Yessss!!! A horse from Aiken SC will be in the Derby this year, woo hoo!  Local Dogwood Stables (Cot Campbell) is thrilled!   It's been awhile since they've had a  horse in the Derby. They've had 8 horses start, and have had 2nd, 3rd and 4th place finishes!  (in 1990 Summer Squall finished 2nd, in 2000 Impeachment finished 3rd, and in 2004 Limehouse finished 4th)  Not too shabby for their few appearances.   Will Palice Malice take the roses this year??!!! Oh how exciting to have a local horse in the race. You can see more information here in our local newspaper! Aiken Standard http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20130417/AIK0101/130419637/aikens-palace-malice-to-run-for-the-roses Want to spend mornings watching the horses train on the race track? We have homes available in the horse di... 04/17/2013

It's sidewalk sale time! Where: Downtown Aiken When: March 7,8,9 Rain or Shine! Here's a partial list of participating businesses:   3 Monkey's Fine Gifts, Tea Garden Gifts, Lionel Smith Ltd, Aiken Dry Goods, Charlotte's Bridal, Elk Eagle, Equine Divine Gallery J, My Aiken Body, Powercuts Salon & Spa, Re-Fresh....and many more!! Have fun!! --------------------- 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. 803.648.8660  www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com 03/03/2013

Good Evening from Aiken, SC!  The weatherman just said there could be a little rain/snowy mix tomorrow night.  Be careful out there y'all!  It should be more north of us, but you  never know! We usually don't get much snow in this area - if you like to play in the snow, it's a great weekend to head to the mountains for some snowy fun :) Have a good weekend! --------------------- 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. 803.648.8660 www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com 02/15/2013

  Here's a list of upcoming events and things to do around town - as posted on aikenstandard.com , our local news.  I hope you find something fun to do!   Other things to do:  frisbee golf at Odell Weeks Park!!  visit the library and the updated playground behind it!  search for treasures at the downtown antique stores!  while you are downtown, swing by Aiken Center for the Art--and enjoy the art gallery!  so many things to do... have fun and enjoy the sunny weekend :) ------------------------------------- TODAY Author of “Keowee Valley” Katherine Scott Crawford will be coming to the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W., today at 3 p.m. Crawford will discuss what she learned about the history of the Cherokee in the Carolinas from her research for this fascinating and r... 01/26/2013

Here's a list of upcoming events in Downtown Aiken-    enjoy!!  Have a holly jolly Christmas!                                           Now thru December 28, 2012 - Aiken Center for the Arts -  Tis the Season exhibition.   Downtown - Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens Street.   November 27, 2012 -  Aiken Concert Band - Holiday Celebration.  At USC-Aiken, Etherridge Center, 471 University Pkwy.  8pm.    more info: 803.641.3305   November 30, 2012 & December 1, 2012 - 42nd Annual Christmas Craft Fair - Odell Weeks Activity Center.-Whiskey Road across from Home Depot.   Fri: 9am-6pm. Sat: 9am-5pm (Santa will be here on Saturday!)  more info 803.642.7631.  free parking/free admission. November 30, December 1, 2,7 & 8, 2012:   Miracle on 34th Street.  at the URS Center for the Performing... 11/24/2012

Looking for something to do Thanksgiving morning ---   or maybe you have been part of these events for years and have made it your family tradition as well!   First up:   Bloodies & Bagels - (4th annual!) Hosted by the Aiken Land Conservancy, Held at the Aiken Co Historical Museum  Newberry/South Boundary .  9am -11am.      Second on the list:   After Bloodies and Bagels, continue on into Hitchcock Woods for the annual Blessing of the Hounds. (Aiken Hounds opening meet.... an Aiken Tradition - 99 years and counting!!!)    more info on the Blessing can be found here:  http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20121118/AIK0101/121119473/1004/blessing-hunt-celebrating-99-years   Last but not least:  One Table.  (8th annual!!)  Come have Thanksgiving Dinner with the rest of the community, downto... 11/19/2012

Painting the town teal...for Ovarian Cancer Awareness. That's right - our teal is showing in downtown Aiken.  September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month - and we want everyone to be aware. Our women need our support in every way. These are mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, nieces, granddaughters, cousins, aunts, neighbors and friends... who are battling ovarian cancer - not to mention all the other people (men, women & children) in the world battling other forms of the terrible disease.                                      I live in a pretty cool town!  Downtown Aiken, SC -  we are painting the town teal for Ovarian cancer awareness.   If you are so inclined, please say an extra prayer tonight (and everynight) for ALL cancer patients to have the strength and win the battle :) ... 09/12/2012

