ISSUE No
1
S U M M E R 2 019 Celebrating local shopping, dining, arts, events, and community
City of
Aiken The Inaugural Issue
Our Area of Expertise is
YOU
aikenregional.com With limited exceptions, physicians are not employees or agents of this hospital. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. 192191-3160 6/19
Oh my, what’s this? Fig is your guide to local art, culture, events, shopping, dining, & living in Aiken. We believe that positivity and creativity are contagious. Fig showcases the good things and great people we love in Aiken. Join us in celebrating and supporting the small businesses and cultural organizations that make this place special. There are countless stories to be told. Be a part of the conversation.
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 Lindsay Colvin PHOTOGRAPHERS Forrest Clonts Sydney Wickstrom S U P P O RT T E A M Andrew Swiger Catalina Olvera
WRITER Chesson Merritt P R I N T I N G PA RT N E R The Standard Group
C O M M U N I T Y PA RT N E R S BP Skinner Clothiers
The Greystone Inn
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 and effectively market your business through the Fig communications package, contact figaiken@byfarr.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.
We invite you to
discover Aiken
What makes our town so wonderful? In our inaugural issue, we’re diving into the people, places, and events that set Aiken apart from the crowd.
your voice
social mission
Local residents let us know what makes Aiken special to them.
Learn more about our 2019 Social Mission Partner: Children’s Place, Inc.
PA G E 8
PA G E 2 2 IN THIS ISSUE
show around out-of-towners
your perfect summer day
Introduce your out-of-town guests to what you love most about Aiken.
How will you choose to adventure around Aiken this summer?
PA G E 2 4
PA G E 2 8
events
eating local
Explore our incredible town this summer—make your plans with Fig.
Visit the Aiken County Farmer’s Market for the freshest, most local produce in town.
PA G E 2 9
PA G E 3 0 KEEP READING
Horse photos taken at Happy Landings Farm | Horses owned by Yasmin Bedenbaugh and Carey Frommer of Carey Frommer LLC
ISSUE 01 / SUMMER 2019 / THE INAUGURAL ISSUE /
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social media
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Aiken
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Do you live, breathe, and love all things Aiken? We are looking for contributors and we want to hear from you! Please contact us at figaiken@byfarr.com. Our pages for Fall 2019 are filling up! Reserve your page now in the Fall Arts & Culture issue of Fig Aiken by contacting Erin Truitt at figaiken@byfarr.com. 6
/ ISSUE 01 / SUMMER 2019 / THE INAUGURAL ISSUE
@figaiken
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G ET I N VOLV ED!
@figaiken
@figaiken
A warm welcome Six years ago, when our team began creating and producing Fig Columbia just an hour up the road in our state’s capital city, we knew right away that we wanted to share the local love that we’ve experienced here with our favorite small town. It was easy for us to decide to expand Fig’s South Carolina footprint to Aiken—what’s not to love about this historic, charming town? Aiken is a place like no other. Life here moves gracefully, like a well-trained thoroughbred around the Aiken Training Track. The equestrian culture— from the hand painted horses that you’ll find sprinkled throughout downtown to Aiken Steeplechase and the Historic Whitney Polo Field— reigns supreme and brings in trainers, owners, jockeys, and horses from around the country each year. A stroll down Laurens Street introduces you to an abundance of locally owned shops and boutiques where you can find an outfit perfect for every occasion. Beautiful evenings can be spent dining al fresco on one of the patios of a restaurant in The Alley.
Erin Truitt Brynley Farr
Aiken isn’t without its natural beauty, either. Hitchcock Woods, one of our country’s largest urban forests, boasts 2,100 acres of forestland and 70 miles of sandy trails that can be enjoyed by foot or by hoof. Hopelands Gardens and the Avenue of Oaks have been “must see” locations on every visitor’s list for years. We’re honored to be able to share more about Aiken and introduce you to the amazing local businesses, places, and people that make Aiken into the extraordinary town that it is today. THE FIG AIKEN TEAM, ERIN TRUITT & BRYNLEY FARR
Fig Aiken is solely supported by local businesses and organizations. Join us in creating a thriving downtown community—shop local this summer and year-round!
