Fig Aiken Fall 2019

ISSUE No

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FA L L 2 019 Celebrating local shopping, dining, arts, events, and community

City of

Aiken

The Arts & Culture Issue

Your home.

Your healthcare.

You’re home here.

We treat you like family.

Let us help you meet the changing healthcare needs of you and your loved ones.

aikenregional.com SAVANNAH RIVER

Physicians are on the medical staff of Aiken Regional Medical Centers, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 192191-3160 8/19

Experience Aiken’s

arts and culture

What makes our town so vibrant, colorful, and an incredible place for the arts to thrive? In this issue, we’re sharing the people, places, and events that make our southern town stand out amongst the crowd.

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Fig Authentic Get to know our Mayor, Rick Osbon, and his impact on our local arts.

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Bringing ‘Joye’ to Aiken From organists to dancers, string quartets to Broadway stars, Joye In Aiken has it all.

Crossing Centuries Explore Aiken’s oldest home, Crossways (our cover shot!)

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Steeplechase The 28th Running of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase is this October— are you ready?

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And of course,

great shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, and services— as always.

KEEP READING

Social Mission

Events

Learn more about our 2019 Social Mission Partner: Children’s Place, Inc

Explore our wonderful town this fall—make your plans with Fig.

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COVER: CROSSWAYS, FOR SALE BY Sullivan Turner Team | Meybohm Real Estate | 803.998.0198 Tom Bossard | The Carolina R.E. Company | 803.640.2845

ISSUE 2 / FALL 2019 / AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA / THE ARTS & CULTURE ISSUE

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P R O D U C E D BY BY FA R R D E S I G N byfarr.com PUBLISHER Fig Industries D IR ECTOR Brynley Farr SAL ES Erin Truitt DESIGNER Laura Windham

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S Chris Farr PHOTOGRAPHERS Forrest Clonts Sydney Wickstrom S U P P O RT T E A M Andrew Swiger Catalina Olvera

WRITER Chesson Merritt

ALL THINGS SOCIAL Look for Fig Aiken on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily coverage of local entertainment, events, food, fashion, and community.

A D V E RT I S I N G I N F I G To find out how you can strategically market your business through the Fig communications package, contact Erin Truitt at figaiken@byfarr.com.

Fig Industries is redefining success through social impact and environmental accountability in the communities we serve. Learn more about our B-Corp certification at figindustries.com.

Fig Industries, LLC has made every attempt to ensure that all information contained in this publication has been obtained from reliable sources, but all such information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness or accuracy. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Fig Industries, LLC. Fig Industries, LLC cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions contained in, or reliance made upon the contents of, this publication. Copyright: Copyright 2019 © Fig Industries, LLC. All rights reserved. Photography or page layout contained in Fig shall not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of Fig Industries, LLC. Contact 803.200.1004 or figaiken@byfarr.com.

A NOTE FROM FIG

Ushering in fall.

Aiken is more than what meets the eye when it comes to our community’s art scene and its culture.

It is a vibrant and eclectic city full of deeply rooted traditions that have shaped our culture throughout our history. From the very beginning during the Winter Colony Era to our present day South’s Best Small Town, you will always find new and emerging artists and events catered around our performing arts. We have commanded the attention of some of the most affluent individuals in history that continue to cultivate and shape the culture of Aiken. From Fred Astaire dancing down the old Aiken Post Office steps, to Minnie Pearl discovering her persona in one of our downtown shops, all the way to Evelyn Walsh McLean showcasing the Hope Diamond along the streets of downtown, Aiken is always offering up her brightest and most entertaining qualities to those looking to expand their experiences here.

We have the opportunity to participate, support, learn, watch, teach, experience, listen, and feel— all right here in our community. What if you made the decision to take just one day every month and plan a date night out or a family day to experience Aiken’s art scene? You could see a play downtown

at the Aiken Community Playhouse, go to an outdoor concert at Hopelands Gardens, view incredible art at Aiken Center for the Arts, take a pottery or acrylics class, or simply walk through downtown and enjoy all of the murals and art galleries.

In this issue, we are delighted to introduce you to the faces and the businesses that participate in making Aiken a beautiful place to visit, to live, and to experience. We invite you to join in the creativity and authenticity that Aiken has to offer and to discover your inner artist this fall.

