Discover the perfect mix of stays—from budget-friendly campsites to boutique inns and upscale escapes—while exploring everything this South Carolina destination has to offer
THOROUGHBRED COUNTRY, SOUTH CAROLINA—MARCH 2026—Located just east of Augusta, Georgia, and west of Columbia, South Carolina, Thoroughbred Country is a place where rolling countryside and sprawling greenspaces meet rich history and equestrian heritage. With a variety of accommodation options in the area, there’s more than one way to experience a getaway—making “hotel hopping” an ideal way to explore—mixing and matching accommodations to suit your style, pace and budget while discovering everything the region has to offer. From rustic campsites to elegant inns and one-of-a-kind stays, each stop reveals a different side of Thoroughbred Country. Read on for more on the various accommodations this diverse destination has to offer.
Save and sleep under the stars
For visitors looking to unplug and reconnect with nature, camping in Thoroughbred Country offers an affordable and immersive way to explore the area’s outdoor recreation. At Aiken State Park, days are filled with paddling along the Edisto River, hiking wooded trails and spotting wildlife. Visitors can cast a line in one of four peaceful ponds, paddle along the scenic river or explore nature trails ideal for hiking and birdwatching. The park also features a playground, a seasonal swimming area and orienteering courses. The park provides campsites for both RV and tent camping. Aiken State Park, 1145 State Park Road, Windsor, South Carolina 29856; 803-649-2857
Nearby Barnwell State Park offers serene beauty with peaceful lakes, opportunities to fish and enjoy the great outdoors. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Barnwell State Park offers a tranquil retreat for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and offers an ideal starting point for countless adventures. Bring your favorite tent or stay in one of the park’s unique rondette-style cabins featuring one- and two-bedroom round cabins. Barnwell State Park, 223 State Park Road, Blackville, South Carolina 29817; 803-284-2212
For something a bit more distinctive, Black Pearl Farms blends rustic charm with a farm experience—perfect for those who want a taste of country life while still enjoying comfortable surroundings. Set along the scenic banks of the Edisto River, Black Pearl Farms invites visitors to slow down and soak in the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re stargazing by the fire, kayaking the river, exploring wooded trails or unwinding in a wood-fired hot tub, guests are sure to connect with nature. Rooted in organic and sustainable practices, the farm also produces blueberries, blackberries, figs, raspberries and seasonal crops, along with lavender-based home and body products. Visit during U-pick season or stop by the farm store to take home a taste of Black Pearl Farms. Black Pearl Farms, 116 Byrd Lake Road, Branchville, South Carolina 2943; 845-234-2903
Spend on charming comfort
As you continue your hotel-hopping itinerary, trade tents for timeless southern hospitality at one of the area’s inviting bed and breakfasts. In the heart of Aiken, Carriage House Inn offers boutique elegance just steps from downtown shops, galleries and dining. Located in the heart of Thoroughbred Country, this restored 1872 property features 37 uniquely decorated accommodations from premium guest rooms to spacious king and queen suites with kitchens. Originally built for the Efron family, the property has welcomed many notable visitors over the years, including Fred Astaire. Guests love the proximity to Aiken’s dining, shopping and cultural attractions. Blending historic character with modern comforts, the Carriage House offers a distinctive and welcoming retreat for all. Carriage House Inn, 139 Laurens Street NW, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801; 803-644-5888
For a classic Southern mansion-style stay, Lookaway Inn nobly presides over the historic town center of North Augusta, just over the bridge from Augusta. This classic Beaux-Arts jewel from the 1800s is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, large, elegant bedrooms, private bathrooms and landscaped courtyard and gardens. 103 West Forest Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina; 803-426-1030.
For a cozy, tucked-away feel, The Birdnest Inn and Magnolia Shadows provide intimate settings ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. Amongst the trees, experience the charm of The Birdnest Inn on an urban farm close to downtown Aiken, golf courses and equestrian competitions. This tranquil bed and breakfast is full of upscale adornments, antiques and unique artwork. Magnolia Shadows, a Ridge Spring bed and breakfast, offers horse boarding and is pet friendly. The 1895 historic plantation home has restored interiors surrounded by pastures, magnolia trees, a pool and manicured gardens. The Birdnest Inn, 5200 Sizemore Circle, Aiken, South Carolina 979-530-3900; Magnolia Shadows, 595 Engineer Road, Ridge Spring, South Carolina 29129; 803-522-1226.
