The Foodie Issue O C TO B E R 2 022
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October 2022 PUBLISHER
Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com
LIFESTYLE LETTER
So Many Great Restaurants, So Little Time ... We really sunk our teeth into October’s Food and Drink issue. The South’s best small town has a vibrant and eclectic food and beverage scene that we were more than happy to explore. We started with Aiken newcomer Neon Fig. Earlier this year, owners Cecelia Roust and Marvin Sterling brought their twist on everyday brunch culture to downtown Aiken with a vibrant offering of unique and delicious brunch and breakfast creations. Just recently, they added their interesting take on dinner! Whiskey Alley’s colorful Moose Nicholson shares his “Bar-ography” and spins yarns about some of his cocktail creations. Have you ever wondered what establishments some of Aiken's favorite food creators frequent when they step out of the kitchen? Well, we asked them. We also got the inside scoop on their favorite menu items. You might be surprised with their answers - or not. We are very blessed to have an extremely high caliber of culinary talent and an excellent variety of dining choices in our city, and we realize we have just scratched the surface in exploring all of Aiken's hidden gems. I hope this issue tempts your tastebuds to expand your horizons and sample an Aiken establishment you’ve never experienced before. Bon Appetit!
EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR
Summer Taylor | summer.taylor@citylifestyle.com LAYOUT DESIGNER
Antanette Ray AD DESIGNER
Rachel Collins CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S
Summer Taylor, Moose Nicholson, Gayle Bryan CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S
Rebecca Williams, Gayle Bryan
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
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Proverbs 3:5-6 Aiken City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Aiken area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Aiken City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the
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inside the issue The Food & Drink Issue
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F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
14 Bar-ography
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Lifestyle Letter
8
City Scene
10
Business Monthly
12
Local Experiences
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Local Limelight
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Hot Spot
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Home Update
26
Locals Only
30
Events
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Outdoor Adventure
Meet Whiskey Alley’s Moose Nicholson
18 Neon Fig
Local Ingredients, Exotic Flavors and Gorgeous Presentation Add Up to a Winning Combination for This Downtown Hot Spot
26 Favorite Foodies
Aiken Food Creators Dish on Their Favorite Menu Items and What Restaurants They Haunt on Their Nights Off
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Rebecca Williams From unique cocktails to a lavish brunch menu and delectable dinner options, Neon Fig owners Cecelia Roust and Marvin Sterling give Aiken a fresh take on downtown cuisine.
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FO O D + B EV E R AG E
FO O D + B EVA R AGE HO ME + DES I GN
FO O D + B EV ER AG E
T R AV EL
Zach Armstrong Best Mortgage Professional of the CSRA
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city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1
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1: Young cowboy has his steer on the run at Roping Aiken. 2: Uprooted Vegan Cuisine serving up Saturday lunch at Cold Creek Nurseries. 3: Stephanie the Mortgage Girl enjoying Saturday night in the Alley. 4: Cowgirls and Cowboys took over Newberry Street for Roping Aiken. 5: William Aiken, Sr. and friends taking a breather during Roping Aiken. 6: Aiken fashionista, Brooke Thomas, and Steven Bradley cheering on the competitors at Roping Aiken. 7: Roping Aiken was obviously not this little guy’s first rodeo. Photography by Gayle Bryan
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C I T Y SC E N E
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @AikenCityLifestyle
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8: Amp the Alley is always better with your best friend. 9: Cornhole competition is fierce in the Alley! 10: I spy Aiken City Lifestyle photographer Rebecca Williams and husband Ryan at Amp the Alley. 11: Debbie Roland and Christa Turner lend a hand to Clean Up Aiken. 12: Tim Cardiere & The Washboard Band at Amp the Alley. 13: Hot August Thursday nights are for Amp the Alley. 14: Two out of three smiling for the camera isn’t bad. Photography by Gayle Bryan
OCTOBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N
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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Children’s Place, Inc. Celebrates Development of New Facility The Children’s Place, a therapeutic and behavioral health childcare and family development center, is proud to announce the ground-breaking of a new facility! The future structure will triple the organization's operational capacity, and will be located at the corner of Willow Run and Beaufort Avenue neighboring the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare.