ERIN TRUITT & THE FIG AIKEN TEAM

ISSUE 2 / FALL 2019 / AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA / THE ARTS & CULTURE ISSUE

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From left: Trey Welsh

Molly Van Pelt

Dr. Sherri Little

All ears

Dr. Jessica L. Mahaffey

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Personal Planning Business Planning Wealth Management Solution

B U ILDI NG YOUR L EG ACY Meet Andrew Doran, a holistic financial planner and investment advisor who helps his clients— young families, retirees, and everyone in between—make strategic decisions that will create, manage, and protect their wealth. Set you and your family up for a strong and secure financial future by working with the team at Herlong and Doran Financial Group.

Andrew Doran, Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC., (membership FINRA/SIPC, A licensed Insurance Agency) 6100 Fairview Road, Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 29210, 704-371-8500. Financial Advisor offering investment advisory services through Eagle Strategies LLC., A Registered Investment Advisor. Herlong & Doran Financial Group, LLC is not owned or operated by Eagle Strategies LLC or its affiliates.

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803.262.4 459

HERLONGANDDOR AN.COM

Eagle Strategies, LLC The Nautilus Group ®

W E LCOM I NG YO U H O M E T H I S FA L L With the Best Life Team on your side, you’ll have more than just a real estate agent. You’ll have a dedicated team with over 35 years of combined real estate experience help you navigate through Aiken’s real estate market. Put their skills and knowledge to the test this fall as you sell your home or search for one to call your own—they’ll pass with flying colors!

Brooke Thomas, Bob Benack, Robyn Reilly Chancey Fig, the dog

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BESTLIFEAIKEN.COM

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AUTHENTIC Leading the way through innovation and example.

Authentic: Rick Osbon An Aiken resident since the day he was born in the old Aiken County Hospital on Richland Avenue, Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon knew early on that he wanted to make a difference in his hometown community.

“I’ve always had a passion for politics and a desire to serve the community that I love living in, that’s what led me to run for County Council many years ago, where I served two terms,” said Mayor Osbon. “I grew up in awe of Mayor Odell Weeks and later Fred Cavanaugh. It’s been such an honor to have the people of Aiken allow me to carry on their important work as Mayor.”

As mayor, he’s always looking for ways that he can improve our town and make it a more enjoyable place for everyone in our community to get out and enjoy. One major way that he is doing this is by diving back into history and pulling from it the concept of ‘parkways.’

“The City of Aiken is blessed by design,” said Mayor Osbon.

“When laid out as a railroad town in the 1830s, engineers built Aiken on a grid that incorporates 174 broad medians, called ‘parkways’ locally. Once active areas where neighbors gathered and children played—and some even grazed a cow or two—the advent of the auto-dependent culture through the last half of the 20th certainly changed that.”

The parkways, while still green and pretty today, were heavily and thickly planted with vegetation over the years.

They became passive areas of town that were great to look at, but not as easily accessible or enjoyed as they once were.

“I am proud that I called for the parkways to be returned to more active use three years ago, and led efforts on a pilot project that cleared much of the dense vegetation from the downtown area’s central parkways,” said Mayor Osbon. “The results have been dramatic as people have again begun to gather in grassy areas under the shade of the grand trees that line the City’s streets. As a proof of concept in Teague Park, a block-long stretch of parkway has been improved with a walkway, lighting, and public art.”

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LEARN MORE ABOUT FIG AUTHENTIC AT FIGAIKEN.COM

It’s an idea that Mayor Osbon hopes to implement in more parkways around our downtown. He plans to continue this idea by creating an extensive network of well-lit and landscaped multi-use paths that will be more than just a place to walk, run, or have an afternoon picnic. He wants to include interactive features from water features to public art and installations that highlight important events and historical figures from Aiken’s past.

“Aiken is such a great city,” said Mayor Osbon. “In fact, it’s the best small town in the South—just ask Southern Living! But, as great as our community is, we always need to nurture and protect what sets us apart while we work to meet new needs and grow in a positive way. It just boils down to making Aiken the best place it can possibly be and finding new ways to make it more vibrant and attractive at every step.”

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ZOOMINGR X.COM

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Try out Pedego for yourself! You can take a tour of Historic Aiken on a Pedego Bike every Wednesday and Saturday at 10am and 2pm.

