top of page
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.
💡 Pro tips
1 - Bookmark this page so you can come back
2 - Search Categories for the info that's most interesting to you
Search
Kendra DeKay
Apr 1, 20243 min read
Spring Horse Events: The Aiken Horse Show
The historic Aiken Horse Show (sometimes also referred to as "The Horse Show in the Woods" has been held in the grass arena in Hitchcock...
5 views
0 comments
Kendra DeKay
Feb 7, 20241 min read
Things You’ll Love: Lighted Make-up Mirrors
Upgrade alert! Check out this neat new adjustable lighted make-up mirror! You can change the light to be cool or warm, and even adjust...
2 views
0 comments
Kendra DeKay
Jan 29, 20241 min read
Things You’ll Love: Dog & Horse Treats
In Aiken, chances are that our guests will be horse lovers, dog lovers, or both! The AVR family of homeowners and the management team...
3 views
0 comments
Kendra DeKay
Jan 23, 20243 min read
What’s so SPECIAL about Aiken, SC?
Welcome to Aiken, South Carolina! Our beautiful city is known for its history, small-town southern charm, and of course, the unique...
21 views
0 comments
Kendra DeKay
Jan 16, 20241 min read
The Surprising Origins of Aiken's Wavy Walls
So, what’s the deal with the “wavy walls” you see around Aiken? You’ve probably noticed them curiously if you’re new to Aiken or...
292 views
0 comments
Kendra DeKay
Jan 9, 20243 min read
Fascinating Local Flora: The Stinkhorn
Of all the fascinating flora and fauna I've seen in Aiken to date, the Stinkhorn mushroom is still my favorite. I have equal parts...
64 views
0 comments
Kendra DeKay
Jan 2, 20241 min read
Let's Horse Around Aiken!
Looking for something fun to do as you explore downtown Aiken, SC? Kids, horse lovers, art enthusiasts and the young at heart can all...
26 views
0 comments
Kendra DeKay
Dec 19, 20232 min read
The Mystery of Beech Island, SC
So, perhaps you’ve heard people talk about a mysterious "Beach Island" area southwest of Aiken. Perhaps–like me–you’ve had… QUESTIONS....
300 views
0 comments
Kendra DeKay
Dec 12, 20231 min read
Day Trip Adventure: Redcliffe Plantation
Redcliffe Plantation is a slice of Southern history located in Beech Island, just a 30 min drive from Aiken. A South Carolina state...
71 views
0 comments
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...
7 views
0 comments
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...
7 views
0 comments
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...
2 views
0 comments
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...
20 views
0 comments
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...
6 views
0 comments
Kendra DeKay
Oct 31, 20231 min read
Happy Halloween!
May your stay in Aiken be filled with treats!
1 view
0 comments
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,...
7 views
0 comments
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...
15 views
0 comments
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...
93 views
0 comments
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...
122 views
0 comments
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...
22 views
0 comments
bottom of page