What Convinced Me to Choose Aiken SC As My Home

Here's what I love about living in Aiken, SC.

By: Suzy Haslup

I will always recall the day in August 1994 when I first pulled in to Aiken, SC. My sister and I had rented a car in DC for the drive. She was an accomplished journalist in the city and was my note taker for this adventure. I had previously visited Camden SC and Ocala FL as I was determined not to spend another Winter in the Mid-Atlantic since I had over 20 horses in training during the previous winter that proved a challenge with ice and snow.

There was a connection to Aiken and South Carolina for sure. I trained horses for an owner that already had two horses in the Racing Hall of Fame here. As a youth I spent my summers at my uncle’s farm near Spartanburg where he fueled my passion for horses and riding by always having at least 15 mounts to choose from-many of them unbroken. One summer I attended Furman University in Greenville.

So, on that summer day of ’94 when I turned onto South Boundary Avenue on the way to the Aiken Training Track a feeling came over me that I had maybe once lived here in a past life? And the atmosphere at the track, The Willcox Inn and Houndslake Guest House where we stayed were memorable. I made lifelong connections in the two days we were here. And I never left.

To this day I live off South Boundary Avenue and traverse it every day whether with my dog in tow, riding a bike or driving to an appointment or to town. The beauty of it still amazes me.

So, when I read a recent article in the Aiken Standard on this avenue, I felt compelled to write this blog.

Interestingly a live oak has foliage year-round, so these trees stay green throughout the winter, while other oaks lose their leaves and are dormant during the colder months of the year. Henry Dibble has been credited for creating South Boundary’s avenue of oaks in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Dibble, an attorney from Michigan made Aiken his permanent residence and started a dairy farm in Montmorenci, about six miles southeast of town. He decided to create an “avenue” of live oaks to line the boulevard that he traveled so often. Many of the originals still arch their branches over the avenue and it is one of the most photographed places in Aiken and impress all who travel the road. This author included.

March 22, 2024September 23, 2024

Your Guide to Aiken’s Historic Horse District

Imagine walking out your front door, mounting your horse, and riding off into a nearby polo field or the Hitchcock Woods. As you trot down winding clay roads, in the mild Southern climate, you take in the sights of beautiful mansions and wide-open polo fields. This is Aiken’s Historic Horse District, and yes, it’s just as magical as it sounds! Read on to learn about one of the South’s most incredible equestrian communities. Then, contact Suzy to begin your home search in Aiken, South Carolina.

About Aiken’s Historic Horse District

Located near downtown, just a stone’s throw from Hitchcock Woods, is Aiken’s Historic Horse District. This legendary equestrian community is filled with miles of unpaved roads, beautiful farms, and stunning natural beauty around every corner. Known as one of the most picturesque communities in the Southeast, it’s comprised of The Aiken Training Track, Whitney Polo Field, Winthrop Polo Field, and The Aiken Horse Park.

On any given day, you’ll see riders, people walking dogs, and horse-drawn carriages meandering along the clay roads of Aiken’s Historic Horse District. The unpaved roads offer great footing for horses, making it easy to ride for miles. Visit early in the morning and you just might hear the thundering hooves of horses training at the Aiken Training Track. Sip your coffee while you watch them gallop by. Then, walk over to The Track Kitchen for a delicious Southern breakfast. Come see for yourself why this is a favorite locale for owners, trainers, residents, and visitors alike. Then, come back for an afternoon polo match at Whitney Field. Cheer on your favorite team while you socialize with friends under the pavilion or at a tailgate. The possibilities are endless!

Living in Aiken’s Historic Horse District

There are so many reasons to love living in Aiken, South Carolina. You can easily ride straight from your home to Hitchcock Woods, the polo fields, and more. It’s all right there in your backyard! And, you’re located just minutes from the many attractions, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants downtown.

If you’re dreaming about relocating to Aiken’s Historic Horse District, you’re not alone! Some of the most highly sought-after real estate is located within this desirable equestrian community. Whether you’re searching for a luxury estate, cottage, or farm, Suzy Haslup can help you find the property that’s right for you. Contact her today to begin your home search.