Explore Aiken on two wheels

Take advantage of the cooler weather this season and cruise your way around Aiken on a Pedego Electric Bike. Tackle everywhere from the local greenways to Downtown Aiken with the most comfortable, user-friendly electric bikes that have state-of-the-art, smart design and uncompromising quality that lasts. Choose from 17 different eBike models and find the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.

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4019 PAVILION PASS, AIKEN

803.226.9007

PEDEGOELECTRICBIKES.COM/DEALERS/AIKEN

Immerse yourself in the arts Spend a Thursday evening outside and enjoy the cooler temperatures as you mingle with your neighbors, listen to live music, and sip a handcrafted cocktail from a locally owned restaurant. Plan a day with your family to wander through Aiken finding all of the painted thoroughbreds, walking through Hitchcock Woods, or picnicking in Hopelands Gardens. Go shopping with a friend in our local boutiques and shops where our town’s artisans are on full display with everything from handmade clothing to framed photography of some of Aiken’s most beautiful locations. Count down the days until your favorite social event of the fall: the Holiday Cup Steeplechase.

However you plan to spend your fall this year, make sure that your plans include getting out and enjoying what our town has to offer you. From live music to new art work, exciting equestrian events, social gatherings, and natural beauty, our town’s arts and culture scene is one worth exploring.

FA L L 2 0 19 C L A S S E S S TA R T SEPTEMBER 9!

Expand your artistic abilities with classes at Aiken Center for the Arts. Classes are offered for both children and adults, and cover a variety of topics. Visit aikencenterforthearts.org/fall-2019 to learn more about classes offered this fall.

Gallery and Gallery Shop Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm

FI ND YO U R SEL F From a robust shop bursting with beautiful art, jewelry, pottery, and more featuring local Aiken and Augusta artists to the incredible exhibitions in the gallery and the unique visual and performing classes, Aiken Center for the Arts provides an inspiring experience for all ages to enjoy. They believe that art is for everyone and with that belief, they have built a community hub of creative expression and appreciation that goes beyond to inspire, educate, and connect artists, students, residents, and visitors.

Inside their gallery, you’ll find three galleries. The Main Gallery highlights a variety of artists throughout the year and each new exhibition includes a gallery reception to welcome and introduce the new artwork in the community. The Brooks Gallery and the School Gallery compliment the Main Gallery with a variety of artwork from professional and local student artists.

The art classes are truly for our entire community—they believe in working to meet the needs of our community from young children through adults,

including children and adults who use art to connect on a deeper level. Aiken Center for the Art offers an Art and Music Camp for Special Needs Children with a goal to provide a creative outlet designed to allow these children the opportunity to have a successful, joyful art experience. They also offer a program called Joy in the Journey, which connects local residents living with Alzheimer’s disease with a therapist who will work with them to create their own paintings.

Caroline Gwinn, Executive Director

Be sure to visit The Gallery Shop for locally handcrafted artistic pottery, baskets, and clothing that is as eye catching as it is functional. It’s a unique gift shop that has something for everyone. The pieces are curated from both local and international artists and the vast array of pieces appeal to a wide variety of tastes and budgets.

As a bonus, each purchase made in The Gallery Shop goes right back into our own art community in Aiken.

122 L AURENS STREET SW 803.641.9094 AIKENCENTERFORTHEARTS.ORG

Crossing centuries of Aiken’s history TA K E A D R I V E D OW N T H E C H A R M I N G A N D I C O N I C S O U T H B O U N D A RY AV E N U E in the heart of Aiken and you’ll come across one of the most quintessential Southern homes: Crossways. Crossways, originally known as Henry Place, has been a historical fixture in our community for over two centuries and she continues to elegantly reign as the oldest home in Aiken.

Our town, chartered in 1835, wasn’t even on the map yet when the construction began on Crossways in the early 1800s. This home was originally built in 1815 as a two-story plantation style house on a 368-acre cotton plantation. It’s a federal-style, antebellum classic that features soaring 15 foot ceilings, seven fireplaces, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, traditional gardens, and a carriage house.

You’ll fall in love with this home the moment that you walk through the wrought iron gate, up the front steps, and into the entrance foyer and see the grand staircase leading up to the second floor.

Many Aiken residents have been fortunate to call Crossways home over the years from a South Carolina Governor to James L. Darby (one of the original Wintery Colony residents) and Arthur Young (of Ernst and Young). The house has been both a private home and a bed and breakfast, as well as a private residence that could be rented out for private events.