The City of Aiken manages all of the parks, gardens and natural areas within its boundary lines..... from Hopelands Gardens to the Carolina Bay to the park/playground behind the library!!   The library park/playground is one of my favorites - and it was just revamped to be accessible by ALL children.  Library Park -  Located:  behind the Aiken County Public Library.  The Library address is: 314 Chesterfield Street S.                                                                          The Library Park address is;  355 York Street SE For those of you who are new to the area - the Library occupies the city block located between Chesterfield Street -Colleton Ave - York Street - South Boundary Avenue... with entrances on Chesterfield and York Streets. Open: Sunrise to Sunset Amenities: ... 08/18/2012

Aiken's Makin' Along the parkways of Downtown Aiken - arts and crafts, entertainment and food food food!! September 7 & 8 More info:   Aiken Chamber of Commerce    803.641.1111   www.aikenchamber.net                                      08/17/2012

Two great shopping weekends coming up soon in downtown Aiken, SC! :) 1.  Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sale.  Rain or Shine!!  August 30, 31 and September 1, 2012 more info:  Aiken Downtown Development Assoc. 803.649.2221  www.downtownaiken.com/events        2.   Aiken's Makin Sidewalk Sale.  Rain or Shine!!  Sept 7 & 8, 2012 more info: Aiken Downtown Development Association. 803.649.2221   www.downtownaiken.com   Great sales -- you can get a head start on holiday gifts!!   ----------------------- I wasn't born here but Aiken feels like home. Come see for yourself! What are you waiting for?!! Give us a call when youre ready to call Aiken home, too! Carolina Real Estate Company   Charles Blackburn, BIC 333 Park Avenue SW - Aiken SC. 29801. 803.648.8660 www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com     -w... 08/17/2012

Murder Mystery Dinner TheatreAugust 10 & 11 What:  Annual fundraiser for Aiken Downtown Development Association More info:  803.649.2221      www.downtownaiken.com   A fun night with good food, and you become part of a great show!! Enjoy!! ----------------------- I wasn't born here but Aiken feels like home. Come see for yourself! What are you waiting for?!! Give us a call when youre ready to call Aiken home, too! Carolina Real Estate Company (Charles Blackburn, BIC) 333 Park Avenue SW - Aiken SC. 29801. 803.648.8660 www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com -when you call, be sure to let me know you saw my blog! thanks :) 07/18/2012

 Aiken Community Playhouse presents: THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL8:00 PM - 10:00 PM  Jul 20, 2012 & Jul 21, 2012(General)   more info and Tickets: (803) 648-1438 or www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com  Location:  Aiken Community Playhouse 126 Newberry Street, SW, Aiken, SC 29801   I've heard this one is a hoot!!  Have fun, enjoy the show! ----------------------- Always something fun to do in Aiken.    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 are ready to call Aiken home :)     Carolina Real Estate Company, (Charles Blackburn, BIC)  333 Park Avenue SW - Aiken SC 29801 -  phone:803.648.8660 www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com     07/18/2012

What:  A Taste of Downtown Aiken (13th annual) When: Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 Time:  5:00pm - 7:30pm Tickets: $20 advance, $25 day of - - TICKETS ARE LIMITED, DON"T WAIT!!  Tickets available at Aiken Downtown Dev. Office - 208A The Alley, Aiken. More Info: 803.649.2221 Buy your ticket - get a map of which Downtown area restaurants/eateries  are participating ---  stop by for a sampling of tasty treats :) Several restaurants are participating in this annual event - here are just a few: City Billiards (chili dog samples), The Curiosity Shop (cocktail banger rolls), Desserves (red velvet cake), Ryan's Downtown Market & Deli.....  Eco friendly tote bags to the first 200 to buy tickets - stop by the ADDA office to get your ticket. Have fun - enjoy this great Downtown Aiken event :)          ... 06/22/2012

I've learned so many things about our little horse town since I moved here, it's incredible.     One little known fact is about asparagus.  When we think of the south - and days gone by, we usually think of cotton and tobacco plantations.  Cotton was King afterall, right!  Right :)   but after the Civil War, some of the farmers were looking for another 'king' crop, and asparagus was it --- and Aiken - yes, Aiken, SC - became one of the 'Asparagus Capitals' of the United States!  How cool is that?!   I love Aiken :) Come see why! Do you like to garden?  We'll help you find your castle, and you can start your own 'king crop'. Carolina Real Estate Company - 333 Park Ave SW - Aiken, SC 29801.  803.648.8660   06/15/2012

