Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and there’s no place like Aiken to begin a holiday tradition. From our rich history to the famous canopy of live oaks on South Boundary (great for family pictures and holiday cards) to annual holiday events, Aiken is the perfect place to celebrate with your family and friends. Here is a list of memorable things to do in Aiken during this special holiday.
1. Bloodies and Bagels
Start Thanksgiving morning with a complimentary breakfast on the grounds of one of Aiken's famed “Winter Colony” cottages, Banksia, home of the Aiken County Historical Museum. The menu includes assorted bagels, coffee, cider, and bloody marys.
2. Blessing of the Hounds
The Thanksgiving tradition continues with the annual Blessing of the Hounds in Hitchcock Woods. The ceremony officially kicks off the foxhunting season for the Aiken Hounds, a group founded in 1914. The Aiken Hounds is distinguished as having the oldest drag hunt in the nation. In a drag hunt, cloth saturated with fox scent is dragged across the terrain to create a trail for the hounds to follow.
3. Christmas Crafts at the Farmers Market
Shop local and find unique Christmas gifts at the market. In addition to handmade crafts and live wreaths, vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, meat, honey, and dairy products.
4. Small Business Saturday
Don’t want to fight the Black Friday crowds? Shop local on Small Business Saturday.
5. The Food
Aiken has the best restaurants open for the special Thanksgiving occasion. Make reservations for 11 am – 2 pm or 5 – 8 pm in the gardens of the beautiful Rose Hill estate at Tiffany's at The Stables. Reserve a seat close to the cozy fireplace at The Willcox and listen to piano music while helping yourself to a tasty Thanksgiving buffet. Take a break this Thanksgiving, and let Neon Fig do the cooking from 12 – 5 pm. Click here for a list of other dining options in Aiken.
6. Holiday Open House{image_6}
You’re invited to get a first look at what downtown Aiken has to offer this holiday season! Get first dibs on the hottest items in local shops.
Can't make it to Aiken for Thanksgiving? Be sure to visit during Christmas! View the complete list of upcoming holiday events here.