24 minute read
Points of Interest
For more on the following points of interest, visit: www.TBredCountry.org
AIKEN COUNTY
Living History Park, 299 W Spring Grove Ave, North Augusta. 803-279-7560. Plays host to special events including Colonial Times which exhibits examples of everyday life in the 18 th century. A meeting house, backwoods cabin, smoke house, blacksmith forge, cabinet shop, mercantile, grist mill, the pottery, guardhouse, post & print shop, Colonial barn and tavern round out the park. Located at the entrance to the park is the Sensory Garden, one of only a few accessible sensory gardens for the sight impaired. The total access garden is of the 21 st century in a Colonial setting. The park is open dawn to dusk, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. www.colonialtimes.us Historic North Augusta, Brochure available at the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce, 406 West Ave, 803-279-2323. Chartered in 1906, North Augusta includes the site of two early towns; Campbell Town, a trading post before the American Revolution and Hamburg, an early terminus of the S.C. Rail Road. James U. Jackson founded North Augusta Land Co. in 1890. Later, in 1891 he built a bridge over the river and a trolley line in 1897. By 1902, the trolley ran from Augusta, GA to North Augusta and then to Aiken. Several properties within North Augusta are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. SRP Park, 187 Railroad Ave, North Augusta. 803-349-9467. Entertainment venue. Home of the Augusta GreenJackets, a minor league baseball team. Concerts and other events scheduled throughout the year. Rental space available. www.greenjacketsbaseball.com
Wade Hampton Veterans Park, 226 Georgia Ave, North Augusta. North Augusta Parks, Recreation, & Tourism. 803-441-4300. Dedicated to the memory of Civil War General Wade Hampton, the park has monuments dedicated to the veterans of every war our country has participated in since the Revolution, and is laid out to mimic the stars and stripes of the American flag.
Arts and Heritage Center of North
Augusta, 100 Georgia Ave, North Augusta. 803-441-4380. The Center is dedicated to the exhibition of regional arts and history with a 2,300 sq ft permanent interactive history exhibit and two galleries of exhibits which rotate every two months. The Center’s gift shop showcases local crafts from pottery and paintings to coffee and chocolate. MonFri 10am-4pm. First Sunday of each month 1pm-3pm. Also open during special events. www.artsandheritagecenter.com
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site,
181 Redcliffe Rd, Beech Island. 803-827-1473. 1859 Greek Revival antebellum mansion of James Henry Hammond and four generations of his family. The house is complete with furniture, decorative arts and artwork from the various periods of occupation. The site also features two slave quarters and a stable with exhibits. Special programs are offered throughout the year. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Grounds are open daily 9am to 6pm year-round. House tours Th-Mon at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Admission charged for house tours. www.southcarolinaparks.com/redcliffe
Beech Island Historical Society History and Visitors Center & Agricultural
Museum, 144 Old Jackson Hwy, Beech Island. 803-867-3600. The visitors center tells the story of Beech Island, one of the oldest settlements in South Carolina, dating back to 1685 as Savannah Town. The history room includes Native American, Colonial, agricultural and river transportation displays. The Beech Island Agricultural Museum is housed in a restored barn. Open Wed and Thurs 11am-2pm, and by appointment. www.beechislandhistory.org
Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary,
4542 Silver Bluff Rd, Jackson. 803-471-0291. Silver Bluff is a 3,250-acre wildlife sanctuary owned by the National Audubon Society. Habitat and wildlife diversity make Silver Bluff a favorite destination for birding, wildflowers, photography or a simply quiet walk. A 3/4-mile and a 2-mile walking trail are available. Education at the center focuses on forest and land management and is targeted toward school groups and the general public. Please call ahead for current hours. No fee, donations accepted. No pets. Horse Creek Valley Veterans Park, US 421, Bath. Veterans from the Midland Valley area are honored at this park. The main focus of the park is the circle of honor that contains approximately 900 names of veterans from World War I until present. Langley Pond Park, 113 Langley Dam Rd, Burnettown. Aiken County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism (PRT). 803-642-7559. Langley Pond Park is home to several events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the loop trail on horseback or foot and championship level disc golf course. Amenities include picnic shelter, grills, playground. Pond re-opening Summer 2020. Call for updates during park construction.
