From spa days and nature preserves to walking trails, exploring the arts and so much more, Thoroughbred Country is a unique destination to retreat, relax and reset
THOROUGHBRED COUNTRY, SOUTH CAROLINA—JANUARY 2025—Located just east of Augusta, Georgia and west of Columbia, South Carolina, Thoroughbred Country offers sprawling countryside, wide open greenspaces, endless ways to explore nature and many opportunities to get up close and personal with horses. But what you may not realize is Thoroughbred Country is also an ideal destination for rest, relaxation and self-care. Read on for the region’s top spots for enjoying a relaxing wellness retreat in South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country.
Immerse yourself in the arts
Start your wellness journey by exploring the history of Thoroughbred Country at the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, which offers over 2,000 square feet of regional arts and history, including a permanent interactive history exhibit and two galleries of exhibits which rotate every two months. Make a stop by the Center’s Gift Shop which showcases local crafts ranging from pottery and paintings to coffee and chocolate. Open Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and the first Sunday of every month 1-3 p.m. Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina, 29841; 803-441-4380
Aiken Center for the Arts is a great place to immerse yourself in the artistic works and exhibits of local, state, regional and national artists. The Center features five galleries, seven classrooms for programs, as well as a 180-seat performance pavilion. Pro tip: Don’t miss the gift shop on your way out. It’s a treasure trove of unique gifts, art and so much more. Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens Street SW, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801; 803-641-9094
Explore the great outdoors
Clear your mind by exploring nature at Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary. Owned by the National Audubon Society, the sanctuary is situated along the Savannah River and is comprised of 3,250 acres of upland pine forest, hardwood bottomlands, fields, lakes and streams. Visitors enjoy the miles of walking trails winding through the property which are well-marked and accented with interpretive signs. For the birdwatcher, Silver Bluff boasts more than 200 species, including the federally threatened Wood Stork and Bald Eagle. In addition to the extensive pine and hardwood forests, 50 acres of lakes and ponds and 100 acres of grasslands, Silver Bluff has archaeological sites from nearly every period in American history. Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary, 4542 Silver Bluff Road, Jackson, South Carolina, 29831; 803-471-0291
Next, check out King George Lavender Farm, a family-owned and -operated lavender farm producing lavender based products which are sold at the farm mercantile. Open seasonally, the farm offers U-pick lavender, oil distillation demonstrations, events and weddings. The mercantile offers a variety of lavender products, olive oils and home décor. King George Lavender Farm, 490 Daisy Lane, Barnwell, South Carolina, 29812; 803-300-5637
Nature lovers will delight in the spectacular setting of Hitchcock Woods, the largest privately owned urban forest in the country. The 2,100 acres and 70 miles of sandy trails at Hitchcock Woods have been a haven for pedestrian and equestrian users since the early 1800s. There are seven entrances located along the perimeter of the Woods. Stop by Gateway Park at the South Boundary entrance for informational kiosks along a beautiful walkway describing the Woods, its history, flora and fauna and the challenges of preserving its unique resources. Admission is free. For more information, call 803-642-0528
Make a stop by God’s Acre Healing Springs in Blackville. Off SC 3 North, look for signs three miles north of Blackville. Native Americans believed in the springs’ natural healing powers and brought wounded Revolutionary War soldiers here to rest. Locals still believe in the springs’ powers and drink its waters. In 1944, the acre of land the springs are on was legally deeded to GOD by LP “Lute” Boylston. Open during daylight hours.
There’s no better way to explore Thoroughbred Country than on horseback. The Trail Riding Company offers guided trail rides on horseback anywhere in the region. The horses are seasoned and offer a comfortable and confident ride. Click here for more information on how to book a tour or call 803-507-5487.
