Speaker to discuss design behind roads in downtown Aiken
Have you ever wondered why Aiken’s streets were designed with circles and squares? If so, find out why next Sunday.
The Historic Aiken Foundation and the Aiken County Historical Society will host a joint meeting on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in the Aiken Municipal Building. The meeting coincides with the celebration of Aiken’s 175th anniversary.
During the joint meeting, special guest speaker Dr. Stanford Anderson, history and architecture professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) architecture department, will speak on the topic of Aiken’s uniquely designed streets and other topics of interest. His speech is entitled “Jefferson, Railroad Towns and the Singular Plan of Aiken.”
Also during the meeting, the Historic Aiken Foundation will make awards presentations to historically-minded Aiken homeowners and businesses who have upheld the ideal of historic preservation. Among the winners are several familiar landmarks as well as less familiar structures.
Membership in both the HAF and the ACHS is available. Contact the HAF at www.historicaikenfoundation.com or by calling 502-1400.
The ACHS may be reached online at www.aikencountyhistoricalsociety.org or by mail at Aiken County Historical Society, P.O. Box 1775, Aiken, SC 29802.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Fairway View
Just off the tee…. this wonderful 3 bedroom 3.5 Bath home with over 2200 Sq Ft of living space is light and airy. His and Her Master Bathrooms, 2 fireplaces, Hardwood floors thro-out. Skylights and a fabulous pool area with Tiki bar and Gazebo!
Call Susan or Victoria @ 803 644 4444 for more info.
Banksmill Rental!
Wonderful 2 bedroom, 2 bath home on SouthBoundary Ave. Totally updated !Has fenced yard and 2 carport, fireplace and so much more.. Call for more details at 803 644 4444.
Dog friendly Rental in Downtown Aiken.
Fabulous 2 bed 2 bath renovated cottage in downtown Aiken ready for you and your fury pets. Privacy fenced backyard, off road parking, gas log fireplace and so much more…. Call Victoria @ 803 599 1014 for price and availability.
Even Ugly homes need love!
Half acre building lot available on Banks Mill rd with about 100ft paved rd frontage. Fix us up to however you want or build something new! County Taxes only! Call Susan @ 803 645 8881 for more details.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Home away from Home Rentals
Home away from home in wonderful downtown Aiken SC, 3 bedroom 2 bath cottage on South Boundary Ave. All you need to bring is your toothbrush! Stay for a few days or months! Call today to book your stay!
Also available 1 bedroom guest home on site!
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Rental in Horse district
Cute 3 bed cottage in Down town Horse area, Short term possible but rather 1 yr lease. Call Victoria for more details @ 803 599 1014.
South Boundary Delight
Adorable cottage located on fabulous South Boundary Avenue.Everything has been re done!Beautiful hardwood floors,open floor plan,high ceilings and a fantastic private yard! Call Susan for more details @ 803 645 8881.
SOLD
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Aiken Downtown Apartment
Beautifully rennovated 2nd floor one bedroom apartment above a restaurant in downtown Aiken available for short or long term rental. Rent does not include utilities, minimum rent is $1,000 per month but varies depending on length of contract and whether it is taken furnished or unfurnished. Contact Nancy Johnson for more information 803-335-8740.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
African-American center added to National Register of Historic Places
The future home of the Center for African American History, Arts and Culture has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The building, which sits at 120 York St. N.E., is the former home of the Immanuel School, which was constructed in the late 1800s.
Coleen Reed, a member of the steering committee for the CAAHAC worked to put together the application which highlights the history of the Immanuel School, and earned the designation.
“We are really excited about the designation of this historic building,” Reed said.
The Immanuel School was founded by the Rev. W.R. Coles, in 1881. The building has been referred to by many names in its history, including Immanuel Institute, Coles Normal and Industrial School and Emanuel Mission School and African School, among others. Students who attended the school also referred to it as Coles’ School, after Coles, who served as the school’s principal at one point.
The school was established as an industrial training school for children of former slaves during the Reconstruction era. At the school, students learned the three Rs – Reading, writing and arithmetic – as well as music and jobs skills, such as sewing and carpentry. Full story
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Williamsburg Cottage
Splendid cottage in Immaculate condition. This Home offers 3 bedrooms, brand new kitchen with granite counters and stainless appliance,fireplace, hardwood floors through out, fabulous screened in porch overlooking a large swimming pool.The yard is totally private and is planted with absolutely beautiful mature trees.There is also a detached one car garage, Call Susan for more details @ 803 645 8881.