Its just about Beach Blast time in Downtown Aiken -  we may be about 2 hours from the coast but that doesn't stop us, haha - we bring the beach to us!!   What:   Downtown Beach Blast Where: Newberry Street Festival Center When:  Thursday, June 21st, 2012 Shopkeeps offer specials all day, some will stay open late---- when you're done shopping, come over to the Newberry Street BEACH , there will be fun for the kids, great food, music....after the beach games are done then it's time for shagging in the sand to some cool beach music! More Info:  803.649.2221   or   www.downtownaiken.com   (photo taken at my favorite beach...close enough for a day trip--- Hilton Head Island)   I wasn't born here but Aiken sure feels like home :)   Come see for yourself!  What are you waiting for??!! Thinking... 06/15/2012

It's been one of the best polo seasons ever in Aiken -  I've been to some very exciting matches, and one of THE BEST I've been to yet.   It was the Smoak Family Tournament - finals match on Whitney Field, Aiken.   It was a great match, lots of great plays - both defensively and offensively, no injuries, not many penalties....  tied at the final chukker it went into sudden death overtime! Polo has a long history here in Aiken.    Whitney Field is over 130 years old, and an Aiken historic landmark. Here's some pics from the tourny that I posted with a previous story about this same match :) here's a link: http://activerain.com/blogsview/3264151/the-way-a-finals-match-should-be-   For a low-goal tournament, this was one fast-paced, super exciting match, with lots of defense (and offense!) ... 06/15/2012

Its just about Beach Blast time in Downtown Aiken -  we may be about 2 hours from the coast but that doesn't stop us, haha - we bring the beach to us!!   What:   Downtown Beach Blast Where: Newberry Street Festival Center When:  Thursday, June 21st, 2012 Shopkeeps offer specials all day, some will stay open late---- when you're done shopping, come over to the Newberry Street BEACH , there will be fun for the kids, great food, music....after the beach games are done then it's time for shagging in the sand to some cool beach music! More Info:  803.649.2221   or   www.downtownaiken.com   (photo taken at my favorite beach...close enough for a day trip--- Hilton Head Island)   I wasn't born here but Aiken sure feels like home :)   Come see for yourself!  What are you waiting for??!! Thinking... 06/01/2012

Aiken.  Sure is a lot of history for a small town :)    Here's a link to Aiken's history as shared by the City of Aiken:  http://www.aikenis.com/index.php/history  Sand River in Hitchcock Woods, Aiken SC. Give us a call when  you are ready to move South :)     Kara Casamassina, The Carolina Real Estate Company - Historic Aiken SC - 803.648.8660        www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com   The Carolina Real Estate Company. Charles Blackburn, BIC 333 Park Avenue SW - Aiken, SC 29801 05/20/2012

I had the pleasure of attending the Smoak Family Polo Tournament Finals match on Sunday - and what a match, wow!!  This was one of the best 8-goal matches I have ever seen.  Lots of defense, offense, skill, speed...   After the 6th chukker it was a tie game, so it went into sudden-death overtime.  It was non-stop action, both teams proved they deserved to be in the finals!  You don't see this kind of scoring usually in an 8-goal tourny. (8 goal is the handicap level total of the players on each team -  If you're not too sure about polo - check out some of my previous posts labeled 'polo 101' )    :)       Here are the players: Team: Hutchinson Farm/First View (Charlie Hutchinson IV, Joe Meyer, Will Tankard, Nick Snow) Team:  Diavoli Rossi (Andrew Seibert, Lauren Biddle, Matthew Fonseca,... 05/16/2012

Happening Right Now !!  I can hear the music :)   This is another great local event that gives back to the community. Great music, and it benefits Star Riding   (Specialized Therapeutic and Recreational Riding)   What: 7th Annual Aiken Bluegrass Festival When: May 11 and 12, 2012 Times: opens 5pm on May 11th            opens 2pm on May 12th Head over to Highfields  (the horsepark off Beaufort/Gaston behind the vets office, you know!)    Listen to some great music, have some good food and drink, take in some arts and crafts..... lots of family fun!!   I wasn't born here but Aiken sure feels like home.  Come see for yourself! What are you waiting for??!! Have a real estate question? Give us a call.  Carolina Real Estate Company.  803.648.8660.       Carolina Real Estate Company, Charles B... 05/11/2012