What:  Date Night!! Where: Aiken Center for the Arts                                                                                      When:  Friday nights in January and February   6pm - 10pm Adults can enjoy an evening out - and let the kids hang at the Art Center - where they will be treated to pizza,a movie AND AN ART PROJECT!   Each week will have a different movie and project.    Open to children ages 5-12                                                Price per night:  $35 for first child, additional siblings at $5 each.                                                 Here's what's playing: Jan 9 - Space Chimps Jan 16 - Wall E Jan 23 - Surf's Up Feb 13 - High School Musical 2 Feb 20 - Kung Fu Panda Feb 27 - Fly Me To The Moon   Aiken Center for the Arts is located at:  122 Lau... 01/05/2009

What:  Family Fun Night - Winter Wonders Story Time Where:  Aiken County Public Library -  Colleton Avenue, Aiken When:  January 13, 2009 Time:  7pm                      I'm happy to share this information.        Aiken Golf Homes If you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina - look no further.   Carolina Horse Real Estate .com is an excellent tool to help with your Aiken area property search.  Aiken SC offers something for everyone!   Equestrian, Golf & Gated Communities with houses and building lots for sale, Condos & Townhouses, Patio Homes, Log Homes,  Commercial Properties, Development Land, Horse Property, Historic & Luxury Estates, Downtown Cottages, Polo properties....all this and more are for sale in Aiken County, South Carolina. Have you heard about Woodside P... 12/31/2008

Sometimes during the holidays we just need to take some time to sit down and relax.  Why not take in a movie!   Here is the movie schedule - good thru Thursday January 1, 2009. (subject to change without notice)                                                                                                                  Aiken Mall Cinema 8 Bedtime Stories (PG) 12:05, 2:20, 4:35, 7:20, 9:50The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (PG-13) 11:50, 3:25, 7:00, 10:30Marley & Me (PG)  1:30, 4:20, 7:10, 10:00The Spirit (PG-13)  11:55, 2:25, 4:55, 7:30, 10:05Valkyrie (PG-13)  12:20, 4:15, 7:25, 10:15Seven Pounds (PG13) 12:25, 4:10, 7:05, 10:10The Tale of Despereaux (G)  12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15Yes Man (PG13) 11:45, 2:15, 4:40, 7:35, 9:55The Day the Earth Stood Still (PG13)  9:35 Get there early and... 12/29/2008

Stoplight Deli that is.   Well, I've been there several times for lunch and have never been disappointed.  The food is always the freshest and tastiest! Next time you are downtown - and you can feel your tummy telling you it is time to eat - stop by The Stoplight!     Check out the website:  Stoplight Deli   I'm happy to share this information.        Aiken Golf Homes If you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina - look no further.   Carolina Horse Real Estate .com is an excellent tool to help with your Aiken area property search.  Aiken SC offers something for everyone!   Equestrian, Golf & Gated Communities with houses and building lots for sale, Condos & Townhouses, Patio Homes, Log Homes,  Commercial Properties, Development Land, Horse Property, Historic & Luxury Es... 12/29/2008

That's right.  There is still time to see the Christmas Lights Holiday Display at Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch.      Christmas in Hopelands! Park at the Goodwill parking lot and catch the shuttle.  Shuttles run continuously from 6pm - 8:30pm. Gardens are open from 6pm - 9pm. Open Tonight!  Friday, December 26, 2008 - and the final night, tomorrow - Saturday, December 27, 2008.  ADMISSION IS FREE It is so beautiful on a normal day at Hopelands Gardens, let alone at Christmastime.  The lights are amazing.  10's of thousands of lights.  Stop by the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame Museum and get some hot cider or cocoa, see the Christmas display at The Doll House...... oh so much to see :) I'll try to bring back some good pictures to show you. Goodwill parking lot is the lot on Whiskey ... 12/26/2008

I swear - we have the cutest Christmas tree this year at the office :) Our first time to host an artificial tree - but it is absolutely adorable.  This little Alpine tree was purchased locally at Hobby Lobby on Whiskey Road, Southside Aiken - next to Lowe's.   Prior to Christmas, Hobby Lobby had marked down all of their Christmas items to 50% off.......I hear that after the first of the year they cut prices again.  I may just have to go and see if I can get one of these cute trees for my penthouse!                   Merry Christmas! 12/23/2008

I hope you had a chance to take in at least one of the County's many Christmas Parades this year.    Here are some pictures from the Downtown Aiken Christmas Parade.   It was a great parade. I'm happy to share this information.        Aiken Golf Homes If you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina - look no further.   Carolina Horse Real Estate .com is an excellent tool to help with your Aiken area property search.  Aiken SC offers something for everyone!   Equestrian, Golf & Gated Communities with houses and building lots for sale, Condos & Townhouses, Patio Homes, Log Homes,  Commercial Properties, Development Land, Horse Property, Historic & Luxury Estates, Downtown Cottages, Polo properties....all this and more are for sale in Aiken County, South Carolina. Have you h... 12/23/2008

