As rich as the region’s equestrian cultures may be, there is much more to Aiken. The historic and picturesque downtown is home to dozens of fabulous restaurants and shops all set in the confines of beautiful old southern architecture.

For those looking for athletic pursuits without horses, the Aiken area is home to several outstanding golf courses and clubs, including Augusta National Golf Club, home to the famed Master’s Golf Tournament and located only 30 minutes away. Other area golf, swimming, boating and /or tennis venues include:

• Aiken Golf Club
• Cedar Creek Golf Club
• Fermatta Club
• Houndslake Golf Club
• Lake Murray
• Midland Valley Country Club
• Palmetto Golf Course
• The River Golf Club
• Lake Thurmond

There is no shortage of options to pursue for education and culture, including:

• Aiken Center for the Arts
• Aiken Choral Society
• DuPont Planetarium
• Hopelands Gardens
• Henderson Historic Preserve
• Univeristy of South Carolina, Aiken
• Morris Museum of Art

And, for life’s little bumps and scrapes, some of the best medical care in the world is easily accessible:

• Aiken Regional Medical Center
• Medical College of Georgia
• Medical University of South Carolina
• Emory University Healthcare