Find Your Equestrian Dream Home With Suzy Haslup

Whether you’re searching for a property in Aiken’s Historic Horse District, downtown, or in another area of Aiken, Suzy Haslup is your go-to source for equestrian real estate. Suzy’s unique experience as a horsewoman, Realtor, and Accredited Land Consultant gives her the ability to ensure that you will find the property that’s right for you. With years of local real estate experience, she has the knowledge and expertise to help guide you through the process with ease. Browse available listings, and then contact Suzy to begin your home search today. We can’t wait to welcome you to our community!

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March 14, 2024September 23, 2024

How to Prepare Your Home to Sell

February 9, 2023

Getting ready to list your home for sale? You’ll want to do a few things first to make sure that it’s extra appealing to buyers.

There are never any guarantees about how fast your home will sell—or for how much money. There are, however, various steps that you can take to increase your chances of everything going smoothly, quickly, and profitably.

A good real estate agent will guide you in the things that you should be doing to get your home prepped to sell. But the sooner you start the better, and you can speed up the whole process by getting the ball rolling on your own. Here are some of the best things you can do to prepare a home to sell, including impactful improvements that don’t cost any more than your time.

What Should You Do to Your House Before Selling?

Some homes will need more work than others before they’re ready to hit the market. Yet there are some basics that all homeowners should be focused on as they prep for a sale. These are some of the big ones.

Declutter and De-Personalize

You want buyers to be able to see themselves living in the space—and that can be hard to do if they’re surrounded by your stuff. You don’t need to completely empty the house out, but you should go room by room and remove any clutter, as well as any personal items like family photographs or piles of mail.

For everyday items you know you’ll need easy access to while your house is for sale, keep a box handy that you can quickly store things in ahead of a showing. That way, you can tuck items out of sight without having to put them completely away in storage.

Consider Curb Appeal

Your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see, so it needs to look its best. Roll up your sleeves and get to work on landscaping basics like mowing the lawn, pulling out weeds, and trimming any scraggly trees or bushes. This is also a good time to clean your siding and the outside of your windows, as well as less-obvious features like your front door, garage door, and welcome mat.

Do a Deep Clean Inside

A sparkling clean home is more appealing to buyers. It also tells them that you have valued the property and taken good care of it. Clean every room and all major features, including walls, floors, appliances, and fixtures. While you’re at it, tackle some of the less-obvious things that you might not notice on a day-to-day basis but that potential buyers definitely will, such as scuff marks on the walls and chipped paint.

Make Small Repairs

Constantly running toilet? Kitchen cabinet hanging off its hinges? Small issues like this can be a major turn-off to buyers, so take the time to fix them before you list. As for bigger repair needs, work with your real estate agent to decide if it’s worth it to deal with those now or if you’d be better off waiting until post-offer negotiations.

A final tip for an efficient home sale: try to sell in the spring if you can, since that’s when the market is at its peak. You should also stay up to date with market news and updates so that you never miss an opportunity to optimize your listing or approach.

March 10, 2024September 23, 2024

Here Are the Best Upcoming Spring Events in Aiken, SC

Here Are the Best Upcoming Spring Events in Aiken, SC

By: Kathryn Siders

Vibrant azaleas, Derby days, and sunny 75-degree weather…there’s no doubt about it, spring is in full bloom in Aiken, SC! Whether you live here or are visiting for the first time, we guarantee you’ll fall in love with this charming Southern town. From art festivals and garden tours to polo matches and live music festivals, there are many ways to celebrate the spring season in Aiken. Mark your calendar now for these upcoming events!

Upcoming Events in Aiken, SC: Spring 2024

Spring Polo: April to June

Spring polo is back, and there’s no better way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon in Aiken, SC. The first Sunday match of Aiken Polo Club’s spring season will kick off April 28th at 2 p.m. Enjoy a wonderful day of horses, friends, fashion, and food. Whether you mingle beneath the pavilion or tailgate beside the field, this is bound to be your new Sunday afternoon tradition. Please visit the Aiken Polo Club’s website to see a list of upcoming matches. First games start at 2 p.m. and second games begin at 3:30 on Sundays.

New Bridge Country Club is another fabulous venue hosting 8-goal polo matches this spring. The 2024 schedule includes the New Bridge Championship 8-goal (April 22 – May 5), Tommy Hitchcock Memorial (May 6-26), Pete Bostwick Memorial (May 29 – June 16), Louise Hitchcock Women’s 8 – 14 Goal (May 27 – June 9) and the New Bridge Arena International (May 25 & June 8).

