That's right - it will be here before you know it!  I love love love this annual Aiken event :) What:  Christmas Craft Fair (this year is the 43rd Annual!) Where: Odell Weeks Center - Whiskey Road, Aiken - across from Zaxbys and Home Depot! When:  Friday, December 6  9am-6pm  & Saturday, December 7 9am-5pm. ---Santa will be there on Saturday, December 7th to take some pictures with everyone!--- Shop from over 100 vendors this year.  All are handcrafted items, everything from glass and metal work, to needlework to homebaked goodies and so much more! Jewelry, games, decor, clothing, ornaments, artwork,,,,,so much to look at - great to get some or all of your holiday shopping done.  Last year I purchased some dip mixes, they were delish - look for that vendor.  Oh, and the soaps and candle... 11/09/2013

                                             It all began with the train!  Here is a plaque located downtown on Newberry Street near the fountain, and there is a statue of Mr. Aiken there, too.   Here are some pictures of the fountain and the statue.  This section of Newberry Street is off The Alley and is part of our festival block.  A majority of downtown festivals and events are located on this block!  a   I heard that he (Aiken) fell in love and the girls father said that if Aiken brought the train through there he could court his daughter.... he brought the train, and the rest is history!  :)                                        a close up of the pocketwatch in his hand. I hope you enjoyed the pictures and story of Mr. Aiken, and how Aiken got it's start! It's a great little city... 10/13/2013

     This is one of 4 wooden bridges in downtown Aiken SC.   Originally all of the bridges were wooden, but most of them have been changed over the years and are now concrete.  Our remaining wooden bridges are on Union Street, Fairfield Avenue and two on York Street.         Downtown Aiken has  been dressed in teal for Ovarian cancer awareness month.    This fountain is on Newberry Street - our 'festival' block -- the block they close off for some downtown events and block parties!   St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church, Downtown Aiken SC on Pendelton Street.      Our city is so beautiful, I love walking around and taking pictures! Give me a call when you are ready to call Aiken home :) Thanks for stopping by!   I wasn't born here but Aiken feels like home. Come see for yourself! What are you ... 09/24/2013

It's almost here! My favorite Aiken event -  St. Mary's Chocolate Festival :) this year is the 25th annual!!  A fun day at St. Mary's school, with chocolate,  games, bake sale, entertainment, silent auction, book sale and more.    Fun for the whole family.  I hope you can make it - see you there!                                        chocolate cupcakes - my own lightened up recipe :) What:  St. Mary's Chocolate FestivalWhere:  St. Mary's school -  118 York Street SE, Aiken SCWhen:  Saturday, October 5th, 2013. Time:  10am - 3pmMore info:  St Mary's 25th Annual Chocolate Festival,  Aiken SC  or call 803.649.2071 09/16/2013

Aiken SC.  The citywide aboretum has re-opened!  We have over 100 species of trees right here in our little city!  Grab a map from the box, near the library (corner of Chesterfield and Colleton), and take a stroll to see the trees and learn about them.        There is more information on the City of Aiken website - use the following link:   Aiken - Citywide Arboretum information      The arboretum has been recently updated, the trees have new index markers, and you can call a number to hear specific info on the tree species!  It's really cool.  We have trees all around the city, and especially in our famed Hitchcock Woods (search my previous posts to learn more about Hitchcock Woods) , the tour is among some of the prettiest streets downtown.  When in the area be sure to drive down Sout... 09/16/2013

I've lived here for several years now.  I loved Aiken the first time I visited, and I still love it here today.   I always say - 'I wasn't born here, but Aiken feels like home.', and that is still true. Did you know that Sheryl Crow follows my blog - yup, she even called me after reading a post.    Her new album just came out - titled "Feels like home" -- I have to wonder if she got that idea from my blog closing line,,,since I use it every time, haha.    I doubt it, but it's nice to wonder and dream a little. Here's a pic of me and Ms. Crow - backstage in North Charleston two years ago - it was a great concert, she is such a nice person!  I'm happy to have had the chance to meet her, and honored that she called me about some local real estate :)  A time in my life that I will never for... 08/27/2013

What:  Aiken's Makin!   (the 37th one!!) When: Friday, September 6 (9am-6pm)  and Saturaday, September 7, 2013 (9am - 5pm) Where: Downtown Aiken - Newberry Street, Park Avenue and other side streets! Hosted by:  Aiken Chamber of Commerce More info:   visit the website:  http://www.aikensmakin.net/index.cfm   - you can check out the list of crafters and food vendor who will be at the event... and more! Come to downtown Aiken for this wonderful annual event - this year makes 37 times!  A two day craft festival -  get your holiday shopping done early!   Handmade craft exhibits (over 180 crafters!), great food vendors (over 40 food vendors will be on hand!), and live entertainment to please the crowds. The set up has changed a little bit over the past few years, but it is still just as good... 08/26/2013

