Aiken, SC February 2026

The Love Local Issue

February is for Loving Local

February invites us to slow down and appreciate what truly matters — connection, community and the people and places that make Aiken feel like home. Our Love Local issue celebrates those bonds in all their forms, from shared dreams and friendly competition to service, reflection and a deep love for this town.

This month we’re highlighting local couples who run businesses together, proving that love and entrepreneurship can be a powerful partnership. From restaurants and pharmacies to garden centers, these stories show how teamwork, trust and shared purpose turn small businesses into something special — and why that joy is felt the moment you walk through the door.

We’re also exploring how pickleball has become one of Aiken’s great connectors. What starts as a fun workout quickly turns into a community that brings together couples, families and friends across generations. With welcoming courts and plenty of laughter, it’s a reminder that sometimes all it takes is a paddle and a willingness to jump in.

Love in action takes center stage with Hearts for Hope, an intimate Valentine’s dinner benefiting the Child Advocacy Center of Aiken County. More than a night out, the event brings our community together to protect, support and stand up for Aiken’s most vulnerable children — proof that when we show up together, love becomes a powerful force for good.

For readers craving rest and romance, we whisk you away to a storybook glamping escape inspired by Gypsy Vanner horses, history and the art of slowing down. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to travel far to feel refreshed — sometimes the most meaningful getaways invite you to simply pause.

We close with Aiken Love Letters, a heartfelt collection of notes from locals sharing why this town holds such a special place in their hearts. From deep roots and creative energy to small businesses and familiar faces, these reflections capture what it truly means to belong.

This February, we hope you feel the love — for your neighbors, your favorite local spots and the community that continues to make Aiken such a wonderful place to call home.

See You Next Month!

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Nikita Hanif | nikita.hanif@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Carolyn McAvoy | carolyn.mcavoy@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Ashley Elvis

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nikita Hanif, Jessica Crandall Lawrence

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Rebecca Judy

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

GAYLE BRYAN, PUBLISHER @AIKENCITYLIFESTYLE

3:5-6

Where Wanderlust Meets

When Love Runs the Business

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and family after Blessing of the

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and

9: These friends were ecstatic about their Thanksgiving morning in

10: A morning filled with tradition at the Blessing of the Hounds. 11: It should be illegal to be this glam. The Aiken Medical Aesthetics team. 12: Riders of all ages engaged in the Blessing of the Hounds. 13: A crisp morning and brilliant sunshine had everyone joyful and excited! 14: A quick selfie before the doors open at Aiken Medical Aesthetics Glow Event!

15: What better way to spend Thanksgiving morning than at the Blessing of the Hounds. 16: Bundled up and ready to partake in this yearly tradition in Hitchcock Woods. 17: Elier and Jessica Alberto, owners of Rhumba, enjoying the horse parade!

Dr. Dan Jolich Chiropractor

425 Laurens Street NW, Aiken, SC • Phone 803-641-9191 Fax 803-648-9004 • Email aikenchiropractic@gmail.com FROM PAIN TO WELLNESS AIKENCHIROPRACTIC.COM

WHERE WANDERLUST MEETS SOUTHERN COMFORT

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY

AN ENCHANTING GLAMPING ESCAPE INSPIRED BY GYPSY VANNER HORSES, HISTORY AND THE ART OF SLOWING DOWN ON A PEACEFUL FARM

Down South Gypsy Glamping is the kind of place that feels discovered rather than booked, a hidden retreat where history, horses and Southern hospitality come together to create something truly unforgettable. Tucked away on a peaceful working horse farm, the glamping wagon offers guests an experience that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, transporting them into a slower rhythm of life the moment they arrive.

The heart of Down South Gypsy Glamping begins with the Gypsy Vanner horses grazing just beyond the wagon. These remarkable animals were originally bred by the Romanichal Travelers of Britain and Ireland to pull their colorful traveling homes, known as vardoes. Strong yet compact,

gentle yet powerful, the Gypsy Vanner embodies beauty, trust and partnership. That heritage sparked the original dream behind the wagon long before it ever existed, inspiring a desire to share the romance and storytelling of a traveling life while still offering modern comfort.

