Aiken, SC July 2023

The Summer Fun Issue

EXPLORE HITCHCOCK WOODS

MEET THE BLUEBIRD GUY JULY

Summer Fun!

Summer is here, and it brings so many of my favorite things with it! Longer days, homemade ice cream, fireworks and cookouts with friends, just for starters.

Nothing says summer like listening to live music under the stars. Between Aiken Music Fest, Amp the Alley, and the musical offerings at Three Star Vineyard and Orchard, Aiken has a plethora of options to enjoy. We check out what all three have coming up.

I am always looking for an excuse to be outdoors, and Hitchcock Woods is an Aiken treasure that is meant to be explored. Whether you are hiking, riding or birdwatching in Hitchcock this summer, make sure it is early in the day or late in the afternoon. One thing we know for sure that July brings to Aiken is the heat.

Speaking of bird watching, bluebird season is in full swing this month, so we sat down with local bluebird expert, Mike DeBruhl, to learn everything we need to know about conservation efforts in our area to protect the little blue beauties.

Finally, local celebrity chef, Vera Stewart offers up some recipes that are sure to be a hit at any summer soirée.

I am writing this and watching the sun set over the beach in Grand Cayman, observing my favorite summer tradition-vacation! Grand Cayman has become a favorite spot of ours to relax, enjoy time with family and friends and immerse ourselves in the beauty of creation. I swam with sea turtles today, so just know that if you run into me anytime soon, I will be showing off my pics and videos.

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer with the important people in your life!

See you next month!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Rebecca Williams | rebecca.williams@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Ashley Elvis

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Elvis, Nikita Haniff, Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER @AIKENCITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Cecelia Roust (Neon Fig) serving up Mimosas and Bloody Marys for Aiken Brunch Fest. 2: James See (Nothing Bundt Cakes) is popular wherever he goes. It might be the cakes. 3: Bobby Ard (Beyond Bijoux) lending a hand at Aiken Brunch Fest. 4: Scott Baldwin and Mariah Navarre making the most of Aiken Brunch Fest. 5: Nothing beats Amp the Alley on a Thursday night! 6: Mike Johnson and friend enjoying the band at Amp the Alley. 7: Amp the Alley is the perfect date night. Photography by Gayle Bryan

8: Tavy and Daryl Perry debuting their 360 photo booth at Amp the Alley. 9: Polo is a family affair in Aiken. 10: A perfect Saturday afternoon at La Bourgogne Club de Polo. 11: Front row seats for the Pro-Am Derby Classic La Bourgogne Club de Polo. 12: Best seats in the house for the Pro-Am Derby Classic at La Bourgogne Club de Polo. 13: Polo and champagne are a winning combination at La Bourgogne Club de Polo. 14: Liv Stringer Berube showing off the roses for the Pro-Am Derby Classic at La Bourgogne.

Photography by Gayle Bryan

15: Wendell Culbreath (The DUBBER) entertains guests at Southerlee Farm during SC Ag & Art Fest. 16: Kate VanCantfort of Southerlee Farm talks sustainability at the SC Ag & Art Tour. 17: A little rain didn’t stop Flawless Glow’s grand opening event! (photo: RW)

MEET THE BLUEBIRD GUY

If you ever have the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee with Woodside resident Mike DeBruhl,  be prepared to be interrupted. Some of the friendliest people you will ever meet are bound to stop by your table just to say hi or even approach with burning questions about bluebirds and their bluebird boxes. Mike, known around these parts as The Bluebird Guy, is the president of the South Carolina Bluebird Society, sits on the board of the North American Blue Bird Society and is the local expert on all things bluebirds.

Mike’s fascination with bluebirds began shortly after he and his wife retired to Aiken. Not long after, Jim Burke, another Woodside resident, and some friends formed the South Carolina Bluebird Society. Mike was invited to a meeting and, as a result, started monitoring about three nest boxes around town. According to him, just like every other monitor that does it, he was hooked once he saw the babies. In 2017, Jim moved to North Carolina, and Mike succeeded him as president.

