Experience undiscovered South Carolina in Thoroughbred Country, just east of Augusta, GA along I-20 and west of Columbia, South Carolina. Comprised of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties and bordered by Interstates 20, 26 and 95, this region showcases rolling countryside, equestrian events, wide open greenspaces, nature and history, in addition to picturesque downtowns with unique shops, restaurants, museums and lodging.
Enjoy romantic downtown Aiken. Surrounded by a one-of-a kind parkway system and bordered by beautiful beds of flowers, historic downtown Aiken offers unique dining and shopping choices including art galleries, antiques, gift shops, a taproom and a wide variety of restaurants. Make a reservation for the Historic Aiken Trolley Tour to learn about historic homes and churches, equestrian sites, the Civil War’s Battle of Aiken, the live oak canopy on South Boundary and the Winter Colony residences. Discover local artworks at the many galleries in the region, including Jim Harrison Gallery, Southside Gallery of Aiken, Aiken Center for the Arts, Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta and the Little Red Barn Pottery & Art Gallery.
Intown, stay at The Willcox. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and voted Southern Living’s 2021 World’s Best and Readers’ Choice, The Willcox has welcomed guests for well over a hundred years. Famous for its atmosphere, impeccable service and excellent cuisine, this old-fashioned Southern hotel offers suites elegantly appointed with period antiques and deep soaking tubs. Enhance your stay with an after-hours spa and dinner, fireside s’mores, a horseback ride through Hitchcock Woods or a picnic for two.
In North Augusta, the Lookaway Inn offers the perfect romantic vibe. Completed in 1898, it was the home of Walter Jackson, brother of James U. Jackson, the founder of North Augusta. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this graciously restored home has five bedrooms in the main house and 10 courtyard garden rooms, all with large private baths.
For a countryside getaway, try these. Couples can bring their steeds to Magnolia Shadows Equestrian Resort in Ridge Spring, where horse boarding meets bed & breakfast. Rooms in this 1895 plantation home are completely restored and surrounded by manicured pastures, magnolia trees and gardens. The convenient location makes it easy for guests to visit the world-famous polo, fox hunting and racing venues. Its newly opened restaurant, RISERVA 1895, is an authentic Italian restaurant and wine venue where a reservation gives guests the table for the evening and the enjoyment of interacting with the engaging and personable chef.
Just five miles from Barnwell, SC in the small town of Snelling, Miss Alda’s Inn is a family home passed down through five generations. Guests can tour many nearby historic sites and take advantage of golf or hunting packages. Located in Blackville, Wisteria Cottage Bed & Breakfast is a rustic two-bedroom, one bath 1940’s cottage. Stroll through Lill’s Herb Garden, enjoy bird and butterfly watching, or ask to take tea in the garden. The proprietor is also happy to provide a traditional Mennonite breakfast upon request.
Looking forward to a serene couple’s ride? Grab your horse and trot over to King Creek Campground. A $15 admission fee is charged for a full day of riding the miles of quiet, sandy trails. Don’t own your own horse? That’s okay! Enjoy a guided ride with The Trail Riding Company. Their seasoned horses will make you feel comfortable and confident on the ride.
For a quirky throwdown, try Woodchuckers Axe Throwing, owned and operated by a local family and located in The Alley, Aiken’s fun district. For more traditional ways to express love and work off energy, play a round of golf, take a romantic walk along the Savannah River on the North Augusta Greeneway, or take the Arboretum Trail and into Hopelands Gardens, a 14-acre former estate park featuring wetlands, an arboretum trail and a labyrinth.
The official website of Thoroughbred Country is www.TBredCountry.org.
Journalists: Find dining details at https://www.travelmediapressroom.com/2020/04/23/dine-like-a-local-in-thoroughbred-county.
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