Vaucluse and Graniteville Historic
Districts, The cornerstone of the old mill dated 1832, is one of the first in the area. The Graniteville Mill, built in 1846, was the first cotton mill in the South. The mill, having survived Sherman’s March during the Civil War, was built by William Gregg. The mill and town initially included 90 homes, two churches, a school, several boarding houses and six stores. Most buildings were constructed of blue granite which gave the town its name. Several examples of the Blue Row Homes can still be seen. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aiken County Farmers Market, 115 Williamsburg St, Aiken. 803-293-2214. Open year-round. Fresh produce, conversation and recipes are shared with friends old and new. Peak season is April to October. www.aikencountyfarmersmarket.com
DuPont Planetarium, 471 University Pkwy, Aiken. 803-641-3654. Located on the campus of University of South Carolina Aiken. The 45-seat planetarium is equipped with stateof-the-art special effects systems, and is augmented by sundials and telescopes. Various shows are available throughout the year. Reservations are recommended. www.usca.edu/rpsec/departments/planetarium The Etherredge Center, 471 University Pkwy, Aiken. 803-641-3305. Located on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus. Presents international and national performances on their main stage theatre, with a regularly updated art gallery and experimental theatre available. www.usca.edu/etherredge-center Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St SW, Aiken. 803-641-9094. The Center features regular gallery exhibits by local, state, regional and national artists. A variety of artists display works for sale year-round in the Gallery Store. The Center also hosts programs and events throughout the year, offers art education classes for all ages in a variety of mediums in the seven classrooms, and has a 180-seat performance pavilion. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. www.aikencenterforthearts.org
Amentum Center for the Performing Arts,
126 Newberry St SW, Aiken. 803-648-1438. This state-of-the-art theater is home to the Aiken Community Theatre (ACT) and the Aiken Performing Arts (APA). The theater seats approximately 300. APA presents national and international professional shows through the season. Office hours are Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (closed 12pm-1pm lunch). See listing under meeting and rental facilities. https://aikencommunitytheatre.org www.apagonline.org Savannah River Site Museum, 224 Laurens St SW, Aiken. 803-648-1437. After seven decades, the Savannah River Site remains one of the most influential entities in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), and is one of the CSRA’s largest employers. Come discover its impact on our community from its mid 20th century origins through today. Hours are Tues-Sat 10am to 2pm. Admission is free. www.srsheritagemuseum.org Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Pl, Aiken. 803-642-7650. This 14-acre park is the former estate of Mr. and Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin. Features a wetlands area, an arboretum trail with cell phone tour, a labyrinth and a performing arts stage. Events include Story Time in the Gardens, the Summer Concert Series and Christmas in Hopelands. Hopelands Gardens is open year round, 10am to sunset. Admission is free.