The history, glamour, and appeal of Crossways was recently recognized by HGTV on their special program, “Ultimate House Hunt.” Crossways was nominated as a top “Home With History” in the United States and viewers from around the country voted for it over California mansions, New England estates, and Southwestern manors.

From the grand front entrance all the way through the spacious home and out to the meticulously landscaped grounds and gardens, Crossways represents Aiken through architecture: classic, beautiful, and full of history.

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT FIGAIKEN.COM

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Custom color mixing

Color matching

Custom spray paints

Wallpaper

Blinds

Interior design

Color consultations

A rainbow of design possibilities

With the expertise found at Marketplace Paints, you can transform any room or the exterior of your home this season with a new coat of paint, a new wall covering, or interior design.

Their team is knowledgeable and available to offer you individualized service when it comes to selecting the next color or pattern for your home DIY project.

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1214 WHISKEY ROAD

803.226.0591

MARKETPL ACEPAINTS.COM

Customizing Christmas Menagerie is Aiken’s boutique of customization, offering dozens of Christmas and holiday gift ideas that will become instant heirlooms. Make sure to come in and design your custom ideas before December 2nd to ensure delivery by Christmas!

Pictured: Aiken Civic Ballet— Artistic Director, Diane Toole. See page 35 for information on their upcoming performance of The Nutcracker!

Menagerie has partnered with Middy N Me to bring an exclusive Holiday Line that will be offered only in Aiken Holiday Season 2019 10am–5pm Monday–Saturday

Open Sundays in December from 12-4pm

108 L AURENS STREET SW

803.226.0357

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Letterpressed Save the Date

Hand-lined envelope with marble paper

Custom crest, foiled on vellum

Within the walls of ByFarr Design’s letterpress shop, you can let your imagination run wild. Their team will take your stationery inspiration and will turn it into a beautiful invitation that’s an impeccable representation of you, your personality, and your upcoming special occasion.

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504½ GERVAIS STREET, COLUMBIA 803.200.1004 BYFARR.COM

Bringing the joy of the performing arts to Aiken JOYE IN AIKEN RETURNS FOR ITS 12TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL Joye is something to feel. It’s something to hear, something to share, something to experience, something to give, and something to see. It’s a festival that entices the world’s best young artists from The Julliard School and beyond to come to our town for a week-long festival that brings the excitement of learning and the pleasure of artistic discovery to students and audiences alike.

“Our mission is to bring the very best in the performing arts to as many citizens as possible, especially students,” said Joye in Aiken’s director, Janice Jennings.

“In the last 12 years we’ve brought 450 spectacularly talented artists to Aiken, primarily from Juilliard, to present performances for the public and to teach in area schools.”

Donors, participants, and audiences are drawn into Joye in Aiken year after year as the event continues to grow bigger and better. Last year was their largest

festival ever with 80 artists and staff visiting Aiken. The event continues to grow due to the intimate atmosphere of the concerts and the virtuosity of each artist.

“First and foremost, it’s the quality of the performances—these are some of the finest artists in the world,” said Janice.

“Second, many of the productions are in very intimate and charming venues, and our ticket prices are extremely low compared to those in larger cities.

Some events are even free. So you can see these incredible artists in settings that are small enough to allow you to actually meet and interact with them, and you can do it without the expense and inconvenience of going elsewhere.”

Joye in Aiken returns March 5-13, 2020 for its 12th annual festival. The Festival will kick off with a New Orleans-Style Parade on Thursday, March 5, and will continue with events that feature pianists,

organists, string quartets, dance parties, Broadway stars, and all kinds of artists and performances in between.

“It’s always the most fun week of the year,” said Janice. “Personally I love jazz, so I get very excited about events like the Joye of Jazz and the Swing Dance Party, where every year now we bring in fabulous young musicians who perform at all the famous jazz clubs in New York. We have such great classical and crossover artists as well—it’s hard to choose just one thing!”

Become a friend of the Festival!

Providing a wide access to the arts is an important part of Joye in Aiken’s mission and because of that, a majority of the Festival’s events are free or low-cost.

Visit joyeinaiken.com/support to find out how you can support Joye in Aiken.

P.O. BOX 5538, AIKEN JOYEINAIKEN.COM

T H E 12 T H A N N U A L J OY E I N A I K E N F E S T I VA L R E T U R N S M A R C H 5 -13 !

