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.
The Aiken Center for the Arts’ Aiken Antique Show is celebrating its 24th year. This fantastic annual 3-day event features the best antique dealers from around the region! Come, experience, and celebrate one of the Southeast’s most distinctive events. The show and sale will feature vintage pieces for gardens as well as high quality antique furniture, paintings, lighting, jewelry and rugs. The show and sale will be held from 10 – 6 on February 2nd and 3rd, and from 11 – 4 on February 4th. Tickets are $20 per person for the duration of the show.
Take a walk back in time to Aiken in the age of the Winter Colony! Join Allen Riddick, local historian, for an engaging and informational history walk through beautiful Hopelands Gardens. Learn about Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch, the historic properties, and the people who owned them. History Walks take place on the first two Fridays in February.
One of the great things about living in Aiken is that there is always something blooming – even in winter! The mild climate provides the ideal habitat for flowering camellias this time of year. Come see the colorful blooms for yourself at Cold Creek Nurseries for a day devoted to Camellias. This free, family-friendly event features live music by The Gavin Reilly Band, Hometown Grounds Coffee truck, and complimentary food samples from the Market. Don’t miss the highlight of the event – Sharon Stillwell’s Camellia Seminar starting at 11 am. Learn the essentials about Camellias, Sasanquas, and hybrids, including planting, pruning, and addressing disease or insect issues. 
Come out to Bruce’s Field for Tuesdays in the Park! Tuesday schooling days provide an excellent opportunity for riders to prepare for all of their upcoming competitions in world-class arenas. Tuesdays in the Park occur weekly from January 9 to March 12 from 7:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. (please note there is no Tuesday schooling on February 27th). The event is free and open to the public.
Incorporating four hunts and social events every evening, Hunt Week is an annual festival of foxhunting held during February. Hunt Week 2024 is scheduled for February 7 to February 13. The annual Hunt Ball, gourmet breakfasts, tailgates and cocktail parties all contribute to a festive celebration of horse and hound. Guests come from as far as Canada, New England, Florida and numerous points west. The hunts are all in thousands of acres of beautiful countryside. There is ample room for everyone and a place for every horse and rider in one of our three fields. First, Second and Hill toppers.
Mark your calendar for Breeze Days at the Aiken Training Track! Come join us at the Clockers’ Stand to watch the young Thoroughbreds learn to become racehorses. The early morning scene at the Aiken Training Track is not to be missed! Young horses, often coming onto the track in groups of 2 or 3, train with enthusiasm, while trainers watch closely and time their work. Breeze Days begin at 7:30 AM, held by the Aiken Training Track and The City of Aiken. Mark your calendars now; this is one event you won’t want to miss!
Put on your dancing shoes and come celebrate Valentine’s Day with Joye in Aiken! At this “JOYEful Valentine” Swing Dance Party, you’ll be able to enjoy:
Thousands of spectators travel to Aiken each year to see soldiers and living historians recreate one of the last Confederate victories of the war: 
This annual weekend event has been awarded the SC Parks, Recreation, and Tourism’s Governor’s award for Best South Carolina Event. In addition, The Battle was also awarded the Dr. James Butler National Award for being the nation’s Best Living History Program. In addition, Reenactment Guide selected the Battle of Aiken as one of the top 10 Reenactments in America. 
Take a step back in time and hear, see, smell, and feel the thunder of cannons, muskets, and horses! Tour through numerous stations to interact and learn about Civil War music and dance, Uniforms, Confederate and Union Camps, Artillery Batteries, Saber Demonstrations, Cavalry Camps, 1861 Women’s Fashions, Blacksmithing, and other 19th Century Crafts. Spectators can tour an authentic 19th-century log cabin as well as a recreated one-room schoolhouse, jail, and country store. The highlight of the festival is the weekend’s three dramatic recreated battles. Watch as soldiers recreate the Battle that saved the Town of Aiken! This is a family-friendly event and tickets range between $5-$15 at the gate. Admission for children aged 5 and under is free.
You don’t need to travel all the way to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. The Aiken Downtown Development Association is bringing Bourbon Street back to Downtown Aiken this February for the 6th annual Mardi Gras festival! Head to Newberry Street to enjoy live music, creole cuisine, authentic craft and Abita Beer, a second line Parade, and live music from Soda City Brass Band. Admission is free!
Are you interested in buying or selling land in Aiken, SC? The first step is to ensure you are working with a Realtor who knows what they are doing. 