I hope so -    sorry I didn't get a chance to give you the heads up on this great Downtown Aiken event.  A yearly thing, so if you missed it you can catch it next year! A night of a thousand lights.     Downtown Aiken was aglow last night with luminaries lining the streets.   Shoppes were open late for holiday shoppers.       Even though it was 70+ degrees yesterday, there was still a feeling of Christmas in Downtown Aiken. It was just like the song "Silver Bells" ..... City sidewalks, busy sidewalks.Dressed in holiday styleIn the air There's a feeling of Christmas Children laughing People passing Meeting smile after smile And on ev'ry street corner you'll hear ......     The only thing Aiken was missing was snow - but that is quite alright with us! Merry Christmas :)   12/19/2008

Who:   Mrs. Claus What:  Storytime!                                                                                  When:  December 16 at 4pm Where: Odell Weeks, rooms 1 & 2.   (Whiskey Road) More info:  803.642.7631                                       I'm happy to share this information.        Aiken Golf Homes If you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina - look no further.   Carolina Horse Real Estate .com is an excellent tool to help with your Aiken area property search.  Aiken SC offers something for everyone!   Equestrian, Golf & Gated Communities with houses and building lots for sale, Condos & Townhouses, Patio Homes, Log Homes,  Commercial Properties, Development Land, Horse Property, Historic & Luxury Estates, Downtown Cottages, Polo properties....all this ... 12/09/2008

Who:  The Aiken Choral Society What:  Holiday Homes Tour  (20th Annual!!)   Several new homes on the tour this year :)                                      When:  Saturday, December 13, 2008 Time:  4pm - 7pm Location:   Pick up your tour map at the AIken County Historical Museum - on Newberry Street. Tickets:  $10 per person.                                                                For more information, call Patricia Carter Hall, Chairperson, 803-514-2658. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- I'm happy to share this information.               Looking for golf course homes?   If you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina - look no further.   Carolina Horse Real Estate .com is an excellent tool t... 12/08/2008

You dont' want to miss this - and be sure to tell everyone you know!!!! What:      Antique Jewelry Extravaganza                                                                                          When:     TODAY - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008                      10am - 5pm Where:    the Carriage House Inn.     139 Laurens Street, NW,  Downtown Aiken. Certainly there must be someone on your list that has been extra nice!   Or naughty, if that's what you like, hahaha.           Stop by and pick out the perfect gift for them (or for yourself!!) From diamonds to pearls - to rubies and emeralds......   Stop by and check it out :) If by chance  I am on your list, lol -  I like it all!  Diamonds/pearls/sapphires/emeralds/rubies... :)    12/05/2008

Who:  Aiken Civic Ballet What: First Annual Nutcracker Tea.     Have your childs photo taken with The Sugar Plum Fairy & Waltz With The Flowers   When:  Saturday, December 6, 2008   Time:  1:00pm Where:  The Studio.  142 Greenville Street SW, Aiken Tickets:  at the door!  you can also purchase tickets at Pitter Patter Children's Boutique, Aiken Drug and Unique Expressions. Tea Sandwishes & Dainties, Door Prizes.    Parent & Child $10.00.   $3.75 each additional child. More Info:  803.648.5771                                                      I'm happy to share this information.             Real Estate Solutions If you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina - look no further.   Carolina Horse Real Estate .com is an excellent tool to help with your Aiken area property ... 12/03/2008

There's a new place in town (well, not that new actually, but you may not have noticed)    Located within The Mitchell Shopping Center at 1513 Whiskey Road.    You know -with SuperPetz is at one end.....and Unique Expressions is at the other end.   Check out 'The Kitchen'.                                        Let them do the cooking for you!   STARTING DECEMBER 1, 2008 - NOW COOKING LUNCH!! Monday - Red Beans & Rice Tuesday - Shrimp & Grits Wednesday - Chicken & Andouille Sausage Jambalaya Thursday & Friday - Bodacious BBQ They have meeting space and banquet facilities too - give them a call for more info. 803.643.9696   or email:  creativeculinary@bellsouth.net -------------------------------------- I'm happy to share this information. If you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken, ... 12/01/2008

