you know the rest of this saying.  Well, same goes for Aiken.  When in Aiken - do as The Aikenites do!   We go to the Farmers Market to get local grown fresh fruits and vegetables. And we have been doing so for over 50 years!   Fresh cut flowers, and herbs.    Don't forget the jams and jellies!       Located at the corner of Richland and Williamsburg.        OPEN:  April - December, Monday thru Saturday from 7:30am till sold out (or 4:30pm)           January - March, Wednesday and Saturday only from 10am till 3pm. For more info:  803.642.7761. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm happy to share this information.                 REAL ANSWERS TO REAL ESTATE If you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken, S... 10/09/2008

...but it's true name is:  Aiken Brewing Company Grille & Bar.     Located in the heart of downtown Aiken at the corner of The Alley and  Laurens Street.  You can't miss it!   Look for the red/green striped awning and the tables out front - full of happy customers - under the big green umbrellas :)      We have several options for al fresco dining downtown.   I think my favorite is the Brew Pub. Where do I start!  Ok - I guess the beer, haha.    They have HANDCRAFTED AND AWARD WINNING MICRO BREWS.     My friend Jen is a server at the Brew Pub so I picked her brain about the beer on Friday night.  (I'm not that much of a beer drinker)   Will was very helpful too - he's the new guy.    My buddy Adam behind the bar was busy with the after work crowd :) Ok - so the beer.  They make it there... 10/08/2008

I love Aiken :)     Something to do for everyone - of every age!        The City of Aiken Parks & Rec Dept has a few Senior Adult Day Trips planned. Check this out! OCTOBER 16, 2008:    GRIST'S, GOATS & GENERAL STORES     $50 (includes lunch)   Departs at 7am Travel to Anderson County and tour the Happy Cow Creamery, the Obediah Shirley House, enjoy a catered BBQ lunch at Timms Mill, take some time shopping in downtown Pendleton and take a tour of Split Creek Farm!                                                                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOVEMBER 14, 2008:  SOUTHERN CHRISTMAS SHOW  $25 (lunch not included)  Departs at 7am. Charlotte Merchandise Mart. The Windows of Christ... 10/07/2008

The Aiken Center for the Arts.   Located in downtown Aiken on Laurens Street.   Look for the pretty white horse out front!                                                                                  The Center hosts a number of events - exhibits - and classes  throughout the year.          Stop by the gift shop for some unique gifts :)    Visit their website for a newsletter - and for more info.     Aiken Center for the Arts    I'm happy to share this information.                                                           Real Estate Solutions Gene Mock ~ Making It Easy! 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 e... 10/07/2008

I had never heard of them until I moved here.  For me, a Bay is near the coast - certainly not in Aiken County!  Well, I was mistaken.  There are LOTS OF BAYS in South and North Carolina.    They are very mysterious actually.  Called a 'Carolina Bay'.  Elliptical depressions in the ground mainly found in The Carolinas.  AND THEY ARE PRESERVED WETLANDS!!! YAYYYY!!   Preserved and PROTECTED from development.         Some people might think that is a silly thing for a Realtor to be happy about - but come on - they aren't making anymore land....and we cannot develop every last square inch!   We have to have preserved space -  green space, wetlands, natural areas......             The Carolina Bay in Aiken is located on Price Avenue - - across the street from Virginia Acres / Odell Weeks Par... 10/05/2008

The 20th Annual St. Mary's Chocolate Festivalwas today and it was a blast  : ) I hope you got a chance to stop by.       So much to see and do -   The frozen casserole sale was a complete success and completely sold out in the first hour!    Silly me - I headed straight for the chocolate...and by the time I got to the casseroles they were all gone  : (  Silent auction- there were so many cool items on which to bid.  Artwork, chocolate baskets, rounds of golf, spa day for two, dinner/theatre combo, pet baskets, gardening gifts, jewelry, three days/two nights in Hilton Head, Football tickets!!, so much more and... parties-parties-parties!!  Yes - you didn't have to bid - just sign up and pay the per person amt.  Such as: and oyster roast to be held on Feb 21 at the Mickey Anaclerio reside... 10/04/2008

Did you know we had one?  Well we do.  It is located within the 14 acres estate known as Hopelands Gardens in Aiken's Historic District - off Whiskey Rd at 135 Dupree.               Did you know that 38 Champion Thoroughbreds have trained at the Aiken Training Track (made famous by all of these Champions!)   Each one of these Champions has been immortalized at the Hall of Fame.   Come take a look at photos - trophies - memorabilia....highlighting the careers of these famous race horses, as well as Flat racers and steeplechase horses from 1942 to present. A few of our Champions: Sea Hero -  1993 Kentucky Derby Winner Storm Song - 1996 Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies Championship Lamb Chop - 1963 Comely Stakes Champion Flaming - 1933 winner of the Imperial Cup in Liverpool England.. Cavalc... 10/03/2008

