As summer approaches this southern city, all we can think about is enjoying the outdoors! With unique dining experiences, picturesque views, aquatic activities, live music, and equestrian sports, Aiken is the place to be!
Aiken has established itself as one of the nation’s premier training centers and horse sporting events that draw competitors from across the country and attract spectators to watch the shows. The Aiken Summer Classics I & II will be on June 15-24, located at the Aiken Horse Park. The All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show on June 3-5 at Highfields Event Center will be a weekend of fun, competition, and fellowship celebrating the Thoroughbred. The USEF/USDF “Summer Solstice” Dressage at Stable View will be on June 18-19. Stable View will also host the USEF/USEA Mid-Summer Horse Trials & Area III Championships on June 24-26, and the USEF/USHJA B-Rated Hunter/Jumper Summer Classic II on June 20 – July 3.
Come join the festivities in downtown Aiken on Newberry Street. There will be beer from craft breweries, various BBQ vendors, brisket, wine, and live music by “Anybody's Guess”. Admission is free!
FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS{image_7}
Pack a picnic and enjoy the Hopelands Concert Series on Monday nights. Watch a movie at The Big Mo for a unique experience under the stars! Voices and Votes, a family-friendly event, takes place on June 25 held at the Newberry Street Festival Center. This Aiken County Celebration will offer crafts and fun activities for children, educational activities for the whole family, exhibits, live entertainment, and food concessions.
Aiken's culinary scene is booming, with chefs cooking authentic dishes and opening new restaurants. The talk of the town is the new Sombreros Mexican restaurant! The menu serves authentic Mexican food, birria tacos quesabirria, and a variety of flavor margaritas. Another new spot calling all taste buds is the Los Tres Compadres. If your palate craves dishes other than Mexican cuisine, then try the Feed Sack on Whiskey Road. Opening soon, this restaurant will have a full bar with live music and a spectacular menu that serves everything. Also, prepared meals can be ordered to go.
Pools and swimming holes are a sure way to help cool you down on a hot day. The Willcox voted one of the best hotels in the world, awaits you with a Pool and Spa Day. The Aiken State Park is a popular destination with underground springs that fill the area with fishing and swimming lakes, while the river’s South Fork offers calm water for canoeing and kayaking. Enjoy the white sandy beaches, water slides, beach volleyball, and concessions at Richardson's Lake. Enjoy many of the or many of Aiken’s public pools or cool off at Sprayground at Citizens Park. Langley Pond, known as the world's largest pond, includes a boat ramp and dock, a covered picnic area with grills, and a swimming area with a sand beach. Watch the US Rowing Southeast Masters Regional Championship on June 25 & 26.
Last but not least, quench your thirst. Check out Whiskey Alley, The Alley Taproom, and Aiken Brewing Company for some good brew. For the wine connoisseur, try Solo Vino and Cork and Cap. Jazz lovers can have drinks at Vibes and Vines!
Check out our website for a full list of what to do, where to eat, and where to stay.