival in October, and the Beaufort Oyster Festival in January. These festivals are great excuses to check out the town for a day trip. When it comes to shopping, there are plenty of options; from

The Chocolate Tree for sweets to Scout Southern Market (voted one of the best shops of the south by Southern Living Magazine) for home goods, gifts, and their special sweet tea bar. While downtown, be sure to take a break from shopping to grab a bite and head over to Lost Local for their unique spin on Tex-Mex. While Beaufort has many sea islands around her coastline, my favorites are Harbor Island and Fripp Island. Just a short drive from downtown Beaufort, both Fripp and Harbor provide the perfect atmosphere for a low-key coastal getaway when a day trip just isn’t enough. Harbor Island is the home of Johnson Creek Tavern (JCT’s), one of the best seafood restaurants I have ever stumbled upon. Don’t let this little hole in the wall fool you - everything on its menu is fabulous. Fripp Island is my top pick for property rental for longer stays. With two golf courses, beautiful sandy beaches, an activity center for the kids, three pools, two restaurants, and a food court, you won’t have a hard time staying busy on the island. There are many ways to get around the island including kayak rentals, fishing charters and sunset cruises, but the preferred method of transportation on Fripp is a golf cart, hands down. Whatever you choose to do while visiting the Beaufort area, chances are you’ll be hooked!

The Historic Waterfront area of downtown Beaufort has some of the most beautiful homes. Taco trio from Lost Locals downtown!

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

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www.dirtychimney.llc AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

EXPLORE MONET’S GARDEN

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRIS HURD

JOIN LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT, KRIS HURD ON A VISIT TO MONET’S GARDEN

H OT SP OT | ARTS + CU LTURE

As the cold grey of winter begins to loosen its grip, my thoughts turn to the sunnier days of spring and look forward to warmer days, trees that are leafing out, and the vibrant colors of beautiful blooms to admire. Memories and pictures of our wonderful trip to Northern France were timed perfectly to admire this time of year in a different country. Starting in Normandy, in the charming little town of Bayeux, we traveled for about two weeks and ended in a lovely old French farmhouse-turned B&B just outside of Rouen in a little hamlet called Saint-Martin-deBoscherville. The location made it easy to explore the surrounding area including the city of Rouen and add on a day trip to Giverny to visit Monet’s Garden. Despite the boom in tourism, Giverny remains a small, picturesque village. When Claude Monet settled in Giverny in 1883, its population was 301; in 2019 it was only 494. An average of

400,000 tourists visit each year, surpassed in volume only by Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. With bucolic fields nearby, Giverny offers small, narrow roads with classic old French grey buildings that seem to have weathered the upheaval from wars fought over the past centuries. Now there are quaint shops and restaurants that dare to welcome the onslaught of tourists and art lovers. Various flowers were in bloom everywhere and visitors vied for outdoor seating for lunch or pastries under colorful umbrellas. Numerous gardeners worked in some of the formal gardens, trimming various hedges and other plants as if creating a masterpiece of their own. Upon entering Monet’s Garden, we walked into an amazing world of beautiful colors. We had arrived at what seemed like a peak bloom time! Vivid colors of every kind mixed with each other in no apparent order. It seemed as if Monet had dropped his paint palette with the colors splashing in all different directions. It must have been an amazing way to greet the day for the great artist to walk out from his house to this kaleidoscope of color. Trellises formed beautiful tunnels to walk through offering cool shade. Gorgeous blooms of Red Garden Dahlia, pink and cream-colored Foxglove, and purple Canterbury Bells mixed with pink, white, and purple Lupines, Bolivian Begonias the color of fire, and the ever-present red Poppies. The various types of flowers were too numerous to keep track of. Eventually, we followed the path to the Garden Pond. Splashes of color were everywhere, but here, the lushness of various trees gave off cooling shades of green. A bamboo grove followed a