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame
and Museum, Hopelands Gardens. 135 Dupree Pl, Aiken. 803-642-7631. Aiken trained horses who have gone on to become national champions are enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Trophies and photographs from America’s best known equestrian riders, polo players and steeplechase riders on display. Tues-Fri 2pm-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 2pm-5pm, weather permitting. Admission is free. www.aikenracinghalloffame.com
Aiken County Historical Museum,
433 Newberry St SW, Aiken. 803-642-2015. The museum is housed in a 1931 Winter Colony mansion - one of only two open to the public. Three floors of exhibits tell the history of Aiken County from past to present. A one-room school from the 1890’s, the William Gregg Buttery and an 1808 log cabin are also on the museum grounds. Admission is free, donations accepted. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Sun 2pm-5pm. Closed Mondays and national holidays. www.aikenmuseum.us
Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum,
406 Park Ave SE, Aiken. 803-293-7846 or 1-888-AikenSC. The Visitors Center and Drive-ATrain exhibit are located on the first floor of the rebuilt Aiken Railroad Depot. The Train Museum, located on the second floor, depicts nine of the towns along the original South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company right of way and includes several interactive exhibits. Open Tues-Fri 10am5pm and Sat 9am-2pm. www.visitaikensc.com
Aiken County Veterans Memorial Park, 1435 Richland Ave E, Aiken. Aiken County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism, 803-642-7559. The park features a large, black granite monument which is engraved with the names of Aiken County veterans who perished in the line of duty. The monument is flanked by seven flag poles. Hitchcock Woods, Surrounded by greater Aiken. 803-642-0528. Hitchcock Woods is 2,100 acres of natural forest. Annually, thousands of equestrians, hikers, and nature enthusiasts visit the Woods to enjoy 70 miles of trails. Hitchcock Woods is open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted. There are seven entrances on the perimeter of the Woods. Admission is free. www.hitchcockwoods.org Wagener Museum, 12 Short St, Wagener. Wagener Town Hall, 803-218-8631. Located behind the Wagener Municipal building. Features items related to the political, social, economic and military history of Wagener and the Aiken County area. Thu-Fri 8am-5pm or by appointment. Greg Humphries Rare Book Library, 110 Railroad Ave E, Wagener. 803-564-5902. Located at Christ Central. This library contains 3,000 books and artifacts from the Reformation period, mostly religious in nature. By appointment only. Must be able to climb stairs. Salley Historic District, bounded by Pine, Ferguson, Poplar and Aldrich Streets, Salley. The town of Salley went through three major growth periods. First, with the development of downtown following the town’s creation as an early railroad community in 1887 until 1900. Next, a period of increased railroad development let to an increase in residential and commercial buildings from 1901 until 1925. The third period of growth was due to an increase in population from 1926 to 1949. Other than a few alterations due to the introduction of the automobile, most of the Historic District of Salley has remained unchanged. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Monetta Drive-In, 5822 Columbia Hwy N, Monetta. Movie Line, 803-685-7949. One of only three operating drive-in movie theaters in South Carolina. Originally opened in 1951, and later closed, this theater was revived in 1999. Three screens, all with double features. New movies, as well as old favorites. Seasonal. Open Weekends. Cash only. www.thebigmo.com
ALLENDALE COUNTY
Savannah River, Western border of Allendale County. Originally named the Westobou River for the Westo Indians (a warlike tribe who lived in a village on the Westobou), the river was later renamed for the Savannah Native Americans. Allendale County Courthouse, Courthouse Sq, Allendale. One of the most attractive courthouses in South Carolina. The building was gutted by fire in 1998. Renovation in 2004 preserved the original shell of the building while providing the county with a modern facility.
Topper Site & Exhibit at University of
South Carolina Salkehatchie, On the Salkehatchie Campus, US 301, Allendale. 803-584-3446. USC Salkehatchie’s library houses “Searching for our Beginnings,” the only permanent collection of Clovis and preClovis artifacts from the Topper site. The exhibit also includes photographs from the dig sites and informational panels. Allendale Farmers Market, 5789 Allendale Fairfax Hwy (US 278), Allendale. 803-584-4556. Fresh produce, plants, dairy and more. Picnic tables and a playground are available. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. Open seasonally. Thursday-Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.
Twitty’s Mud Bog, 4396 Bufords Bridge Hwy, Ulmer. 803-259-9252. Twitty’s Mud Bog hosts multiple family-friendly mud racing events throughout the year. Admission is $15. Children 12 and under are free. Cash only. No glass containers or pets allowed. www.twittysmudbog.com
Farmer Drug Store, 192 Burtons Ferry Hwy, Allendale. 803-584-2191. Peek in the storefront window at a re-creation of an old ice cream parlor and barber shop. The drug store occupied this spot from 1915 to 1995. Tours by appointment only.
The Carolina Theatre, 420 US 301, Allendale. 803-584-3446. This newly renovated, 1920’s Art Deco theatre is a hidden gem in Allendale County. Step back into the past when you walk through custom etched glass doors and take in all the attention to detail. From Art Deco sconces and fixtures to the “Carolina” carpet made special for the theatre and themed artwork by USC students, this is a memorable venue worthy of any performance. Events held year round. Virginia Durant Young House, 503 Allendale-Fairfax Hwy, Fairfax. 803-632-1533. Virginia Durant Young was an author and journalist. This house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to the Fairfax Library.