Set in the small town of Snelling, just outside Barnwell, Miss Alda’s Inn is a charming family home—passed down through five generations. Originally built in 1925, the property was thoughtfully restored as an inn in 2016. Guests can choose from four comfortable bedrooms or reserve the entire house, enjoy daily breakfast and relax on inviting porches and cozy interior spaces that reflect the home’s rich history and character. This peaceful country retreat offers easy access to nearby historic sites, golf at Sweetwater Country Club and seasonal hunting packages. Pet-friendly accommodations are also available upon request. Miss Alda’s Inn, 825, Moore Drive, Barnwell, South Carolina, 29812; 803-300-7370
Other bed and breakfast options include Pemberley Cottage and Wisteria Cottage Bed and Breakfast—both of which offer personalized stays that feel like a home away from home. These accommodations are perfect for those looking to spend moderately—while enjoying the comfort, character and proximity to local attractions like God’s Acre Healing Springs, Barnwell’s unique vertical sundial, cultural sites and restaurants without the price tag of a luxury resort. Pemberley Cottage, 45 Daisy Lane, Barnwell, South Carolina, 29812; 803-300-5637; Wisteria Cottage Bed and Breakfast, 2136 Jones Bridge Road, Blackville, South Carolina, 29817; 803-671-5638
One-of-a-kind escapes worth the splurge
To truly experience the full spectrum of Thoroughbred Country, add a few unique stays to your hotel-hopping lineup. Lofts on Burr is a boutique hotel in Barnwell that elevates the guest experience with a seamless blend of style and comfort. Featuring modern technology, contemporary design and thoughtfully appointed rooms, the property offers a sleek yet welcoming retreat. Its prime location puts guests within easy walking distance of local favorite restaurants, shops and attractions, making it the perfect home base for exploring the heart of Barnwell. Lofts on Burr, 22 Burr Street, Barnwell, South Carolina, 29812; 803-258-0823
Red Bluff Lodge is another option offering a full-service lodge (available to those hunting) with year-round adventures for outdoorsmen and women eager to experience the abundant natural resources of Allendale County. Guests can enjoy guided hunts for whitetail deer, feral hogs, alligator and wild turkey, along with fishing excursions and quail hunts. The on-site gunsmith shop and shooting range provide added convenience for enthusiasts. Beyond hunting and fishing, the lodge also features kayaking, mountain biking, camping and naturalist tours for those looking to explore the great outdoors in other ways. Red Bluff Lodge, 130 Boone Trail, Allendale, South Carolina, 29810; 803-584-7363
Set on more than 1,000 acres of rolling hills and forest, Stable View offers a versatile retreat for everything from equestrian events to quiet nature escapes. Guests can explore 15 miles of trails by foot, bike or horseback with opportunities to spot hundreds of plant and wildlife species. The property features a range of accommodations—from cottages and loft-style spaces to RV camping—along with amenities like a Healing Arts Studio, equestrian events and pet-friendly, ADA-accessible facilities designed for both relaxation and adventure. Stable View, 117 Stable View Drive, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801; 484-356-3173
Enjoy a stay at The Inn at Houndslake, a charming 30-room lodge set on the grounds of a private country club. Guests can start their day with a continental breakfast and enjoy access to the club’s amenities including a golf course, endless walking paths, outdoor swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts—all within a relaxed, pet-friendly setting. The Inn at Houndslake, 897 Houndslake Drive, Aiken, South Carolina, 29803; 803-648-9535
North Augusta’s Crowne Plaza delivers familiar upscale comfort with modern amenities including a fitness center, outdoor pool, business center and onsite dining options—including a lounge and rooftop bar. Guests also enjoy its riverfront location and the proximity to shopping, area dining and SRP Park—which is conveniently located across the street and home of the Augusta GreenJackets, the Single-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Crowne Plaza, 1060 Center Street, North Augusta, South Carolina, 29841; 803-349-8400
Hotel hopping isn’t just about where you stay—it’s about what surrounds you. Throughout Thoroughbred Country, you’ll find opportunities to explore scenic trails, visit historic sites, browse charming downtowns and savor local cuisine. From casual cafes to refined southern dining, each stop invites you to experience the flavors and culture that defines the region. For more on what to see and do throughout the region, click here. For a list of dining options, click here.