portion of a path along a small stream. Despite lines of visitors, there seemed to be little noise as we suddenly happened upon the incredible inspiration for many of Monet’s works. The museum building is quite modern and houses beautiful works of art to gaze upon from Monet and many other artists both old and new. Monet’s Garden and house are open to the public April 1st through November 1st. The shoulder seasons of April and October are recommended for visiting, and our timing in May was perfect based on the abundance of flowers in full bloom. We had rented a car and Google maps took us everywhere with ease through the entire trip. Our preference is to go on the paths less traveled as well as stopping to see the more well-known sites on our journeys to different locations. I encourage my clients to do the same for a more culturally immersive experience, taking time to stop and smell the flowers along the way.

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

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AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

ARTICLE BY MEGHAN BISHOP PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

Explore Entertaining FOR THE MASTERS Augusta, Georgia is home to the tournament of all tournaments: The Masters. To know it is to love it. People from near and far including celebrities and even royals come to catch a glimpse of their favorite golfer and take in the beautiful, meticulously maintained course. The Masters Tournament is a world-class event steeped in tradition unlike any other, and to experience it is unforgettable. Here in Aiken, we root for our neighboring city and often act as a host-location for patrons to stay and explore while in town for the week. If you plan to entertain guests who have arrived from out of town or for friends gathering on Sunday to watch who will win the coveted green jacket or renters, there are a few unspoken necessities. First, there must be plenty of brews and suds aka beer. Without a doubt, beer is the number one beverage on and off the course. Have a small selection for guests to choose from; the National only has three choices. For our shoot, we opted for a dark ale from Fat Tire and the limited-edition Cheerwine Ale CONTINUED >

Tips to Tee Up The Perfect Masters Gathering

H OST IN G T IP S | EV ENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

H OST IN G T IP S | EV ENT PLANNI NG + S E RVI CE S

from Cork and Cap Bottle Shoppe, our go-to location in Aiken for wine and beer. For cocktails, we called on our Augusta friends at 2nd City Distilling Co. for a simple Gin and Tonic. You could also substitute Vodka to make an easy citrus spritzer. While entertaining for the Masters, be sure to serve easy-to-eat finger foods that evoke the spirit of Augusta National. Egg salad sandwiches, pimento cheese sandwiches, and BBQ sandwiches are a must on the menu. Other items to round out the Southern cuisine are potato chips, boiled peanuts, fresh peaches (we love ours with cake), candied bacon, and Moon Pies. Finally, any centerpieces making an appearance should be no-fuss, easy arrangements. Magnolias are always a classic, and fresh-cut Hydrangeas from the yard boast beautiful blooms that will set the stage for a memorable event as history is being made at the beloved golf course. Until then, hit 'em straight and hit & 'em long!

Pimiento Cheese and Egg Salad Sandwiches Blue Collard Market BBQ Sandwiches - Pot Smokers BBQ Aiken Beer and Wine - Cork and Cap Bottle Shoppe Gin and Vodka- 2nd City Distilling Co. Vanilla Cake - Nothing Bundt Cakes Aiken Styling and Florals - Meghan Bishop and Maggie Rassmusen Renter’s Gift box includes items from Cork and Cap Bottle Shoppe, Fresh Water Design Co., and Cleanse Gourmet. Hand painted Bourbon by Debbie Real. Board in Aiken offers Charcuterie boxes that are always a treat to have in the fridge for renters, as well as guests. Give Ashley and Casey a call to order your own!

