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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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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1 - Bookmark this page so you can come back
2 - Search Categories for the info that's most interesting to you
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Kendra DeKay
- Nov 28
- 1 min
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
- 1 min
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
- 1 min
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
- 1 min
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
- 1 min
Happy Halloween!
May your stay in Aiken be filled with treats!
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Kendra DeKay
- Oct 27
- 1 min
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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Kendra DeKay
- Oct 25
- 2 min
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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Kendra DeKay
- Oct 24
- 1 min
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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Kendra DeKay
- Oct 17
- 1 min
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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Kendra DeKay
- Oct 12
- 2 min
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
- 1 min
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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Kendra DeKay
- Oct 3
- 1 min
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
- 1 min
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
- 2 min
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
- 1 min
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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Kendra DeKay
- Sep 5
- 1 min
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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Kendra DeKay
- Aug 22
- 1 min
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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Kendra DeKay
- Aug 15
- 1 min
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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Kendra DeKay
- Aug 10
- 1 min
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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