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Day 1
As you enter Aiken you’ll notice that even the street signs
are embellished with horse heads and there is a cross-walk
specifically for horse-back riders. When you arrive, get a
taste of it all as you head straight to the Aiken Thoroughbred
Hall of Fame and Museum. Every horse on display
has won an Eclipse Award and has spent time during its
racing career in Aiken. You’ll be wowed by the amount of
winnings each horse represents, along with real racing silks
and trophies on display. The museum sits on the property
of Hopelands Gardens, a 14 acre estate which opened in
1969 as a public garden, with 100-year old cedars, meandering
trails and ponds.
For dinner, head over to The Stables at Rose Hill, which
is one of four stables in America, located on its original
site, that has been re-purposed as a restaurant. Enjoy
live music and quality food in one of Aiken’s oldest estates.
Day 2
Wake up early and stroll through the dirt streets of the “Aiken
Horse District” and watch the horses train at the famed
Aiken Training Track, where 39 thoroughbred champions
have trained. You just might see the next winner of the
Belmont Stakes or the Kentucky Derby out for a morning
gallop around the track. Afterwards, head on to The Track
Kitchen where you’re likely to run into all manner of equine
industry staff. Order at the counter, help yourself to coffee,
read the clippings on the wall and enjoy a home cooked
meal.
To wrap it all up, you’ll need to head to the Whitney Polo
Field and watch six chukkers of polo and stomp the divots
during half-time to feel like you’ve gotten a true Aiken
equestrian experience. Splurge and sit under the VIP
pavilion with buffet style gourmet food and drinks, or pack
your own tailgate and enjoy this unique experience from
the comfort of your own tailgate set-up. The Aiken Polo
Club hosts matches every Sunday at three during the fall
and spring.
Check out the events going on at Katydid Farm, Highfields
Event Center, or Bruce’s Field and you may be in for a
treat to see a dressage event, hunter-jumper competition,
steeplechase or even carriage races! Or head to the
Hitchcock Woods to see the Aiken Hounds take part in their
historic drag hunt every Tuesday and Saturday from October
through March. Ride your own horse into the woods or
rent one from Seahorse Stables or Rebel Ranch Tours.
After all the action, head downtown for lunch at What’s
Cookin, or The Aiken Brewing Company and then meander
down Laurens Street for some equine-inspired shopping
at stores like Aiken Dry Goods, Epona, and Equine Divine.
For dinner, head over to The Willcox, enjoy the music and
the historic ambience while enjoying a custom cocktail and
fresh, unique takes on your favorite Southern foods.
Day 3
Relish a good chai latte, fresh smoothie or and muffin at
Ridgecrest Coffee Bar where local art surrounds you. In
this laid back atmosphere you’re welcome to bring a book
and stay for a while. Another equestrian highlight you won’t
want to miss is the Gaston Livery Stable. Take a tour of this
historic stable, built circa 1893. The Barn is the only one
remaining in South Carolina with a carriage lift. It is one of
the only all brick, U-shaped barns with a carriage lift in the
United States.
DESTINATION: Aiken
Aiken is a community rich in history and horses. Each spring, visitors can experience all sorts of equine opportunities. The equine culture of Aiken has
thrived for almost 200 years and the community continues to value these traditions. Aiken proudly boasts an equine museum, sporting events and
public art dedicated to the horse industry.
Springtime in Aiken can easily be defined by the equine activities. The Aiken Triple Crown is composed of three events, which are The Aiken Trials,
Aiken Steeplechase and the Pacers and Polo Competition. All of these events are a great way to experience Aiken’s equine community! The 51st Renewal
of the Steeplechase is a tradition that continuously draws visitors to Aiken. This race continues the sporting legacy that was started long ago.
The events begin on March 18th with the Aiken Trials. Follow our itinerary for a sure-fire way to feel like you’ve gotten the true Equestrian experience.
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