You can now benefit from a special Government Home Renovation Loan Program using FHA 203K Renovation Loan for Aiken SC. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is offering a special government loan program that a lot of people know about yet. This is the kind of loan program that allows a buyer of a home or an existing owner of a home to do a considerable amount of remodeling their home without going deep into a second mortgage. With an FHA 203K Renovation loan for Aiken SC, painting your house, remodeling so fixtures like cabinets or completely face lifting the theme of your kitchen or bathroom, purchase new appliances and even updating your flooring is now possible with this loan program. Heck, you can even add a new room to an already existing structure which of course will be a bi... 08/14/2013

100% USDA financing in Aiken SC for USDA mortgage loans are available for home purchasing in your local area.  A no down payment option that home buyers should take advantage of is available for those home buyers looking to buy homes in Aiken SC and the areas around it. Home buyers realize that they can keep their cash reserves with this “no down” payment feature. That is one of the selling points of this kind of loan. This is to help individuals ease into purchasing a new home and is supported by the government through this special USDA loan program. Now, starter families, first time home owners and other individuals burdened by the worry of having depleted cash reserves after putting a down payment for a home is now put at ease. Another thing that this no down payment scheme allows i... 08/13/2013

It's that time of year again!  Time for our annual Murder Myster Dinner Theater !   Who: Aiken Downtown Development Association, presents:   What:  "A Cruise Ship Crime" (an annual fundraiser)    When: August 16 & 17, 2013   Where:  Newberry Hall, Newberry Street, Downtown Aiken   Time:   Doors open 6:30pm, Dinner at 7pm, show begins at 8pm Cost:  Tickets are $50 each, includes dinner and the show.    (There will be a cash bar)                                             fountain at intersection in center of downtown - at Richland Ave  and Laurens Street.                   August 16 & 17 - A Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at Newberry Hall  An annual fundraiser for Aiken Downtown Development Association, this evening is filled with good food, laughs and wonderful audience interaction. Tic... 08/04/2013

I love our flag, I love to see if flying high, waving in the breeze....   I see so many of them all over town :)       One thing I don't like, is when someone doesn't follow the rules - yes, there are rules about our flag!      our grand old flag, forever in peace may you wave...                                                                              Here's just a few of the flag rules for starters:  1. if flying the flag at night, it must be properly illuminated.  2. never fly a torn or tattered flag.  Use this link for more information on the rules of flying our great flag :) 06/14/2013

It's just around the corner now....    come on down to Newberry Street (our festival block - between Richland and Park Ave on Newberry Street!)-    Downtown Beach Blast will be here on 6/21 snd 6/22, 2013, woo hoo!   This is one of my favorite downtown Aiken events (we have soooo many great events!!) They bring in sand and make a beach right in the middle of town!  Toes in the sand, y'all... toes in the sand.  Beach music, shagging (that's our state dance - just in case you were thinking something else, hehe), beach badminton, sandcastles, classic cars,,,,,,and more beach fun for everyone :)           Here's what's happening: Friday:  Movie night! Bring your lawn chair or blanket and come enjoy a classic beach film on Newberry 'Beach' -  food vendors will be on hand, too. Saturday:  Bad... 06/12/2013

Too hot out for you - well, how about taking in a movie in an air-conditioned theater!!   Keep cool, and enjoy some good laughs with the family! Or...maybe some good suspense and action,,,keeping you on the edge of your seats - just depends on which movie you decide to see :) Here's the lineup at Aiken Mall Cinemas.  Located off East Gate Drive, Aiken SC.   After Earth (PG-13) Now You See Me (PG - 13) Epic (PG) Epic 3D (PG) Fast & Furiuos 6 (PG-13) The Hangover Part III (R) Start Trek Into Darkness (PG-13) Start Trek Into Darkness 3D (PG-13) The great Gatsby (PG-13) The Great Gatsby (PG-13) Iron Man 3 (PG-13)   What a great line up - so many great movies out right now.  Maybe I'll see you there!!     06/02/2013

For those of you keeping an eye on my garden.....   I have strawberry!!  Yes, singular, haha -it's the first one to grow- hopefully soon to be plural, since I see many many flowers and buds!    My plans for this little berry are to enjoy it this evening, sliced on top of my salad...with lettuce and carrots from my garden :)       If you love to grow things, Aiken is perfect!    Take a look!   Thanks for stopping by - come back again!  give me a call if I can be of any assistance with your Aiken area property search. --------------------- I wasn't born here but Aiken feels like home. Come see for yourself! What are you waiting for?!! Give us a call when you're ready to call Aiken home, too! Carolina Real Estate Company Charles Blackburn, BIC 333 Park Avenue SW - Aiken SC. 29801. 803.648.... 05/22/2013

