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Peaches in Aiken

Peaches in '08 are sweeter, plentiful
From the Aiken Standard on August 11th, 2008
http://www.aikenstandard.com/0810Peaches2008-08-09T23-17-05

By HALEY HUGHES
Staff writer

Local fruit stands agree this year's peach crop is, by and large, much better than last year's. Last year, an unexpected freeze over the Easter weekend devastated South Carolina's peach crop. The South Carolina Peach Council reported at the time the state would be lucky to harvest 10 percent, as more than 18,000 acres were affected by the freeze. What peaches could be found in the supermarket were likely grown in California. This year, the weather has been kind to the fuzzy fruit. "This crop is tremendously better," said Dan Bledsoe, who sells bushels of peaches in the parking lot of Tyler's Tire on Whiskey Road. "We haven't had any late freezes or bad hail." This is Bledsoe's first year selling peaches and he said business has been good. The peaches he sells come from a private farm. Not only is this year's crop more abundant, but Bledsoe said the peaches taste sweeter. "Due to the dry weather, they're a lot sweeter this year," he said. Long periods of sunshine bring out the natural sugar in peaches, making them sweeter than normal. Tammy Glanton, who operates Jackson's Peach Stand at the corner of Rutland Drive and Laurens Street, said her customers can't get enough of her peaches this year. "Everything is tasting a whole lot sweeter," she said. "Everybody comes back for seconds." She added that peaches have always been popular even when the crop suffers from weather conditions. "It's just a real good fruit," she said. While this state produces between 30 and 40 peach varieties, the Elberta peach has been a popular variety for Bledsoe. "People have been loving them," he said.

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Posted by Catherine at 8/12/2008 6:17 AM | Add Comment

Aiken Ranked Number One in Advanced Manufacturing!

From the Southern Business and Development Association:
http://www.sb-d.com/Features/Winter2008TenTop10sEdition/TenMarketsInTheSouthForAdvancedManufacturing/tabid/139/Default.aspx

Ten Top Markets in the South for Advanced Manufacturing

The top Southern markets for advanced manufacturing may not be where you think – if you are thinking of traditional manufacturing, that is.

By Jennifer LeClaire

The South is a hotbed for advanced manufacturing – those next-generation, high-tech processes that demand ever-increasing innovation. Of course, advanced manufacturing also demands a skilled workforce. The good news is many of these workers have already taken up residence in the South.

While new southern markets are emerging to meet the needs of advanced manufacturing, Southern Business & Development magazine has identified some of today’s best markets for this target industry. They are the 10 Top Markets in the South for Advanced Manufacturing.


1. Aiken, S.C.
Aiken clearly understands advanced manufacturing. This southern city boasts a strong chemical, plastics, automotive and hydrogen manufacturing base – and it isn’t a newcomer to advanced manufacturing. The Aiken area has had a strong chemical sector since the 1950s. Meanwhile, the plastics industry is a growing sector there, with the likes of Arnco Corp., Edgefield Manufacturing Co., PACTIV Corp., Shaw Industries and Trenton Plastic Products calling the region home.

Noteworthy is the fact that Aiken is strategically located two hours south of BMW’s Spartanburg, S.C., assembly plant and less than three hours east of Atlanta. Tire manufacturer Bridgestone/Firestone also has a facility in the Aiken area. Along with auto-related manufacturing, Aiken is also leading the way in next energy and hydrogen. The community’s remarkable Center for Hydrogen Research (CHR) opened in October 2005. CHR is the result of a strategic partnership and collaborative effort between the Aiken County Economic Development Commission and the local Savannah River National Laboratory.  It is by far the largest repository of hydrogen research, data and expertise in the U.S. today. Located near the Savannah River Site in Aiken County, CHR is designed to realize the full potential of hydrogen and its commercial applications.  The facility offers space for private-sector companies to work alongside top scientists and researchers in the hydrogen field.

2. Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C.
Greenville/Spartanburg is a hotbed of advanced manufacturing, and it solidly earns a place in this year’s rankings. Since 1994, BMW and Upstate automotive suppliers have invested more than $3 billion and created more than 7,000 jobs, making the area a world leader in the automotive industry. BMW continues to grow in the Greenville/Spartanburg area as well. The company recently announced plans to invest $750 million more, creating 500 new jobs. Beyond automotive manufacturing, Greenville/Spartanburg is also home to a strong aviation manufacturing industry with companies such as Lockheed-Martin, Honeywell, and Champion Aerospace, and others.