While authentic vardoes are breathtaking, their intimate size doesn’t lend itself to the kind of rest today’s guests expect. Instead, the vision evolved into a custom-built glamping wagon inspired by both European vardoes and the iconic American Conestoga wagon. The result is a larger, more luxurious space

that honors history while embracing comfort, blending old-world charm with thoughtful modern touches.

Inside the wagon, warm wood tones, soft bohemian textures and lantern-style lighting create a cozy, storybook atmosphere. Every detail feels intentional, from the wagon wheel dining table to the carefully selected books that nod to pioneer life. The California king bed, layered with inviting linens and rustic accents, anchors the space proving that adventure and comfort can coexist beautifully. The wagon doesn’t feel themed or staged; it feels timeless as though it has always belonged right where it sits.

“WEDIDN’TREALIZE

Outside, the experience deepens. A private fire pit glows beneath the stars, surrounded by twinkle lights and the quiet sounds of the pasture. Guests roast s’mores, enjoy curated charcuterie or simply sit back and breathe in the stillness. The presence of the horses adds a grounding, almost therapeutic element, turning simple moments into lasting memories.

This sense of peace and connection is exactly what recently drew Tyler Stuart, owner of Freedom House Wash, and his wife to book a weekend stay. Looking to unplug and recharge, the couple found exactly what they needed. “We didn’t realize how much

we needed the quiet until we got there,” Stuart shared. “Sitting by the fire, watching the horses and having absolutely nowhere we needed to be was incredibly refreshing. It felt like we pressed pause on real life for a weekend.”

That ability to slow time is what sets Down South Gypsy Glamping apart from traditional cabins or short-term rentals. Staying in a wagon carries an emotional weight, a sense of stepping into a story shaped by travel, craftsmanship and simpler living. Unlike crowded rental communities, the wagon’s secluded placement offers rare privacy, making guests feel as though they have an entire farm to themselves.

DOWN SOUTH GYPSY GLAMPING

1325 Ridge Road, Thomson, GA downsouthgypsyglamping.com

“ AT ITS CORE, IT REMAINS A PLACE TO BREATHE, RECONNECT AND REDISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF SLOWING DOWN, ONE UNFORGETTABLE STAY AT A TIME.

The name Down South Gypsy Glamping perfectly captures the experience. “Gypsy” honors the heritage of the horses who inspired it all, while “Down South” reflects the warmth, charm and unhurried hospitality of rural Georgia. “Glamping” bridges past and present, promising rustic beauty without sacrificing comfort. Together, the name tells the story before guests even arrive.

Thoughtful amenities elevate the stay even further. A pioneer-style, leather-bound guest journal invites visitors to add their chapter to the wagon’s story. Optional photography sessions with the Gypsy Vanners offer once-in-a-lifetime images, capturing the magic of the farm. Every element, indoors and out, is designed to be meaningful rather than decorative, encouraging guests to connect, reflect and unwind.

Though Thomson isn’t often considered a getaway destination, that unexpected quality is part of its magic. Guests are consistently surprised by the privacy, the expansive skies and the deep sense of calm they find here. Many travel only a short distance but leave feeling as though they’ve journeyed much farther, refreshed and renewed.

Down South Gypsy Glamping isn’t about adding more wagons or growing bigger. Its future lies in deepening the experience through curated moments like photography, candlelit barn dinners and carriage rides that honor the horses’ heritage. At its core, it remains a place to breathe, reconnect and rediscover the beauty of slowing down, one unforgettable stay at a time. Guests often say they arrive curious but leave changed, carrying the calm of the farm back into their everyday routines. It is not uncommon for visitors to begin planning a return stay before they even leave the driveway. That lingering feeling of peace, wonder and connection is the true souvenir of Down South Gypsy Glamping and the reason so many guests continue to share its story with friends everywhere.

Or

RUNS

The Business WHEN LOVE

How Local Couples Balance Love, Work and Entrepreneurship

Working side by side, love and business can be a delicate dance, but for some couples, it’s the perfect rhythm. In Aiken and beyond, several local couples are proving that sharing both life and livelihood can be equal parts rewarding, challenging and joyful.

