Lauren & Art
Aiken
Downtown Aiken
Downtown Aiken is where you will find most of the recommendations on this page! Laurens St is the main street downtown and where you will find local restaurants and shops. There are also more restaurants/bars in "The Alley" including Mellow Mushroom, Tako Sushi, Tailgate Tavern, and The Pizza Joint.
Aiken Brewing Company
Art's favorite place in town. Great bar food and house brewed beer - Art suggests trying the Thoroughbred Red!
Pedego Electric Bikes Aiken
Rent electric bikes by the hour or book the History Homes & Horses Bicycle Tour! "Guided rides last approximately 2 hours and cover a distance of approximately 10.5 miles. The ride includes brief stops at the Aiken Historical Museum, The Thoroughbred Hall of Fame at Hopeland Gardens, and the Aiken Railroad Depot. This tour will meander through downtown where you will marvel at the Historic Architecture our beautiful horse district." ($40/person)
The Willcox
While we don't want to "overdo" the The Willcox, it is one of our favorite places and we are excited to share it with you! The Willcox will be closed to the public on Saturday, May 28, but we recommend stopping by on Friday to see The Willcox in its true form. It is a great place for drinks and dinner!
Hopeland Gardens
Take a walk in Hopeland Gardens, a 14 acre estate filled with flowers, 100 year old oak trees, pond, fountains and more including The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum.
The Whitney
Quaint place for dinner and drinks!
Woodchucker's Axe Throwing
Axe throwing downtown Aiken!
Whiskey Alley
A great place for cocktails, dinner or small bites. Be sure to check out the outdoor patio!
Hitchcock Woods
Go for a walk or run in Hitchcock Woods, a 2,100 acre forest with 70 miles of walking trails. There are multiple entrance addresses on the Hitchcock Woods website.
The Alley Taproom
Pour yourself a drink and choose from 48 different taps of a variety of beer, cider, and wine!
The Aiken Golf Club
Public golf course located near downtown Aiken! Single and group rates available.
Neon Fig
Great place for lunch, brunch, bar snacks, and craft cocktails!
Rose Hill
A newly renovated historical estate tucked away in downtown Aiken - you can explore the estate grounds and gardens, and also a great place for dinner, drinks, and Sunday brunch! Be sure to check out the Stables Restaurant and bar.
Solo Vino Wine Parlor
A great place for wine and small bites. You can stop in for a glass or shop their retail section for a bottle to go!
New Moon Cafe
A great local cafe! Perfect place for coffee, breakfast and lunch/brunch.
Betsy's Round the Corner
Aiken's local diner serving burgers, salads, sandwiches, blue plate specials, and homemade desserts!
La Parisienne French Restaurant and Bakery
Great place for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch - located (literally) just around the corner from The Willcox!
The Polo Grounds Cafe
Another great local cafe for coffee and breakfast!
MacK’s
A great local sandwich shop downtown!
Cork & Cap
Aiken's neighborhood bottle shop - wine, beer, and specialty snacks available to go or to enjoy there!
Savannah River Brewing Co.
If you have some extra time, head just over the border to Augusta, GA and check out another local brewery! OUTDOOR SEATING AVAILABLE
Riverwatch Brewery
Another brewery in Augusta, GA and just down the street from Savannah River Brewing.