Tiffany's at The Stables is Open for Business!
Brinkley's Chop House Open in North Augusta
Join us in welcoming another addition to Aiken’s restaurant scene, Tiffany’s at The Stables! Rose Hill has gone through a few transitions with restaurants of late, but we’re excited to see what new dishes and atmosphere this reboot will bring!
Brinkley's Chop House, a refined restaurant featuring premium steaks, chops, seafood and a signature 16 ounce Duck Fat Delmonico Ribeye, opened its doors in the SRP Ballpark in North Augusta this fall.
Scan to read more.
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Photography Children’s Place, Inc.
Scan to read more.
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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Aiken
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I F YO U A R E READING THIS... S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.
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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.
Fall is here and we're ready for unforgettable foodie experiences to usher in the new season. Here are some of the best spots around Aiken with great atmosphere, seasonal menus, outdoor seating, and an elevated experience. Treat your taste buds this month and get out and experience what Aiken has to offer!
St ylish & Upscale Foodie Establishments THE WILLCOX HOTEL: A manifestation of America’s Gilded Age, the Willcox
boasts a stellar sit-down atmosphere for an icy drink or a full gourmet meal. 100 Colleton Avenue SW Aiken, SC LA PAR ISIENNE FR ENCH R ESTAUR ANT AND BAKER Y: Guests at this charming French restaurant and bakery enjoy outdoor seating and a curated collection of French wine with their favorite lunch or breakfast course. 233 Chesterfield Street S Aiken, SC MACALUSO'S R ESTAUR ANT: This intimate restaurant prepares homemade, authentic Italian dishes from Staten Island and houses a hidden upstairs Rose Bar offering signature cocktails, wine, and live jazz. 135 York St SE Aiken, SC MALIA'S: Offers some of Aiken’s finest meals with seasonal specials, fresh and ethically sourced ingredients, and a classy, sophisticated atmosphere. 120 Laurens St NW Aiken, SC THE ALLEY DOWNTOWN TAPR OOM: A cozy sports bar with a pour-it-yourself tap policy and extensive outdoor seating where patrons can enjoy various meals from Alley restaurants. 214 The Alley Aiken, SC La Parisienne French Restaurant and Bakery Photography Rebecca Williams
Scan for more photos and the full list.
Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.
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B a r - o g r a p hy Meet Whiskey Alley’s Moose Nicholson ARTICLE BY MOOSE NICHOLSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS
Donkey Stables
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | FOOD + BE VE RAGE
I started bartending at the Applebee’s in Aiken when I turned 21. Back then, South Carolina bars still served liquor in mini or “airplane” bottles, so I was a part of the class of South Carolina bartenders that transitioned to free pouring large bottles. I tended bars for various Aiken establishments over the years, including the legendary Whiskey Junction, Sage Valley, and Soiree in the Alley. I became general manager at Soiree in the Alley before buying it out to start the short-lived Tank’d Moose with my best friend Kyle “Tank” Hayes. I was the bar manager at three different restaurants owned by Hotel Aiken; the Polo Lounge, the Tiki Bar, and the 100 at Laurens. Eventually, I took a break from the bar business to concentrate on photography until I joined Brian “Chunky” Clark, the man who taught me to tend bar, to help open Whiskey Alley. More of a general manager now, I oversee parts of our different locations, including Whiskey Alley, Taproom, and Draft Society. For our drink menus, I get input from all of the bartenders and outside sources including our fabulous wine/liquor rep., Heather Clark. Pairing creativity with high-quality products and fresh ingredients, I strive to consistently have a unique and innovative cocktail menu. Chef Chad helps us take our drinks to the next level by making in-house tinctures, bitters, and shrubs. Part of that creativity includes naming the drinks. One of our most popular is the Waluigi, named after the Mario character. Like Waluigi, the cocktail is purple and is a delicious combination of Daufuskie Island Blueberry Lavender Vodka, fresh squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and Prosecco. Next time you’re in the Alley, ask me why our take on the Moscow Mule is named Donkey Stables.
W hiskey
A lley
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I’ve been tending bar for over 15 years now, and every year I am more certain that bartending is 90% people, and only 10% drinks.
