Stay Like a Local: Aiken's Hidden Gems and Insider Tips

Stay Like a Local

A Blog for Visitors and Newcomers to Aiken, South Carolina by Aiken Vacation Rentals

Get insider info, local recommendations, and hidden gems that will help you experience Aiken like a seasoned local. Whether you're here for the day or making Aiken your new home, this is your go-to resource for making the most of your stay.

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Meet CED (Chief Executive Dog) at Aiken Vacation Rentals

Kendra DeKay

Dec 5, 20231 min read

Meet CED (Chief Executive Dog) at Aiken Vacation Rentals

Many of our all-inclusive furnished rentals are dog-friendly because we ❤️ our animals, too! Meet Atticus, our Chief Executive Dog at...

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Kendra DeKay

Nov 28, 20231 min read

Southern Culture Shock: Pie

Growing up on the west coast, most pies were fruit pies: apple, blackberry, strawberry-rhubarb, cherry, maybe peach or blueberry if you...

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Kendra DeKay

Nov 23, 20231 min read

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving from all of us here at Aiken Vacation Rentals. Being together with those you love is the heart of...

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Kendra DeKay

Nov 21, 20231 min read

A Thanksgiving Tradition: The Blessing of The Hounds Aiken, SC

Held on Thanksgiving morning, the Blessing of the Hounds is one of my favorite holiday traditions here in Aiken! Spectators park & walk...

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Kendra DeKay

Nov 7, 20231 min read

Aiken Fall Steeplechase 2023

One of Aiken's treasured traditions, the semi-annual steeplechase, fast approaches! While Fall Steeplechase isn't quite as big a scene as...

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Kendra DeKay

Oct 31, 20231 min read

Happy Halloween!

May your stay in Aiken be filled with treats!

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Kendra DeKay

Oct 27, 20231 min read

Aiken, SC Ghost Tours 2023

Looking for something spooky to do this weekend? Learn about the haunted history of Aiken on a walking ghost tour downtown. Tonight,...

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Weekend Adventure: The Hilton Head Lantern Parade

Kendra DeKay

Oct 25, 20232 min read

Weekend Adventure: The Hilton Head Lantern Parade

Hilton Head Lantern Parade As the sun dips below the horizon on Saturday November 18th, the beaches of Hilton Head Island transform into...

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Southern Culture for Newcomers: Package Stores

Kendra DeKay

Oct 24, 20231 min read

Southern Culture for Newcomers: Package Stores

When I first moved to Aiken from Seattle in 2008, I thought Package Stores were like UPS outlets or something… and, boy, did Southerners...

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Hidden Gem: Carolina Bay Nature Preserve in Aiken, SC

Kendra DeKay

Oct 17, 20231 min read

Hidden Gem: Carolina Bay Nature Preserve in Aiken, SC

Carolina Bay Nature Preserve is one of the best-kept little secrets in Aiken (in my mind!) Right across the street from the park everyone...

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Our Story: The Story of Aiken Vacation Rentals

Kendra DeKay

Oct 12, 20232 min read

Our Story: The Story of Aiken Vacation Rentals

"Preparing for guests with care is an act of love I learned growing up. My parents had a way of making me feel right at home as soon as I...

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Kendra DeKay

Oct 12, 20231 min read

Thanksgiving Traditions in Aiken: Bloodies & Bagels 2023

Thanksgiving is a really special time of year to spend in Aiken. It’s a small town with a BIG heart that really shows with all the unique...

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Unique to Aiken, SC: The Historic Horse District

Kendra DeKay

Oct 3, 20231 min read

Unique to Aiken, SC: The Historic Horse District

With the beautiful views of historic estates and horse farms, polo fields, and the Aiken Training Track, and the delightful dirt roads...

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Kendra DeKay

Sep 23, 20231 min read

Happy Fall, Y'All!

Fall greetings from Aiken, South Carolina! It's my favorite time of year, and a wonderful time to start planning a visit. The air gets...

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Kendra DeKay

Sep 19, 20232 min read

Aiken, SC Weather 101

When is a good time to visit Aiken, South Carolina? That depends on what you like. My favorite seasons here are fall and spring. Jeremy...

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Kendra DeKay

Sep 12, 20231 min read

Bright Idea: Magic Light Bulbs!

Bright idea from Bridlewood Cottage owner Cheryl: dawn to dusk lightbulbs. Leave your porch light on, and these bulbs installed in an...

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Fly Tiny: The Augusta Airport Experience

Kendra DeKay

Sep 5, 20231 min read

Fly Tiny: The Augusta Airport Experience

The tiny Augusta Airport is the closest public airport to Aiken (about 40 minutes drive). It is spacious, quiet, and actually very...

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Aiken Culture: Rond Point (the Whiskey Road Wall)

Kendra DeKay

Aug 22, 20231 min read

Aiken Culture: Rond Point (the Whiskey Road Wall)

The corner of Whiskey Road known as Rond Point is a bit of a sore spot with Aiken locals. If you bring it up, get ready for a diatribe on...

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Navigating Aiken: Sharing the Road with Horses

Kendra DeKay

Aug 15, 20231 min read

Navigating Aiken: Sharing the Road with Horses

Part of our unique equestrian culture here in Aiken, SC means sharing the roads with horse trailers, and in some places, horseback riders...

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Aiken AirBnB Transformation: The Lancaster Townhouse

Kendra DeKay

Aug 10, 20231 min read

Aiken AirBnB Transformation: The Lancaster Townhouse

Everyone loves a good makeover with Before & After photos! Our 2B1B Lancaster Townhouse has gotten a major glow-up with fresh interior...

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Stay Like a Local

A Blog for Visitors and Newcomers to Aiken, South Carolina by Aiken Vacation Rentals

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