ISSUE 01 / SUMMER 2019 / THE INAUGURAL ISSUE /
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Aiken’s slow pace gives you a small town feel but has activities for any age group, from polo on Sundays to live music in The Alley on Thursdays. There is always something to do. I like to think of my town as the South’s best kept secret. E M I LY M .
There are hundreds of reasons why we think that living, working, and playing in Aiken is the very best, and we are fascinated by all the reasons people choose to call Aiken home. We asked our community why they love Aiken so much, and here’s what they had to say: I like that the city is big enough to have good amenities, but small enough that I run into people I know wherever I go.
Our family loves exploring Hitchcock woods! It’s a beautiful, unique place to enjoy nature right in the heart of our small town!
SUSANNA K.
P O L LY R .
Aiken is the most genuinely friendly place I have ever been. Aiken has a heart. People are never too busy to stop and say hi, catch up, meet new friends. The people are what makes Aiken so wonderful!
I love going to The Alley on a nice evening with family and friends! Sitting in a rocking chair and visiting with those who pass, playing shuffleboard at the Taproom or oversized checkers at the municipal building, and listening to live music make downtown Aiken the social place to be for the young, the young at heart and anyone in between.
BEST LIFE AIKEN I would probably say all of the finest restaurants, activities, equestrian events, and everything that is in common with the big cities. I really appreciate what Aiken does for South Carolina and am very proud of the happenings which Aiken is involved in.
WILLIAM U. I love the small town charm, the southern roots, and the history that you see every day in Aiken, but mostly, I love the equestrian heritage that you can find around every corner in town. From the Imperial Cup and Holiday Cup to Sunday afternoons at the polo field, Aiken has a long tradition of thoroughbred training and racing. Plus, where else can you find horses and their riders casually strolling through the streets of downtown?
RILEY M. I think Aiken is such a charming, quaint town with so much character. We love the downtown area and all it has to offer, from the restaurants to the shops. There are always fun events happening and we feel it’s a great place to raise a family! It will most likely be our forever home!
NIKKI E.
R ACHEL C . I love the downtown area. The shops and restaurants downtown give Aiken a quaint small town feel, while still providing the same variety of shopping and food options that you would see in a larger city!
SUZANNE H. I love Aiken for its small town southern feel and historic charm. From the dogwoods and live oaks to the quaint downtown, it’s a beautiful place to be.
JOSH C. Aiken has been my home for the better part of 37 years. I grew up here and have seen Aiken grow into what it is today. What I love about Aiken is the historic charm. Even with the new developments that come to Aiken, there’s so many people that are revitalizing the older homes and buildings and maintaining the charm of an old southern town. The downtown development over the last couple of years has completely revitalized the downtown scene, and has really brought people out and boosted the local economy! I love my town and the people in it!
S C O T T T.
One of my favorite things about Aiken is Steeplechase in the Spring! It’s always such a fun day, with everyone donning their best spring outfits, pastel colors are never in short supply, and the hats are always a sight to see! Gathering together to enjoy a day at the races with friends and family symbolizes much of what Aiken is all about—hospitality, happiness and horses!
L I N D S AY C . I love that we live in a city that is so full of history. You can drive through Aiken and see all the old winter colony homes and historic sites. Aiken is such a blend of the past and present and it never fails to amaze and entertain.
E R I N T. I love Aiken! I have lived here for five years and I can’t think of a better town. There is something happening every weekend whether it be a horse show, a play at the university, live music in The Alley, or a festival downtown. A lot of restaurants have theme nights during the week where you can go and play trivia or bingo or get a really good deal on an awesome meal. Aiken is a diverse town that fits the needs of families, retirees, and college kids. Everyone treats you like family so it doesn’t take long for Aiken to feel like home.
YA S M I N B . I like the quaint, traditional, small town feel. The oak trees, magnolias and gardens remind me of that.
