What to do in Aiken

[Demerara_Stables]

Saw the Dallas post and thought I’d give one a go for Aiken.

Taking the red eye tomorrow night and will be there Monday through Wednesday (flying through CLT).

Any good southern restaurants I should hit up? Everything I saw on Google maps was a chain.

Also, what are the must see tack shops? I don’t really need anything but I’m a sucker for good, natural bristle brushes, good horse treats (where can I find paddock cakes still on the shelves?!), locally made strap goods, and love me a sale rack with breeches and outerwear.

Also if anyone is local I’d love a dinner or lunch buddy Monday or Tuesday!

[FitToBeTied]

The better restaurants are in the downtown of Aiken. Lookup Whiskey Ailey. The Wilcox is an old established hotel with an excellent restaurant. It gets filled quick. There is a new restaurant that is just opening up, can’t remember the name, that is supposed to be focused on southern cooking.

When I am in Aiken, just came back, I tend to use Aiken Saddlery and Supply. It is just across from Citizens Park.

They are just starting to crank up shows down there, so you might catch something going on.

[Annie10]

Definitely go to The Willcox if you can get in
Even if you just go to the bar for a drink, go.

[Wind_Horse]

There’s a new store for everything Aiken, with a horse focus, called True Aiken.
And it’s owned by a Dressage trainer.

[CBoylen]

Takosushi!

[FitToBeTied]

I don’t like sushi but their pot stickers are to die for. If you like fish, The Aiken Fish House is excellent.

[Belmont]

Second the Willcox!
Its such a fun environment and good food.
I also had a great dinner at Legends one time with a Vendor.

Check out Whiskey Alley in the evening.
I enjoyed walking through downtown. There are some really cute places.

Lots of horse racing history & some museums in the area that I never made it to but really wanted to go. Check the calendar but there is probably something going on at Stable View, BF or the Track when you’re there.

[Demerara_Stables]

Thank you all so much! Now I wish I was there for longer! Landing in a couple of hours.

[LCDR]

Stick to the small downtown area. That’s where the non-chain restaurants are. As far as tack stores, the chains and on line ordering drove the small, personal places out of business many years ago. Now we have a Dover.

What brings you to our fair city?

[Demerara_Stables]

That’s a shame to hear about the tack shops. They are harder and harder to come by these days.

Horse shopping

[Against_All_Odds2]

I loved Aiken Tack and Oak Manor Tack stores.

Whiskey Alley, The Park Ave Oyster House and Neon Fig were our family’s favourite stops!

We also enjoyed a very lovely lunch at the Polo Grounds Cafe.

[SonnysMom]

Aiken Tack Exchange is nice. I haven’t been to their new store. They moved right after I was down there last year. Prior to going down I shipped 2 unique saddles down and they sold quickly for good money. I will be bringing my Voltaire Adelaide down next month when I go down. It has sat to long at the local consignment shop with no interest.
In person I got a few good deals last year.

[pluvinel]

@FitToBeTied

The Wilcox is an old established hotel with an excellent restaurant.

I lived in Aiken when The Wilcox was an abandoned decrepit shell of a building. Always thought it would be a lovely place to rehab.

[FitToBeTied]

There is the other old hotel in downtown Aiken that is abandoned. It looks cool and would be great to rehab.

[Demerara_Stables]

Wow. You guys. I fell in love with it! I’m from the center of Florida and it was so nostalgic - very quintessential old southern charm. Went to Oak Manor Saddlery, The Wilcox, Track Kitchen, and Park Avenue Oyster Bar. AND I think I found a horse.

Definitely will be back to visit!

[Belmont]

So glad you loved it!
I loved being a Vendor at the shows there.
It was always a fun few weeks.

And YAY new pony!!!