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Smoked Old Fashioned
Peach Blossom - Prosecco, Chef Chad’s Peach Shrub, and Peach Bitters
The Curve Street Sour-Buffalo Trace Benchmark No. 8, fresh squeezed lemon juice, local honey syrup, egg whites, and red wine
The Waluigi-Daufuskie Island Blueberry Lavender Vodka, fresh squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and Prosecco
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Neon Fig Local Ingredients, Exotic Flavors and Gorgeous Presentation Add Up to a Recipe for Success for This Downtown Hot Spot 18
H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEVARAGE
Restaurants come and go in our town, but since their grand opening earlier this year, Neon Fig has made an impression as one of the freshest restaurants in Aiken, offering high-quality and unique dishes in a dreamy setting. Marvin Sterling and Cecelia Roust, co-owners and power duo behind Neon Fig’s success, opened the restaurant in February of 2022. Originally open only for breakfast and lunch, they began dinner service just last month. Cecelia and Marvin first met in Savannah, where the two worked in the restaurant scene. Cecelia was raised in Aiken and had several years of experience as a general manager for Southern Hospitality Group in Savannah. Marvin’s culinary credentials are impressive, having served as Executive Chef for Ruth's Chris for five years as well as the Treylor Park Restaurant group for five more. He completed his stint in Savannah at the JW Marriott Hotel, creating signature dishes in several different restaurants with various cuisines from East Asian, Spain, and more. Along with Cecelia and Marvin’s travels to countries like France and Spain, it's easy to see where the unique ingredients and dishes on the menu originate. The concept for Neon Fig, bringing the everyday brunch culture they experienced in Savannah to Aiken, took shape in the midst of Covid-19 quarantine. Marvin’s extensive culinary experience combined with Cecelia’s background in restaurant management is a winning combination for their first solo venture. They operate under the business entity Neon Hospitality Group, so we may see future endeavors under the Neon brand.
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ARTICLE BY SUMMER TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS OCTOBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N
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THE MENU IS INSPIRED BY BLENDS OF DIFFERENT REGIONS AND PLACES MARVIN AND CECELIA HAVE TRAVELED TOGETHER.
Charming and deceptively small on the outside, one of the first things you’ll notice about this sophisticated enclave is the interior. It’s always impressive when you recognize a restaurant’s owners have put a lot of love into the layout and interior style, and Neon Fig certainly delivers in spades. As Neon Fig’s co-owner and general manager, Cecelia had a large part in creating the unique aesthetic of the restaurant. The interior was designed to be dynamic and to shift easily between day and night settings. During daylight hours, the interior looks bright and organic, naturally urban and with a pop of color in key locations, but evening patrons are treated to a dark and tranquil interior, dim and warm with flickering candlelight. Cecelia’s inspiration was drawn from a combination of industrial with the occasional burst of floral and feminine.
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Apart from skillfully building the bar covering the left-hand wall, Marvin also creates all of Neon Fig’s delicious and distinct rotating dishes, including sauces and dressings, in-house. The menu is inspired by blends of different regions and places Marvin and Cecelia have traveled together. Cecelia’s drink menu looks to showcase approachable selections so patrons can find something they like while providing interesting twists on classics like the Neon Martini, a cocktail featuring Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin, olive juice, and togarashi stuffed olives. Marvin enjoys pushing patrons out of their comfort zones with uncommon ingredients like bonito flakes, daikon radish, fish skin chicharrones, and enoki mushrooms. As unusual as these may sound, each combination is carefully composed to deliver another level of sensory experience.
Thriving in the creative atmosphere of his own kitchen, Marvin explores different recipes and his dishes have certainly added a new avenue of flavor to Aiken’s downtown streets, amplified by a focus on sourcing ingredients locally. A “meat and potatoes dude”, Marvin prefers smoked meats and especially enjoys elevating dishes beyond their classic appearance and ingredients. You’ll find that some dishes have eclectic presentations by using different vessels to display food. If you haven’t already, be sure to pay Neon Fig a visit the next time you find yourself looking to treat yourself or the family to brunch or dinner! Cecelia’s favorite dishes are the Breakfast Tacos with Brisket on the brunch menu, Ceviche as an appetizer, and Halibut Dish for dinner. Fan favorites are the Smoked Salmon Bagel and the Farro Bowl from the breakfast menu.