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

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Sunrise at Boneyard Beach on Bulls Island

Aiken City Lifestyle Publisher and Wildlife Photographer, Gayle Bryan, Shares Some of Her Favorite Coastal Carolina Spots to Explore

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | S PORTS + RE CRE ATI ON

EXPLORE OUTDOORS PUBLISHER’S CHOICE

Roseate Spoonbill at Huntington Beach State Park

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAYLE BRYAN

Most that know me would agree that I am averse to mornings. When we first got married, my husband would get up on Saturday mornings and fix breakfast. He stopped when he realized I would eat and go back to bed. Imagine his surprise when, once or twice a month after our nest emptied, I set my alarm for three a.m. on Saturday morning to head somewhere along the South Carolina coast to join a kayaking excursion or just to catch the golden light of sunrise. As far as mid-life crises go, it is fairly benign and has allowed me to interact with nature and wildlife in ways that I could never have imagined. So, when pondering this month’s theme of explore, my mind immediately traveled outdoors. My contribution to this issue is to share some of my favorite places to explore in South Carolina and the images I have captured there. If you want a taste of nature without going too far off the beaten path, Hunting Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet is a good place to start. Wildlife is abundant and you don’t have to venture far from your car to find it. If you are lucky, you might spot a

painted bunting as you make your way from your vehicle to the causeway. Walking along the causeway, keep your eyes peeled for alligators, mink, bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, herons, egrets, and brown and white pelicans. The Cypress Wetlands in Port Royal is another great spot to observe wildlife in different habitats without much risk of getting a tick. A boardwalk surrounds the bird rookery, and if you hit it near sunset, you can observe hundreds of wading birds returning to their nests and the alligators in the waters beneath patrolling and protecting them from other predators. Speaking of alligators, I came across the big, ugly one pictured here when I was hiking through the rice fields at Caw-Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel. I turned a corner, and there he was. I clicked off some quick shots and backed away slowly! One of my favorite images is of a white ibis on a cypress knee I shot at Audubon Center & Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest in Harleyville. Frances Beidler is a songbird paradise and the world’s largest virgin cypress-tupelo swamp forest.

Tri-Colored Heron at Huntington Beach State Park

CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

Strand-feeding dolphins at Captain Sam's Spit

White Ibis on Cypress Knee at Francis Beidler Forest Audubon Center and Sanctuary

O UT D OOR A DV E N T U R E | S PORTS + RE CRE ATI ON

Massive alligator at Caw-Caw Interpretive Center

The boneyard beach at Botany Bay on Edisto Island is a great place to catch a sunrise. The bleached-out felled trees against the backdrop of a Carolina pink and orange sky is something that everyone should see in person. Check the tide chart before you go because there is not a ton of beach left due to erosion. Bulls Island, an uninhabited barrier island off the Charleston coast, has it all including a pristine boneyard beach (the shelling is unbelievable), close to 300 bird species and over 1,000 alligators. You can get there by kayak or ferry with Coastal Expeditions. Captain Sam’s Spit is a sandy inlet on the southern end of Kiawah Island and one of the few places on earth that you can observe dolphins strand feeding. Strand-feeding is a learned behavior wherein pods of dolphins work together to corral fish onto shore, breach and quickly gobble them up. One fine day I hauled my camera gear the mile and a quarter jaunt from Beachwalker Park in hopes of seeing this phenomenon for myself. I lucked out and saw them breach several times including once close to where I was set up. Fortunately, my camera settings were already set because I was too caught up in the moment to give them a second thought! My outdoor exploring has temporarily taken a backseat to the great adventure of publishing Aiken City Lifestyle every month, but I hope to see you out enjoying our great state soon.

Great Blue Heron at Huntington Beach State Park

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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. 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 AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N

E X P L O R E A I K E N Join Us on a Tour of Historic Aiken with Pedego Bicylces

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ELVIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

Aiken has grown by leaps and bounds recently but still conveys the feeling of a quaint, southern town that offers much to explore. Locals and tourists alike enjoy its history, bustling downtown shops and restaurants, impressive architecture, and beautiful greenspaces. It’s not uncommon to see people sight-seeing and traveling through Aiken on horseback, in a golf cart, or even in a horse-drawn carriage, but there’s a new way to get around. Pedego Electric Bikes offer an exciting way to venture around Aiken, and the guided tour through historic downtown is definitely a must-do! CONTINUED >