D EV ELO PI NG A V I BRAN T DOWNTOW N Working to improve the economic vitality, to enhance the beauty, and to preserve the historical inheritance of our downtown is the Aiken Downtown Development Association. They’re passionate about our local art scene from supporting public art initiatives to helping local artists, makers, and creatives flourish.

One recent initiative was to brighten up an alleyway in downtown near Betsy’s ‘Round the Corner, Whiskey Alley, and Tailgate Tavern by bringing increased lighting for pedestrians at night and adding trash receptacles, benches, visual art and murals, interactive art, screening, and more.

See this artwork in person by visiting downtown Aiken.

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208 THE ALLEY SW # A, AIKEN

803.649.2221

DOWNTOWNAIKEN.COM

COME DOWNTOWN T H I S FA L L F O R S O M E G R E AT E V E N T S !

F I N A L LY F R I D AY E V E R Y F R I D AY UNTIL 7PM AIKEN OKTOBERFEST SE PTE M B E R 21 H O L I D AY H O P N O V E M B E R 14 DOWNTOWN TREE LIGHTING & MARKET NOVEMBER 22 SMALL BUSINESS S AT U R D AY NOVEMBER 30 NIGHT OF 10 0 0 LIG HT S DECEMBER 5

Photo: APGougePhotography

Racing with the thoroughbreds When the sun begins to peek up over the horizon and before the early morning dew has evaporated from the grass, the cars start to roll in to Aiken Horse Park. They’ll park one by one along the railway and begin to unload. Whether it’s simply a grill, a cooler, and a chair or something more elaborate involving a canopy tent, color schemes, and monogrammed drink ware, each parking spot transforms into somebody’s ideal version of a tailgate.

Drinks are poured, food is served, and neighbors begin socializing together at one of Aiken’s most time honored events: the Aiken Steeplechase.

Held twice a year—the Imperial Cup in March and the Holiday Cup in October— the Aiken Steeplechase’s history dates

back nearly 90 years ago when the first steeplechase was held in Hitchcock Woods along the Aiken Hounds draglines. Since then, it has developed into one of the largest community events that attracts everyone from local residents to visitors from all around the country. Those that come into the city for the Steeplechase leave a big impact when they do—by visiting our local restaurants, shops, and hotels, they positively affect our local economy.

How are you preparing for the social event of the season this October?

S T E E P L E C H A S E FA S H I O N For the kids: Pitter Patter For the ladies: Menagerie For the gentlemen: Lionel Smith, Ltd.

S E T T H E TA B L E Dishes & Drinkware: 3 Monkeys Fine Gifts Tailgate Bites: Blue Collard Catering Lunch: The Willcox

Founded in 1930 by some of Aiken’s most well-known horseman including Thomas Hitchcock, Temple Gwathmey, and Harry Worchester Smith, the Aiken Steeplechase Association was revived in 1967 and has been continuing the legacy of steeplechasing in Aiken for over half a century since then.

LEARN MORE AT FIGAIKEN.COM

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Children that join their program show signs of limited behavioral functioning and developmental delays as a result of trauma or other adverse experiences.

Serving children as young as 18 months and up to five years old, the program focuses on enhancing social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive development within an early childcare and educational setting under the close guidance of trained clinicians.

They develop individualized treatment plans to support each child in a nurturing environment, while providing opportunities for school readiness and early learning so that children have the competence and confidence to succeed in a public school setting. Support therapies that are incorporated into the program include:

Kathee Cammisa, MHE, OTR/L, provided 1,171 units of occupational therapy in 2018

Social Mission: Children’s Place, Inc. At Fig, we believe in the power of a community that works together to identify needs and find solutions— one that creates connections and is passionate about helping its neighbors.

For our 2019 Social Mission Partner, we’ve chosen Children’s Place, Inc., an impactful non-profit whose good works contribute immensely to our thriving, local community.

Children’s Place is a 501(c)(3) child and family development center whose mission is to protect, heal and strengthen children and families from the impact of trauma through education, treatment and prevention services. They believe in early and aggressive intervention to

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prevent adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, from having a lifelong impact on health and opportunity. According to the CDC, ACEs have been linked to risky health behaviors, chronic health conditions, low life potential, and even early death. Statistics show that children who are given early intervention are 50% less likely to become pregnant as teens; 41% more likely to complete high school; and 46% less likely to serve time in jail.