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The needs and functionality of a home can evolve as seasons of life change. If, chosen wisely, a home can grow with us, but sometimes we need a little help from a professional. A tub shower combination in a downstairs bathroom is extremely practical with a house full of young children who need to be thrown into the tub for their nightly bath. It becomes less so when the kids grow older and the nest empties. At that life stage a walk-in shower may become attractive to add a little luxury to your space as well offering the benefits of an easier in and out. During the pandemic, Aiken residents, Diane and Bill found themselves ready for a major bathroom overhaul. They turned to Bill Phillips at Countersync because they had a positive experience with him on a previous project and because they were absolutely certain they wanted to use Corian® for their shower and vanities. Corian® is a solid surface material, that is very durable, nearly seamless and extremely easy to maintain. They selected Corian® for their kitchen counters over 30 years ago and they still look brand new. Diane said the durability, ease
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H OM E U P DAT E | HOM E + DE S I GN
of care, no grout and wide selection of colors made the choice a no-brainer. The scope of the project was a complete remodel. They replaced the flooring, swapped out a tub shower combination for a large, oversized walk-in shower, and installed new vanities and fixtures. Bill Phillips teamed with an approved contractor to complete the project. Not wanting to leave any supply issues due to the pandemic to chance, they waited until they had all the materials in stock to commence. The contractor and his crew went in first and did the demo and all the prep work and then Bill and his team installed the shower and vanity countertop. Diane reports that the workers were fantastic. They were extremely polite, cleaned up after themselves and completed their work expeditiously. There were no surprises or hidden costs not reflected in the estimate. At Bill and Diane’s request, the Countersync team even used some extra material to craft a customized shelving unit. Bill and Diane are pleased with the end result and report that it is exactly what they hoped it would be.
Countersync is a custom countertop and shower fabrication and installation company that services the Aiken area. They specialize in solid surface countertops because they offer residential and commercial customers a sophisticated, long-lasting, and easy-to-care-for surface. If it is time for your bathroom or kitchen to catch up with your lifestyle, visit Countersync’s showroom in Augusta and they will help you find the best fit for your space, style and budget.
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FAV O R I T E F O O D I E S ARTICLE BY GAYLE BRYAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA WILLIAMS
Aiken Food Creators Dish on Their Favorite Menu Items and What Restaurants They Haunt on Their Nights Off
C H A D JAJC Z Y K & JEFF H A I R STON C H E F D E C U I S I N E LUN CH & CHE F/OW N E R OF W HIS KE Y AL L E Y
First Food Industry Job: A cook at Pizza Hut. (Chef Chad) Cleaning floors at Resch’s Bakery in Columbus, Ohio. (Chef Jeff) Favorite Menu Item: Shrimp and Grits. It’s a unique blend of classic shrimp and grits with New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp. (Chef Jeff) Favorite Local Restaurant: Fuse offers a very inventive menu. I love supporting other downtown culinary enthusiasts. (Chef Chad) Grumpy’s has really good pub food. (Chef Jeff) 26
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MICHAEL ALLEN
PA IGE CH A PM A N H A R DE N
H EA D CH EF, C H I E F C O O K A N D B OT T L E WAS H E R
RE STAURAN T MAN AGE R/PASTRY CHE F OF
OF THE LEGENDS GRILLE
BE TSY’S ROUN D THE CORN E R
Favorite Menu Item: Sea Bass Honey Almandine. It’s a cold water fish with a mild flavor. Pairing it with my buttery honey almondine sauce sets this dish on an adventure your taste buds will enjoy. Favorite Local Restaurant: My go to places are Prime Steakhouse or CasaBella. I know the owners of both; they share the same passion for preparing fine cuisine for their customers.
First Food Industry Job: Bakery Director for Very Vera’s mail order cake company. Favorite Menu Item: For savory, the Build Your Own Pimento Cheese Grits Cakes! Favorite Local Restaurant: I love Aiken Fish House. Before my dad passed away, he loved to go there with me. We loved the crab cakes and he couldn’t get enough of their hush puppies!