Did you know that Aiken SC is a City of Character?   (and some charactors too, lol) j/k. "OUR CITY WILL BE JUDGED BY THE CHARACTER OF OUR CITIZENS" Anyway - back in 1999 a resolution was passed by the Aiken City Council to support a 'Community of Charactor' initiative in Aiken - THE FIRST IN SOUTH CAROLINA!!   We really are trend setters here in this little horse town :)                                                        What does this mean?   Well, each month a character trait is presented to the community to encourage citizens OF ALL AGES to become better role models of good character.  AND..every year the 'Celebration of Character' awards ceremony (sponsored by the women's clubs) is held to acknowledge students who display POSITIVE character in the way they conduct their lives. L... 10/02/2008

All aboard! (the trolley that is)   Climb aboard and 'experience' Aiken.    Tours are scheduled EVERY Saturday.   Reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited.  Meet on Newberry Street at the Washington Center.  (124 Newberry Street SE)                                    Trolley departs at 10am and returns at 12 noon.   Fee is  $12 per person.  Call for more info and to make reservations:  803.642.7631.                                 On the tour you will see:  Historic Homes and Churches, Equestrian Sites, The Civil War's Battle of Aiken, The Live Oak Canopy on South Boundary and much much more. ...  even a walking tour through Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch.                                            Come Experience Aiken!                 GENE MOCK ~ MAKING IT EASY!     ... 10/01/2008

Yaaayyy!!!    This year is the 40th Anniversary of the Western Carolina State Fair.   Come on down !  (or up or over!) October 16 - 25, 2008.   Will I see you there?  I might see you there! Maybe someone (you know who you are) will ask me on a date and take me to the fair, hint hint ;) haha.    Funnel Cake - Games of Skill! - Sausage & Pepper Sandwiches - Entertainment - Candy Apples -  Fun  - Cotton Candy - Contests - Ice Cream Cones - Rides! Rides! Rides! - Games of Chance - Prizes - Friends -Art Contest - Bumper Cars - Bake Sale - Beauty Pagent - Tractor Pull - Burgers - Fries - Pizza - Demolition Derby - Monster Trucks!! - Kiddie Rides  and more more more!!!  Fun! Fun! Fun! PERFORMING:   BUCKY COVINGTON  (ladies - remember him from American Idol)                                also ... 10/01/2008

Enjoy an evening of easy listening and dancing to timeless jazz standards.                                                                                        The Aiken Jazz Society presents:     Club Jazz Date:  Sunday, October 5th Time:  6:00pm Place: Newberry Hall,  Newberry Street, Downtown Aiken, SC  (I have been to several events at Newberry Hall - the food is always the best!  Always fresh.  Maggie goes to the farmers market in the morning and gets what she needs for that days menu.  Everything has always been absolutely DELICIOUS!)  I've been to wedding receptions, holiday parties, business luncheons, dinner events..... They do off site catering as well - how about having them set up a box lunch for your next staff meeting - OR....have them take care of the dinner for 12 so y... 09/30/2008

Save the date - and bring your appetites!     If you like food -  you will not want to miss this event! Here's the deal:  Buy your tickets in advance for $20  or on the day of the event for $25.    (LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE!!! - DON'T WAIT TO GET YOUR TICKETS!!)      call 803.649.2221 A TASTE OF DOWNTOWN AIKEN                                                                     Participating Downtown Aiken Restaurants/Shoppes: CAFE RIO BLANCO    sampling:  Fried Plantains, bite size Cuban sandwich, sample of Garbanzo bean soup. CASA BELLA sampling:  Meatballs CITY BILLIARDS sampling: Variety of hotdogs and chili    (City Billiards has the best chili cheese dog in town!) DESSERVES sampling: Red Velvet Cake MOONBEAN sampling: Demos of estate grown coffee samples from South America, Afr... 09/30/2008

Mark your calendars - St. Mary's 20th Annual Chocolate Festival is this coming weekend :)    10/4 to be exact! So much fun for all!  So much chocolate :) Silent Auction - Carnival games - Inflatables - Gourmet Cafe - International Foods - Used Books and media - Bake Sale - Frozen Casserole Sale - Vendors - Blood Drive - Entertainment - Plant Sale Indoor and outdoor activities !! AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE CHOCOLATE!!!!   :)               The Chocolate Festival is the largest fundraiser of the year for St. Mary's.     Thanks to the many generous donors, the festival is able to remain affordable for families to enjoy while raising the funds necessary to support the school :)   Come on down and show your support...and enjoy some delicious chocolate! And don't forget about our four legged f... 09/28/2008