One way that Children’s Place helps to reverse the impact of ACEs is through Therapeutic Childcare. Their Joint Commission accredited Therapeutic Childcare Program is the only one in the area, and one of only two in our state.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FIG GIVING BACK AT FIGAIKEN.COM

• Speech therapy • Occupational therapy • Physical therapy • Play therapy • Mental health counseling The program is multi-generational, focusing on the health and well-being of the whole family. Each child’s family is assigned to a licensed mental health counselor who provides weekly in-home counseling for the family.

Together, they identify needs and set goals to improve family interactions and overall mental health, develop positive parenting skills, and nurture their child’s success.

Whether you donate to Children’s Place, volunteer your time, or refer a child or family, you are helping them change high risk to high hope.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. O R T O G E T I N V O LV E D, visit childrensplaceinc.org or contact them at 803.641.4144.

10am–5:30pm Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm Thursday 10am–7pm Friday 10am–5pm Saturday Closed Sunday

WINN I NG O N A N D OFF TH E F I EL D Open up the playbook this fall and score a touchdown with your child’s tailgate attire and your game day accessories when you head off to Death Valley and Williams-Brice to cheer on your favorite football team. With heirloom Tiger and Gamecock children’s apparel, clear bags perfect to take into the game, and outfits for you, everyone will be in style at the big game this season.

They’ve got moms covered for gameday too!

131 L AURENS STREET SW

803.643.8000

PIT TERPAT TER AIKEN.COM

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YARD SERVICE GARDEN DESIGNS TREE TRIMMING PRECISE HEDGE TRIMMING

A green thumb for your garden Keep your lawn and garden in optimal health and looking spectacular this fall with the skillful hands of the team at Crossways Gardens. They can do it all for you—from planting flowers and mature trees to trimming and hedging, they’ll ensure that your yard is healthy from the roots to the blooms so that your plants live a long, happy life.

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4 45 GILBERT STREET SE

803.634.8967

Owner Jay Perea and his team built this 10 foot lattice wall for Ridgeley Hall’s tennis court slat by slat.

Personalized Service

Custom-Made Suiting

Wardrobe Consulting

Casual Menswear & Accessories

SCHEDULE YOUR CUSTOM APPOINTMENT TODAY! 803.661.7665 OR ONLINE AT BPSKINNERCLOTHIERS.COM

D ELI VER I NG WOR L D C L A S S ST Y L E TO YO U R H O M E Brent Skinner and the team at BP Skinner believe in providing you with a level of personalized service that has become rare today—this is why they offer to come to you for your consultations and fittings! Along with their menswear expertise, they’ll bring swatches of the finest European fabrics and all of their custom garment possibilities to create a look that uniquely suits your lifestyle.

1003 GERVAIS STREET, SUITE A , COLUMBIA 803.661.7665 BPSKINNERCLOTHIERS.COM

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Making you feel at home in Aiken Pam Hoffman

Whether you’re looking for a home with a big back yard and the perfect spot for a garden, one close to the hustle and bustle of Laurens Street and The Alley, or a quiet place to call your own, realtor Pam Hoffman is here to find just the house for you. She goes the extra mile to provide you the individualized, personal service that has become so uncommon these days. Let her find you your dream home.

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108 L AURENS STREET NW

803.292.9306 / 803.648.7851

Highlight: Apizza di Napoli Craving a true, authentic Neapolitan pizza but not up for the transatlantic flight to Italy to order it at a local Italian pizzeria? You’re in luck—locally owned Apizza di Napoli’s dishes will make you feel like you’ve traveled to Italy without ever leaving Aiken.

Apizza di Napoli owner and pizza enthusiast, Cliff Garzillo, has a commitment to providing not just the best, but the most authentic Neapolitan pizza in South Carolina. For over two decades, he honed his craft in his own home.

He built a brick oven in his backyard and spent his days studying, making, testing, and perfecting his pizza recipes.

The recipes were outstanding but Cliff knew that he wanted to learn the art behind the Neapolitan pizza and to do that, he would need to travel. He traveled across the globe to Italy where he would be able to expand his education and experience. Once there, he received extensive training and became a certified pizzaiolo.

Back at home in the United States, Cliff and his wife Wanda opened up a pizzeria of their own where they were able to bring our town its first taste of a true Neapolitan pizza. They use only the finest ingredients—some of which are imported straight from Italy—to craft their delicious pizzas. Each pizza is hand tossed and made to specification before being placed in the brick oven for baking. Their oven was shipped over from Italy and each pizza cooks in just 90 seconds!

