Way More Than Horses!
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Way More than Horses! Aiken ∙ Allendale ∙ Bamberg ∙ Barnwell Counties • Photography in this publication courtesy of: • City of Aiken • Larry Price Photography • Silver Bluff Audubon Center • South Carolina State Parks • Christopher Hall • Larry Gleason Thoroughbred Country has taken every precaution to ensure the accuracy of information contained within this publication. Thoroughbred Country cannot accept responsibility for changes that occur after publication and will not be responsible for omissions or errors. We want your journey to be a pleasant one and urge you to call ahead before traveling. Photographs and art in this publication are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced withoutartist and/or the written Thoroughbred permission Country. of the photographer or About Thoroughbred Country 2 Region Map 32 Touring Ideas 34 Aiken County 3 Points of Interest 3 What’s Close By 35 Accommodations 6 Locator Map 36 Camping & RV Parks 9 Dining 9 Historic Churches, Cemeteries Antiques, Galleries, & Gifts 12 & Markers 37 City of Aiken Map 14 City of North Augusta Map 15 Recreation 43 South Carolina Department Allendale County 16 of Natural Resources 43 Points of Interest 16 Fishing-Rivers 43 Accommodations 18 Fishing-Ponds & Other Areas 44 Camping & RV Parks 18 Hunting & Sporting Clubs 45 Dining 18 Fox Hunts & Polo 46 Antiques, Galleries, & Gifts 18 Equine Facilities 47 Town of Allendale Map 19 Canoe, Kayak Rentals 48 Golf 48 Bamberg County 20 Miniature Golf & Other 49 Points of Interest 20 Heritage Preserves 51 Accommodations 21 State Parks & Nature Trails 52 Camping & RV Parks 21 City & County Parks 54 Dining 22 Antiques, Galleries, & Gifts 22 Meeting & Rental Facilities 55 City of Bamberg Map 24 Festivals & Special Events 57 City of Denmark Map 25 Plan Your Visit 60 Guided Tours 61 Barnwell County 26 Transportation 62 Points of Interest 26 Accommodations 28 General Living 63 Camping & RV Parks 28 Colleges & Hospitals 63 Dining 28 Local Newspapers 63 Antiques, Galleries, & Gifts 29 Climate 63 Town of Blackville Map 30 City of Barnwell Map 31 Thoroughbred Country Visitors Guide 1 1 Thoroughbred Country Visitors Guide Thoroughbred Country, consisting of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties, is Our History … nestled along the Savannah River in Western South Carolina. This primarily rural area is filled with traditional Southern culture and hospitality. Experience four beautiful counties in western South Carolina where yesterday is preserved for today. History from every American era is evident throughout this We invite you to come and experience… region known as Thoroughbred Country. Learn about Colonial Times through Our History: The whole area, once a portion of the Old Barnwell District, was known for demonstrations in pottery, frontier trading and blacksmithing. Come explore Civil raising thoroughbred horses after the Revolutionary War and thus has been popular for quite a War battle sites and historic plantation homes. Visit our small, quaint towns where while with thoroughbred racing fans. you will find museums rich with history and festivals that display local culture. Churches of the past and stories of the Charleston to Hamburg rail line can also This region claims both Revolutionary and Civil War battle sites, grave sites, occupied homes be found. and churches. Many communities in this area grew along the Charleston-Hamburg Railway, the first Our Nature … commercial railway in America and the longest commercial railway in the world at that time. It transported agricultural products, such as cotton, to the port city of Charleston where it was sent While history abounds, Thoroughbred Country is also a place of natural beauty. out on ships headed around the world. Notice the Spanish moss gracing enormous live oak trees. Take in the local flora and fauna at a sanctuary. Ponder over the unusual elliptical phenomenon known as Agricultural stories, African-American heritage, wealthy Northern winter residents and local legends are all part of our past. a Carolina Bay. Hike through an urban forest or let the elegance of a local garden carry you to another time. If you desire more active recreation, then paddle the Our Attractions: Charming towns with museums that display local history; small main longest free-flowing, blackwater river in the world. Cool off with a drink from the street businesses with antiques and uniques; lanes lined with live oak trees and decorated with Healing Springs, whose waters are believed to have curative powers. Spanish moss; nationally-known artists; picturesque rivers; cotton, peach and watermelon crops; historic plantation homes, churches and cemeteries; unique cultural communities and natural attractions… all come together to give you a true picture of the South of yesteryear – and of Our Shopping … today. “Shopper’s Paradise” would also be an accurate description of this diverse region. Our Festivals: Festivals are a reflection of our culture. For example… Here you can shop for antiques and local crafts, such as locally-thrown pottery or Mennonite quilts. Unique gifts and art galleries including