The mission of the South Carolina Bluebird Society is the protection, monitoring, conservation and propagation

of the Eastern Bluebird. Encompassed in that mission is education. The Society gives 30-45 presentations to different groups around the state including civic organizations and garden clubs. Their presentations and workshops at local businesses like Cold Creek Nurseries and Wild Birds Unlimited are known to draw big crowds. They run the “Build a Nest Box” program around the state which teaches kids about bluebird conservation, and each child leaves with a nest box that they helped build.

Another part of the education piece is the two $1,500 scholarships they established with USC-Aiken that go to junior and senior biology students who are interested in wildlife management. This has been a win-win for the organization as the students help with research. The scholarship recipients recently conducted a study for the society that involved the more than 100 bluebird boxes in Hitchcock Woods.

Eastern Bluebirds build their nests in natural tree cavities and woodpecker holes. The problem for bluebirds began after World War II as urban areas began to grow and trees were cut down leaving

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAYLE BRYAN

Woodside Resident Mike DeBruhl Is On a Mission to Protect Bluebirds

Mama Bluebird Takes Off When Mike DeBruhl checks on the eggs.

them homeless. As a result, the bluebird population dropped by about 92% between the 1920s to the 1970s.

Enter nest boxes. Conservationists designed wooden nest boxes that mimic natural cavities and provide protection from House Sparrows (the natural enemy of the bluebird) and other predators.

The South Carolina Bluebird Society maintains more than 1,700 nest boxes across the state and has developed 85 trails. There are more than 400 boxes in Woodside Plantation and another 100+ in Hitchcock Woods which are monitored by DeBruhl and a team of volunteers. During bluebird season, which runs February through August, nest boxes are checked weekly for predators and pests including the dreaded House Sparrow, snakes, raccoons, hawks and mites.

Observing a nest as it is in progress, the appearance of eggs (Mom lays one egg a day for an average brood size of three to five), the arrival of hatchlings and watching them grow are what keep volunteers like Mike engaged and excited to keep up the efforts for bluebird conservation. If you are very lucky, you might be around for “Jump Day” when the babies leave the nest or fledge.

Opening and checking the nests may seem counterintuitive if you were taught that birds would reject their young if they picked up human scent, but that is an old wives-tale. Birds don’t have a strong sense of smell, and bluebirds are generally very tolerant of human activity.

For many Aiken residents, bluebird conservation has become a way of life and is something they enjoy sharing with their kids and grandkids. That is certainly true for DeBruhl. He sees bluebirds as a symbol of happiness and hope and doing his part to protect and preserve them gives him a great feeling of purpose and accomplishment.

Visit southcarolinabluebirds.org for more information about bluebird conservation, nest boxes and the South Carolina Bluebird Society.

Mama and Daddy Bluebird work together to stand guard and feed their babies.

Bluebird nests usually contain between three and five eggs.

Glen Hendry and Mike DeBruhl monitoring the bluebird boxes at the Reserve Club.

This Baby Bluebird is about two weeks old and will be fledging any day now.

EXPLORE HITCHCOCK WOODS!

ENJOY ONE OF THE NATION’S LARGEST URBAN FORESTS THIS SUMMER WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ELVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAYLE BRYAN, REBECCA WILLIAMS & PROVIDED BY THE HITCHCOCK WOODS FOUNDATION

If a visit to Hitchcock Woods, the largest privately-owned forest in the United States, isn’t on your summer bucket list, then be sure to add it!  Bennett Tucker, Woods Superintendent, along with Eric Grande, Mike Grabowski, and an awesome office staff and incredibly hard-working volunteers work to protect and care for the land that spans almost 2,100 acres through the city of Aiken. This urban forest not only provides a healthy ecosystem for hundreds of species of plants and wildlife but also boasts around 70 miles of named trails for hikers and horseback riders. Hitchcock Woods is the perfect place for some summer recreation!

