Aiken County, South Carolina saw one of the first railroad towns spring up in the mid 1830's when the world's longest railroad was built connecting Charleston and Hamburg on the Savannah River. This town, Aiken, and later the county, were named for the president of that 136 mile long railroad, William Aiken. Once accessible by train, the higher elevation and sandy soil of the area lured refugees from the Charleston summers. They gave the town of Aiken its first identity.
By the late 1800's annual pilgrimages to the area's temperate winter climate brought the northern leisure class to ride horses and play golf on one of the earliest courses in the south. This was the beginning of Aiken's famous Winter Colony. Wealthy northerners found the town not only a pretty place to live, but also a perfect training ground for horses. Aiken quickly became a fashionable winter resort and equine sports center.
Today, Aiken is a magnolia-scented small town with a proud legacy dating back almost 200 years. It is a place of charm, sophistication and great natural beauty. And it is perfect horse country. No surprise then, that Aiken is still considered one of the best places in the United States to live.
Aiken has a thriving equestrian culture, boosted by becoming an important part of the international polo scene. Great restaurants, shopping, sidewalk cafes, music, art and theatre are all part of Aiken's cosmopolitan flair.
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Equestrian Life
The equine culture first blossomed in the late 19th century, when wealthy northerners established a winter colony in Aiken. The temperate climate and naturally sandy soil were perfect for conditioning their horses.
In March, Aiken hosts its own Triple Crown. It starts with the Aiken Trials, a series of fast races held at the Aiken Training Track, and then continues the following weekend with the Aiken Steeplechase. On the third weekend there are polo matches.
Aiken has a vast and growing polo community. Many players, amateurs and professionals alike, currently make their home in Aiken.
Aiken offers a variety of equine disciplines throughout the county.
- Carriage Driving
- Dressage
- Eventing
- Fox Hunting
- Polo
- Show Hunters/Jumpers
- Steeplechase
- Thoroughbred Racing
- Western Pleasure
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In addition, the long equestrian history of Aiken has created a well established array of regional businesses devoted to horse-related services and needs. Excellent training is available in multi-disciplines and there is a busy year-round calendar of events for equestrian sports that include horse shows, clinics, trail rides, racing and competitions.
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Arts and Culture
The new Washington Center for the Performing Arts hosts the Aiken Community Playhouse and many other performing groups. The Etherredge Center at the University of South Carolina/Aiken also hosts performances by the Aiken Civic Ballet, the Aiken Symphony Guild, the Aiken Opera Guild and the Aiken Community Band.
The downtown Aiken Center for the Arts is a wonderful outlet for the fine arts and craft displays.
There are over 40 published authors who live and work in Aiken.
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Outdoor Recreation
Having the 5th oldest golf course in the U.S. (Palmetto Golf Club) and the first golf course to offer women's tees (Aiken Golf Club), Aiken County has played a major roll in the history of golf. There are many outstanding semi-private golf courses throughout the area offering daily fee play.
Close by is Lake Strom Thurmond, part of South Carolina's "freshwater coast". The lake's 70,000 acres of water offer excellent fishing, boating, camping, swimming and water sports activities.
The Blue Ridge Mountains and the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the state capitals of Atlanta, Ga. and Columbia, S.C. are only a few hours away.
Aiken Equestrian News
Three Runs Plantation is proud to offer the Equestrian News from Aiken, SC. This is a quarterly email and online newsletter, developed in cooperation with The Aiken Horse, for viewing up-to-date equestrian news from Aiken, South Carolina.
If you would like to sign-up to receive the upcoming issues of Equestrian News from Aiken, SC, please visit our homepage and provide us with your email address.
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Weather
Mild four-season climate. Long spring and fall seasons with temperatures that average 70°, mild winters and warm summers.
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Travel
Aiken Municipal Airport provides service to local pilots and corporate jets. Close by are the Augusta and Columbia airports, both served by major airlines with daily flights to major US cities.
Aiken is also perfectly located for easy access to the Interstate system. I-20, a major east-west highway across the country, is right at the city limits; I-26 and I-77 are just 50 miles away.
Medical
Aiken Regional Medical Center is a large modern hospital complex operated by Universal Health Services, one of the nation's largest hospital management companies.
Aiken is just 20 minutes from Augusta, Ga. which is a major healthcare center for the southeast. There are 7 hospitals in Augusta, including Doctor's Hospital with the regions only burn center and two VA hospitals. The Medical College of Georgia is also in Augusta.
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Education
The Aiken area places a priority on learning - from pre-kindergarten to college and beyond. With public, private and religion-based schools available, educational opportunities are plentiful for all students, where academic, as well as physical and emotional, development are stressed.
Cost of Living
South Carolina has the 4th lowest property taxes in the United States and does not tax on Social Security benefits. The cost of living in the greater Augusta/Aiken area is 6% below the national average.
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