that of a nationally- The Salley Chitlin’ Strut, where pig intestines are a delicacy and its own dance, the Chitlin’ known artist can also be found. Strut, has made it famous; The Allendale Cooter Fest, where turtles race for sizeable prize money; Our Food … The Ehrhardt Schuetzenfest, celebrating the area’s German heritage; and Take a break from your adventures and enjoy our cuisine. Roadside stands, cozy cafes, freshly-baked Mennonite goods and full-scale dining, as well as everything in The Raku Burn in Barnwell, where potters get together to fire pottery in an outdoor kiln. between, can be found here. Of course, we still have your southern favorites such as barbeque, grits, collards and fried chicken. Our Food: Grits, barbecue, black-eyed peas, collard greens, sweet potatoes, peaches, pecans, boiled peanuts, okra, sweet tea and lemonade … come and enjoy our great home cookin’! And Rest. Our Hospitality: The easy rhythm of the South includes caring, smiling, helpful people always ready to welcome you with a “Hey Y’all.” After a full day of experiencing our history, our nature, our shopping and our food, rest your head at a quaint bed and breakfast or a historic hotel. Awaken the next day refreshed and ready for the next adventure. Thoroughbred Country Visitors Guide 2 2 Thoroughbred Country Visitors Guide Filled with diversity, Aiken County has something to offer everyone. Aiken County is known throughout the world as an equestrian training center claiming National Champions. Champions include: Palace Malice, 2013 Belmont Stakes winner; Pleasant Colony, 1981 Kentucky Derby winner; Summer Squall, 1990 Preakness winner; Sea Hero, 1993 Kentucky Derby winner; and Kelso, Horse of the Year for 5 consecutive years in the 1960’s. Aiken County is also a place of history and natural beauty. History in towns such as Aiken, North Augusta, Beech Island, Wagener and Salley all represent time periods in South Carolina history. Plantation homes, churches, country stores, the Charleston-Hamburg Railway, and more tell stories of the people who built the region through the introduction of new cultures, religions, and their ingenuity. Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the United States, and Hopelands Gardens are two places to visit for anyone who appreciates the beauty of preserved land. Hunting, fishing, golfing and shopping are also available … whatever brings you here, enjoy! Points of Interest Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site, Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary, 181 Redcliffe Rd, Beech Island. 803-827-1473. 4542 Silver Bluff Rd, Jackson. 803-471-0291. 1859 Greek Revival antebellum mansion of Silver Bluff is a 3,250 acre wildlife sanctuary James Henry Hammond and four generations owned by the National Audubon Society. of his family. The house is complete with Habitat and wildlife diversity make Silver Bluff furniture, decorative arts and artwork from a favorite destination for birding (over 200 the various periods of occupation. The site species on checklist), wildflowers, photography, also features two slave quarters and a stable or simply a quiet walk. A 3/4-mile and a 2-mile with exhibits. Special programs are offered walking trail are available. Education at the throughout the year (see website). Listed center focuses on forest and land management on the National Register of Historic Places. and is targeted toward school groups and the Grounds are open daily 9am to 6pm year- general public. Please call ahead for current round. House tours Th-Mon at 11 am, 1 pm, hours. No fee, donations accepted. No pets. and 3 pm. Admission charged for house tours. Horse Creek Valley Veterans Park, www.southcarolinaparks.com/redcliffe US 421, Bath. Veterans from the Midland Valley area are honored at this park. The main Beech Island Historical Society Visitor’s focus of the park is the circle of honor that Center and Barn, 144 Old Jackson Hwy, contains approximately 900 names of veterans Beech Island. 803-867-3600. The visitor’s from World War I until present. center tells the story of Beech Island, one of the oldest settlements in South Langley Pond, 113 Langley Dam Rd. Aiken Carolina, dating back to 1685 as Savannah County Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT). Town. The history room includes Native 803-642-7559. Langley Pond is home to American, Colonial, agricultural and river several events throughout the year. Visitors can transportation displays. When displays enjoy the loop trail on horseback or foot and are completed, the Barn will become the championship level disc golf course. Amenities Beech Island Agricultural Museum. Open included picnic shelter, grills, playground, Wed, Th 11am-2pm, and by appointment. concession stand and bathhouse. www.beechislandhistory.org 3 Thoroughbred Country Visitors Guide Vaucluse and Graniteville Historic Living History Park, 299 W Spring Grove Districts, The cornerstone of the old mill Ave, North Augusta. 803-279-7560. Plays dated 1832, is one of the first in the area. The host to special events including Colonial Graniteville Mill, built in 1846, was the first Times which exhibits examples of everyday cotton mill in the South.