La Bourgogne Club de Polo is one of the newest local polo venues. Head over to Wagener for an exciting weekend of fast and competitive polo! Games are on Friday afternoons, and Pavilion games are every Saturday at 3 and 4:30 pm. The 2024 schedule kicks off April 19th and includes:

Women’s Invitation 6-8 goal & Pro-Am 6-8 goal (April 19-20)
Langdon Road 14 goal (April 26-27)
Langdon Road 14 goal & Super Cup (May 3-4)
Langdon Road 14 goal (May 10-11)
Women’s Challenge 8-10 goal & 6-8 Goal Pro Am (May 17-18)
Langdon Road 14 goal (May 24-25)
Langdon Road 14 Goal and Super Cup (May 31-June 1)

Amp the Alley

Have a great night out on the town at Amp the Alley! Join us every Thursday night to enjoy live music, art, and local restaurants in the heart of downtown Aiken! Amp the Alley starts at 6:30pm every Thursday. This concert series is free to the public and is the longest running concert series in the CSRA spanning 32 weeks. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, listen to some great live music, and stroll the Alley with your favorite drink while you browse the arts and craft vendors. Some of the upcoming performances include:

Bethany and the Southside Boys (April 18)
Rae’s Creek Revival (April 25)
The Experiment & The I-20 Horns (May 2)
Will and Brock (May 9)
Black Dawg Led Zeppelin Tribute (May 16)
Impact Ride (May 23)
Keith Gregory (May 30)
Zombo (June 6)
Shep and Jeff (June 13)
Easily Amused (June 20)
Ruskin and Cam (June 27)

…and many more! See the full lineup here: https://www.ampthealley.com/schedule-1

50th Annual Hopelands Concert Series: April – June

Enjoy a fabulous evening of live music under the trees in beautiful Hopelands Gardens! The 50th Annual Hopelands Concert Series is held every Monday night from April – June. The concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. in April, and 7 p.m. in May and June. We recommend arriving a little early. Bring a lawn chair or a picnic dinner, and enjoy an evening of live music beneath the live oaks, deodar cedars, and magnolia trees. The family-friendly concerts are free. Aikenhorserealty looks forward to sponsoring Preston and Weston’s performance on Monday, May 13th.

Aiken Spring Classic Horse Show: April 18 – 21 & April 25 – 28

When it comes to Aiken, SC, horse events, the Spring Classic is one to add to your list! Competitors from near and far travel to Aiken to compete at the USEF Premier Level of show jumping. Events take place at Highfields Event Center daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sign up to compete or come watch and cheer on your favorite competitors!

Aiken Showcase Dog Show: April 19 – 21

The Carolina Dog Society is proud to present its first All-Breed Dog Show, from April 19th to 21st, 2024, at the New Era Farm Arena in Aiken, SC. Join them for a weekend filled with wagging tails and canine celebrations as they showcase various breeds and their talented handlers.The show will be held outdoors, in a covered arena and starts at 9 a.m. Vendors & Food Trucks are on site daily.

2024 Strawberry Festival at Mead Hall: April 20th

Spring is Strawberry Season in Aiken, SC, and you won’t want to miss out on the annual Strawberry Festival at Mead Hall. This family-friendly festival includes Inflatables, rides, games, vendors, a bake sale, silent auction plus plenty of food, handmade strawberry ice cream, shortcake, and some of the freshest strawberries you will ever taste! Admission is free; tickets required for attractions. The 2024 Strawberry Festival will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on April 20th.

Art in the Park: April 20

Residents and visitors are invited to the Cedar Creek community on Saturday, April 20th, during Art in the Park, to enjoy art and meet artisans. Walton Heath Park in Cedar Creek will be filled with vendors offering a variety of artworks, including acrylic and glass mixed media, handmade jewelry, season wreaths, watercolor art, quilted items, handmade jewelry, woodwork, and more. The event runs from noon to 3:30 pm. Walton Heath Park is located at the corner of Club Drive and Walton Heath Way.

