From shopping and museums to outdoor adventures and outstanding restaurants, there’s so much to discover in Thoroughbred Country
THOROUGHBRED COUNTRY, SOUTH CAROLINA—DECEMBER 2024—Located just east of Augusta, Georgia and west of Columbia is South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country. This sprawling region includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties, allowing visitors to explore several destinations in one. Bordered by Interstates 20, 26 and 95, this region offers a variety of unique experiences all within proximity. Start your Thoroughbred Country adventure in centrally located Aiken and venture out from there for a true hub and spoke experience through the region. Here’s a sample of things to see and do throughout the region.
Just next door and still within Aiken County is North Augusta, South Carolina. Upon arriving in North Augusta, head to the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta to view the exhibition of regional arts and history with a 2,300-square-foot permanent interactive history exhibit, along with two galleries of exhibits that rotate every two months. Insider tip—don’t miss the gift shop featuring local crafts from pottery and paintings to coffee and chocolate. You’ll be glad you stopped in! Open 10 a.m. to 4.p.m., Monday-Friday, and 1 to 3 p.m., the first Sunday of each month. Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, 100 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina, 29841; 803-441-4380
Other popular sites to visit include SRP Park and Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary. SRP Park is an entertainment venue and home of the minor league baseball team, the Augusta Green Jackets, a single A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary, owned by the National Audubon Society, is situated along the Savannah River and is comprised of 3,250 acres of upland pine forest, hardwood bottomlands, fields, lakes and streams. SRP Park, 187 Railroad Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina, 29841; 803-349-9467; Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary, 4542 Silver Bluff Road, Jackson, South Carolina, 29831; 803-471-0291
Grab a bite at Sno-Cap Drive-In, a locally owned and operated favorite since 1964. This retro drive-in serves burgers, floats and weekly specials for lunch and dinner. For a more traditional dining experience, check out Hammond’s Ferry Larder. Serving up everything from small plates made with locally sourced ingredients to a full bar with custom cocktails and daily specials, your tastebuds are sure to be pleased. Open for dinner Wednesday through Friday and brunch Saturday and Sunday. Sno-Cap Drive In, 618 West Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina, 29841; 803-279-4004; Hammond’s Ferry Larder, 89 Crystal Lake Drive, North Augusta, South Carolina, 29841; 803-341-9273
Before returning to your lodging, make a quick stop at Beech Island Historical Society Visitors Center. The visitors center tells the story of Beech Island, one of the oldest settlements in South Carolina, dating back to 1685 as Savannah Town. The center’s history room features Indigenous American displays as well as Colonial agriculture and river transportation displays. Open by appointment. Beech Island Historical Society Visitors Center, 144 Jackson Highway, Beech Island, South Carolina, 29842; 803-867-3600
Next, venture up to North Aiken County and check out Eudora Wildlife Safari Park. Home to more than 300 exotic animals, guests can drive or walk through the farm to see exotic animals you don’t see every day. The three-mile drive through safari park is a great experience for families with children of all ages. Guests can engage with parrots, lemurs, kangaroos and more! Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, 219 Salem Lane, Salley, South Carolina, 29137; 803-564-5358
Stop by The Little Bake Shoppe for lunch and experience some of the area’s best freshly baked goods, sandwiches, soups, coffee and more. Open for breakfast and lunch, this family -owned and -operated establishment is a favorite among locals. The Little Bake Shoppe, 135 Main Street N, Wagener, South Carolina, 29164; 803-564-3849
While in the area, don’t miss the Monetta Drive-In or The Big Mo as locals call it. Open seasonally, this drive-in movie theater is one of three operating in South Carolina. Originally opened in 1951, it later closed but was revived in 1999. The Big Mo is a unique experience the whole family can enjoy. See new movies as well as old favorites. Open spring-fall, Friday through Sunday. Movies start at dusk and are cash only. Monetta Drive-In Theatre, 5822 Columbia Highway N, Monetta, South Carolina, 29105; 803-685-7949