On the biotech front, Fluor's Life Sciences Group recently completed a conceptual biotech manufacturing layout for a 190-acre site at the Matrix Business & Technology Park. The Greenville Hospital System’s Oncology Research Center, Godley-Snell Research Center, Biosytems Research Complex, DNA Learning Center, Greenwood Genetics Center/J.C Self Research Institute of Human Genetics and S.C. Biotechnology Incubation Facility are also located in the area or nearby, positioning Greenville/Spartanburg to be a leader in healthcare-related manufacturing.

3. Austin-Round Rock, Texas
Austin-Round Rock is making an even bigger name for itself in tech-intensive manufacturing. In fact, the region is gaining recognition all the way around, rising 36 positions to rank 20th in a “Best Performing Cities 2007,” a report developed by the Milken Institute and Greenstreet Partners.

Information Technology hardware manufacturing suffered for several years earlier this decade, but it has recovered and then some in Austin-Round Rock, with the likes of Samsung, Intel, AMD and others making new investments in the region. Austin-Round Rock is also home to Dell and Hewlett Packard, and high-tech startups are adding to the growth there.

4. Knoxville/Oak Ridge, Tenn.
This region is home to the legendary Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the largest science and energy laboratory in the U.S. ORNL also boasts 18 different user facilities in strategic areas that are accessible to advanced manufacturing firms. What’s more, the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley hosts a vast supply of talent, including 45,000 technical workers, 75,000 college and university students and 3,500 Ph.D.s.

If that’s not enough, Knoxville/Oak Ridge also boasts the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee with its critically acclaimed engineering school, as well as the Y-12 National Security Complex, which has developed state-of-the-art capabilities in homeland security, machining and manufacturing technologies.

5. Memphis, Tenn.
Over the past few years Memphis, unlike many other cities in the U.S., has seen growth in its manufacturing sector. Since 2005, companies such as Smith & Nephew, Medtronic, Wright Medical and Nucor Steel have either consolidated or expanded their manufacturing operations in Memphis. The reasons? Excellent logistics with the world's busiest air cargo airport, five Class 1 railroads, and the world hub and world headquarters of FedEx.

Memphis also offers some of the most reasonably priced industrial real estate in the nation with average rates close to $2.50 per square foot. Additionally, it has some of the lowest per capita taxes in the nation, along with an abundant work force and competitive corporate incentives.

6. Huntsville, Ala.
Huntsville has been a magnet for advanced manufacturing operations since the U.S. missile defense and NASA rocket development began there in the 1950s and 60s. Ongoing efforts to diversify the Huntsville economy and industrial base have resulted in an increasing number of companies in telecom, automotive, biotechnology and other industrial sectors. 

Huntsville is attractive to advanced manufacturing companies thanks to its highly qualified technical workforce and the availability of infrastructure-ready sites in a dozen research and industrial parks, including Cummings Research Park—the fourth largest research and technology development park in the world.
 
7. New Orleans
New Orleans has made major inroads into advanced manufacturing.
Home to premiere NASA facilities and several major manufacturers, the region boasts unparalleled expertise in turning very basic goods into highly complex Naval and commercial ships and NASA space vehicles. Boeing Co., Lockheed Martin, Johnson Controls Interior and Bollinger Shipyards are just a few of the companies that call New Orleans home.

Advanced manufacturing depends heavily on a highly skilled and educated workforce, as well as the presence of large manufactures, large cheap tracts of land, and transportation infrastructure. The Greater New Orleans region can offer companies all of these criteria - and generous incentives. For example, Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO-Zone) federal tax incentives offer a competitive advantage for the relocation or expansion of large manufacturing facilities in the region.

8. Hampton Roads, Va.
Hampton Roads' strategic, mid-Atlantic location and superior transportation network provide swift access to world and domestic markets. It may surprise you to learn that 95 percent of the world's shipping lines call on the Port of Hampton Roads linking Virginia and the U.S. to more than 250 ports in more than 100 countries.

One of Hampton Roads’ target clusters is aerospace and aviation. The city is home to Aerotech Research USA, Honeywell Technical Solutions, Sikorsky Support Services, Titan Systems, and Triumph Aerospace. NASA/Langley Research Center and the National Institute of Aerospace support manufacturer’s research efforts there.

