POINTS OF INTEREST

The Rye Patch, our wedding site, a 10-acre estate adjacent to Hopeland Gardens.

Hopeland Gardens, 149 Dupree Place (at the corner of Whiskey Rd.; tel. (803-642-7630), are the pride of Aiken, graced with weeping willows, fountains, and shimmering ponds. The grounds hold the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in a restored carriage house. A touch-and-scent trail has plaques in both standard type and in Braille to identify plants and to lead visitors, blind or sighted, to a performing-arts stage. Open-air concerts are given here Monday evenings in summer, and theatrical productions are offered periodically. Admission is free. The gardens are open daily from 10am to dusk; the Hall of Fame is open October 15 to May 15, daily 2 to 5pm.

Hitchcock Woods, the largest urban forest in the United States.

The Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St. SW (tel. 803-642-2015), occupies part of a former millionaire's estate. Of special interest are Native American artifacts, a 1930s drugstore from a little South Carolina town that no longer exists, a 19th-century schoolhouse, and a full miniature circus. Admission is by donation. Open Tuesday to Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 2 to 5pm.

The Aiken Chamber of Commerce, 121 Richland Ave. E. (tel. 803-641-1111); offers a 90-minute tour of the historic district every Saturday at 10am, at a cost of $6 per person. A 25-passenger bus takes visitors throughout the historic core to view the old Southern homes. The chamber is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to noon.

Downtown Aiken The downtown area is easy to walk and filled with a variety of shops, restaurants and art galleries. The downtown area also boasts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Aiken Downtown Development Association, (803-649-2221).

Aiken Center for the Arts  122 Laurens St SW, Aiken, (803-641-9094). The Arts Center features monthly gallery exhibits by local, state and regional artists. A variety of center members display works for sale year-round. The center hosts art shows and festivals throughout the year and offers instruction in a variety of mediums. Open Wed-Fri 11 am to 5:30 pm and Sat 10 am to 3 pm.

Aiken Winery  137 W Laurens St NW, Aiken, (803-642-WINE). Aiken Winery produces fine wines using only select California grapes grown predominately in San Joequin, Solano and Monterey counties. Aged in imported French oak barrels, this wine undergoes a Malolactic fermentation process to produce a pleasant and unique wine. Tours and tastings. Mon-Sat 11-7.

More info:
www.tbredcountry.org