BAMBERG COUNTY
Battle of Rivers Bridge Historic Site, 325 State Park Rd. Off of SC 641, 7 miles SW of Ehrhardt. 803-267-3675. The site is 390 acres and includes the battlefield, an award-winning battlefield interpretive trail, the memorial grounds, a community building and a picnic shelter. The significance of the site centers on the Civil War battlefield, where on February 2 and 3, 1865, a small force of Confederate soldiers in field fortifications opposed the advance of Sherman’s army. The well-preserved earthen fortifications are the centerpiece of this important battlefield landscape. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Th-Mon 9 am-6 pm. Admission for Saturday tours. www.southcarolinaparks.com/rivers-bridge Broxton Bridge Plantation, 1685 Broxton Bridge Rd (Hwy 601), 6 miles south of Ehrhardt. 803-437-4868. A second Civil War battle site. Breastworks here have been preserved. Tours by appointment. Trail riding, fishing and sporting clays also available. Admission charged. See listings under recreation and lodging. www.broxtonbridge.com Edisto River Trips, Bamberg Chamber of Commerce. 803-245-4427. Float down the South Fork of the blackwater Edisto River from any of three launches found in Bamberg County. Choose from Claude’s Landing, Bobcat Landing or Brabham’s Landing. Organized trips held throughout the year by the Bamberg Chamber of Commerce. Call for dates and locations. “Cotton the World Over,” 11955 Heritage Hwy (US 78), Bamberg. The Mural is located in the lobby of the Bamberg Post Office. One of sixteen in South Carolina, the 6’ x 12’ oil on canvas mural was painted by Dorothea Mierisch in 1939 as a New Deal Art Program. The Bamberg Post Office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Veterans Memorial Trail, runs parallel to US 78 on the berm, Bamberg. A block long trail signifying Bamberg County’s strong ties to all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Memorial Park is located at the intersection of US 78 and 301.
Bamberg Historic District, E Railroad Ave and side streets, Bamberg. 803-245-4427. A significant collection of buildings built during 1875-1930 which presents an accurate depiction of Bamberg’s history. Lying along both sides of what was once the Southern Railway, this residential neighborhood was home to several locally important citizens such as General Francis Marion Bamberg and Jesse F. Carter, former S.C. Senator. Another prominent building was the Bamberg County Courthouse which, with its construction, secured Bamberg as the county seat. Speckled amongst the vernacular residences with prominent porches and carpenter ornamentation are larger buildings of various architecture style including Georgian Revival, Second Empire, Neoclassical and Gothic Revival. A walking tour brochure is available for purchase from Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce, 604 Airport Rd. Contact for hours of operation. Denmark Depot, US 78, Denmark. 803-793-3734. This old train depot houses a visitors information center and an Amtrak station. Contact City Hall for hours or more information. Downtown Denmark, 803-793-3734. This small town has several stores for your shopping pleasure. You can choose from an old time five and dime store, an antique store in a building with a history of its own, an art gallery or a hardware store that sells everything from lumber to fine china. As you stroll through the town, notice the hand painted wall bulletins and outdoor advertising signage. These are part of the Denmark Sign Project, an indoor-outdoor community display of 20th century advertising.