There are lots of classes coming up at Aiken Center for the Arts -  take a look at the list - you might see something that sparks an interest!                                                                             Adult & Teen Classes Abstracts - Creating Non-Objective Paintings Acrylics - Introduction Acrylic Landscapes Acrylics - Photos to Paintings Art Studio Clay - Beginning Wheel Digital Photography Drawing II Oils - Beginning Pastels Stained Glass (Introduction to copper foil) Stained Glass (Intermediate copper foil) Mosaics Watercolors - Beginning Watercolors - Continuing CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION / CLASS DATES/FEES/ETC... 803.641.9094                                                   Aiken Center for the Arts is located at:  122 Laurens Street SW, Downtown Aiken.   (look fo... 12/01/2008

The Gallery Store at Aiken Center for the Arts has alot going on this holiday season. Hours are extended - and the Holly Days schedule is as follows: Saturday, November 29           11am - 2pm    Crafts and photos with Santa Saturday, December 6            11am - Aiken Civic Ballet  "The Nutcracker"                                             1pm -  Savannah River String Band Saturday, December 13          10-11am - Holly Days Camp*                                             11am  - Aiken Singers                                              1pm - Fiddle Faddle Saturday December 20           10am -2pm  Holly Days Camp*                                             1pm - Palmetto Strings                                                                                                        ... 11/27/2008

Thanksgiving Morning in Aiken is a special day.   Many of the townspeople flock into our Hitchcock Woods for the Blessing of the Hounds.    Held every Thanksgiving morning at Memorial Gate.  This year marks the 94th year of the Aiken Hounds :)  My daughter and I experienced it together this morning.  It was indeed a beautiful day.   The foxhunters drink wine from stirrup cups before the hunt.  I don't know the significance of this - but it is something that foxhunters do before they head out on the hunt.        We do not hunt live foxes  here in Hitchcock Woods.   A scent is layed out and the hounds follow that.  (Do not call them dogs, lol - you will be corrected and corrected and corrected until it is drilled into your head that these are hounds) Father Garrett Clanton prepares for th... 11/27/2008

We have so many good restaurants and eateries in Aiken, and I have many favorites.   One place that I really like is O'Charley's.    Located off Whiskey Road on Aiken's Southside.  (Next to CVS, across from Wal-Mart) They have a great menu - something for everyone!   And it is just like the sign says - 'good food, good times'.  :)     The entire staff is awesome!  One thing I especially like is that O'Charley's has a specific menu of 'good time platters'.  Great for this time of year :)  You can get the great food you enjoy at O'Charley's at your office for a special lunch - or for catering those holiday parties. I love the California Chicken Salad  :)    I just had one the other day , if I had known I was going to write about it - I would have taken a picture.   Imagine a bed of  fresh... 11/26/2008

You don't want to miss this.   Appearing December 5 - 7, 2008 at Millbrook Baptist Church. The Wonder of Christmas Features:  The Twin Living Christmas Trees , 140 voice Choir with 40 piece Orchestra and Drama cast   Performance times:    Matinee: Sat at 2pm, Sun at 10:30am.   Eve's:  7pm Doors open one hour before show. - open seating More info:  803.648.4167   or  803.641.8241 MillBrook Baptist Church is locatd at the Corner of Pine Log & Whiskey Road, Aiken South Carolina Merry Christmas!         Ready to move yet?  We can help you anywhere in the world!  With our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, we can help you anywhere! Buying...Selling... it doesn't matter.   Just call us first!               Happy Thanksgiving.   11/26/2008

What:  The Holiday Specialty Gift Extravaganza Where:  Aiken Center for the Arts When:  Friday, December 5  and Saturday December 6 Time:  10am - 5pm   Come see the different vendors and their wares.   Many of them participate at National Sporting Shows - and for some it is their first time in Aiken! Come do some shopping in charming Downtown Aiken.   See you there! I'm happy to share this information.                Log Homes!  ------------------------------- If you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina - look no further. Carolina Horse Real Estate .com is an excellent tool to help with your Aiken area property search. Aiken SC offers something for everyone! Equestrian, Golf & Gated Communities with houses and building lots for sale, Condos & Townhouses, Patio Homes, ... 11/26/2008

Seems like every 'cottage' has a name here in Aiken. And a story of some sorts behind it.  I had a hard time picking which historic home to enter.  Many of these are on the register of historic homes. Look at a few of my options: Ridgeley Hall.   This is a historic brick home on Berrie Road. An intersting fact about this home is that it was the former home of FDR's mistress, Lucy Page Mercer Rutherford. He visited Aiken quite often. There are a few historic homes in Aiken that have elevators. Ridgeley Hall is one of them. She was with him when he passed,and had to be whisked away very very quickly...or so the story goes.    This is a beautiful house and has quite a story!     Let's Pretend.       This house started as a simple home but was added onto over the years by the different owne... 11/25/2008