Before school is back in session and pumpkin spice returns, enjoy the last few days of summer with a last minute trip to Aiken.

July is hot, hot, hot, but a trip to Aiken offers plenty of opportunities to cool off. If you can’t make it to Aiken anytime soon, be sure you add it to your bucket list!

As summer approaches in this southern city, we think of fun and food whether it’s spending time by the pool, listening to live music or enjoying a juicy watermelon or peach. We know the perfect venue where you can enjoy all of this and more! The Market in the Alley, nestled in the heart of downtown Aiken, will soon burst with activity and flavor on Thursday nights in June. What is the buzz all about?

It seems that the South’s Best Small Town has been getting the latest of the wet weather but no worries, there are plenty of activities to stay dry in Aiken. So, get your rain boots on, brave the weather, and join us for 8 things to do in Aiken on a rainy day.

It’s all about the culture in the South, and Aiken is no different.  Doors are held open, strangers smile and greet each other on the street, and – as always – our local farmers and artisans are prepping for our Market in the Alley.  We’re all about homegrown goods served with a heaping side of southern hospitality.

As charming Aiken blooms into spring, the birds are singing more, the days are warmer and brighter, the grass is greener, colorful plants and flowers are popping up and butterflies are soaring…

With all that Aiken has to offer in the spring, I have the privilege to be a tourist in my own hometown. This is the perfect season to explore hidden gems in this southern town. Whether it’s outdoor dining, a breathtaking scene, a breakfast nook or a place to stay, Aiken has 12 enchanting places awaiting your visit.

From art gallery strolls to art festivals, performing arts to orchestra performances, and from art classes to camps, Aiken is the place to be for arts and culture. Not only is downtown Aiken lined with distinctive galleries and antique shops, but has art studios for those who wish explore their artistic ability. Being recently named as the South’s Best Town, it’s no surprise that Aiken also has a creative side!

Did you know that Aiken is no stranger to the rich and famous? That’s right! Celebrities like Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Minnie Pearl (discovered her persona here), Joanne Woodward, Paul Newman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Andy Williams (to name a few) all were frequent Aiken visitors. Read on for some interesting facts about celebrity visits from Hollywood icons, sports greats, and genuine royalty.

With the holidays here, most likely you will be tackling last minute Christmas shopping.  It’s a jolly experience if you’re in the right town, and Aiken is the place to be!

I don’t know about y ’all but this fall weather is making me hungry for comfort food. After all, it is countdown to Thanksgiving! Whether it’s a tapas-style meal, French cuisine, blue pate specials, international foods… Aiken is the place to be for good eats! And, it’s not just about the cuisine, it’s the unique dining atmosphere as well.