BARNWELL COUNTY
Williston Museum, 5121 Springfield Rd, Williston. Town Hall, 803-266-7015. Museum contains memorabilia from Williston including an old dental chair, a gas refrigerator and an asparagus exhibit. Williston was once the Asparagus Capital of the World. Open by appointment. Town of Elko Farmers’ Market, Located near the intersection of US Hwy 78 and SC Hwy 37 in Elko. Look for sign and white tents. 803-266-2463. Fresh local produce, plants, flowers, dairy, fine crafts and more. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. Open seasonally. Saturdays from 8am-2pm. Mennonite Community, Contact Blackville Historical Tours listed in Guided Tours. 803-284-3267. A group of Mennonite families settled here from other parts of the country. Their religion, similar to the Amish, makes them a close community. Their school, church and many of their farms are located close to Healing Springs. Blackville Heritage Museum, 655 Main St, Blackville. 803-284-2525. Exhibits include artifacts and information about the early days of the town and general area. Tuesdays 2pm-4pm. Other times are by appointment. The Depot Library, 19420 Solomon Blatt Ave, Blackville. 803-284-2295. The Depot is located in the former courthouse square. Hours are available online. www.abbe-lib.org Lill’s Herb Garden, 2136 Jones Rd, Blackville. 803-284-2422. Open by appointment for groups only. Admission charged. Join Lill for a guided stroll through her beautiful garden. Come see herbs, flowers, birds & butterflies. Picnic lunches and tea parties available upon request.
God’s Acre Healing Springs, Off of SC 3 N, look for signs three miles north of Blackville. Native Americans believed in the springs’ natural healing powers and brought wounded Revolutionary War soldiers here to drink. Locals still believe in the springs’ powers and drink its waters. In 1944, the acre of land it is on was legally deeded to GOD by L.P. “Lute” Bolyston. Open during daylight hours. Barnwell Farmers Market, 9987 Dunbarton Blvd, Barnwell. Located at Fuller Park. Open seasonally Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am-2pm. Fruits, vegetables, baked goods, artisans & crafters, family fun and scheduled events.
Barnwell County Courthouse & Sundial,
141 Main St, Barnwell. The original courthouse built in Boiling Springs in 1789, was succeeded by several buildings on the present site. The present courthouse was built in 1878-79. The unique vertical sundial in front of the courthouse was given to the town in 1858 by Joseph D. Allen, who at that time was a state Senator from Barnwell. Legend has it that this is the only vertical sundial in the United States and though erected prior to standard time (1883), it keeps within two minutes of that. Agricultural Heritage Museum, 127 Heritage Rd (US 78), two miles west of Blackville, at the Clemson University Edisto Research & Education Center. 803-584-7315. The museum interprets the historical and cultural influences of agriculture on the area.
Guided tours are available through Blackville Historical Tours.
Barnwell County Museum, 617 Hagood Ave, Barnwell. 803-259-1916. Discover Barnwell and the South’s heritage through exhibits, guided tours and special programs. Vocal and instrumental performances are also offered at varied times. Features a focus gallery that changes every quarter. Admission is free. The museum is also available for birthdays, conference meetings, reunions, receptions, etc. Call the museum for further information. www.bcvm.org Circle Theatre, 325 Academy St, Barnwell. 803-259-7046. Completed in 1848, the building was originally home to the Barnwell Presbyterian Church. The building was used as a courthouse after Federal troops set fire to the county courthouse in 1865. A lightning storm damaged the steeple in 1891 and it was never rebuilt, hence the present appearance of the building. The building is currently home to the Circle Theatre. The theatre presents several performances during the year. Veterans Memorial Park, 11015 Ellenton St (US 278), Barnwell. Planned and developed by the Vietnam Veterans of America Salkehatchie Chapter 828. Brick memorial pavers in honor of veterans line the perimeter of the park and the walkway from the Huey UH-1H helicopter to the monument and flagpole area. The walking and running track on the perimeter of the park is used by locals and visitors. Host to annual events throughout the year, including the Barnwell Independence Day celebration. Church of the Holy Apostles, 1706 Hagood Ave, Barnwell. 803-259-3477. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built of cypress wood, with virgin heart pine pews, this beautiful building was used to stable Union horses when Kilpatrick’s Cavalry marched through Barnwell.