JENNY C.
10am–5:30pm Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm Thursday 10am–7pm Friday 10am–5pm Saturday Closed Sunday
Southern Stylin’
Find adorable, specialty clothing for your children, gifts perfect for the new mama-to-be, and unique toys that will be well-loved at Pitter Patter. The shop, also home to Caroline’s Boutique, specializes in quality heirloom pieces that will have mothers and children looking their best everywhere from the Steeplechase to summer beach vacations.
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131 LAURENS STREET SW
803.643.8000
PITTERPATTERAIKEN.COM
Small and mighty The Best Life Team makes coming home in Aiken easy for you and your family. Their team, with over 35 years of combined real estate experience, has the knowledge and the skills to expertly guide you through the buying and selling process. From their unique, collaborative team approach to their quick communication, you’ll have a dedicated team on your side.
From Left: Brooke Thomas, Bob Benack, Robyn Reilly Chancey
130 KINGS GR ANT DRIVE
803.998.0022
BESTLIFEAIKEN.COM
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It’s something personal From home decor to jewelry, clothing, artwork, and more, Meghan Conner Timmerman of Menagerie can customize almost everything that she offers in her shop. Add your name, a beautiful recreation of a favorite location, or even an illustration of a beloved pet to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that will add a personal touch to your home.
8 0 % O F I T E M S S O L D AT M E N A G E R I E C A N B E C U S T O M I Z E D !
Menagerie is privileged to be the only retail shop where you can shop for and be measured for Middy N’ Me, an online couture service!
10am–5pm Monday - Saturday Closed Sunday
12
108 L AURENS STREET SW
803.226.0357
DYK: local artist Betsy Wilson Mahoney, who has painted Aiken scenes for over 28 years, is an artist-in-residence at Menagerie, and live paints 2-3 times per week in the shop!
Adventuring on two wheels
Pedal—or cruise!—your way through Aiken on a Pedego Electric Bike. Enjoy the most comfortable, userfriendly electric bikes that have state-of-the-art, smart design and uncompromising quality that lasts. Coker and his team will help you choose from 17 different eBike models to find the perfect fit for you. You’ll be out on the road in no time! Take a tour through beautiful downtown Aiken on a Pedego Interceptor. Tours are 2.5 hours and 11 miles long, and are available every Wednesday and Saturday. Reservations are taken online and by phone.
4019 PAVILION PASS
803.226.9007
PEDEGOELECTRICBIKES.COM/DEALERS/AIKEN
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D E S I G N E R A P PA R E L HANDBAGS JEWE LRY ACCESSORIES FORMAL WEAR 10am–5:30pm Monday– Saturday Closed Sunday
Designer style for every engagement The ladies of Return Engagement have curated the best consignment boutique in Aiken, featuring new and gently used ladies apparel, designer jewelry, and accessories. You can put together a beautiful new outfit for your next date night, upcoming vacation, or even a formal occasion for a price that won’t break the bank. 151 L AURENS STREET SW 803.642.3337
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RETURNENGAGEMENTAIKEN.COM
FUNERAL
C R E M AT I O N
PRE-PLANNING
GRIEF SUPPORT
Life well remembered
Cody Lee Anderson, Owner/Director
For 99 years, George Funeral Home has provided superior personal service to the Aiken Community in their time of loss and grief. They offer customizable memorial services that will allow for you and your family to honor your loved one with a celebration of life that is both meaningful and healing.
211 PARK AVENUE SW
803.649.6234
GEORGEFUNERALHOMES.COM
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L O C AT I O N S : A I K E N
CHARLESTON
CHARLOTTE
Preserving your wealth, legacy, & future
With the guidance of Fusion Capital, set a clear path towards your retirement by securing your financial future with investment strategies that you understand. They will work with you to coordinate and implement an integrated planning and investment process that will preserve the legacy that you’ve worked so hard to build.