Crawling crustaceans to bring Aikenites together.
The excitement of racing returns to the streets of Aiken as Maine lobsters prepare to compete and Aikenites reunite.
The 25th annual Lobster Race will be held on Friday in the heart of downtown Aiken. Event planners are making it bigger and better than ever. Entertainment for the evening includes live music, vendors, foods from a variety of local restaurants, children’s activities and rides.
“We have expanded the rides for children and added more food vendors. We are doing what we can to help avoid long lines so everyone can have a fun family evening,” said Kara Flanders, event coordinator. “It’s the biggest reunion in Aiken, an enjoyable family event.”
This year, 15 heats of lobsters are set to race; races one through eight start at 7 p.m., and the rest will follow at 8:30 p.m. The race track offers optimal viewing and great conditions for the racing lobsters.
In order to make a lobster crawl, water temperatures and saline content must be exact. Each lobster is placed in its own lane with a staggered starting and finishing line. They must race to the end of their lane, turn around and return to their starting point. The winner of each heat advances to the finals.
Five stages will offer a variety of entertainment. The beach music band The Catalinas is headlining, and up-and-coming country band “Love and Theft” will perform on the Kicks 99 stage.
Typically anywhere between 8,000 to 10,000 people attend. All proceeds benefit local charities. Tickets will be sold at the gate or admission is free if you wear a 2009 Lobster Race T-shirt.
Additionally, you may purchase a Lobster Mania all-access pass for the rides for just $20; ride bands will be $30 the night of the event. Discounted ride bands are available until April 30.
Ride bands and T-shirts are available at the following locations: Atlantic Broadband, All Star Rents, Ingate Pharmacy, Hitchcock Healthcare, Lionel Smith and Screenprint Factory.
A supplement will appear in the April 29 edition of the Aiken Standard containing the layout and schedule of bands for the Lobster Races. Additional information may be found on the Lobster Race’s Facebook page or by calling 215-2003.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
Want to Go?
What? Lobster Race
Where? Downtown Aiken
When? May 1 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Live Entertainment on 5 stages:
The Catalina’s
Eddie G – DJ
Loose the Goose with Tripp G
The Purps
Anybody’s Guess
Love and Theft
Merging Traffic
Rezon 8
Lo Down Brown
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Win free tickets to Lobster Race.
Win front row lodging for the 25th annual Lobster Race by simply signing up.
On Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m., a Lobster Race pre-party will be held at the Hotel Aiken.
The party is free and open to those ages 21 and up.
The first 100 people to arrive at the pre-party will receive a free Lobster Race ticket and everyone who attends can register to win prizes including a room at the Hotel Aiken on the night of the Lobster Race, VIP tickets to the Miller Finish line tent and Lobster Race T-shirts. HD 98.3 will hold a live remote broadcast from the pre-party.
“This is the first time we have held a pre-party,” said Kara Flanders, event coordinator. “It is to remind people the event is coming up, to show support for our sponsors and to have a good time.”
The annual Lobster Race will be held on Friday, May 1 in the heart of downtown Aiken. This year, 15 heats of lobsters are set to race; races one through eight start at 7 p.m., and the rest will follow at 8:30 p.m.
Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Celebrate Masters Week at ADDA’s Par-tee festivities.
In the spirit of Masters Week, the Aiken Downtown Development Association’s Downtown After Six event will include music, bargains and, of course, golf for an evening dubbed Par-Tee in Downtown Aiken.
Par-Tee will be held Thursday evening beginning at 6 p.m. Among the activities will be a chance for shoppers to receive extra discounts by sinking a hole-in-one at shops that have putting greens set up inside the store.
“Downtown Aiken is unique and visitors on opening day of the Masters will have the opportunity to show their own putting ability,” Carla Cloud, executive director of the ADDA said. “We will see just who is ‘boss of the moss’ in downtown Aiken.”
In addition to special events in participating stores, there will also be entertainment throughout downtown, according to Cloud. Performers include saxophonist Hyland Brooks, the Savannah River String Band, acoustic guitarist Philip Albenesius and Donnie Dowd on the harmonica.
“We have countless guests in Aiken who visit downtown during Masters Week and many of them are downtown during the evening hours for dinner and entertainment,” said Cloud. “This is an excellent opportunity for the guests and locals to join in the fun and relaxation downtown has to offer.”
Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
ADDA to sponsor Hole-in-One Days!