AEC Touchstone Energy RUN UNITED Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and Kids Fun Run: April 27th

Lace up your running shoes and get your blood pumping at the RUN UNITED Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run! The event takes place on Newberry Street in downtown Aiken from 7 – 10 a.m., starting with the half marathon and 10K 7:30 a.m. Next is the 5K at 7:45 a.m. Please visit the event website for details and pricing. The One Mile Kids Fun Run begins at 9:30 a.m. and is free. Awards for each race will be presented at 10:00 a.m.

Pickleball and Pizza: May 3rd, June 7th, July 5th

Pickleball and pizza: could there be a better combination? Come out to beautiful Virginia Acres Park every first Friday of the month for this free event hosted by the Southern Pickleball Academy. Between the City’s 14 pickleball courts, there is plenty of room for everyone to play. No sign-ups are needed and all levels of play are welcome. There will be extra paddles available for those wanting to learn, as well as volunteer instructors. Pizza is ordered based on the number of players. The pizza is free but donations are accepted.

Aiken Charity Horse Show at Bruce’s Field: May 1-5 & May 8-12

Head over to Bruce’s Field for the Aiken Charity Horse Show this May. Whether you are competing or spectating, you won’t want to miss this USEF Premier AA Rated Level 4 Jumper horse show. Visit the show’s website for more information and prize list.

Kentucky Derby Party at Bruce’s Field: May 4th 2024

Don your best Derby day attire, grab a Mint Julep, and come celebrate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Bruce’s Field! Party in style in the VIP tent, enjoy specialty cocktails, watch the $50k Chesterfield Cup GP, then place your bets for the greatest 2 mins in sports. The party begins at 4 p.m. with the Chesterfield Cup GP. The KY Derby Race Post Time is approximately 6:45 p.m. Limited tickets are available for this event, so get yours today!

Ag and Art Tour: May 11th, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Mark your calendar now for the Annual South Carolina Ag + Art Tour! Come and experience the many great farms and talented artisans of Aiken County. This is a free, self-guided tour of farms and markets featuring local artisans at every stop. During the tour visitors have the opportunity to see first-hand where their food comes from, watch artists in action and purchase their works, enjoy the melodies of local musicians, and learn more about rural life. The tour is the largest free farm and art tour in the nation with over 85,000 visitors participating since 2012. Participating farms include Boondock Farms, Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, Jenks Farmer Crinum Lily Farm, Proveaux Plantation, Purebred Compost, Rutland Ranch LLC, Southerly Farm and Trustee Farm.

The Aiken Garden Show: May 17 & 18, 2024

Spring is in full bloom in Aiken, SC, and there is no better way to experience the beauty of the season than at the Aiken Garden Show. There will be six private gardens open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Two of the gardens are in the midtown historic horse district and three are on or near the historic Aiken Golf Club in the Highland Park area. One garden is a historic Winter Colony garden.

In addition to the garden tour, The 2024 Aiken Garden Show will feature interesting and informative speakers. Plan to join us in the parlor of the Aiken County Historical Museum to learn the best way to design, grow, maintain, and enjoy your own garden.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 day of event. Tickets for groups of 10 or more are $20 per person. Food trucks will be located at the Aiken County Historical Museum, including Heart Pine Homestead (Sourdough focaccias, cinnamon rolls & muffins), DJ’s American Grill (Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken), and Flanagan’s Ice Cream.

Aiken Memorial Day Parade: May 25th

Put on your red, white, and blue and kick off the long weekend with the Aiken Memorial Day Parade! The parade begins at 10 a.m. and is held in the center of downtown Aiken on Laurens St. SW and Park Ave SW.

Aiken County Farmers Market: Tuesday and Saturday Mornings

Shop local and support small businesses! The Aiken County Farmers Market has some of the tastiest fruits and vegetables in town. Stock up on fresh produce, delicious baked goods, meat, honey, or dairy products. Take your time browsing the handmade crafts or pick up a bouquet of spring flowers to brighten up your home. The market is open year-round every Tuesday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Contact Suzy Haslup to Start Your Aiken, SC, Home Search Today

Are you thinking about relocating to Aiken, SC? We’d love to welcome you to the South’s Best Small Town! If you’re considering a move to the area, contact Suzy Haslup today. Between her experience as a Realtor® and horsewoman, Suzy will ensure that you find your dream home or equestrian property, land, downtown cottage or home in Aiken’s Historic Horse District.

Are you ready to make your dream of living in Aiken, SC, a reality? Contact Suzy to begin your home search now!

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