Life + Culture

Paws in the Gardens

Local dogs and their Owners Shine during a Special Hopelands Photoshoot Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray Few things capture the spirit of Aiken quite like a morning spent with dogs and their people at Hopelands Gardens. For a recent Aiken City Lifestyle photoshoot, we gathered a wonderful group of canine companions and their owners for a celebration of the four-legged friends who bring so much joy to our community. From tiny lap dogs to large breeds, every pup arrived...

Arts + Culture

Built to Move

How Burns Dance Studio Continues Shaping Dancers, Confidence and Community in Aiken Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray For more than four decades, Burns Dance Studio has been woven into the rhythm of Aiken. What began in 1987 with Corey Burns’ mother, Rhoda Burns, a gifted instructor who saw a need for dance instruction in her new hometown, has grown into one of the area’s most recognized names in performing arts. After teaching for 7 years at a large dance studio in Sumter...

Finance + Legal Services

Protecting Their Tomorrow

Estate Planning Attorney Anna Ritger’s Shares How Families Can Safeguard their Children's Future Article by Jessica Crandall Lawrence | Photography by Whitney Ray No parent enjoys imagining a future where they are no longer there to care for their children. Yet according to estate planning attorney Anna Rittgers, preparing for the unexpected is one of the greatest gifts a parent can provide.  "It’s not fun to think about," says Rittgers, co-owner of Rittgers Law Firm in Aiken with her husband...

Fitness

Building Tomorrow Together

Helping Shape Aiken’s Future Through Innovation, Education and Opportunity Together Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray For generations, Aiken has been known for its Southern charm, equestrian heritage and close-knit community. Today, another story is quietly unfolding, one that has the potential to influence the region for decades to come. The Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, known as the AMC, on the USC Aiken campus represents far more than a new building. It is an...

Travel

No High-Rises In Sight

I Arrived Skeptical and Left Wondering Why it Took Me so Long to Discover North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. Article and Photography by Gayle Bryan When I was invited to explore North Carolina's Brunswick Islands for an article for the magazine, I was excited. Then I looked at a map and noticed how close they are to Myrtle Beach, just 40 miles away. I became a little less excited. I am not a Myrtle Beach kind of girl. The thought of high-rise hotels spilling crowds onto packed beaches...

Sports + Recreation

A Walk in the Woods

Explore the Wild Side of Hitchcock Woods Article and Photography by Gayle Bryan In a town known for horses, hospitality and Southern charm, Hitchcock Woods may be Aiken’s greatest treasure of all. More than 2,000 acres of towering longleaf pines and sandy trails create something increasingly rare in modern life: an authentic escape. Step beneath the canopy and the pace changes almost instantly. Traffic noise fades. Cell phones become less interesting. Sunlight filters softly through the trees...

Travel

An Adventure Worth the Wait

After Decades on the Bucket List, Callaway Gardens Delivered Unforgettable Wildlife Encounters, Natural Beauty and Nostalgic Charm Article and Photography by Gayle Bryan A visit to Callaway Resort & Gardens had been on my bucket list since I was a teenager. In other words, a very long time ago. A friend from church visited every year with her family, and the way she described it made the place feel almost mythical — a sprawling Southern retreat where nature, family and tradition all came...

Health + Wellness

Rewiring Wellness with EXOMIND

Innovative Therapy at Integrative Flow Psychiatry Helps Professionals Strengthen Mental Wellness without Medication Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Sourced At Integrative Flow Psychiatry, Dr. Rupal Patel, PMHNP-BC, is introducing a cutting-edge treatment designed for individuals looking to sharpen focus, improve mental clarity and restore emotional balance in today’s demanding world. Known as EXOMIND, this advanced, non-invasive therapy is gaining attention among athletes...

Life + Culture

Brothers Behind Sunshine

The Chavis Brothers Continue Building a Family Driven Business Centered on Service, Spotless Homes and Unforgettable Holiday Light Displays Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray Twin brothers Brent and Brad Chavis have built Sunshine SoftWash & Windows into a trusted name across Aiken and the CSRA through hard work, dedication and a strong commitment to customer service. From soft washing homes and businesses to sparkling windows and exterior cleaning services, the brothers...

Local Services

Driven by Service and Southern Hospitality

Aiken Transport Express Continues Growing through Personalized Care, Dependable Transportation and Exceptional Customer Service Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray Spending time with Jan Friday, owner of Aiken Transport Express, quickly makes one thing clear. His business is about far more than simply getting passengers from one destination to another. It is about creating an experience centered around reliability, comfort, professionalism and genuine care for every person...