For more on the following annual festivals & events, visit: www.TBredCountry.org
Annual Festivals & Events
February
Aiken Antique Show, the first weekend in February at Aiken Center for the Arts. 803-641-9094. This show offers a unique opportunity to view and purchase fine antique furnishings represented by more than 20 specialized dealers from across the nation. www.aikencenterforthearts.org Battle of Aiken, the weekend in February after President’s Day at Confederate Park near Aiken. 803-642-2500. History comes alive with 20 cannons, 100 cavalry horses and 1,000 living history experts. This reenactment brings to life the Battle of Aiken which occurred February 11 and 12, 1865 and was the last victory for the Confederacy. Also featured are concessions and settlers selling goods comparable to the time in history of the Battle. www.battleofaiken.org
March
Joye in Aiken, a special week long festival held in Aiken with numerous free or low-cost performances around town that are open to the public. For over ten years, this festival has brought world-class actors, dancers and musicians into our neighborhoods to bring the excitement of learning and the pleasure of artistic discovery to our students. www.joyeinaiken.com AgamaCon, held in March in Aiken. The CSRA’s homegrown convention featuring art, gaming, anime, cosplay, sci fi, fantasy and more. Multi-genre pop culture convention for all ages with a lot of vendors and panels all weekend long. https://agamacon.com Spring Herb Fest at Little Red Barn, held the third Saturday in March. 803-541-7900. Sponsored by the gallery and the Barnwell County Herb Club.
Aiken Horse Show, held in Hitchcock Woods the last weekend in March. Hitchcock Woods Foundation. 803-642-0528. Aiken Triple Crown, three successive weekends in March/April. Aiken Chamber of Commerce. 803-641-1111. The first race is the Trials where Thoroughbreds compete in flat racing events at Aiken Training Track. The Steeplechase comes next with a big tent party and horses jumping hurdles at Aiken Horse Park. The last weekend features a polo match. Proceeds aid the community and local charities.
April
Dogwood Festival, in April on Main St, City of Denmark. 803-793-3734. Family-oriented festival featuring food, rides, entertainment, games and contests. www.bambergcountychamber.org Historic Beech Island Tour, Beech Island Historical Society. 803-827-3600. Visit historic homes, barns and cemeteries around Beech Island. www.beechislandhistory.org
May
Aiken Charity Horse Show, held in May at the Aiken Horse Park. 803-270-6190. The shows will provide old-fashioned venues with character and integrity, held on an intimate field in the corner of the celebrated Horse District, where riders from the youngest lead line toddlers to the strongest Grand Prix competitors can compete on the best quality surfaces. Cooterfest, Allendale during the spring. This festival focuses on the arrival of spring with cooter (turtle) races, a parade, food, crafts, a street dance, carnival rides, petting zoo and an art show. www.cooterfest.com
Colonial Times: Under the Crown and
Trades Fair, held at Living History Park in North Augusta. Olde Towne Preservation Association. 803-279-7560. Annual show featuring high-quality art, music and food all weekend. www.colonialtimes.us
June
Savannah River Classic, takes place in early May. 803-584-7363. This annual fishing tournament is held on the banks of the Savannah River in Allendale. Founded in 2009, the tournament was created to celebrate diversity in the Savannah River. All proceeds are used to fund river based projects. www.lowersavannahriveralliance.org
July
Swallow-Tailed Kite Outing, held in July in Allendale. Birders as well as non-birders, photographers and naturalists of all ages will have the opportunity to witness this amazing aerial display, as dozens of Swallowtailed Kites, one of the most elegant birds of the Americas, and Mississippi Kites forage on insects in a long-standing kite hotspot in rural Allendale County. www.lowersavannahriveralliance.org Nike Peach Jam, held in July at the Riverview Park Activities Center in North Augusta. 803-441-4311. This Championship event is the culmination of national tournaments with the top qualifiers vying for the Peach Jam title. The very best 16 and 17 year old basketball players participate with most of the Division 1 basketball coaches in attendance. Admission fees apply, the public is invited to attend.
