With its rich heritage, quaint towns and pristine beauty balanced by numerous exciting activities and a cosmopolitan flair, Aiken offers something for everyone in a friendly, accommodating and attractive setting. Equestrian sports, year-round golf, tennis and other recreational sports, history, the arts, shopping, hiking, fishing and a host of other ventures mean that there is something for everyone here.

At the turn of the 19th century, people of great wealth in the northern United States and Canada flocked to Aiken County to escape bitter winters. The area quickly became known as the “Winter Colony.” Polo, English riding events, fox hunting and horse racing became vital parts of Aiken County history and still reign today.

For more than 100 years, Aiken has earned its reputation as a “place for a splendid time to be had.” Long ago wealthy horse enthusiasts brought their animals for pleasure riding, building grandiose cottages and stables, many of which still survive today with no signs of wear. In fact, polo is played on Sunday afternoons just the same as it has been since 1882. Unique shopping and darling establishments are found “downtown” along with a great example of land preservation – Hitchcock Woods, America’s largest urban forest with more than 2100 acres and many miles of riding, walking and biking trails.