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RA N DY STA MM P RO P RI E TO R O F PR I M E ST E A K H O U S E
First Food Industry Job: I grew up in the restaurant business, but my first paying job was to run the food court at a place in New Jersey where they bussed in underprivileged kids from New York so they could enjoy a day in the country. Favorite Menu Item: Pork Chop; it’s dry-aged and brined. If it weren’t for the shape you would think it was a steak, and the Porterhouse for two allows you to enjoy filet mignon and strip. Favorite Local Restaurant: Apizza di Napoli. Cliff’s pizza is as fine as I’ve ever had anywhere.
ASHLEY E LV IS & CASEY YOU NG H EA D CH EESE C U T T E R & E XE C U T I V E M E AT S L I N G ER ( CO -OWN E R S ) O F BOA R D I N A I K E N
Biggest Foodie Influences: We both come from families with mamas and grandmamas who loved to be in the kitchen. We love to travel and try new foods and experiences. Favorite Menu Item: The Traditional. (Casey) The Brunch Board with candied bacon. (Ashley) Favorite Local Restaurant: Juniper in Ridge Spring is always worth the drive, and the Wilcox never disappoints especially if a YogaTini is involved!
JOSH UA CO C KE EX ECU TIV E C H E F O F JA M E S O N M C D U B BY ’ S
First Food Industry Job: Working the grill at Burger King. Favorite Menu Item: Our Corned Beef is different than you will find anywhere else. It is braised, smoked and shingled and it is delicious. Favorite Local Restaurant: Mack’s has great sandwiches.
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Sunday October 2nd 2022 5PM to 8PM
ine, and Whiske W , s g a rs W
10 Year Celebration of the SPCA Albrecht Center
Tickets and Info at www.letlovelive.org
We are delighted to host a Fall Gala
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St. John's United United Methodist Methodist Church Church
All are welcome at St. john's! we invite you to join us at any of our worship services. Eric Rickenbach President
8:30 am 9:02 am 11:00 am 6:00 pm
Sanctuary Faith Center Sanctuary Around the Fountain
OCTOBER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E. C O M / A I KE N
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events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
O CTO BE R 1 ST
Wags, Wine & Whiskers
CON STAN TIN E HOUS E | 5:00 P M Join the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare as they celebrate their 10th anniversary with dinner, music by the Aiken Civic Orchestra and a silent auction.
O C TO BE R 8T H
Atomic City Festival
E VAN S PAR K, N EW ELLEN TON | 1 0 :0 0 A M A day of entertainment for everyone! Peruse shop vendors, snack on some festival food, and enjoy various attractions including a car show, live music and fireworks after sundown.
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Antique Car Show with Shag DJ
T HREE STAR VIN EYARD AN D OR C H A R D | 1 :0 0 P M A throwback to the past with classic, vintage cars and a group shag dance for the whole family. Join in the fun or grab a tasty snack from food vendors. Event ends at 3:00 PM.
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Western Carolina State Fair
AIKEN COUN TY FAIRG ROUN DS Get ready for Aiken’s annual State Fair! Everything you know and love including ground acts, rides, exhibits, competitions, a rodeo, and a demolition derby. Don’t forget to grab some tasty fair food.
Cumbee Center Cook-Off
LES S IE B. PRICE AIKEN S EN IO R & YO UT H C E NT E R | 1 1 :0 0 A M Make sure to bring your appetite to this annual cook-off in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year, competitors will be serving up homemade, iconic chili recipes, and admission is free! This event ends at 2:00 PM.
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CNTA Oyster Roast & Low Country Boil
PA LMETTO G OLF CLUB | 6:30 P M Sample tastes of the low country at this annual community event with live music by Keith Gregory and raffle prizes! Tickets on sale until October 1st. This event ends at 9:00 PM.
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Scarecrow Contest
DOWN TOWN AIKEN A festive spectacle of scarecrows created by local businesses and showcased on Aiken’s downtown streets. Locals and visitors can vote for their favorites for the winner to claim the grand prize!
Beyond the Gravestone
REDCLIFFE PLAN TATION STAT E H I STO R I C S I T E | 5 :30 P M A spooky night tour through the mansion where you’ll learn about James Henry Hammond’s exploration into seances and mediums, and the spiritual iconography in the Hammond Cemetery. Limited admission tickets, $10 per person.