The Augusta National won’t be the only place you will find golfers during Masters Week.
Carla Cloud, executive director of the Aiken Downtown Development Association, said downtown retailers are hoping to bring the excitement of Masters Week downtown April 6-11 with an event called “Hole-in-One Days.”
The event is aimed to draw shoppers in by bringing the week’s golfing theme downtown.
Several stores will have putting greens set up for shoppers to try their hand at making a hole-in-one. The reward: discounts or gifts, according to Cloud.
“We realized that not everyone has an opportunity to attend the Masters Tournament. And we know there are a lot of wives who are looking for something to do while ‘hubby’ is on the golf course. So we decided to offer some fun alternatives for everyone,” Cloud said in a release.
Shoppers at Plum Pudding will qualify for free shipping with a hole-in-one shot, while Carriage House Inn will offer customers a taste of “Southern goodies.”
Shoppers at Chris’ Camera Center will be eligible to win a free 8-by-10 collage with up to 15 pictures.
Several stores will also be tax-free during the week. Signs will be placed outside those stores so that they are easily identified by shoppers.
On Thursday, April 9, the ADDA will hold its quarterly Downtown After Six event; this one will be called “Par-Tee in Downtown Aiken.”
During “Par-Tee,” shops will stay open late, and entertainers will perform throughout downtown beginning at 6 p.m.
A complete list of participating businesses, their incentives and a schedule of events can be viewed at a special website which has been constructed for the week – aikendayout.com.
For more information, contact the ADDA office at 649-2221.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Aiken Horse Show of the Woods celebrates 93 years.
The 93rd edition of the Aiken Horse Show of the Woods starts today in Hitchcock Woods and will feature a strong field of exhibitors and horses competing in a variety of classes.
The mission statement of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, part of which is to manage and maintain traditional and historic equestrian and pedestrian uses of the Woods. By hosting the Aiken Horse Show in the Woods year after year, the foundation is actually being true to its mission, said Doug Rabold, executive director.
In addition to managing the Woods, part of the mission of the foundation is to sustain the cultural and traditional uses of the Woods, with one of the those being the Aiken Horse Show, he said.
“The Hitchcock Woods Foundation was established in 1939, so the Hitchcock Woods became a resource open to the whole community 70 years ago,” said Rabold. “This event is in its 93rd year, so it is older as a community tradition than the Woods is as a community resource. For a while, the foundation considered the Aiken Horse Show in the Woods a fundraiser for the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, and it does, in fact, generate income for us. It’s been an event that has been treasured by generations by people who have lived or visited Aiken over the years. We’re very committed to keeping it going well into the future.”
Aiken Horse Show of the Woods Director Gail King and Assistant Director Linda Knox McLean have worked to make sure exhibitors and spectators have an enjoyable and safe experience at the event this weekend, one that upholds the legacy of Louise Eustis Hitchcock and the Hitchcock family.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully what will be a nice weather weekend,” said King. “The ring looks beautiful. Cold Creek Nurseries provides the plants and flowers. It looks stunning.”
For more information about the Aiken Horse Show of the Woods, visit www.aikenhorseshow.org, or call 642-0528.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Buy plants, support AHS’ FFA program.
Plan to get to the Farmers Market early Saturday for the Aiken High School FFA Plant Sale.
Students will be there bright and early at 7:30 a.m. to help customers pick out vegetables, herbs and ornamentals to take home, and lines usually form quickly.
“I hope we have a line,” said Aiken High agriculture teacher Meghan Wood with a grin.
Most plants began as tiny seeds in the high school’s greenhouses and have grown under the careful guidance of FFA students.
“They take care of everything,” Wood said. “They plant, fertilize and water. We planted at the end of January, middle of February. FFA officers take a lot of pride in it because they put so much effort and time into it.”
Proceeds from the sale will benefit student leadership, greenhouse experiences and greenhouse maintenance. More Details.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Tour to look at Hitchcock Woods
In keeping with tradition, tours of Hitchcock Woods will be offered during the 93rd annual Aiken Horse Show this weekend.
Douglas Rabold, executive director of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, said those interested in learning more about the trees and wildflowers in Hitchcock Woods are invited to take part in the tours, which will be held beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
“The Hitchcock Woods Foundation hopes to raise awareness of the benefits that a healthy forest brings to this community and its economy,” said Rabold. “This tour highlights a few of the giant trees of the Hitchcock Woods and provides an opportunity to learn about relationships of the flora and the fauna of the Hitchcock Woods.”