Elier and Jessica Alberto are the owners of Rhumba, a vibrant Latin restaurant in downtown Aiken. Their story began in Miami in 2011, when Jessica met Elier while he was working behind the bar she frequented. With a little help from a friend, sparks flew and after just nine months of dating, they knew it was meant to be. They were engaged by April of 2012 and married that October, building a life fueled by passion, culture and music. It’s only fitting that a relationship born in a bar would one day lead to owning their own. Now three years in, Rhumba offers an extensive menu, standout cocktails and a humidor with inviting outdoor cigar lounges. Elier and Jessica love that they get to dance, work and share their passion together every day, creating an atmosphere where guests instantly feel welcome.

Stuart and Brandi Johnson, owners of Family Pharmacy, share a love story rooted in Aiken. Both Aiken High graduates, they officially connected in July of 2000 after exchanging phone numbers at a BP gas station, a detail they now jokingly share with their kids. Married in 2006, Brandi pursued pharmacy, opening Family Pharmacy on Price Avenue, while Stuart built a career in law enforcement before attending law school. Though they always envisioned working together, that moment arrived sooner than expected. By 2017, growing demands at the pharmacy and a full family schedule prompted a leap of faith. Their individual journeys had shaped complementary strengths, and working side by side ultimately strengthened both their marriage and business. Family remains first, and being present for their daughters brings purpose they wouldn’t trade.

Adam and Jennifer Altman, owners of Adam’s Garden Center & Gift Shop, met in 1999 at Augusta Technical College while studying horticulture. Friendship bloomed into romance, and after three years of dating, Adam proposed at the very place their story began. They married in June of 2005, and while Jennifer worked as a nurse, she always supported the family business. In 2017, she joined full time, helping expand the thriving garden center with a gift shop and florist she proudly leads. Adam and Jennifer laugh that they sometimes drive each other crazy, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. Together, these couples show that love, laughter and shared purpose can turn small businesses into something truly special, especially when built side by side. Their stories remind us that success isn’t just measured in sales or growth but in shared wins, late nights, inside jokes and celebrating milestones together. From restaurant floors and pharmacy counters to greenhouse aisles, these partnerships thrive on teamwork, trust and a willingness to grow together. It’s proof that when couples chase a shared dream, the workday can feel a little more joyful, a little more meaningful, and a lot more fun, especially when love is part of the business plan. And for customers, that shared joy is felt the moment they walk through the door, welcomed by couples who truly love what they do and who they do it with. Every single day. Together. Always. Forward.

ELIER AND JESSICA ALBERTO

Rhumba - 321 Richland Avenue West, Aiken, SC

STUART AND BRANDI JOHNSON

Family Pharmacy - 110 Price Avenue, Aiken, SC

ADAM AND JENNIFER ALTMAN

Adam’s Garden Center & Gift Shop - 10066 Ellenton Street, Barnwell, SC

ARTICLE BY JESSICA CRANDALL LAWRENCE

Hearts for Hope

Turning Love into Action for Aiken’s Children

Love is expressed in countless forms, but it shows up most powerfully when a community comes together to shield its children. This Valentine’s season the Child Advocacy Center of Aiken County (CAC) invites neighbors and friends to celebrate at “Hearts for Hope: Love in Action for Aiken’s Children” an intimate dinner party steeped in compassion and a responsibility to protect Aiken’s most vulnerable population. More than a soiree, the evening will serve as a call to unite as a village to support those who have experienced neglect or abuse.

Hearts for Hope is scheduled to unfold on February 12, 2026, at the historic Rye Patch, providing a romantic setting for an evening with an altruistic purpose. Guests will enjoy a catered dinner, live music and dancing, all in support of Aiken’s most vulnerable population. Speakers will include Tom Knapp, President and CEO of South Carolina Network of Child Advocacy Centers (SCNCAC), accompanied by Candace Clark, General Counsel of SCNCAC. Tickets are $75 per guest and available for purchase online.