Their dedication doesn’t just stop with the ingredients and the authentic brick oven. Apizza di Napoli was honored with the prestigious and distinct Certification of True Neapolitan Pizza from the Association Versace Pizza Napoletana in Naples Italy. This means that each pizza that bakes in their brick oven is made under the strict guidelines set forth by the Association and is true to the pizza of Naples.

Discover the delightful, authentic tastes of a true Neapolitan pizza right here in Aiken this fall.

740 SILVER BLUFF ROAD

803.226.0700

APIZZADINAPOLI.COM

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Golf Tennis Juniors Program Swimming Dining Kidz Zone Fitness Center

LAID -BACK SOUTHE R N CHAR M Combining a shared sense of heritage and family traditions with world-class amenities, Woodside Plantation Country Club is classic, elegant, and gracious. Take advantage of 45 holes of golf, 10 tournament-class tennis courts, a 25-yard swimming pool & a colonialstyle clubhouse by becoming a member of this exclusive club.

Contact Katie Berube to schedule a tour of Woodside and find which membership is right for you.

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1000 WOODSIDE PL ANTATION DRIVE

803.649.3383

CLUBCORP.COM/CLUBS/ WOODSIDE-PL ANTATION- COUNTRY- CLUB

Did you know? By age 5, 60% of children will have cavities—they are the most common chronic childhood disease. Help your child prevent cavities by scheduling their first dental visit before their first birthday!

The waiting area includes an arcade and theatre for kids to enjoy!

We get kids

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Dr. Thomas Akins, DMD Board Certified Specialist in Dentistry for Infants, Children & Teens

1395 SILVER BLUFF ROAD

803.393.4550 KITFOXDENTAL .COM

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Fall 2019 events AIKEN COUNTY FA R M E R S M A R K E T Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays Plan a weekly trip out to Aiken County Farmers Market where you can find local farmers year round with fresh produce, local meats and cheeses, beautiful blooms, and more.

AMP THE ALLEY Thursdays Spend your Thursday evenings this fall outside in The Alley as you enjoy live music from local musicians, art, and some of your favorite local restaurants. ampthealley.com AIKEN TROLLEY TOUR Saturdays Whether you want to learn more about the town that you call home or you want to showcase Aiken’s history to a visiting friend, the Aiken Trolley Tours are the best way to see all of the places that make our town special. The tour includes historic homes and churches, equestrian sites, and The Civil War’s Battle of Aiken among others.

DISNEY’S HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME September 5-14 Based on the Victor Hugo novel and with songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is an instant classic that will sweep audiences away with its magic. aikencommunitytheatre.org

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AIKEN’S MAKIN’ September 6-7 Kick off the fall season by attending Aiken’s Makin’, one of the finest arts and crafts shows in the Southeast.

The show features 300 vendors who showcase everything from potter and furniture to clothing, jewelry, art, and more. What makes this show extra special is that everything sold is handmade by the seller. aikensmakin.net IN D IE A RT S VI NTAGE M A RKE T September 20, October 19, and November 16 Spend the day under the oaks at 616 Park Ave SE with local artisans, food trucks, vintage treasures, & friendly faces every third Saturday. materialthingsofaiken.com OKTOBERFEST September 21 Celebrate Germany’s most well known tradition right here in town with Aiken’s Oktoberfest, a festival that includes German-inspired food and beer vendors, an authentic Oompah Band performing on the Main Stage, and plenty of fun for the entire family. visitaikensc.com FORKS AREA TRAIL SYSTEM 50K October 5 Test your running endurance with a 50K this October in Sumter National Forest on the Forks Area Trail System.