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821 RICHL AND AVENUE W
803.64 4.1214
FUSIONCAPITAL.NET
MYRTLE BEACH
PERSONALIZED SERVICE CUSTOM-MADE SUITING W A R D R O B E C O N S U LT I N G CASUAL MENSWEAR & ACCESSORIES
Made to measure, made to last
Meet Brent Skinner, a native of North Augusta and the owner of BP Skinner Clothiers, a high end menswear shop that specializes in custom-made suiting. He and his team pair the finest European fabrics together with specialty linings, threads, buttons, and felts for a custom, one-of-a-kind garment for you. Let the experts come to you—they’ll travel to your home or office for your consultation and fittings! 1003 GERVAIS STREET, SUITE A, COLUMBIA 803.661.7665 BPSKINNERCLOTHIERS.COM
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100 COLLETON AVENUE SW
803.648.1898
THEWILLCOX.COM
photo by Jessi Nichols Photography
The living room of the community Step inside the front doors of The Willcox and immediately feel welcome. Whether you’re coming for a glass of wine in the lobby, a meal in the dining room or an appointment in the spa; The Willcox welcomes the Aiken community with the same hospitality as they do their overnight guests. Voted one of the top hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure and the Best Hotel in the South by Southern Living magazine; The Willcox has been part of Aiken’s historic charm since 1898. The Salon and Spa offers health and beauty solutions that will leave you feeling both relaxed and renewed. Pamper yourself with a hot stone massage, a designer cut
and style, a manicure or pedicure or facial under the skilled hands of The Willcox Salon and Spa’s team of professionals.
or a wedding, the team at The Willcox will help you tailor your event to exceed even the highest expectations.
Discover the most delicious dining in town at the hotel’s restaurant where Executive Chef Ed DeFelice has curated a summer menu that focuses on fresh, locally grown ingredients. Enjoy dining poolside, share an appetizer with friends in the lobby or relax in the dining room; the choice is yours and the dining experience is like no other.
As grand and graceful as ever, The Willcox continues to draw people from all over the world to enjoy personal service, gracious accommodations, excellent cuisine, and their gorgeous interpretation of the Aiken lifestyle. This treasured piece of our town’s history is the living room of our community and a second home to out-of-town guests.
Pair the outstanding cuisine with The Willcox’s grand atmosphere, and you’ll have the perfect backdrop for every occasion. Whether it’s a shower for a mother-to-be, a birthday celebration, a corporate meeting
A mountain retreat on the shores of Lake Toxaway Resting on the shores of Lake Toxaway, nestled in the lush embrace of the North Carolina mountains, you’ll find The Greystone Inn. The sister property of The Willcox in Aiken, The Greystone Inn is a personal hotel where nostalgic pleasures, gracious hospitality, and quiet beauty await. You’ll find that there are endless things to do, although it’s perfectly alright to do nothing at all. Escape our hot, humid summers in Aiken and retreat to Lake Toxaway where you’ll discover temperatures that are 10-15 degrees cooler. Temperatures dip down into the 50s overnight giving you the perfect excuse to wrap up in a cozy
blanket on your private porch or warm up with cocktails around one of the many outdoor fire pits. The cooler climate makes spending time outside during the day a supremely pleasant experience, and the opportunities for outdoor adventure at The Greystone Inn are endless. You can go next door to the Lake Toxaway Country Club and play a round of golf on their award-wining golf course, enjoy tennis on one of the five courts or try your hand at croquet on their world-class croquet lawns. Located in The Land of Waterfalls, you can spend your day hiking from one waterfall to the next or allow the call of the
countless miles of trout water to entice you to spend your afternoons fly fishing. There’s even opportunity to increase your knowledge or learn something new through outdoor hands-on experiences with foraging, falconry and beekeeping. However you choose to spend your day, the warmth of The Greystone will draw you back in the evening in time to enjoy a cruise on the Miss Lucy, dinner in the Lakeside Dining Room, and nightcap at the Mansion Bar.