9. Raleigh/Cary, N.C.
Innovation is the key driver for the Raleigh/Cary region. Major research universities, federal labs, private companies and contract research organizations generate more than $2 billion annually in research and development in the region.

Raleigh/Cary attracted a diverse group of new advanced manufacturing companies in 2007 including Force Protection Industries, an armored vehicle manufacturer; BD Bioscience, a manufacturer of medical supplies, devices and laboratory equipment; and Nitronex Corp., a semiconductor manufacturer.

10. St. Louis
St. Louis has a long history and a bright future as a center of advanced manufacturing, which relies on sophisticated techniques to produce high value-added products. The region is particularly well positioned for growth in automotive, aerospace and defense, and food products, securing its place on this year’s top 10 list.

On the automotive front, the St. Louis region is home to a General Motors full-size van assembly plant and two Chrysler assembly plants. St. Louis is also home to more than 90 companies that make automotive products, including newly located Harman/Becker, HBPO Group and Kelsey-Hayes, a subsidiary of TRW. In terms of aviation, St. Louis is headquarters for Boeing’s Integrated Defense Systems unit, the company’s largest subsidiary, responsible for defense and aerospace products. St. Louis is also home to DRS Engineered Air Systems, GKN Aerospace, and other defense-related companies. Finally, the city is emerging as a leader in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals, which use foods to deliver specific health benefits.

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Posted by Catherine at 7/22/2008 6:51 AM | Add Comment

Chamber takes a trip to Aiken of the past

Chamber takes a trip to Aiken of the past
Taken directly from the Aiken Standard written by April Bailey the best news source in Aiken... http://www.aikenstandard.com!

6/25/2008 12:12 AM  

By APRIL BAILEY
Staff writer

To visit the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce Tuesday afternoon, you would have sworn that Old Aiken had been resurrected from the past as representatives with Custom Model Railroads, worked to set up dioramas of Aiken, as well as Blackville and Branchville, to resemble life almost a century ago.

The miniature towns were replicated down to the slightest detail, according to Aiken Railroad Committee member Don Barnes, who said the dioramas were designed to represent the towns in June 1916, otherwise known as the "heyday," of the modern-day railroad, he said.

"In 1918, 2 million people were employed on the railroad," said Barnes, adding that during that time, the railroad was the primary source of land travel, with the exception of horses and travel by foot. The Aiken Depot was the first to operate a steam-powered railroad in America, said Barnes.

The four models, designed by Jeff Springer and his team at Custom Model Railroads, CMR, based in Baltimore, were delivered and assembled at the Chamber, and a fourth at the Aiken County Museum. They are a part of nine total dioramas which will be displayed on the second floor of the Aiken Railroad Depot as a part of an interactive model once the building is complete.

The remaining five models, which depict, St. George, Hamburg, Charleston, Summerville and Denmark, are expected to arrive in Aiken this October, also designed by CMR. Barnes said the overall goal of the $3 million project is to educate people on the Aiken Depot as a pioneer in railroad history.

In turn, Barnes anticipates that the project will boost revenue in the City with the increased tourism the Aiken Railroad Depot is expected to bring to Aiken.
The images in the dioramas are based on over a year of research which included the study of Sanborn maps, research at the National Archives and Records in Washington, local historical archives, website research and interviews with residents along the route, which extends from the former town of Hamburg to Charleston, according to Barnes.

He said the amount of research put in to create the models was more time consuming than designing the dioramas themselves. The result, he says, are models that detail the very fabric of the towns from the types of roofs and the color of the homes to the kinds of trees and telephone poles that surround them. However, he says, some areas of the models are more detailed than others.

"We tried to find out everything about the towns that we could," said Barnes. "Every effort was made with existing known information." Each of the models cost $20,000, and are about 7 feet long and 3 feet wide in size. Once the Depot is complete, Barnes says the dioramas will play a big role in helping to educate kids and adults with its interactive features.

Future plans for the railroad museum include displays of past newspaper articles related to the Depot, deeds and other artifacts. "It's going to be a complete railroad museum dedicated to the local areas from Blackville to Charleston," said Barnes.

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Posted by Catherine at 6/25/2008 8:29 AM | Add Comment

Caring for Neighbors

Autism camp gives kids a place where they 'belong'
From the Aiken Standard on 6/13/2008  www.aikenstandard.com    

size=4>Y'all this is just a small snipit of why Aiken is so great!  First you will see events like this where neighbors help neighbors all the time!  Secondly the local paper, which has flare that is rivaled in much larger metropolitan areas, cares enough to cover it.... another one of the things that makes Aiken, SC Great!