The course is a series of four loops

FOR A FULL LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS, VISIT FIGAIKEN.COM

that are single track, shaded, are well maintained, and include rolling terrain. You’ll be able to check off “Ultra Marathon” from your bucket list, too! facebook.com/FATS50K OF MICE AND MEN October 17-26 Travel back to the 1930s with Aiken Community Playhouse and their production of John Steinbeck’s novella, of Mice and Men. aikencommunitytheatre.org FA L L S T E E P L E C H A S E October 26 The Holiday Cup returns this October for a Saturday full of steeplechasing and socializing at the 28th Running of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase. Don your favorite fall dress, your best hat, and plan the perfect tailgate for one of Aiken’s most time honored traditions. aikensteeplechase.com D R U G TA K E B A C K AT T LC MEDICAL CENTER October 26 Clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of any and all unused or expired prescription drugs in your house by bringing them to TLC Medical Center during their Drug Take Back event this fall. zoomingrx.com

B E T T E R H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S SEMINAR October 26 If you’ve been curious about CBD Oil and wondering whether or not it is a solution to your health problems, join the specially trained pharmacists at TLC Medical Center as they teach you all about CBD Oil and the benefits you could receive from it. zoomingrx.com K AT Y D I D C O M B I N E D DRIVING EVENT October 31 - November 3 This special horse-and-carriage triathlon features dressage, crosscountry, and obstacle driving requires elegance, finesse, speed, and agility of horse and driver. It’s one of the top driving events in the southeast and the largest show of its kind in South Carolina! katydidcde.com WHISKEY ROAD RACE 10K, 5K & 1 MILE November 2 Race down Whiskey Road, through Aiken’s historic horse district, and along South Boundary Avenue in one of Aiken’s most scenic races. Proceeds from this race benefit the Cumbee Center to Asisst Abused Persons, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to support and empower domestic violence victims and their families. active.com

L E G E N D O F S L E E P Y H O L LOW November 2-10 Follow Ichabod Crane, an outsider from Connecticut, as he tries to fit into the isolated society of Sleepy Hollow—a land steeped in stories of the supernatural, including the terrifying tale of the Headless Horseman— and as he seeks to court Katrina. aikencommunitytheatre.org BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS November 28 One of Aiken’s longest running traditions, the Blessing of the Hounds on Thanksgiving morning is not to be missed! This event immediately precedes the Aiken Hounds’ formal Opening Meet and pays homage to the various traditions of foxhunting, to the heritage of Aiken’s historic hunt culture, and to the skilled hounds that make the sport so engaging. hitchcockwoods.org/event ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY November 29 Kick off the holiday season downtown on Newberry St as the tree is lit for the first time this season. There will be music, refreshments, a special appearance from Santa & Mrs. Claus as you countdown to the tree lighting. visitaikensc.com 2 0 1 9 PA L M E T T O P E A C H H A L F M A R AT H O N , 1 0 K & 5 K November 30 Spend the cool mornings this fall logging your miles and celebrate the

end of the season with a half marathon that starts in SC, travels down the North Augusta Greenway, crosses the Savannah River into GA, before coming back into North Augusta to finish at home plate at SRP Park. runsignup.com C H R I S T M A S C R A F T S H OW December 6-7 Get your holiday shopping completed before the holiday season gets too busy this year at the Christmas Craft Show.

The show will feature over 100 artisans from around the Southeast with gifts perfect for everyone on your list. visitaikensc.com NIGHT OF 1000 LIGHTS December 12 Get into the holiday spirit with your neighbors and favorite local shops as the streets of Downtown Aiken are lit up with luminaries. Shops will stay open late and offer holiday treats, drinks, and music for a festive evening out on the town. visitaikensc.com THE NUTCRACKER December 20-22 Make your calendars now and prepare to celebrate the holiday season with one of Aiken’s most loved holiday traditions, The Nutcracker. Performed by the Aiken Civic Ballet, it’s a ballet performance that you and your family can enjoy together! aikenballet.org

FOR A FULL LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS, VISIT FIGAIKEN.COM

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Hurry Home to Aiken.

SM

Looking for a home in Aiken?

Nancy’s knowledge of Aiken and its surroundings helps her clients find the special places they call home. She has a talent for matching people with homes that reflect their lifestyle and values.

Homes that nurture memories, and make the good life in Aiken even better. Will it be a home in a golf course community, an historical dwelling downtown, or an equestrian property?

To find home in Aiken, call or text Nancy at (803) 295-3424.

Or go to her website at www.nancycerra.com or send an email to nancy@nancycerra.com.

Just Some of the Beautiful Homes that are Available For You Now: 702 River North

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3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS!

AIKEN, SC: 1907 PAWNEE STREET 803.716.9586 N. AUGUSTA , SC: 101 NUTGROVE DRIVE 803.278.2050 EVANS, GA: 7011 EVANS TOWN CENTER BOULEVARD 706.724.8735 CFOMS.COM

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