It will be here before you know it!   The 17th Running of The Aiken Fall Steeplechase  and the gala the evening before :) 10/24 & 10/25/2008. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a day at the races!  Get your tailgate on, haha :) SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, October 24th, 2008Fall Fete "Twilight On The Trails"7 p.m. Ford Conger FieldDinner and DancingEntertainment by The HeadlinersIndividual tickets are $90 Table of eight is $720 (ten is $900) Saturday, October 25th, 200817th Running of the Aiken Fall SteeplechaseFeaturing the Southern Bank & Trust Holiday Cup 9:30 AM: Gates Open10:00 AM: Village of Shops Open11:00 AM: Guarantor Tent Party Starts1:00 PM: First Race1:15 PM: Carriage Parade1:30 PM: Second Race2:00 PM: Third Race 2:30 PM: Fourth Race3:00 PM: Fifth Race3:30 PM: Sixth Race ... 09/26/2008

WHEN:  Saturday, October 25, 2008 WHAT:  The 17th Renewal of The Aiken Fall Steeplechase WHERE: Ford Conger Field, Aiken SC Gates open at 9:30am -    General admission $10 in advance/  $15 at the gate.     This years races will benefit The Hitchcock Woods and Aiken Rescue Squad.    The races are alot of fun - bring your friends and family and get your tailgate on!! See you there :)   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, Commercial Properties, Development Land, Horse Property, Historic & Luxur... 09/24/2008

Did you get a chance to come on out for the 'Ford Trucks Equestrian Balloon Festival'?  It was alot of fun.   This was the first time I have seen hot air balloons up close and in person - they are absolutely beautiful :)      Saturday night there was a balloon glow - it was so cool.  I hope you were able to come out to see it.    Sunday morning the gates opened one last time for a mass ascension of the balloons - filling the skies over Aiken with a beautiful sight -/  Here are some pictures from the glow on Saturday night: I hope you were able to come out for the festival.    I'm looking forward to next year :)                                  Have a great day - and don't forget about me for your Aiken real estate needs.     09/22/2008

The Festival is wrapping up today.  The Polo Match yesterday was very exciting.  And it was a Skins match - so each chukker was played separate - and the score was started fresh - with the winning team (of each chukker) sharing a $1000 prize!., It ended up being a split.  The WHITE team took chukker 1 and 3, and the BLUE team won chukker 2 and 4.   All were very close -and very exciting.   and NO INJURIES is the best part!!   Here is a shot of the polo action  It moves pretty fast - and the field is HUGE (the largest playing field of ALL organized sports) - so it is not easy to get a picture (with my amateur equipment that is, lol) Aiken Polo Club will have polo EVERY Sunday at 3pm from now till November :)    Games played at the historic Whitney Polo Field , Mead Avenue, Aiken, SC.    ... 09/21/2008

The Polo / Balloon Festival is in full swing!   Come on down and have some fun.   No admission fee -   Just make a donation to the Service Men and Women at Fort Gordon Army Base and you are in :) Check out my friend Kara's blog about the Polo Festival  Here are some pictures taken last night.   There are all sorts of inflatable bouncy rides /slides etc for the kids.  Even this GIANT sabertooth tiger slide.               And then the fireworks.  They were great!    There is alot more going on today.  Stop by if you are in the area. 4pm - Jack Russell Races 5pm - $5000 Skins Polo Match   See you there.   Gene Mock ~ Making It Easy!               Check this article:   Orange County NY - A Perfect Blend Of The Old and NewIf you are looking for homes for sale in Aiken, South Carolina - look ... 09/20/2008

Come on out for the Polo America event in Aiken, SC. Ford Trucks Equestrian America Balloon Festival When:             September 19-21 2008 Hosted by:       Aiken Polo ClubLocation:          Powderhouse Fields                       Aiken, South Carolina It's back!!  Yes, back for a second year :)  A fun packed event for the entire family! The Ford Trucks Equestrian America Balloon Festival has something for everyone. One change from last  year -- -this year it is being held at the Aiken Polo Club fields on Powderhouse Road. Equestrian Exhibitions include:  Junior equestrians - polo, barrel racing, jumping, hunting, dressage and much more. 30 hot air balloons are expected to be on hand, too! FRIDAY 9/19 4:00pm: barrel racing 5:00pm: jumping exhibition 7:00pm: tether balloon rides 8:00pm:... 09/18/2008

Hey Y'all!  Come  to Downtown Aiken on Thursday night (September 18, 2008) for a "Starry Night".        6pm - 9pm Stroll along the downtown streets and stop by the many shops and visit with local artists and take a look at their masterpieces :)                                              Participating Artists: Liz Ringus, Kimberly guillermo, Ann LeMay, Marsha Shelburn, Steve Barrown, Anne Lattimore, Carolyn Bohn, Megan Swingle, Aiken High Art Dept, South Aiken High Art Dept, Mike Kleiman, Lewis Swingle, Jan Fleetwood, John Radeck, Pamela Moore, Jerry Galloy, Jenny Courtenay, Jane Bess, Jennifer Murphy and Others. Stop by the Aiken Downtown Development Association office - located in The Alley......or visit any of the shops for a map.        Sponsored by Aiken Downtown Development Assoc... 09/16/2008