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It’s not uncommon to see people traveling through Aiken on horseback, by golf cart, or in a horse-drawn carriage, but there’s a new way to get around. Pedego Electric Bikes. One of the stops on the tour is the Old Post Office located on the corner of Laurens Street and Park Avenue. Built in 1912, the Classical Revival architecture is a fixture in the downtown area. Stories of people gathering around the front entrance to watch Fred Astaire dance down the steps after checking his mail are sure to entertain. The Aiken County Historical Museum, named Banksia after the Banksia Rose, served as a home during the “Winter Colony” days. It was originally a smaller home. In order to make it a proper cottage, an addition was built to have a total of 32 rooms, 15 bathrooms, and a grand ballroom. Today, Banksia offers a trip down memory lane and lessons in Aiken’s history. Another interesting stop on the tour is The Willcox Hotel on Colleton Avenue. This grand inn was built in the late 19th Century and served as a luxurious place for wealthy northerners who migrated here for mild weather, lavish accommodations, and days spent playing polo. Many famous people walked through the doors of The Willcox from Franklin Roosevelt to Winston Churchill and even royalty. Speaking of days spent playing polo, another tour location is the historic Whitney Polo Field on Mead Avenue. The first polo game was played in Aiken in 1882 and is still played throughout the year from March-July and September-November. Riding down the dirt roads of the Aiken horse district will lead you right to Whitney where you can step foot on one of the oldest polo fields still used today. No historic tour would be complete without a trip down the iconic live oak tunnel on

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South Boundary Avenue. Live oaks, unlike other deciduous oaks, drop their leaves and grow new ones gradually, so they appear to stay “live” all year. No matter when you take your Pedego historic tour, you’ll be able to enjoy the impressive thoroughfare that has guided so many to downtown Aiken. The guided Pedego bike tour through Aiken makes for the perfect day with friends or family. Owned by Coker Day and located in The Village at Woodside, these bikes provide a fun way to explore all that Aiken has to offer. Bikes can be rented by the hour or by the day for an independent adventure, but be sure to plan for the historic tour. Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are new to the area, put this on your bucket list! scencyclopedia.org visitaikensc.com scpictureproject.org

THANKS TO OUR EXPLORERS! Ashley and Casey from Board in Aiken charcuterie, are big fans of the Pedago tours. We caught up with them on Park Ave. enjoying the day. Jordan Dunbar of Cyndi's Sweet Shoppe caught up with Callie and Ivey Claire Huiet of Palmetto Muay Thai and Kickboxing, on Mead Ave. in the horse district, and later treated everyone to truffles at Banksia. It never hurts to add sweets to the tour! Chris Williams, owner of East Coast Custom Detail, stopped by the Willcox before hitting the gym. He is joined by Aiken Chamber of Commerce's Jim Tunison, and Delany Tavenner with Purebred Compost. Nothing better than catching up with friends and staying active!

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1165 Coleman Bridge Rd, Wagener, SC 2023 Spring Season 9 weeks of Pro-Am Polo (dates subject to change due to weather) April 8th April 15th April 22nd April 29th May 6th May 13th May 20th May 27th June 3rd

Saturday pro-am polo matches are open to the public every Saturday at 2 pm, from early April to the first weekend of June. Gates open at 12 pm. Join hundreds of fans each week for exciting polo action featuring some of Aiken’s best pros and sponsors, live national anthem, half-time entertainment, food, drinks and traditional divot-stomping. To purchase pavilion tickets for Saturday Polo, or for more information on sponsorship and reserved pavilion boxes please contact club manager Liv Berube directly at (803) 989-9753.

labourgognepoloclub@gmail.com | V @labourgogneclubdepolo | B La Bourgogne Club de Polo LLC |

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Explore Philanthropy Aiken Native Savannah Black and Her Husband Luke Serve Zambians through Hands of Hope