August
Schuetzenfest, in Ehrhardt during the last weekend in August. Ehrhardt Town Hall, 803-267-5335. A time for fun and fellowship as the town celebrates its German heritage and promotes its hospitality. Parade on Saturdays. www.ehrhardtsc.com Storks & Corks, in August at the Silver Bluff Audubon Center. 843-462-2150. Enjoy a sampling of wine and hors d’oeuvres following the viewing of the endangered Wood Storks in the center’s Kathwood Ponds. www.sc.audubon.org/visit/silver-bluff
September
Aiken’s Makin’, in the parkways of downtown Aiken during the second full weekend in September. Aiken Chamber of Commerce. 803-641-1111. An annual display of juried arts and crafts from Aiken County and the southeastern states. The festival includes arts and crafts, food vendors, baked goods and entertainment. www.aikensmakin.net Festival of the Woods, in Hitchcock Woods. 803-642-0528. This event is to celebrate the wide range of pedestrian uses and stewardship of the Hitchcock Woods. Also, features a ticketed dinner with a guest speaker. www.hitchcockwoods.org
October
Sassafrass Festival, held the first Saturday in October, Burnettown. 803-593-2676. A festival full of family-fun, theere is a parade and pageant. Western Carolina State Fair, held in October at the Aiken Fairgrounds 1566 Columbia Hwy N, Aiken. 803-648-8955. Rides, entertainment and special daily shows. www.westerncarolinastatefair.com
Colonial Times: A Day to Remember,
the 3rd weekend in October at the Living History Park. Olde Towne Preservation Association, 803-279-7560. Colonial life is recreated through demonstrations, exhibits and enlistment in the voluntary militia. Attractions include blacksmithing, working smokehouse, beehive bake oven, open fire cooking, goldsmithing, spinning, musket firing and more. www.colonialtimes.us Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee, the last weekend in October. 803-441-4311. National music acts, 150 craft vendors and a wide variety of foods are available at this two-day festival on Georgia Ave in downtown North Augusta. www.jackolanternjubilee.com
November
Shoutfest, held in November. The largest outdoor Gospel Event in the CSRA featuring national and local gospal artists. Good food, kid fun zone, vendors, and great entertainment. This event is free and open to the public at Perry Memorial Park. Blessing of the Hounds, on Thanksgiving Day at the Memorial Gate in Hitchcock Woods. 803-643-3724. The public is most welcome to attend, but please do not bring your own dogs to the Blessing. Please allow a good 30 minutes walk from Laurens Street entrance to Memorial Gate. www.aikenhounds.com Salley Chitlin Strut, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Salley Civic Center and Fairgrounds. 803-258-3485. Visitors are drawn to this small community to celebrate this unusal food item that has been a southern tradition for over 100 years. Activities also include a parade, hog-calling contests, food and craft vendors, beauty pageant, carnival rides and a car show. www.chitlinstrut.com
December
Night of 1,000 Lights, held annually in December. Come downtown to experience luminaries lining the streets of downtown Aiken, as shops stay open late and offer holiday treats, drinks, and music for a festive evening out. This is a free event. Christmas in Hopelands, annually in December. City of Aiken, Parks Recreation, & Tourism. 803-642-7631. Walking tours along lighted pathways through Hopelands Gardens with holiday displays. Christmas concerts performed by local choirs provide entertainment from the garden’s performing arts stage. Historic buildings in the gardens are decorated and open for touring each night. Hot chocolate, apple cider and holiday cookies are served nightly. Admission is free.
Year-round & Seasonal Events
Aiken Choral Society, 803-649-6570. aikenchoralsociety@gmail.com www.aikenchoralsociety.org Aiken Civic Ballet, 803-648-5771. info@aikenballet.org http://aikenballet.org Aiken Community Theatre, 803-648-1438. info@aikencommunitytheatre.org https://aikencommunitytheatre.org Aiken Symphony Orchestra, 803-295-0313. executivedirector@aikensymphonyorchestra.com http://aikensymphonyorchestra.com Augusta GreenJackets Baseball, 803-349-9467. info@greenjacketsbaseball.com https://www.milb.com/augusta Circle Theatre of Barnwell, 803-259-7046. barnwellct@gmail.com https://barnwellct.weebly.com DuPont Planetarium, 803-641-3313. planetarium@usca.edu www.usca.edu/rpsec/departments/planetarium Monetta Drive-In Theatre, 803-685-7949. https://thebigmo.com The Etherredge Center, 803-641-3305. boxoffice@usca.edu www.usca.edu/etherredge-center