While Rabold said tours of the forest are offered annually, they are typically different types of tours each year.
The tours will be conducted by Dr. Harry Shealy, a biology professor at USC Aiken and a trustee of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation.
Dr. Ken Perrine, the author of an article featured in the Aiken Horse Show program called, “The Giants of the Forest,” will also help conduct the tours.
There is no charge for the walks. Visitors will depart from the Show Ring in the Woods at 2 p.m. Those planning to attend may pay $10 per carload to drive to the Show Ring or can walk for free.
The Aiken Horse Show kicks off Friday and will continue through Sunday.
For more information about the event, call 642-0528 or visit www.aikenhorseshow.org or www.hitchcockwoods.org.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Horse show showcases Hitchcock Woods.
The 93rd edition of the Aiken Horse Show in the Woods will be held April 3-5 and will once again showcase one of Aiken’s treasures – Hitchcock Woods.
The event has a dual purpose; in addition to featuring outstanding horses and horsemen in an idyllic setting, the show serves as a fundraiser for the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, which owns, manages and maintains the 2,100 acres that compose one of Aiken’s most unique resources. The Hitchcock Woods Fo undation is a private, not-for-profit organization.
It’s an event steeped in rich tradition, and spectators will have a chance to enjoy a horse show that has retained its charm and character, evoking images of years past as the exhibitors pay homage to the powerful legacy left by Louise Eustis Hitchcock.
The Aiken Horse Show in the Woods’ director is Gail Balding King, and the assistant director is Linda Knox McLean. This year’s show’s honorary chairmen will be Molly and Peter Gray.
More Details.
Calling all artists, canine art wanted.
A tribute to canines comes to downtown Aiken, and your dog could be on display.
The Aiken Center for the Arts has issued a call to all artists to participate in its April exhibit called “Dogs Let Loose.”
The exhibition is open to all artists 18 years of age and older. All artwork must be non-representational or loose in style and must feature a dog or dogs as the main subject.
“Let your creativity flow,” said Kristin Brown, executive director of the ACA. “The exhibition is open to members of the public. It will not be juried, and an artist’s statement is not required.”
The exhibition will be held at Aiken Center for the Arts in the Galleries, Gallery Store or Rear Foyer from April 15 until May 15. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, April 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibition is being held in partnership with the Paws for Cancer Walk on May 2 at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center track. More Info.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Aiken hotel ranked in National Geographic list!
National Geographic Traveler has named the Carriage House Inn of Aiken as one of its 129 Hotels We Love.
The Carriage House Inn puts Aiken on the map, as it is one of only two in the state and among a handful in the Southeast on the list, bringing national attention to the area.
“The hotels on our Stay List 2009 don’t just reflect their surroundings; they help define them. What they all have in common is a transcendent vision that goes beyond traditional hotelkeeping. This mindset is what gives these hotels their special sense of place. … After your stay, you’ll leave with the kind of insight only soulful places can provide,” states the article.
“This is a huge honor for us,” said Elizabeth Smith. Smith’s mother and father, Anne and Bill Thomasson, established the hotel located on the main street in historic downtown Aiken 10 years ago. The Carriage House Inn is a family-owned and operated establishment whose primary focus is on the city of Aiken.Full Details.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Couple keeps coming back to see Steeplechase, Aiken
There is nothing like the thundering of horses’ hooves on a Steeplechase Saturday.
It is a deep love for the races that brings Jim and Natalie Pierce back to Aiken from North Carolina for the 26th year to view the Spring Steeplechase. They began traveling here in 1983 and haven’t missed a year since.
“We love the races, first of all,” Natalie said. “We love the town; the town is wonderful.”
She said it can take visitors back to a different time with its historic mansions, dirt roads and old Southern charm.
And the couple has made a lot of friends here over the years that they can’t wait to see at every Steeplechase. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Foundation poured for depot, welcome center.
A foundation is being placed for the Aiken Railroad Depot.
Workers spent last week pouring the concrete ground work for the depot, which is currently undergoing the first phase of construction, according to Tim Simmons, chairman of the All Aboard! Campaign.
“We just started construction on the main building and we plan to be finished by the end of the year,” he said.
Work began on the $3 million project last month after the group gained approval from the City Planning Commission to construct the two-story building north of Park Avenue, on the Union Street right-of-way.
Simmons said once the foundation is placed, the walls will go up and soon the roof of the depot, too. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Figurative art exhibit opens Friday.