“With this event, Valentine’s becomes more than cards and flowers,” said CAC executive director Amber Allen. “It becomes a statement that Aiken stands together to protect children and strengthen families.”

As an experienced local nonprofit, CAC works tirelessly to advocate for children

to find healing and hope. Their mission is to provide a safe, child-friendly environment where children and families affected by abuse can receive essential services that promote their wellbeing. The center brings key partners together: law enforcement, social services, prosecutors and medical and mental health professionals. This ensures a coordinated response so a child is never required to retell their story in multiple intimidating settings.

“When the community invests in us, it reduces how many times a child must retell painful experiences and increases how quickly that child can access support,” explained Allen. “For example, strong funding and partner engagement allow a child to have a single, recorded forensic interview.”

Those interviews are quickly paired with pivotal resources like trauma-focused therapy and coordinated case planning with law enforcement and the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). By coordinating these services, CAC ensures families are supported through a unified process rather than being left to navigate a fragmented system on their own.

“Families often share that without our coordinated services, they would have felt lost in the system,” said Allen. “With CAC, they feel guided, believed and supported from the first phone call through the resolution of the case.”

“With this event, Valentine’s becomes more than cards and flowers. It becomes a statement that Aiken stands together to protect children and strengthen families.”

Funds raised through Hearts for Hope will directly uphold core CAC programs like forensic interviews, advocacy, therapy services and education. These resources help cover costs that grants and restricted funding don’t fully meet, such as expanding therapy capacity, maintaining a child-friendly facility and supporting a multidisciplinary team across several counties.

“Protecting children and strengthening families is a shared responsibility,” said Allen. “When Aiken invests in CAC, we are saying that no child should have to walk through abuse alone and that healing and justice matter here.”

You can purchase tickets to Hearts for Hope: Love in Action for Aiken’s Children dinner party by visiting cacofaiken.org

M A K E T H I S S U N D A Y

T H E B E S T O N E Y E T

There’s no better way to start the week than with friends. NewSpring Church is a multi-generational church that gathers every Sunday in Aiken and online.

We come from all over and have something for everyone. No matter where you settle in South Carolina, you'll find a friend or neighbor at one of our 13 campus locations.

Find out more about our beliefs and see the exciting things available for children, teens, and adults at www.NewSpring.cc.

NewSpring Church Aiken Campus www NewSpring cc Sundays at 9:15am & 11:15am

@newspringchurch /NewSpring

Safe Spaces, Healthier Futures.

At B.Well, we are committed to nurturing the emotional well-being of children and postpartum mothers through compassionate, professional, and playful therapeutic support in an authentic and calming environment.

We promise to provide personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs, fostering a safe space for growth and healing.

COMMUNITY

THROUGH PICKLEBALL

A Welcoming Sport Connecting Couples, Family and Friends with Fun

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA JUDY

Pickleball has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most welcoming sports around, and in Aiken, it’s doing far more than filling courts. It’s bringing people together across

generations, skill levels and life stages, proving that competition and connection can go hand in hand. For couples, families and friends, pickleball has become a shared language built on laughter, movement and a little friendly rivalry.

For Paco and Cindy Bogue, pickleball entered their lives long after their story together began. The two first met several years ago while working at the Augusta Chronicle and playing on a co-ed softball team. Sports had always been part of their dynamic, but about three and a half years ago, Paco found himself intrigued by something new. While working out at the YMCA, he noticed a group playing pickleball. Curious, he stopped to watch, and before long, the players invited him to jump in and try it.

It took about a year for Paco to convince Cindy to give pickleball a shot, but once she did, there was no turning back. Both were instantly hooked. What stood out most was

how approachable the sport felt. Pickleball welcomed players of all ages and athletic abilities, making it easy to learn without pressure. Cindy especially appreciates the new player clinics offered in Aiken, which help beginners feel confident stepping onto the court.

Together, Cindy and Paco love that pickleball provides a great workout while allowing each of them to learn and improve at their own pace. It has also opened the door to an unexpected bonus: community. Through pickleball, they’ve built a close-knit friend

group. They play together regularly and spend time together off the court, turning matches into meaningful friendships. Whether they’re playing as partners or competing against each other, the game taps into their fun, competitive nature. Cindy jokes that she’s at her most competitive when she and Paco face off against another couple.

