Aiken, South Carolina Is The Perfect Spring Town

Aiken, South Carolina, is the perfect spring town. Aiken has been voted the Best Small Town in the South. One visit and you'll see why. First, it's known as an equestrian community with many roads around the polo grounds that are not paved but are dirt for the many horses in the community.

Many know about the annual Steeplechase, polo matches, and races in Aiken that bring out thousands of people, but Aiken is more than that. This small town has stood firm and made its downtown area a must-visit. It has unique shops, restaurants, and cool little bars with plenty of outdoor seating.  Aiken is 30 minutes from their larger neighbor, Augusta, and is well worth the drive.

Aiken is also known for its outdoor adventures with Hopeland Gardens and Hitchcock Woods. You can get plenty of exercise in this town and enjoy many photo opportunities! It's also the hometown of William "The Refrigerator" Perry, who played for the Clemson Tigers and the Chicago Bears.

The Alley is a favorite among locals and visitors, including myself. This is a great place to sit inside or outside and enjoy a meal and a drink. I was there this weekend, and the weather was perfect for lunch outside. I tried the new Electric Eats restaurant. First, this place is fantastic, mainly because they have something I've never tried before. I had the Shrimp Corndogs. I didn't even know this existed, but they were so good. There are many options for a relaxing lunch or dinner, and it's always nice to check out the shops to get some steps in.

So the next time you're looking for a hefty dose of pure Southern charm, check out Aiken, South Carolina. It's just 15 miles east of Augusta and worth the short trip.