By ROB NOVIT
Senior writer

Alex Hansen, 7, is moving on to second grade at Millbrook Elementary School in the fall.
A few years ago he was diagnosed with autism but manages well in a regular classroom with the occasional help of a teaching assistant.
Like most kids with autism, Alex has to deal with communication issues. Last summer he attended Camp Puzzle Palooza, a weeklong day camp at Cedar Creek Church intended especially for kids with autism, as well as siblings and other children.
"I'm a normal kid at that camp," Alex told his mom, Jamie.
He's back at the camp this week, joined by his brother Kyle, 4. Alex is fascinated by fans and other things that spin and if he wants to sit and watch a fan at camp for a while, it's no big deal.
"They're having great fun," Jamie Hansen said of her sons. "They'll call their dad at work and talk to him for 30 minutes about all the things they're doing."
Nearly 30 children are participating in the program this year in the 3-12 age range. Heather Shuler, one of the camp instructors, is also the mother of Hampton, 5, a child with autism.
"It's an opportunity for him and the other kids to go to a camp where they feel like they belong," Shuler said. "He has really progressed well and is more comfortable about being here this year."
The camp also provides networking opportunities for the parents, so that they can discuss strategies and activities that work beset for their children. Columbia teacher Margie Lee has a self-contained class of kids with autism in grades 1-5. After she and Shuler met, Shuler invited Lee to spend a day at the camp in 2007 to demonstrate some appropriate activities. Lee enjoyed the visit so much that she returned to the camp this week to serve as an instructor.
"It's nice that the parents are so committed," said Lee, "in making sure that their children are able to have experiences like this."
Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.
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Source:  Directly from the Aiken Standard on http://www.aikenstandard.com    

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Posted by Catherine at 6/15/2008 6:17 AM | Add Comment

Best Places to Stay



The following is taken directly from http://www.hotelaiken.com  this hotel is amazing!  If you are looking for one of the best places to stay while in Aiken, S.C. on vacation, or looking for your next home, this hotel will not disappoint!

"Welcome to Hotel Aiken, located in the heart of historic downtown Aiken, SC. We are proud to be Aiken’s truly “Grand Hotel”.

Hotel Aiken is the perfect place for both leisure and business travelers alike. Check out our rates and see that we offer something unique in Aiken at an attractive price.

Why not get away from the “cookie-cutter” Hotels for once and give us a try? We are sure you will enjoy the experience.

Originally built in 1898 the Hotel has gone through many changes and the original building has gone through a series of major and continuous renovations since 2001, with the accent on retaining the historical feel of this landmark building whilst providing all the modern amenities one would expect from a contemporary Hotel, such as free use of hard-wired HSIA in all rooms. The rooms and bathrooms have been completely overhauled and tastefully appointed. Our main bar, The Polo Tavern, is one of downtown Aiken’s most popular watering holes. We have live entertainment on Thur, Fri and Sat nights and are open seven days a week and the recently added Tiki Tavern on the back patio has already been awarded the title of “Best New Bar” in Aiken for 2006 by readers of the prestigious Augusta Magazine.

Due to the popularity of both our bars it should be noted when making reservations that we are very much “party central” in Aiken and if you’re looking for a lively, fun and busy venue,especially on weekends, then you should stay with us. Located on Richland Avenue, we are the only Hotel in town that is truly in the heart of downtown and therefore we are walking distance from all of Aiken’s many other excellent restaurants, bars and stores."

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Posted by Catherine at 6/13/2008 4:03 PM | Add Comment

Congratulations! Aiken one of 12 Best Destinations!

Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 vacation destinations across the United States that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization.

The destinations selected in 2008 range from a French colonial village along the banks of the Mississippi River that captures the pioneer spirit of the early settlers, to a small Texas town that serves as a gateway to the unspoiled terrain of the 19th century western frontier, to a gorgeous Southern city with roots three centuries deep, and a coastal town renowned for its seafood and historic buildings.

"These twelve communities represent the richness and diversity of America’s cultural heritage," says Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “and in preserving their historic fabric and spirit of place are models for other towns and cities."