That same sense of connection is what drew Rebekah and Elijah Slater to the game. The mother-and-son duo first tried pickleball two summers ago, simply to see what it was all about. Rebekah’s father had played for years and encouraged them to give it a try. By July of 2024, they dove in fully and began playing regularly.

Living close to O’Dell Weeks made it easy for them to get involved, and pickleball quickly became a favorite way to spend time together. Rebekah loves that it keeps them active while still being genuinely fun. Elijah enjoys the competitive side and the opportunity to spend quality time with his mom. He’s also proud of how much his skills have improved and jokes that he’s the most competitive of the two and wins more often.

Together, they’ve played in about four tournaments, creating memories while meeting players from all walks of life. Both sets of players agree that pickleball is more than a sport. It’s an invitation. They encourage anyone curious to try it out, sign up for a new player clinic and experience firsthand how a simple paddle and ball can spark joy, friendships and a love for the game. On every court the message is clear: show up, try once and you might just find your people there smiling beside you.

Locals Express Their Appreciation for Our City

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF

TO: AIKEN

FROM: GAYLE

Dear Aiken,

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love that in any given week I can sit down with someone whose family roots run generations deep in Aiken—and someone who’s traveled halfway across the country (or the world) and instantly knew Aiken was home. I love our deep commitment to the arts and the caliber of experiences we enjoy right here at home. From the galleries and classes at the Aiken Center for the Arts to the performances of the Aiken Symphony, to the nationally prominent music and music education brought to our community by JOYE in Aiken, we are truly spoiled. I love that every Christmas our town transforms into what feels like a real-life Hallmark movie with twinkling lights, familiar faces and unmistakable small-town charm. Most of all, I love and am deeply grateful for the continued support of our readers and the Aiken business community. You believe in this town and celebrate it well.

With love,

Gayle Bryan

Publisher - Aiken City Lifestyle

“Most of all, I love and am deeply grateful for the continued support of our readers and the Aiken business community. You believe in this town and celebrate it well.”

TO: DEAREST AIKEN

FROM: BOBBY

My Dearest Aiken,

I don’t think I ever expected to fall in love with you, but here we are.

Opening a small business here has taught me that community isn’t just a buzz word. Its people showing up, shopping local, telling their friends and genuinely wanting you to succeed. That matters more than you know. When I opened my doors, I was hopeful…but you were encouraging. You’ve given me customers who turn into regulars and regulars who turn into friends.

Aiken, you are small businesses and big hearts. You are First Fridays, tree lined streets and friendly waves. You have reminded me time and time again why I started. You’ve shown me that dreams don’t have to be chased in big cities to be real.

With gratitude, pride and so much love,

Bobby Ard

Owner - Beyond Bijoux Aiken

TO: AIKEN

FROM: ASHLEY

Dear Aiken,

You have a way of welcoming people that feels so inviting and genuine, as if you’ve been waiting for me all along. From the very beginning, what stands out most is your warmth–the kind that can’t be manufactured. This is a town where people know one another, where conversations don’t feel rushed, and where helping a neighbor is simply part of who you are. Your small town charm isn’t just a phrase; it’s an experience of everyday moments and familiar faces.

What surprises me most is how much opportunity you hold. In many ways, I found more room to grow here than I ever did. Aiken creates space for people to step in, contribute and truly belong. It’s a community that comes together whether to support a cause, celebrate a milestone, or lift up a local business, and Aiken, you do it with sincerity and pride.

Your local businesses are a reflection of your heart, each one carrying its own personality and purpose. There’s a strong sense of support among them, a shared understanding that success is better together. From the incredible restaurants, the convenience of having everything I need close by, and the ease of daily life - it’s easy to feel grateful to live here. Some days walking through town feels like I’m in a movie - charming, familiar, and full of heart. Aiken, you are more than a place to live - you are a place to love.