Hit the links at Sweetwater Country Club. This 18-hole course designed by Russell Breeden features Bermuda greens and is known throughout the lower half of South Carolina as one of the oldest and most challenging courses in the lower state. Sweetwater is a great place to learn the game of golf while still providing a challenge to the most talented players. Sweetwater Country Club, 571 Johnny George Lane, Barnwell, South Carolina, 29812; 803-259-5004
Where to dine
Looking for a healthy refresh? Reset with a vegetarian smoothie, creative vegetarian foods, organic juices, bulk herbs and more at Veg Out Café. Additionally, Veg Out Café is now offering gluten-free, sugar-free and vegan baked goods. It’s easy to see why Veg Out Café is a local favorite. Veg Out Café, 1619 Whiskey Road, Aiken, South Carolina, 29803; 803-843-9400
Manuel’s Bread Café is a real treat for those looking for authentic French cuisine. Featuring a seasonal menu, Chef Manuel Verney-Carron puts a twist on exquisite time-honored French dishes laden with organic produce grown by Blue Clay Farm. Manuel’s Bread Café serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Manuel’s Bread Café, 505 Railroad Avenue, Suite 100, North Augusta, South Carolina, 2984; 803-380-1323
For an upscale experience, check out Malia’s Restaurant in downtown Aiken. Sourcing fresh and ethically produced ingredients, this local favorite has been in business for over 30 years. Patrons can expect a top-notch dining experience featuring international dishes with a Southern flair. Menus change frequently to optimize a variety of seasonal ingredients. Open for lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and for dinner 5 p.m.-until, Wednesday through Saturday. Malia’s Restaurant, 120 Laurens Street, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801; 803-643-3086.
Where to stay
The Willcox offers a luxe hotel experience that is sure to make a lasting impression. Guest rooms are not only comfortable but also luxuriously appointed, offering a true retreat. Dine at The Willcox’s award-winning on-property restaurant where meals are unpretentious and delicious. Guests can book a spa day at The Willcox Salon and Spa. With a wide range of spa services delivered in serene, fire-lit rooms, guests are sure to melt their cares away with the help of expert spa therapists. Services are available for overnight guests as well as day visitors. The Willcox offers several hotel packages throughout the year. Click here for current package offerings. The Willcox, 100 Colleton Avenue, SW, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801; 803-648-1898
Offering three rooms designed to suit various weekend vacation styles ranging from rustic camping to sophisticated elegance, Lazy Dog Acres is just the place. Visitors can relax with a visit to the on-site spa featuring products made from lavender grown on property. Lazy Dog Acres, 6293 Ehrhardt Road, Ehrhardt, South Carolina, 29081; 803-824-9303
Whisper Farm is a restored, historic 100-acre farmstead set on a hilltop offering guests expansive views. Choose from a one-bedroom house with a sunrise view, a three-bed lodge with plenty of space to entertain, a two-bedroom restored farmhouse with a vintage library and loads of Southern charm or rent the whole farm. Each room is intentionally decorated to create a comfortable experience. Amenities are plentiful and are unique to each location. From a stable and trails to a clawfoot tub and a cozy fireplace, guests love the uniqueness of this horse and pet-friendly property. Whisper Farm, 2300 Salley Road, Salley, South Carolina, 29137; 410-924-1790
For a more traditional type lodging experience, stay at Stable View Farm. Sprawling over 1,000 acres of gently rolling hills and bordered by canopies of forests, Stable View has become a popular spot for its broad appeal to those looking for a peaceful retreat among some of the area’s most beautiful wildlife. Stable View offers an array of cottages, barn residences, loft like “hunt boxes” and cozy apartments available for short- or long-term stays. RV hook-ups are also available throughout the property. Stable View Farm, 117 Stable View Drive, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801; 484-356-3173
Stay among nature at Barnwell State Park. With multiple fully furnished cabins available, guests will enjoy the comforts of home while waking up 100 yards from the park’s upper lake and just 300 yards from the park’s lower lake. For information on booking, click here. Barnwell State Park, 223 State Park Road, Blackville, South Carolina 29817; 803-284-2212