220 GREYSTONE LANE LAKE TOXAWAY, NC 828.966.4700 GREYSTONEINN.COM 100 COLLETON AVENUE SW 803.648.1898 THEWILLCOX.COM
attachment theory, aimed at promoting positive, healthy relationships between children and their caregivers. Community-Based Prevention Services (CBPS) Part of SAFY Empowering Families Statewide Network, this is a diversion program to work alongside struggling families in Aiken, Barnwell, Bamberg, Edgefield and McCormick Counties who have been referred by the Department of Social Services, helping them overcome challenges in their homes and local communities. CBPS is free and voluntary, designed to increase parental capacity and reduce risk of child abuse and neglect of children.
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, Inc., a United Way of Aiken County agency, is a 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. For 50 years, Children’s Place has offered therapy-based pre-school, after-school programs, parent skills-building classes, and mental health counseling to children and families in our community. They are
trauma-focused, recognizing the impact of early trauma on children and how it can affect long-term mental health if left unchecked. Children’s Place strives to grow strong and resilient children and families to create safer and healthier communities through four distinct programs: Therapeutic Childcare Children’s Place has the only Therapeutic Childcare Program in the area; and one of only two of its kind in South Carolina. Serving ages 18 months to 5 years, this program focuses on enhancing social, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development within an early childcare and educational setting. Support therapies are offered including speech, occupational, physical, and play therapy. Their therapeutic childcare is trauma-informed and rooted in
LEARN MORE ABOUT FIG SOCIAL MISSION AT FIGAIKEN.COM
Strengthening Families Program (SFP) SFP is a nationally and internationally recognized evidence-based program that works closely with families to teach effective parenting skills and reduce problem behaviors through positive discipline techniques. This 14-week program is free and offered in Aiken and Barnwell for families with children ages 6 to 11. SFP is funded by Children’s Trust Fund of South Carolina. Beds for Babies Through a partnership with the Aiken County Safe Sleep Collaboration, they connect local families with safe sleep education for infants and provide safe cribs and bedding for families in need. Funded by the Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Aiken County. Even if your family never needs its services, Children’s Place is critical to our community. Children are our future—if early trauma is not addressed at a young age, the cycle of child abuse and neglect continues. Children’s Place gives children and families healing, hope, and a path toward a productive life. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILDREN’S PLACE, INC. OR TO GET INVOLVED, visit childrensplaceinc.org or contact them at 803.641.4144.
Be a part of our
FA L L 20 1 9 Arts & Culture Issue We’re hard at work on Issue No.2 of Fig Aiken and we can’t wait to introduce you to some incredible businesses and individuals that are infusing creativity into their day-to-day lives in our thriving city.
Contact Erin Truitt by calling 803.507.1098 or emailing figaiken@byfarr.com to save your spot!
ISSUE 01 / SUMMER 2019 / THE INAUGURAL ISSUE /
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Show & Tell
EXPLORE AIKEN’S BEST L O C AT I O N S W I T H O U T- O F -T O W N VISITORS THIS SUMMER
If there’s one thing that we love in the South, it’s hosting. We love to greet family and old friends on our front porches and invite them into our homes for a glass of sweet tea and some of our warm, Southern hospitality. No matter the occasion for the visit, there’s always a list of must-do things while guests are in town. Here’s a few of our favorite places to check out when we have friends visiting!
S O U T H B O U N D A R Y AV E N U E No visit to Aiken is complete without a stop by South Boundary Avenue, the most photographed street in Aiken. This oak-lined road provides the perfect backdrop for photos—with its canopy of bright green leaves in the spring and long branches in the winter, it’s beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. L AURENS STREET Lined with locally owned shops and boutiques, Laurens Street is every shopper’s dream. There are places to shop for gorgeous pieces of art, carefully curated children’s clothing, sweet treats, gourmet kitchen supplies, and more. It’s a great spot to spend a day wandering in and out of each shop as you find all kinds of things to purchase as gifts or even for yourself! THE ALLEY Closed to vehicular traffic, The Alley is just off of Laurens Street and is the place to go if you want to meet up with friends, grab a drink, and enjoy a meal together. When the weather is pleasant, you can dine al fresco while listening to live music during Amp The Alley or while simply soaking in the atmosphere.