With gratitude, pride and so much love,

Ashley Burkhart

Front End Manager & Marketing - Certified Nutrition Coach & Wellness Consultant  NASM CNC - Family Pharmacy, Aiken, SC

“We have music, art, incredible small businesses, world-class restaurants and the best people anywhere. We have history, horses, heart and so much to offer. Aiken, you are home in every sense of the word, and I’m so grateful my boys get to grow up here, wrapped in everything that makes you so special.”

TO: AIKEN

FROM: NIKITA

Dear Aiken,

I remember sitting in high school, counting the days, convinced that the best version of my life existed somewhere far beyond this town. I couldn’t wait to move away from Aiken to see more, do more, and become more. I truly believed leaving was the only way forward. And then I did leave. I chased big dreams, bigger cities and all the things I thought would define an amazing life. What surprised me most was how quickly my heart began pulling me back home.

Now, as an adult and a mom to two boys, I can’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else. Aiken didn’t just wait for me, it welcomed me back with open arms. This city has a palpable warmth to it. You don’t meet a stranger here. You get used to not being able to run a single errand without seeing five people you know, and somehow that becomes one of the things you love most.

The pace is slower in the best way. People stop by your work just to chat, just to check on you, just because they care. Working in Aiken, I’m blessed to be out and about in our city every day, witnessing firsthand how we, as Aikenites, truly look out for one another. We pull over for funeral processions. We open doors. We say yes ma’am and no ma’am without thinking twice. We like our tea a little too sweet, and we show up and deliver dinner when you’re not feeling well.

We have music, art, incredible small businesses, world-class restaurants and the best people anywhere. We have history, horses, heart and so much to offer.

Aiken, you are home in every sense of the word, and I’m so grateful my boys get to grow up here, wrapped in everything that makes you so special.

With love and gratitude, Nikita Hanif

Publication Director - Aiken City Lifestyle Magazine

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 3RD

Heart

Health: Love Your Heart: Simple Ways to Stay Strong at Any Age

Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior & Youth Center at 841 Edgefield Avenue NW Aiken, SC. | 11:00 AM

Learn practical wellness tips at Heart Health: Love Your Heart, part of the City of Aiken’s 4L’s Series for senior adults. This monthly program offers engaging topics presented in a relaxed setting, encouraging lifelong learning and healthy living at any age.

FEBRUARY 6TH

Ginny Merett Gala Opening and Reception – Carolina Series

USC Aiken's Etherredge Center | 6:00 PM

Discover Ginny Merett: Pieces of a Dream, an exhibit celebrating a lifelong artistic vision shaped by fashion, memory and intuitive collage. Handcrafted characters invite closer inspection through layered textures and expressive detail. An opening reception includes an artist talk, appetizers and an open bar.

FEBRUARY 11TH

International Film Fest

471 University Pkwy, Aiken, SC 29801 - Humanities and Social Sciences Building Room 116 | 6:30 PM

Explore global storytelling at USCA’s International Film Festival, featuring foreign films presented in their original languages with English subtitles. Each public screening is followed by a faculty-led discussion examining the creative vision and cultural significance of the film.

FEBRUARY 13TH

Fifths of Beethoven

USC Aiken's Etherredge Center | 7:30 PM

Following his acclaimed 2022 appearance, pianist Albert Cano Smit returns to perform an all-Beethoven program with the Aiken Symphony. The concert features the composer’s heroic Fifth Symphony alongside his powerful and final Piano Concerto, offering drama, emotion and timeless musical storytelling.

FEBRUARY 15TH

Mardi Gras

Downtown Aiken | 5:00 PM

Experience the energy of Mardi Gras in Downtown Aiken as Bourbon Street comes alive on Newberry Street. Enjoy festive parades, live music, Creole-inspired cuisine and craft beer during this free community celebration.

FEBRUARY 17TH

Mardi Gras at the Village Cafe

The Village Cafe | 6:00 PM

Toast the season at The Village Café’s Mardi Gras celebration featuring New Orleans-inspired cuisine, festive cocktails and themed trivia. Guests can enjoy a Louisiana-style buffet and signature drinks during this lively evening inspired by classic Mardi Gras traditions.

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