We invite you to enjoy the city of Aiken and its heritage. Please use the information below to help make your travel arrangements. Or you may contact the Aiken Chamber of Commerce or the Aiken County Park and Recreation Department for more suggestions.
About Aiken
After the war, Aiken became the “Newport” of the South, with many of the country’s wealthiest families moving here. The Vanderbilts, Astors, John F. Kennedy, Fred Astaire, and others lived or stayed in Aiken to play polo or golf at America’s second oldest course. Many of the fine mansions still exist. Racehorses are still trained here, as well, and some run in the Kentucky Derby. The house where Gen. Joseph Wheeler directed the battle still stands as well as Chinaberry, the home where the wounded were cared for. Union dead are buried at Aiken First Baptist, while Confederate dead lie at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church.
Today, downtown Aiken is vibrant and alive with gift shops, restaurants, nightspots, and antique malls. We suggest visiting “The Alley” to enjoy fine dining and entertainment. Most of the popular chains also are available. Just follow S.C. highway 19 through town to Aiken’s south side.
Fine Dining
Aiken Brewing Company: (803) 502-0707; www.aikenbrewingcompany.com
Malia’s: Phone: (803) 643-3086
; www.maliasrestaurant.com
The Tuscany: (803) 648-7551
Up Your Alley: (803) 649-2603
West Side Bowery: (803) 648-2900; www.westsidebowery.com
Note: All are located in or near The Alley. Call the Aiken Chamber of Commerce at (803) 641-1111 for more suggestions.
After you’ve eaten, head to Hotel Aiken’s Polo Tavern, one of the town’s favorite watering holes.
Historic Inns/Bed and Breakfasts
Annie’s Inn: (803) 649-6836; www.anniesinnbnb.com
Carriage House Inn: (803) 644-5888; www.aikencarriagehouse.com
Crossways Plantation: (803) 644-4746
Hotel Aiken: (803) 648-4265; www.hotelaiken.com
Lookaway and Rosemary Halls: (877) 208-6222; www.lookawayrosemaryhalls.com
Sandhurst Estate: (803) 642-9259
The Wilcox Inn: (800) 368-1047; www.thewillcox.com
Hotels
Best Western: (803) 649-3968; www.bestwestern.com
Comfort Suites: (803) 641-1100; www.choicehotels.com
Days Inn: (803) 649-5524; www.daysinn.com
Econo Lodge: (803) 649-3968; www.econolodge.com
Fairfield Inn: (803) 648-7808; www.marriott.com
Hampton Inn: (803) 648-2525; www.hamptoninn.com
Hilton Garden Inn: (803) 641-4220; www.hiltongardeninn.hilton.com
Holiday Inn Express: (803) 648-0999; www.hiexpress.com
Howard Johnson: (803) 649-5000; www.hojo.com
Quality Inn: (803) 641-1100 ; www.qualityinn.com
Ramada Inn: (803) 648-6821; www.ramada.com
Sleep Inn: (803) 644-9900; www.sleepinn.com
Camping Facilities
For your camping pleasure, a limited number of modern camping facilities are available onsite. Each includes electrical and water hookups for $25 per night. They are available by paid reservation and then on a first-come-first-served basis. All admission and/or registration fees apply. Contact Ed Mann to reserve your spot. To reach him by mail, send requests to P.O. Box 1863, Aiken, SC 29802. |