More than 100 pieces of artwork will be on display this week as many artists have come together to present “Exposition De Nus Artistiques.”
The 5-day exhibit will open to the public Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and is located at No. 10 Downing, 241 Laurens St.
The event will continue Saturday, Thursday, March 19, Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21.
Carolyn Miller, one of the artists with work being featured in the show, said the exhibition will showcase figurative art – art created from real objects.
Miller said artists from Savannah, Atlanta, Aiken and Augusta have contributed work to the exhibition.
Several types of art will be on display during “Exposition De Nus Artistiques” including, graphite, pastel, acrylics, oils, mixed mediums, ink and sculpture. Some of the work being featured also includes nude art. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Hopelands Gardens, Rye Patch continue improvements.
Members of the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch Inc., have put together a long range plan of renovations and improvements to be made at Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch over the next 10 years.
The plan was announced at the group’s annual meeting, which was held at Rye Patch on Sunday afternoon.
“This is more of a 10-year look to the future,” Dr. Joe Spencer, president of Friends, said in his description on the plan. “Hopelands and Rye Patch are a very important asset to our city.”
Spencer said most of the components of the plan will require work with the City to develop a timeline for the projects. Full Story.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Downtown Seasonal Rental.
Wonderful 2 bedroom 2 bath cottage on York st,10ft fence keeps this gem totally private. Automatic gates, clear blue pool! Perfect for short term lease with pets!! Call 803 644 4444 today for more details.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Rose Hill Seasonal Rental
Furnished Cottage has 3 bedrooms,2 king, 1 queen, 3 sleeper sofas, 2 courtyards and large kitchen. Rose Hill is an ideal retreat for individuals and groups, providing the perfect place to start an exploration of the charming downtown and surrounding area. Call 803 644 4444 for more details.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Downtown Aiken Seasonal Rental
3 Bedroom home with Pool, Formal dining, Fireplace and Screened Porch avalable for seasonal Rent. Fully inclusive,high speed internet,cable telephone and so much more. Call Susan @803 645 8881 for pricing!
South Boundary Home with Guest House
South Boundary Historic residence, circa 1902 this rare opportunity to own a beautifully restored home located on one of the most desirable Avenues in Aiken.Included in this price is an immaculate guest house with 3 bedroom,LR,DR,New Kitchen and fabulous professionally landscaped yard with pool.Dynamic rental history for the Guest house.Please call Susan @ 803 645 8881 with any questions.
Take a Visual tour!
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Many Aiken homes top $1M
What makes a million dollar home in Aiken? According to Aiken Multiple Listing Service (MLS), there have been 60 transaction … READ MORE
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Welcome Best Friend Express! Take a Ride With a Friend
Anyone can catch a ride on the Best Friend Express. When you see our bus, just flag us down. It’s easy. We’ll stop and pick you up and you’re on your way.
The Best Friend Express circulates throughout Aiken and North Augusta every 2 hours and even offers transfers to the Augusta Transit System (see SCHEDULE). All Best Friend Express buses are accessible, with wheel chair lifts for persons with disabilities. Our buses are also equipped with bicycle racks. More info.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Great living in Aiken!!
Magazine takes look at Aiken
1/9/2009 12:50 AM
The lifestyle guide published by the creators of the Carolina Living website is providing readers with “An inside view” of Aiken in its current edition. Aiken is featured in a four-page article by Diana Hunt in the Vol. XXI, No. 2 edition of Carol … full story
Aiken Thoroughbred hall of fame
Hall of Fame to offer free art workshop
1918 Cottage
Newly renovated 2 bedroom, 1bath within walking distance of downtown Aiken. 900 sq. ft., cathedral ceilings, hardwood and tile floors, Tiffany lighting, custom shower and privacy fenced backyard. $1,500/mo. or $900/2-weeks. All inclusive! Amenities include high speed DSL, printer with fax capabilities, cable TV, unlimited USA long-distance calling. For more information about this rental property please contact Nancy Johnson.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
Orangeburg Street
Lovely 3 bed, 1 bath cottage in the historic horse district. Remodeled bath, hardwood floors, 4 year old roof, fireplace, Professionally landscaped, sprinkler system and large patio, off road parking, workshop and so much more. $219,900. For more information about this property please contact Nancy Johnson @ 803 335 8740.
CLICK HERE for a VisualTour of this listing.
Front Gate Properties, We’re selling the BEST Real Estate in Aiken, SC.