The Josh Hilley Band and County Road 49
THR EE STAR VIN EYAR D AND O R C H A R D | 6 :0 0 P M Food Truck Friday Night is proud to welcome the Josh Hilley Band and County Road 49! Gate opens at 6. Presale tickets $22 or $25 at the gate. Call 803-275-3200 for more details.
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2022 Aiken Fall Steeplechase
AIKEN STEEPLECHAS E RAC E C O UR S E | 9 :0 0 A M Join us at the eagerly awaited fall installment of Aiken’s Steeplechase! Be sure to purchase these high-demand tickets in advance for a day of races, refreshments, and fun.
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Trunk or Treat
CITIZEN S PAR K | 3:00 PM This event features carnival games, live music, vendors with food and snacks, and trick or treating! “Best Trunker” Award goes to the most creatively decorated trunk. This event ends at 6:00 PM.
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Halloween Fun Show
FULL GALLOP FAR M | 7:00 A M Hosted by Full Gallop Farm, this equestrian Halloween costume contest is perfect for the whole family! Enjoy a variety of fun classes and games as well as a grand prize for the costume winner. This event ends at 4:00 PM.
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ADVENTURE AWAITS IN THE LOWCOUNTRY EXPLORE CHARLESTON’S WILD SIDE WITH COASTAL EXPEDITIONS ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAYLE BRYAN
There are many great things about living in Aiken and one that I take advantage of often is our proximity to so many incredible destinations! Less than three hours in the car can get you to the mountains, to some of the east coast’s finest beaches, or to some of South Carolina's thriving metropolitan areas.
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More and more, I find my car pointed toward South Carolina’s Lowcountry, especially when I'm looking for an adventure. There are the usual things that make a trip into Charleston special; culinary delights, fantastic shopping, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches and history. In addition to those “typical” Charleston offerings, there are amazing adventures to be had if you know where to look. A few years ago my path crossed with Coastal Expeditions, the Lowcountry’s original outdoor outfitter. Little did I know that a short kayak tour around Shem Creek to get some exercise and see some dolphins would be my gateway to adventure. My next outing with Coastal was the Bulls Island Paddle and Hike, several notches up on the adventure scale. After a moderately vigorous paddle through the saltwater estuary that makes up the Cape Romain Natural Wildlife Refuge, we hiked across the uninhabited barrier island to Boneyard Beach. The beach is sprinkled with the bleached-out remains of shoreline trees that have fallen from the
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eroding maritime forest and it is spectacular. Wildlife is abundant on Bulls Island and includes almost three hundred species of birds, fox squirrels, bobcats, and approximately 1,200 alligators. After four trips to the island, I’ve seen a fair few of them. My most adventurous lowcountry excursion to date was the Santee to Sea Paddle & Hike Camping Trip. We paddled through the black water of the Echaw Creek in the Francis Marion Forest on day one and camped along the Santee River. The next day was a long paddle from the Santee to Wambaw Creek and a new campsite that was ready and waiting for us along with a delicious meal. We spent our final day hiking Bulls Island. Fall is perhaps the best time to experience the Lowcountry as the temperature cools and the bugs are less of a nuisance. If you are interested in exploring Bulls Island but could do with a little less adventure, Coastal Expeditions offers a ferry and a beach drop. Stick to the beach if you want to avoid the gators. However you get there, the experience will be an adventure to remember!
Patrick Boylan has been surveying since 2014, and a licensed Registered Land Surveyor in South Carolina since 2019. Living in the Aiken area, Patrick can get to any survey in a hurry. Give Patrick a call or send him an email with your survey request, and he will get back to you in a hurry!
Patrick Boylan, PLS | 803-480-4495 pboylan@boylansurveying.com | boylansurveying.com
803.226.0340 GINGERBEEBOUTIQUE.COM 110 LAURENS ST SW | AIKEN
Our vineyard has been family owned and operated for 30 years.
803.275.3200 ThreeStarVandO.com 172 Holmes Pond Rd. ∙ Johnston, SC 29832
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803-335-2272
budgetblinds.com/northaugusta