What a treasure I found in Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina, when I stumbled into Aiken. I’d long heard whispers about the elegant Willcox Hotel, but nothing prepared me for the grand, horse-loving, history-soaked town I discovered. As a Southerner myself, I’m still wondering—why isn’t everyone talking about Aiken?
Then again, maybe that’s the magic. Aiken stays just under the radar, drawing a steady stream of equestrian enthusiasts, history buffs, and travelers in the know—without ever feeling too crowded.
Let me show you why Aiken, SC, should be your next charming Southern getaway.
My visit to Thoroughbred Country SC was part of a familiarization trip. My hotel, meals, and attraction fees were waived in order to get content for my social channels and to write a blog post. As always, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
A Storied Past: From Railroad Retreat to Horse Haven
Before trains extended to Florida, Aiken was the place where America’s elite came to winter. We’re talking about names like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller, and even President Taft—all of whom found solace in Aiken’s mild winters, fresh air, and horse-friendly lifestyle.
They brought their horses, of course, and that cemented Aiken’s legacy as an equestrian powerhouse. Today, the town boasts:
- 55 polo fields
- More than 30 disciplines of equestrian training
- Steeplechase and fox hunting traditions
- A rich history of champion racehorses and iconic stables
What I Did in Aiken (And You Should Too!)
Hopelands Gardens & Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame
This 14-acre park is a serene oasis with wetlands, themed gardens, and shaded walking paths. There is a lovely fountain flanked by picturesque statues and shady areas, perfect for admiring the 100-year-old live oaks and taking a seat for a bit.
Inside, you’ll find the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, which showcases trophies, photos, and memorabilia from America’s best riders and horses.
The public restrooms are in this same area, as well as one of the town’s famed painted horses on display. Admission is free here, too!
The Aiken Training Track
Since 1942, the Aiken Training Track has been the center for training national champions and winners of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. The track is open to the public, and many locals come here to get some exercise or enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The training track’s sand is sugar sand, like on the Alabama Beaches, to cushion the horses as they run.
Don’t miss the tribute to Blue Peter, grandson of triple crown winner Man O’ War, under the large live oak. He passed before getting his chance to make his mark, but the town still recognizes his outstanding contributions with a lovely memorial site.
Nearby the training track, legacy barns and stables (like Legacy Stable and Ambrose Clark Barn) are a must-see if you’re lucky enough to get a peek.
Fun Fact: Keep in mind — Aiken has plenty of money, but their dirt roads are for the horses. So, don’t be shocked when you see main roads turn off to dirt paths throughout town.
Another part of the historical Aiken Thoroughbred Country experience you won’t want to miss is having a tasty meal at Track Kitchen, a mainstay in town, where famous jockeys, horse owners, trainers, and the whole equine family have eaten together for nearly a century.
Extend your trip a bit with a jaunt over to Barnwell, South Carolina, just minutes away. Find what to see and do in this blog post.
Aiken County Historical Museum (Banksia Mansion)
Set inside a former “Winter Colony” mansion, this museum was both educational and delightfully quirky. Highlights of Banksia include a 19th-century log cabin, a restored 1950s drugstore interior, two fire engines, and Revolutionary War memorabilia.
It’s free to visit, ADA accessible on the first floor, and features a charming gift shop.
Savannah River Site Museum
Once a Cold War nuclear production site, this museum tells the fascinating story of tritium and plutonium’s role in H-bomb development. It’s a niche but compelling stop—also free! Okay, I didn’t get to do this on my trip, but it sounds epic and intriguing, so I filed it away for my next visit.
Downtown Aiken
The heart of the town is filled with art galleries, cute boutiques, restaurants, and the Painted Horses on Parade public art project. It’s charming and walkable, with Southern charm at every turn.
Stay in Southern Luxury at The Willcox
The Willcox Hotel was every bit as fabulous as I’d hoped. With classically appointed rooms, a stunning outdoor pool, and a restaurant that deserves its own blog post, it’s Southern elegance with modern comfort in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina.
Highlights include:
- Spacious rooms with antique decor and luxe bedding
- Evening turndown with cookies and fruit-infused water
- Complimentary bikes for exploring Aiken
- An included hot breakfast you’ll absolutely want to wake up for
- I-pad to do typical functions and to provide entertainment
- Bottle of scented spray for your bedding to help you get a blissful night’s sleep
Even if you’re not staying overnight, do yourself a favor and stop in for a cocktail or charcuterie board in the grand lobby.
Where to Eat in Aiken
The Feed Sack
The Feed Sack wowed me with its creative take on shrimp and grits and unforgettable deviled eggs. They have a spacious dining room, an outdoor patio, a wine bar, and a piano lounge, all at this one address. It’s the perfect location for dinner or cocktails with friends in a laid-back yet upscale vibe. Save room for dessert — they are highly raved about.
Good Girl Brewing Co.
Family- and pet-friendly, with a great outdoor setup, live music, and a solid food menu (hello, Philly cheesesteaks!), Good Girl Brewing Co. is a solid choice for all. The cheese curds and Carolina caviar are my recs. Go for lunch, stay for the brews.
Restaurant at the Willcox
Dining at The Willcox’s onsite restaurant was hands down the highlight of my Aiken trip. This stunning and elegant space strikes the perfect balance between upscale and welcoming—ideal for celebrating life’s big moments or simply elevating an everyday meal.
Whether you’re marking an anniversary or just indulging in a leisurely dinner, the experience is guaranteed to be memorable.
I highly recommend starting with the beautifully presented charcuterie board and the rich, velvety duck liver pâté (confession: I nearly ate the entire thing myself!). The filet mignon was melt-in-your-mouth tender, but be sure to save room—the creamy, torched crème brûlée is a show-stopping finale you won’t want to miss.
Breakfast at The Willcox, which is complimentary for hotel guests, was the perfect way to start each day. I opted for the classic Willcox Breakfast every morning—two eggs cooked just the way you like them, crispy bacon, savory sausage, hearty smashed potatoes, and a side of toast. It was consistently delicious and satisfying, setting the tone for a relaxed and indulgent stay.
Don’t Miss These Annual Events
If you’re planning a future visit, time it around one of these iconic Aiken events:
- Aiken Triple Crown Trials
- Spring Steeplechase
- Aiken Horse Show
- Camellia Show
- Fall Polo Matches
- Aiken Music Fest
Take a Tailored Tour of Aiken
One of the absolute coolest things I did during my visit was take a Tailored Tour with the fabulous Marty Bailey. She is a gem! The stories she shared felt like they were pulled straight from an E! True Hollywood Story—filled with juicy scandals, larger-than-life characters (the who’s who of Aiken), and famous names you’d recognize.
Aiken oozes Southern charm and whispers of old money with “winter cottages” that are jaw-dropping mansions and enough horses to rival Kentucky. Parts of the tour were downright ghostly, too—yes, some wild spirit tales are floating around town!
If you’re headed to Aiken, this tour is a must. It’s educational, entertaining, and absolutely unforgettable. Every town should be so lucky to have a guide like Marty and a history this rich and riveting.
Why Aiken Belongs on Your Bucket List
Aiken offers a rare blend of Southern grace, historical intrigue, and elite equestrian culture, all wrapped up in a surprisingly approachable and warm package. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again—whether you’re in town for the horses, the history, or just a relaxing weekend away.
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