HITCHCOCK WOODS One of the largest urban forests in the entire country, Hitchcock Woods is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors in Aiken. There are dozens of miles of trails that you can walk, run, bike, or even explore by horseback. It’s easy to spend an entire day in this forest—there’s so much nature to see and discover! HOPELANDS GARDENS Take it easy with a relaxed afternoon in Hopelands Gardens, where you can wind your way through beautiful gardens underneath the shade of hundreds of old oak trees. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum is tucked into the gardens, and is always a terrific place to go to learn a little bit more about our town’s equestrian history.
Telling your story through design The team at ByFarr Design believes that the little things have the power to make a big difference. Their hearts beat for small businesses, and they’re delighted to provide the community with tailored marketing and design services. If you’re looking for a new logo, website, social media plan, or wedding invitation, they invite you to get in touch!
BRANDING DESIGN WEDDING DESIGN
MARKETING
WEBSITE DESIGN
LETTERPRESS PRINTING B U S I N E S S C O N S U LT I N G PRODUCERS OF FIG AIKEN AND FIG COLUMBIA
Brynley and Sydney are handfeeding stationery on early 1900s Chandler and Price letterpresses.
504½ GERVAIS STREET, COLUMBIA
803.200.1004
BYFARR.COM
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Your ideal summer day in Aiken The long days of summer are here—what restaurants are you dining at with your friends, what outdoor areas are you exploring by foot or by bike, and where are you spending your days with your children? Our town is filled to the brim with activities for you to enjoy and new places to experience. What’s your ideal day?
Family Fun Day B R E A K FA S T What’s Cooking’ Downtown
D AY T I M E F U N Aiken Railroad Depot EVENING ADVENTURE Augusta GreenJackets Baseball Game
Pop into What’s Cooking’ Downtown for a leisurely morning breakfast with your littles to get geared up for a big day out and about in Aiken. Take a trip to the Aiken Railroad Depot where you can learn all about Aiken’s history with trains, and see what our town used to look like. Spend the evening cheering on the Augusta GreenJackets and chasing after home runs and fly balls in the outfield.
Daytime Adventures
Date Night Out
FUEL UP New Moon Café
DINNER Whiskey Alley
ACTIVIT Y Historical Bike Tour of Aiken
WINE DOWN The Willcox
Start your morning out with a cup of coffee and a quick bite to eat on Laurens Street at New Moon Café before heading over to The Alley. There, you can meet up with your tour guides and hop on an Pedego Electric Bike for historical tour of Aiken by bike. After you’ve brushed up on your Aiken history, drop into The Willcox—one of Aiken’s most iconic historical landmarks—to grab drinks and an appetizer in their lobby.
DRINKS The Alley Downtown Taproom
C AT C H A P L AY Aiken Community Theatre
Begin the evening downtown at The Alley Downtown Taproom where you can grab a pint of your favorite locally brewed beer, cider, wine, or kombucha from one of their 48 taps. Walk next door to Whiskey Alley and, if it’s a pretty evening, dine al fresco while enjoying the atmosphere of The Alley. Stroll over to Aiken Community Theatre for an evening of theatre to round out the date night!
Local Events AUGUST GREENJACKET GAMES U N T I L A U G U S T 9 | S R P PA R K
Is there any better way to spend your summer evening than by enjoying America’s favorite pastime? Head out to the ballpark this summer with your friends for a GreenJackets baseball game! greenjacketsbaseball.com A I K E N C O U N T Y FA R M E R S M A R K E T T U E S D AY S , T H U R S D AY S , A N D S AT U R D AY S
Grab your grocery list and drive out to Aiken County Farmers Market where you can find local farmers with fresh produce, local meats and cheeses, beautiful blooms, and more. AMP THE ALLEY T H U R S D AY N I G H T S | T H E A L L E Y
Stroll The Alley with a drink in hand each Thursday as you listen to live music, catch up with friends, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. This downtown concert series also includes an Open Mic Night on the first Thursday of each month. AIKEN TROLLEY TOUR S AT U R D AY S | A I K E N V I S I T O R C E N T E R
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 ideal way to see all of the best places in Aiken. The tours include historic homes and churches, equestrian sites, The Civil War’s Battle of Aiken, and more.
