Aiken, a historic town in South Carolina established in 1835 as a railroad town, became a popular winter colony after the Civil War for the nation’s wealthy elite, especially those passionate about horse sports. Even as early as 1854, the Aiken Hotel was receiving requests for winter reservations numbering over half the town’s total population at the time. And the town of Aiken still comes alive during the winter season today!
It all started with the Hitchcock family, who were from Long Island but owned 8,000 acres adjacent to downtown Aiken, which they used as a private preserve for fox hunting and general recreation. They invited their wealthy friends to join them during the winter, families such as the Vanderbilts, Goodyears, and Meads, all which built “cottages” in town near the Hitchcocks’ property and with access to the “Woods.”
Visit Aiken SC/Facebook Hitchcock Woods is the largest privately-owned urban forest in the country, with 2,100 acres and 70 miles of sandy trails. Grab a coffee or some hot chocolate and come enjoy a walk and a gorgeous sunset in the Woods, the site of The Aiken Horse Show, which has been held here annually in the spring for over 100 years.
In Aiken, you can enjoy a scavenger hunt, of sorts, with the 19 fiberglass Horseplay Horses that are scattered about the area. Can you find them all?
Visit Aiken SC/Facebook These works of art were a fundraiser the town held in 2003 that was wildly successful beyond what had been envisioned. There were a total of 31 statues that were unveiled at a gala that raised a total of $227,000. The fundraiser was to support the ArtPlay Fund, which provided art scholarships to children and the elderly and one of the organizers had hoped the small town could raise about $50,000! Beyond the money raised by the auction for the statues and the ball, another $100,000+ was raised from sales of Horseplay-related merchandise such as calendars, posters, and notecards that had begun the previous fall. The statue called “Hav Sum Fun” was auctioned for $23,000, more than any other statue. Tommy Wessinger purchased the horse on behalf of the People’s Community Bank and the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch. He donated the statue to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.
As Christmas kicks off the winter season each year, Aiken is a must-visit destination in South Carolina during the holiday season.
Visit Aiken SC/Facebook
Then ring in the new year at the annual ball drop at the Old Aiken Post Office on Laurens Street, complete with music and hot chocolate!
Visit Aiken SC/Facebook
Aiken has been described as a magical place, and we can totally see why!
Visit Aiken SC/Facebook
Even during months that can get bone-chilling-cold in other parts of the country, you can often still enjoy dining outdoors with the milder climate here in South Carolina.
Visit Aiken SC/Facebook
Take a horse-drawn carriage tour offered by Aiken Horse and Carriage to see for yourself the charm of this town.
Aiken Horse and Carriage/Facebook
If it happens to be cooler than you like, you can always explore Aiken on a Trolley Tour instead.
Visit Aiken SC/Facebook
And while most farmers markets are seasonal, Aiken’s is open year-round!
Henry Meyer/Google Reviews
If you love antiquing, don’t miss the annual Aiken Antique Show, hosted by The Aiken Center for the Arts and normally held in February.
Aiken Center for The Arts/Facebook
To experience more of Aiken’s equine history, dine at Tiffany’s at The Stables. This restaurant is a part of Rose Hill, one of the Winter Colony estates that has been beautifully restored.
Tiffany’s at The Stables/Facebook
There are so many options for things to do in Aiken. You’ll want to stop by the Visitors Center and Train Museum where you can pick up information and decide which attractions you’d like most to explore. You’ll see just why this lovely town became the preferred winter retreat for many all those years ago.
Visit Aiken SC/Facebook
Have you ever visited Aiken during the winter season? What’s your favorite thing to do or see in Aiken? Share with us in the comments section below!
Visit Aiken SC/Facebook
Hitchcock Woods is the largest privately-owned urban forest in the country, with 2,100 acres and 70 miles of sandy trails. Grab a coffee or some hot chocolate and come enjoy a walk and a gorgeous sunset in the Woods, the site of The Aiken Horse Show, which has been held here annually in the spring for over 100 years.
These works of art were a fundraiser the town held in 2003 that was wildly successful beyond what had been envisioned. There were a total of 31 statues that were unveiled at a gala that raised a total of $227,000. The fundraiser was to support the ArtPlay Fund, which provided art scholarships to children and the elderly and one of the organizers had hoped the small town could raise about $50,000! Beyond the money raised by the auction for the statues and the ball, another $100,000+ was raised from sales of Horseplay-related merchandise such as calendars, posters, and notecards that had begun the previous fall. The statue called “Hav Sum Fun” was auctioned for $23,000, more than any other statue. Tommy Wessinger purchased the horse on behalf of the People’s Community Bank and the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch. He donated the statue to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.
Aiken Horse and Carriage/Facebook
Henry Meyer/Google Reviews
Aiken Center for The Arts/Facebook
Tiffany’s at The Stables/Facebook
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Address: Aiken, SC, USA