From the tiniest fern to the National Champion Longleaf Pine Tree (appropriately named Champ), the plant life in Hitchcock Wood is thriving. The woods staff works year round to manage the vegetation, as it would naturally exist, through conservation efforts and prescribed burning. There are also hundreds of animals to spot: deer, egrets, owls, ducks, turkey, many other types of birds and reptiles and, of course, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

This endangered woodpecker now thrives in Hitchcock Woods after seven years of work to increase the population. Today the number of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers exceeds 50 with over 30 new nestlings born this spring! Take a walk on one of the trails or have a scavenger hunt with your kids through the woods to try to spot as many of these wonders as you can! Tucker recommends using one of the maps that are placed at each of the entrances or the free app, All Trails, packing plenty of water and choosing a route before heading in for a hike or horseback ride.

Though walking the trails is probably what comes to mind for most when they think about a visit to the woods, there are many other activities to fill the summer days. For those looking for solace and relaxation, Hitchcock Woods will definitely deliver. There are many open fields and small bodies of water that offer quiet places to sit, enjoy a book, have a picnic or view wildlife. Geocaching, an activity where a phone app or GPS is used to hide and find containers or

“Geocaches” that are located at certain places, are a popular activity and would be a fun adventure for adults and kids. There are three official geocaches in Hitchcock Woods for folks to try to find.

Hitchcock Woods is beloved by equestrian enthusiasts as it is a beautiful setting to ride over natural terrain in the middle of Aiken. Those without horses including inexperienced riders can enjoy the woods by horseback thanks to LaDonna Heise, owner of The Trail Riding Company. She and her stable of horses take riders of all abilities out to explore the wonder that is Hitchcock Woods several times a week.

There’s also a place for history buffs in Hitchcock Woods! Donated by the Hitchcock

Family in 1939, there are so many interesting stories explaining trail names and certain locations like The Tea Cottage which was built in the 1920s for tea time after hunts. It burned to the ground twice but visitors can walk to the location by the Tea Cottage trail. This is one of Tucker’s favorites because it is flat and shady and makes an easy walk for anyone. Cathedral Aisle, another favorite trail, is where the Charleston to Hamburg railroad ran in the early 1830s and is the first rail-trail in the country to be recognized by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Other points of interest for history lovers are Memorial Gate, 1977 Burn, Gamekeeper’s Lodge Hill and The Horse Show Ring. The Hitchcock Woods Foundation website has a lot of information to read over before visiting.

Whether you are seeking solitude, a moment to reconnect to nature, educational information, or a way to just get some energy out, a visit to Hitchcock Woods will do it all! Aiken is so fortunate to have this easy-to-access urban oasis, so be sure to explore the woods this summer. If you happen to see our woodsman, Bennett Tucker, be sure to say hello and bend his ear; he has a wealth of knowledge and his passion for the woods and conservation is abundant. Maybe even try to spot the infamous world-record holder Longleaf Pine, Champ!  CONTINUED >

BURN BABY BURN!

The prescribed burns that take place in Hitchcock Woods may seem to go against what we were always taught about forest fires. Fire is a natural process in the Longleaf pine ecosystem, and these carefully executed burns are controlled by a skilled burn crew and are actually a necessity for a healthy and resilient forest. Led by Bennett Tucker, Eric Grande, and Mike Grabowski, a team of fire managers and members of their volunteer fire crew conducts these burns to certain sections of the woods. The burns promote forest health by mimicking natural processes of an ecosystem. This action prevents wildfires and promotes ground cover such as native grasses, legumes and forbs. It also benefits wildlife habitats by providing an ecosystem conducive to foraging and building nests. These burns take place throughout the year and are announced by signs at the entrances. The burn crew does take volunteers who are willing to participate in training. You can contact the Hitchcock Woods Foundation office for more volunteer information.

A Very Vera Summer!

Entertaining friends and family in the summer months is a staple in the south. We turned to none other than Vera Stewart for recipes that will be the perfect addition to your summer gatherings. Whether it’s for a birthday, the Fourth of July or to simply get the kids together, Vera’s new cookbook, The Very Vera Cookbook Occasions, offers dishes that will impress your guests for all the occasions in your life!