Aiken, SC

Few counties in the United States have a more varied history than Aiken, South Carolina. Once home to a Native American culture that developed the earliest known pottery in North America, Aiken was also one of the first railroad towns to emerge in the 1830s. It soon became the darling of the burgeoning wealthy elite as people in the Northern United States and Canada flocked to this "Winter Colony" to escape the bitter weather. First used as a health resort because of its healing combination of warm dry air and spring water, wealthy horse enthusiasts eventually took advantage of Aiken's climate and established an enduring tradition of equestrian sports that continues to the present day.

Aiken has long been committed to preserving its rich historic fabric. More than 70 stately homes and buildings of historical and architectural importance are located within three National Register Historic Districts, which can be explored on foot or horse-drawn carriage. Attractions include The Willcox Inn, an exquisite example of southern Neo-Classical architecture built in 1898 and once the winter hideaway for Winston Churchill, Averill Harriman and Fred Astair; Banksia, a historical museum housed in an 1860s-mansion that allows visitors to venture back in time through period rooms and exhibits; Hopelands Gardens, a 14-acre public garden and museum; and the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. Aiken has also worked hard to preserve its African-American history through the rehabilitation of Friendship Baptist Church, Aiken's oldest African American church, and Aiken Colored Cemetery, which dates from 1852 with more than 100 veterans, slaves and former slaves interred there.

"Aiken has long been a visitor's paradise," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "The past and the present merge seamlessly to offer all the necessary ingredients for a great vacation."

"With the history, the beautiful parkways and gardens, quaint shops and art galleries added to the recreational venues, you can understand why unique is the word most visitors use to describe our charming city," said Carla Cloud, executive director of the Aiken Downtown Development Association.

Aiken's commitment to protecting its historic core has not been limited to its architecture but has also included its lush and impressive landscape. The city is home to Hitchcock Woods, a 2,000-acre preserve for equestrian pursuits and peaceful walks. A treasure like no other, it is closely associated with Aiken’s early history as a winter resort and center of sporting activity and stands as the largest urban forest in the United States.

Aiken: A Distinctive Destination

Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 vacation destinations across the United States that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization.

The destinations selected in 2008 range from a French colonial village along the banks of the Mississippi River that captures the pioneer spirit of the early settlers, to a small Texas town that serves as a gateway to the unspoiled terrain of the 19th century western frontier, to a gorgeous Southern city with roots three centuries deep, and a coastal town renowned for its seafood and historic buildings.

"These twelve communities represent the richness and diversity of America’s cultural heritage," says Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “and in preserving their historic fabric and spirit of place are models for other towns and cities."

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Posted by Catherine at 5/27/2008 9:13 AM | Add Comment

What make Aiken Special

What makes Aiken so special?

I was chatting with a friend of mine yesterday about Aiken, she does not live here and had asked me why I was so excited about it.  After all, she had lived in small towns, in the south even, what could be the big deal?

I had to laugh, because I too have lived in other small towns in the south.  I closed my eyes and drew a proverbial breath, filled my lungs with blooming magnolias, cherry trees, and crepe myrtles, and then began by saying... "Aiken is first and foremost not a small town."  Aiken lies in greater Aiken County and in my opinion the two share a name for a reason, people who consider themselves "Aikenites" live all over the county!  You will find one of the premiere communities in Aiken just outside the Aiken city limits... it is called The Boundary and is suited for large acre homesteads that rival any ranch in the country.

Secondly I proceeded to tell her, sipping my Starbucks, we are not really a town either, but a lifestyle, something you aspire to, something in your heart you want to believe exists but just are sure can not in today's day and age, we are a living, breathing, thriving, picture from a Real Estate magazine entitled "Just where you want to be."

Truly, it is not one thing that makes Aiken special, it is a myriad of things.  It is the people, some of whom have lived there forever, and others who have settled here from all over the country... no, rather, all over the world!  It is the shopping that rivals New York Cities trendy districts.  It is the art and culture that can be found around every corner.  It is the way some of the roads are still dirt to accommodate the equestrian traffic, and the way on a Sunday morning just as the dew is settling on the grass and the cool breeze blows you might get a glimpse of a horse and rider heading to the track kitchen for breakfast. 

Anyway, you get the picture... Aiken is not special... it just is.  It is amazing, and trendy, and gorgeous, and fun, and truly someplace I don't think you would be ever sorry if you visited, so again today I say.... we would love to have you as our guest... you will not be sorry you came!

CC

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Posted by Catherine at 5/7/2008 4:25 AM | Add Comment

Kings Ridge.... one of my favorite places

Kings Ridge.... One of my favorite places

When I originally found out I was going to be working in Marketing with True South Communities in Aiken, I was excited.  I would finally have an opportunity to put my creative energy into promoting a community development (now multiple community developments). 