G I B S O N & S O N S : A C O M E DY J U LY 1 9 - J U LY 2 7 A I K E N C O M M U N I T Y T H E AT R E
AIKEN MUSIC FEST J U LY 1 3 , A U G U S T 1 7 , S E P T E M B E R 1 4 HIGHFIELDS AIKEN
Helping his father save their struggling small-town funeral home has gotten in the way of Harry Gibson’s love life. Desperate to settle down, he turns to an unconventional method of meeting a woman: an online Russian bride service. When his bride Katya arrives, with her acerbic sister Eva in tow, the Gibson family is thrown into a tailspin. aikencommunitytheatre.org
Load up the car and head out to Highfields to catch a top local talent followed by a headliner band that is currently touring the Southeast. There will be refreshments from local food and drink vendors, a makers and creators market, and kids activities available for families to enjoy. aikenmusicfest.com
I N D I E A RT S V I N TA G E M A R K E T J U LY 2 0 & A U G U S T 1 7 6 1 6 PA R K AV E N U E S E
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, spend the day under the oaks with local artisans, food trucks, vintage treasures, and friendly faces. materialthingsofaiken.com LO V I N ’ LO C A L S W E E K J U LY 2 2 - J U LY 2 7 D OW N T OW N A I K E N
The boutiques and shops in Aiken love the locals who shop there just as much as the locals love shopping with them! Visit a participating Aiken Downtown District Association business with your ID showing your “local” zip code to receive special offers. aikendda.us/news/events/
AIKEN’S MAKIN’ SEPTEMBER 6 & 7 D OW N T OW N A I K E N
Make plans to attend Aiken’s Makin’, one of the finest arts and crafts show in the Southeast. The show features 300 vendors who showcase everything from pottery 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
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Locally Grown, Locally Enjoyed Early Saturday mornings, when there’s still a slight chill in the air and the rising sun hasn’t yet evaporated the dew from the ground, you’ll find Aiken County’s oldest market in full swing off of Williamsburg Street. The Aiken County Farmers Market has a long history that dates back to the early 1900s and the tables that you see in the market today are the same ones that were hand-built over fifty years ago by farmers and families from Aiken County. The market today is the place to go for locally grown produce, fresh flowers, meats and cheeses, and more. Farmers gather each week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to bring their harvest into town for residents to browse and purchase for their weekly meals. Local chefs, like Executive Chef Ed DeFelice of The Willcox, are often seen perusing the market to find ingredients to use in their locally sourced specials each week. If you’ve dined at The Willcox this summer, chances are that you’ve enjoyed produce that came from the Aiken County Farmers Market. Love fresh, locally grown zucchini? Next time you’re at the market, pick up a pound of it and try your hand at making Zucchini Fritters!
ZUCCHINI FRITTERS WITH MARINAR A SAUCE
INGREDIENTS
1 lb zucchini, grated 1 tsp salt 2 eggs 1/4 cup chives, chopped 1/4 cup parsley, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp oregano, chopped 2 tbsp basil, chopped 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, grated 1 tbsp baking soda 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 cup all purpose flour 2 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 4-6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
DIRECTIONS
1. Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater and place in a colander over a medium sized bowl. Toss with 1 tsp of salt and let sit for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, squeeze out as much liquid as possible, and set to the side. 2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Add in the grated zucchini, chives, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, and cheeses. Mix properly. 3. Stir in baking soda, baking powder, and flour. 4. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavybottomed pan over medium high heat. 5. Drop 1 heaping tablespoon of batter into the pan per fritter. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and firm. 6. Serve immediately with a side of marinara sauce.
Recipe courtesy of Executive Chef Ed DeFelice at The Willcox
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