The journey for Hands of Hope began with a seventeen-year-old girl from Aiken named Savannah when she took a short mission trip to Zambia, a nation in southern Africa. Zambia is one of the poorest countries in the world with 60 percent of the population living below the international poverty line and 40 percent of those people living in extreme poverty. While it is a very peaceful country full of people who prioritize community, we still see theft, hunger, disease, child marriage, and lack of resources running rampant as an effect. After feeling called by God that Zambia was where Savannah was supposed to be, she stayed with a local pastor she had met on the trip two years earlier and began working for the summer in schools that served children in poverty. There were small kids running around on streets filled with trash and dirty water. People burned plastic to start fires in order to cook food. School children were packed in small rooms with barely any space to sit and left unattended for large amounts of time simply copying from a chalkboard. It was clear that God had more in store for the people in front of her. So, the next summer, as a twenty-year-old college student, she and Zambian Pastor Bitwell Njovu started a school for orphans and vulnerable children in a few rooms of a rented house. They spent the summer renovating, planting a garden, finding quality teachers, and identifying those who didn’t have access to education. By the end of that summer, there were fifty children orphaned or in desperate situations in the school who were given access to daily nutrition and quality education. Currently, 25 percent of Zambia’s poorest children between ages seven to thirteen are not attending school. Also, 28 percent of 15-24 year olds have not completed primary education (up to grade seven) in Zambia. In the midst of so much need, God is bringing revival and hope to His people by putting those who can help in front of it all. Since then, the school that is now called Hands of Hope Trust School has over 300 hundred children from pre-K to grade seven. Surrounding schools and local leaders are amazed at the success of the children that attend this school, and the school continues to pray for room for all of the children in need that hope to attend. What started as two very different people following what they felt God led them to do, has now become a nonprofit with many areas of ministry- Hands of Hope.

Nancy, Savannah’s grandmother, accompanied her for the first two weeks one summer and felt passionate that these children needed help at home. She began the child sponsorship program. They, along with people from around the CSRA, created a nonprofit to partner in God’s mission in Zambia, and Hands of Hope is now a registered 5013c nonprofit organization. Hands of Hope’s child sponsorship program serves individual orphans and vulnerable children by providing food at home, clothes, and access to education. There are currently sixty children sponsored as well as four individuals under college sponsorship where they are given advanced education to help transform communities through their line of work. Hands of Hope also has plans in the bush where you can find people living in mud homes without running water or electricity. They plan to build a place for children and families to promote transformation using church plants, a trade center, business center, school, and sustainable agriculture. Since coming to Zambia, guests and board members of Hands of Hope have experienced life and God in a whole new way. There is amazing beauty in how the people who are given very little in life have amazing compassion and warmth. Zambian people practice generosity that knows no bounds, hospitality that continues to create close friendships, and whole-hearted worship that shows God’s fullness and joy. Zambians experiencing hardship are not afraid to ask for help, and their neighbors will share what they have in order to lift others up. Experiencing such blessings is certainly two-fold for Americans who come to serve, oftentimes feeling like they received more from the Zambian people than they were able to give while there. Currently, Savannah and her husband, Luke, live in Zambia working full-time with Pastor Bitwell as God moves in and through Hands of Hope. If you would like to learn more about Hands of Hope’s story and missions, please visit handsofhopeus.com. There are many abounding needs for these children and families experiencing poverty in Zambia.

Sources borgenproject.org/tag/hunger-in-zambia/

ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH AND LUKE BLACK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

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Savannah and Luke Black will be adding a new little addition to their family before heading back to minister in Zambia.