ARTICLE AND

BY REBECCA WILLIAMS

A picture-worthy dessert that will wow all the guests at the BBQ! The fresh berries are the perfect accompaniment to the pound cake. For this recipe, Vera used the lemon crisp pound cake from her first cookbook, but you can also choose to use the cream cheese pound cake or even the citrus blueberry pound cake.

ingredients:

• 1 pound cake of choice, we suggest using Trip’s Lemon Crisp Pound Cake from The Very VeraCookbook: Recipes from My Table

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries, stems removed and sliced

• 12 ounces fresh blueberries

• 6 ounces fresh raspberries, optional

• 1⁄3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 (5-ounce) package instant French Vanilla pudding mix

• 1 1⁄2 cups whole milk

• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature

• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 1⁄2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

prep time:

30 minutes

yield:

1 large trifle dish, approximately 10 servings

directions:

1. Cube the pound cake into about 1-inch pieces. You will need enough cake cubes to make three layers in the trifle dish. You may have leftover pound cake.

2. Mix together the berries and sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside until ready to assemble.

3. In a large bowl, beat together the pudding mix and whole milk. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy. Add in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. Fold in the pudding mixture.

4. To assemble the trifle, start with 1⁄3 of the cake cubes in the bottom of the container. Dollop 1⁄3 of the custard mixture, 1⁄3 of the berry mixture, and repeat until all ingredients are used.

5. Cover and refrigerate the trifle until ready to serve. The dessert can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours .

fourth of july pound cake trifle

Vera was given this recipe as a newlywed, and it came with a note to take it to summer BBQs or any gathering.  You’re going to love it, too!

ingredients:

• 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni

• 1 cup Hellmann’s® mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard

• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon celery seed

• Pinch garlic powder

• 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage* (not grated)

• 1 cup coarsely shredded carrot

• 1⁄2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper

• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

directions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, then drain, and let cool.

2. In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and seasonings.

3. Once macaroni has cooled, place in a large bowl and add in the cabbage, carrot, green bell pepper, and green onion. Mix well.

4. Pour in the mayonnaise dressing and gently toss until combined. Cover and chill for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving.

5. Salt and pepper to taste and enjoy! Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and will last for several days.

*Angel Hair Coleslaw from the grocery store can be used, but Vera prefers to thinly slice her own cabbage with a very sharp knife.

prep time: yield: chill time:

25 minutes

Makes 8 servings; 1 cup serving 2 to 3 hours

macaroni salad

The original name of this recipe is Cauliflower Dip. The original recipe card was actually printed in Vera’s first cookbook, The Very Vera Cookbook: Recipes from My Table (page 179). Beau Monde seasoning may be difficult to find in the local grocery store. If so, it is available to order online. This dip is great for vegetables or crackers of choice.

ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup Hellmann’s® mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon dry onion soup mix

• 1 tablespoon dill weed

• 1 tablespoon Spice Islands®

Beau Monde seasoning

prep time:

5 minutes

chill time:

2 hours

yield:

Makes 2 cups

directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix the sour cream and mayonnaise.

2. Add in the seasonings and mix well.

3. Chill for at least 2 hours or until ready to serve. Serve with cauliflower, squash, celery, carrots, and/or cucumbers

collaborators-

Catering- VERA  @verahospitality  veraagusta.com

Styling- Liz Roy, Southern Roots Collective  @southern.roots.collective

Location- The Pine House Venue  @thepinehouse.trentonsc

Hydrangeas & Fruits- Cold Creek Nurseries  @coldcreeknurseries_csra

Table and Chairs- Ranco Events

beau monde vegetable dip

Sounds of Summer

AIKEN’S SUMMER MUSICAL OFFERINGS

Music has methodically shaped our world since the dawn of time. The melodies, the lyrics, the intermingling of skin tingling sounds work like a cohesive binder to bring us together even if only for a moment. Time shifts to a more leisurely pace as that first harmonic note is sung and you catch a couple locking eyes in acknowledgment over a shared memory surrounded in music, you see a toddler dancing haphazardly to a catchy tune, or you see a tear slowly roll down a time-weathered cheek as a moment long forgotten becomes alive again. Music is a generous gift, and Aiken and its surrounding areas are continuously drenched in its rhythmic blessings. If music is your preferred calling card, you will find three stellar local options to satiate your tastes this summer: Amp the Alley in Downtown Aiken on Thursday nights, the Aiken Music Fest at the Highfields Event Center and Three Star Vineyard and Orchard.