My professional acumen had been built in the Charlotte, North Carolina market.  Niches and cutting edge marketing were critical there because every community held within its streets a cliché of sticks, bricks, quarter acre home sites, and green street signs.  You just had to be a marketing genius to set one community apart from another.  Now... it was my time to be a genius with True South, but as they say... Pride cometh before a fall, and in the Fall of 2007... I realized quickly that pride, when it comes to True South is something that exists by the very nature of how the company develops land, it will never be held in one persons abilities.

This was realized as I drove down the curved street that approaches the entrance to Kings Ridge, True South Communities inaugural introduction to the Aiken market.  Descending down a hill I noticed the Equine rescue first on the left side of the road.  Horses grazed in pastures lined with fencing.  A pasture set among rolling hills dotted with Carolina Pines.

Then, as I switched on my turn signal and proceeded left to enter this equine friendly community I realized... I was just not in Union County any longer.  Brick pavers lay under my Subaru Tribeca, black fencing to my right and left set off by a splendor of colorful horticulture almost wrapped me and my vehicle in a hug.  Before me stood the most pristine gated entrance I have truly ever seen:



It was something that words and pictures just could not do justice.  I pushed in the code to the gate as I proceeded to the private entry.  The gates slowly opened and I began a journey into a setting I truly hoped existed but never thought I would see:



A stunning fenced road lead to an immaculately designed community.  Every detail had been thought of.  The home sites were pristine, designed to enhance and frame the natural landscape while providing each owner a unique setting for his or her dream home.  Four Ponds glistened in the setting sun... and called me home.

As I left that day, I realized... there was not going to be genius needed for me.  Kings Ridge has a voice, and a personality all of its own.  It is spectacular, unique, and authentic in every way.  It is everywhere you want to build a legacy... and everywhere you friends will want to visit.  If you don't believe me, ask the neighbors. They will be happy to invite you over on a long summer night for lemonade by the pool, or to fish in a pond.  You can bring Lucky your horse and ride in the arena, or bring Lucky your dog and enjoy a long walk on wide roads, or on the walking trails. 

My recommendation for today is just that you visit... you will not be sorry you did.

Catherine

 



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Posted by Catherine at 4/27/2008 7:48 PM | Add Comment

Did You Say Lobster Race?

The Great Aiken Lobster Race!

I am so excited!  One of my favorite annual events in Aiken is just around the corner!  You don't have to bring anything... well other than a healthy appetite!  This year is the 22nd running of the Aiken Lobster Race!

On Newberry Street between Park and Richland... an estimated 10,000 people gather to listen to fabulous music... reconnect with eachother... have great food... and watch the south's premiere Lobster Race.   Not only is the race fun, but the money raised goes to support some really great local charities!  There are rides for the kids and lots more.   Typically the gates open around 5:30 and the fun lasts until just before midnight!  Tickets are $5.00 and kids under 6 get in free.

You should be sure to take part in this "who's who" of Aiken event.  You can watch people, watch the lobsters... or just eat your self into oblivion! In any case it is truly one of the most worthy forms of entertainment found in Aiken all year!


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Posted by Catherine at 4/21/2008 5:40 PM | Add Comment

Hopeland Gardens is Amazing


Hopeland Gardens-
I was able to go to Hopeland Gardens last week and stroll through the acres of absolutely gorgeous landscaping there! I have to say if you have not gone I would take the day off tomorrow, pack a picnic, grab someone special, and venture there!

The cherry blossoms, azaleas, and dogwoods are stunning right now.  I had no idea how extensive the walking trail system through the park was.  Hopeland is just a couple of blocks from downtown.  There are multiple museums there and the Rye Patch is now one of the most popular wedding venues in Aiken!  I met some ducks who habitat at the pond pristinely situated just past the Rye Patch and gardens, and enjoyed standing on the picket bridge watching them just be a family. 

The time I had there, while on a photo shoot for True South Communities was really great! Carolina blue skies followed me the whole day.  It was more than relaxing and for this girl who can not grow a weed in her yard, breathtaking in natural beauty!

 Catherine

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Posted by Catherine at 4/15/2008 9:09 PM | Add Comment
Catherine Carroll is a licensed Realtor in North and South Carolina employed by True South Communities of Aiken, South Carolina.