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APRIL 2023

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

A P RIL 4 T H

Annual Aiken Art Walk

H ISTORIC DOW N TOWN AIKEN , A I K E N, S C | 5 :0 0 P M The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department, the City of Aiken Arts Commission, and Aiken Downtown Development Association present the annual Aiken Art Walk. This event brings together emerging and established visual and performing artists, farmers and artisans, arts organizations, locals, and tourists alike. Delight in the musical talents of street-side performers while you peruse pop-up shops of 40 gifted artisans. Downtown shops will be open late. Admission is free! A P RIL 1 4 T H

Chapel Hart Glory Days Tour

T HREE STAR VIN EYARD AN D OR C H A R D, J O H NSTO N, S C | 6 :0 0 P M Top five America's Got Talent finalist, Chapel Hart, returns to Three Star Vineyard and Orchard with Lucas Hoge and Rosevelt. Gate opens at 5 PM. Show begins at 6:30. ABSOLUTELY NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL OR COOLERS!! Food trucks will be on site. Purchase tickets through Eventbrite. A PR I L 1 4 T H- 1 6T H

South Carolina Food and Culture Festival

NEWBER RY STR EET, DOW N TOWN A I KE N, S C The South Carolina Food and Culture Festival, brought to you by Foodees, is a one-of-a-kind event taking place in the heart of Historic Downtown Aiken. Experience an array of world-class cuisine from various cultures, as well as a diverse collection of artists, crafters, makers, and artisans from all walks of life. A P RIL 2 2 N D

Aiken Junior Woman's Club Hope Gala 2023

AIKEN CEN TER FOR THE ARTS, A I KE N, S C | 7 :0 0 P M Enjoy a night of food, drink, dancing and fun at the Aiken Junior Woman's Club's Hope Gala 2023! All proceeds from the event support the club's annual scholarship fund, which provides scholarships to local young women as they graduate high school. Included with your ticket: two drink tickets + cash bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres and music by DJ Michael Wishman. A P RIL 2 2 N D

Aiken Symphony Orchestra's Masterworks Series "Heroic Beethoven"

T HE ETHERREDG E CEN TER, AI KE N, S C | 7 :30 P M The evening celebrates Beethoven with Symphony No. 3 "Eroica" and concludes with internationally acclaimed pianist Phillip Bush playing Piano Concerto #4. This will be the final MasterWorks concert of the season. A P RIL 2 9 T H

Pineapple Festival

MEMOR IAL BAPTIST CHURCH, A I K E N, S C | 8 :0 0 A M Fun-filled community event with huge flea market. Bid on a large selection of themed silent auction baskets, which make the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Bring your appetite and enjoy food and drink sales with delicious lunch specials. And for dessert, shop the bake sale for homemade goodies by church members and donations from local bakeries.

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Explore By Sea JOIN THE ALLEN FAMILY ON THEIR HOLIDAY CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY ALLEN

When Mary Allen and her family went to plan their dream holiday cruise vacation, they knew it was going to be a challenge. Mary’s crew included thirteen people, four of which were children, ages six years old to twenty. She decided to reach out to a travel agent to lighten the load. Mary connected with agent Brian Adams, lovingly known to clients as “Pop Pop”. Brian planned the vacation of their dreams; Christmas in the Bahamas. Mary raved, “Pop Pop is one of the most knowledgeable, professional, caring and supportive travel consultants all the way from the beginning stages through the very end of the trip!” When the much-awaited day to depart finally arrived, Brian had a detailed itinerary for the family complete for each day of the trip. Mary also pointed out the personalized decorations in their rooms upon boarding and the beautiful cake that was enjoyed by all of the family members. There were many activities available and several planned specifically for the family, Mary mentioned the Atlantis water park, Aquadventure, as being an activity they all wanted to check off their bucket lists. The largest water park in the Caribbean, Aquadventure is 141 acres of water activities that Carnival Cruise passengers can visit with a day pass. Another event that made their Christmas unlike any other was the dolphin experience. After gaining the courage to splash into the dolphin pen, Mary and her family made their way to their new dolphin friends. “Once we were with the dolphins and began swimming, the adults were a little timid; the children, however, were in heaven! It was an experience of a lifetime.” Thanks to Pop Pop, the Allen family had a Christmas vacation they will remember fondly.

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