AMP THE ALLEY

ALLEY IN DOWNTOWN AIKEN, SC

Get lost under the twinkling lights of The Alley and walk down her paved thoroughfare on Thursday nights to saturate yourself in live music. Every Thursday you can enjoy enticing bands of various genres. The notes hit differently as you co-mingle with locals and enjoy the historic atmosphere and familial vibe of this musical tradition.

THE

AIKEN MUSIC FEST

HIGHFIELDS EVENT CENTER

If you long for the unadulterated clarity of sound you find in an open expanse of grassy fields, then the Aiken Music Fest is ready to romanticize you. Saturday nights are magical under the open sky and filled with unimaginable musical talent. Grab a blanket and bring the family or a special someone for a memorable experience.

THREE

STAR VINEYARD AND ORCHARD

JOHNSTON, SC

Meander on down to Johnston, South Carolina, and you won’t just find muscadine and scuppernong vines but a venue boasting impressive musical selections. Step into an electric atmosphere that almost feels too grand for the countryside but somehow is perfectly balanced. The venue, the music and the wine form a symbiotic relationship that favors any visitor.

UPCOMING SHOWS

July 8th, 2023

Soulful Reunion Music Festival 172 Holmes Pond Road Johnston, SC threestarvando.com

July 20th, 2023

Kenny George The Alley, Aiken, SC ampthealley.com

July 27th, 2023

Forest Colter The Alley, Aiken, SC ampthealley.com

August 10th, 2023

Ruskin Yeargain The Alley, Aiken, SC ampthealley.com

August 12th, 2023

Hustle Souls 118 Gaston Road NE Aiken, SC  aikenmusicfest.com

August 24th, 2023

Muz Mercer  The Alley, Aiken, SC ampthealley.com

September 1st, 2023

Captain Midnight Band 118 Gaston Road NE Aiken, SC aikenmusicfest.com

October 13th, 2023

Big Sky Revival 118 Gaston Road NE Aiken, SC aikenmusicfest.com

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

events

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

JULY 4TH

Celebrate the Fourth of July

THE VILLIAGE AT WOODSIDE | 7:00 PM

Come celebrate the Fourth of July with live music, food trucks and fireworks!

2nd Annual Tomato Pie Festival

BOONDOCK FARMS | 10:00 AM

Enjoy vendors, live local music, food trucks and browsing the Boondock Farms Store. This year there will be even more tomato pies!

Savannah River Ecology Lab

AIKEN COUNTY LIBRARY | 2:00 PM

Learn about local wildlife courtesy of the Savannah River Ecology Lab! Seating is limited.

Aiken Master Gardener Lunch Box Series- Jack Keck

MILLBROOK BAPTIST CHURCH | 12:00 PM

South Carolina Wildlife Federation's Jeff Keck presents "Bringing More Color to Your Garden". For more info visit aikenmastergardeners.org

Adam Murray

AIKEN COMMUNITY THEATRE | 7:30 PM

Adam Murray returns to Aiken, this time bringing Dave Yates and Steve Peters. Portions of the proceeds to benefit South Aiken High School. Must be 18+ to attend. Tickets can be purchased through eventbrite. This was a sold out show last year.

BBQ & Sweet Tea Festival

GENERATIONS PARK | 10:00 AM

A family friendly event with BBQ & sweet tea competitions, live music, corn hole competition, hot dog eating contest and kids area. Register and purchase tickets through eventbrite.

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