Looking to stay nearby? Look no further than Whisper Farm. This restored, historic 100-acre farmstead is set on a hilltop offering guests expansive views. Choose from a one-bedroom house with a sunrise view, a three-bed lodge with plenty of space to entertain, a two-bedroom restored farmhouse with a vintage library and loads of Southern charm or rent the whole farm. Each room is intentionally decorated to create a comfortable experience. Amenities are plentiful and are unique to each location. From a stable and trails to a clawfoot tub and a cozy fireplace, guests love the uniqueness of this horse and pet-friendly property. Whisper Farm, 2300 Salley Road, Salley, South Carolina, 29137; 410-924-1790
Spoke over to Barnwell for a day of exploring. Start at the Barnwell County Courthouse and Sundial for a little bit of history. The original courthouse, built in Boiling Springs in 1789, was succeeded by several buildings on the present site. The present courthouse was built in 1878-79. The unique vertical sundial which stands in front of the courthouse was given to the town in 1858 by Joseph D. Allen, who was a state Senator from Barnwell at that time. Legend has it that this is the only free-standing vertical sundial in the United States and though erected prior to standard time (1883), it keeps within two minutes of that. The courthouse and sundial are located on The Circle, Barnwell’s downtown district. A variety of boutiques, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of this iconic landmark. Barnwell County Courthouse, 141 Main Street, Barnwell, South Carolina, 29812
Other noteworthy stops include the Barnwell County Museum and the King George Lavender Farm. The Barnwell County Museum features exhibits, guided tours and special programs all highlighting the area’s heritage. Galleries change every quarter and admission is free. King George Lavender Farm is a family -owned and -operated lavender farm producing lavender based products which are sold at the farm mercantile. Open seasonally, the farm offers U-pick lavender, oil distillation demonstrations, events and weddings. The mercantile offers a variety of lavender products, olive oils and home décor. Barnwell County Museum, 9426 Marlboro Avenue, Barnwell, South Carolina 29812; 803-259-1916; King George Lavender Farm, 490 Daisy Lane, Barnwell, South Carolina, 29812; 803-300-5637
Don’t miss Red Hill Grill for authentic Southern cuisine. From fried chicken on a sweet potato biscuit to short rib burgers and more, this local favorite is re-establishing a tradition through classic sandwiches and shakes. Located in the heart of Barnwell’s historic district and open 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday through Monday, Red Hill Grill is sure to impress. Red Hill Grill, 16 Burr Street, Barnwell, South Carolina, 29812; 803-395-9204.
If staying in the area, stay among nature at Barnwell State Park. With multiple fully furnished cabins available, guests will enjoy the comforts of home while waking up 100 yards from the park’s upper lake and just 300 yards from the park’s lower lake. For information on booking, click here. Barnwell State Park, 223 State Park Road, Blackville, South Carolina 29817; 803-284-2212
Next, explore Bamberg County. Make a stop at the Jim Harrison Gallery to view original paintings, bronzes, etchings and a variety of limited and unlimited edition reproductions from the renowned American artist’s more than 40 year career. Call ahead for gallery hours. Jim Harrison Gallery, 4716 Carolina Highway, Denmark, South Carolina, 29042; 803-793-5796
While in the area, visit the Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site. This 390-acre historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes a Civil War battlefield, an award-winning interpretive trail, memorial grounds and community building. The well-preserved earthen fortifications are no doubt the centerpiece of this important battlefield landscape. Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site, 325 State Park Road, Ehrhardt, South Carolina, 29081; 803-683-0239
After touring around, satisfy that sweet tooth at Denmark’s Wee Bake Bakery. This Mennonite bakery features donuts, pies, cakes and various other baked goods. Serving breakfast and lunch, you don’t want to miss a local favorite. Wee Bake Bakery, 4767 Carolina Highway, Denmark, South Carolina, 29042; 803-383-0440
If you’d like to stay in the area, Lazy Dog Acres is just the place. Offering three rooms designed to suit various weekend vacation styles ranging from rustic camping to sophisticated elegance. Relax with a visit to the mini spa featuring products made from lavender grown on property. Lazy Dog Acres, 6293 Ehrhardt Road, Ehrhardt, South Carolina, 29081; 803-824-9303
For more on what to see and do, where to eat and where to stay in Thoroughbred Country, click here.