Are you looking for a condo or townhome in the Aiken SC area?  Look no further - here's a link to all of the available condos/townhomes here in Aiken SC!   Aiken SC Condos, Villas and Townhomes for sale.       I love condo life - usually (but not always!) you have no lawn to mow, no exterior maintenance to worry about - lock and go lifestyle for those who travel frequently, whether for business or pleasure.  Do you like to golf? Many of our golf courses are open YEAR ROUND!  No matter when you come to town, you can get on the links.    Are you an equestrian?  If so, Aiken is THE PLACE for you!  So many venues for you and your horse, and our own Hitchcock Woods for your enjoyment.  Miles and miles of trails for walking or riding your horse - there are no cars allowed in the woods, how aw... 05/22/2013

Search current inventory of Aiken Homes for Sale Aiken Homes for Sale: 223 Sand Fox Place    Listing Details 223 Sand Fox Place Aiken, SC 29803 Price: $124,900 MLS number:361539 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Square Footage: 1409       Low-maintenance Aiken Home for Sale Located in Fox Run Near Citizens Park & just minutes from downtown Aiken. You'll love the floorplan! Picture windows and vaulted ceilings in the living room lend an airy feel to the heart of this home. The bright kitchen features a dining area, breakfast bar, and a new stove. Plenty of storage with the large pantry and laundry room. Additional linen closets are located in the hallway leading to the spacious bedrooms. Owners suite is luxurious with tray ceilings, a large bathroom, and a walk-in closet. Entire home feels like n... 05/15/2013

 My garden is planted, yaay!    Here's what I've got going this year:   green beans (of course!! - nothing better than fresh picked!!), roma tomatoes, eggplant, watermelon, green onions, red onions, lettuce, strawberries, parsley, basil, oregano and carrots!   Speaking of carrots...here's one of my containers - complete with baby bunny, lol.   For me, container gardening is the way to go - give it a try!      What are you growing in your garden?   Thanks for stopping by - come back again!  give me a call if I can be of any assistance with your Aiken area property search. --------------------- I wasn't born here but Aiken feels like home. Come see for yourself! What are you waiting for?!! Give us a call when you're ready to call Aiken home, too! Carolina Real Estate Company Charles Black... 05/10/2013

 Concert time!   39th Annual Hopelands Gardens Summer Concert Series!   Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come enjoy the music!  Great idea for 'date night', hint hint....     All concerts start at 7pm unless otherwise noted.   Where:  Hopelands Gardens, Dupree Road, Aiken SC - at the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage. Cost:  FREE!!  **Catch the concert shuttle bus in the parking area in back of Odell Weeks - between the Ceramic Studio and the original tennis courts - off Two Notch Road **     Thanks for stopping by - come back again!  give me a call if I can be of any assistance with your Aiken area property search. --------------------- I wasn't born here but Aiken feels like home. Come see for yourself! What are you waiting for?!! Give us a call when you're ready to call Aiken ... 05/08/2013

Need something to do this weekend? Do you like strawberries?  I sure do, I'm even growing my own this year.  I planted them a bit late, hoping they do well - I'll keep you posted.  I'll take a pic of my strawberry plants and post it here later.                    A few berry buds starting!!   This Saturday is the annual Strawberry Festival at Mead Hall. (Pendleton Street, Downtown Aiken)   This is one of my favorite of all the Downtown Aiken events/festivals.  A day of fun for the entire family!!  Hope to see you there :) Time:  10am - 3pm Place:  St. Thaddeus campus: located at 129 Pendleton Street, SW. Downtown Aiken. Lots to see/do -- games, entertainment, bake sale, casserole sale, crafts, book sale, food and of course those lovely lovely fresh strawberries, yum!.  The fresh strawbe... 05/08/2013

That's right - it's almost time for the Lobster Races!!  Were you looking for something to do in Aiken SC? CHeck out the Lobster Races - A Downtown Aiken traditional event! Always on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby -  we race lobsters instead of horses.   There will be food vendors, live musice ---lots of live music!! -- fun and games for the kids. The event encompasses the Alley and our Newberry Street Festival block, and it gets packed with happy, smiling faces!  more info    lobsterrace.com  / 803.646.0523                                        Thanks for stopping by - come back again!  give me a call if I can be of any assistance with your Aiken area property search. --------------------- I wasn't born here but Aiken feels like home. Come see for yourself! What are you waiting ... 04/24/2013