Life + Culture

Barbecue, Fireworks and Friends

A Dukes-Catered Fourth of July Made the Holiday Unforgettable in Classic Southern Style Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Rebecca Judy There’s something about the Fourth of July that brings out the best in summer: warm evenings, glowing sparklers, laughter echoing off the water and the unmistakable smell of barbecue in the air. This year Rick and Lisa Pelfrey hosted a celebration that captured the very heart of Independence Day, welcoming friends to their home in Aiken for a relaxed...

Local Services

Rooted. Resilient. Revolutionary.

Transforming Pasture Management in Aiken, SC with Horse First Strategies, Scientific Precision and Deeply Personal Experience Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Gayle Bryan In Aiken, South Carolina, where horse culture runs deep, a new business is raising the bar for pasture management. Juniper Equiland isn’t just another service provider; it’s a mission-driven, forage-focused enterprise born from personal experience, scientific partnerships and a deep understanding of horse-first land...

Life + Culture

Saddles, Streams and Southern Trails

Explore the Beauty of the Carolinas on Horseback with The Trail Riding Company Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Rebecca Judy LaDonna Heise, owner of The Trail Riding Company in Aiken, SC, has always had a deep-rooted passion for horses. From her earliest memories, she was drawn to the quiet strength of nature and the loyal companionship of horses. She grew up helping her grandfather plow fields with his mules, learning early on the value of hard work and the unbreakable bond between...

Entertainment

Short Drives, Long Days, Unforgettable Summer Fun

Just Easy, Breezy Escapes Packed with Adventure, Flavor and Southern Charm - No Passport Required Article by Gayle Bryan | Photography by Terri Bauerlin, Micah Decker, Edmalin Photography, E.R. Smith & Shell Suber July in Aiken brings the kind of summer heat that begs for an adventure—and fortunately, you don’t have to go far to find one. Within a short drive from Aiken, you’ll discover a world of fun that’s perfect for cooling off, making memories and exploring new corners of the Palmetto...