Health + Wellness

Healthy Starts Here

Family Pharmacy Makes Protecting Your Family Easy and Convenient Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Nikita Hanif As the days grow a little cooler and our calendars fill with school, sports and fall festivities, it’s also time to prepare for flu season. One of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting an annual flu vaccine. The flu isn’t just a bad cold. It can lead to missed work and school, serious illness and even hospitalization, especially for young...

Life + Culture

Prime Reimagined

Fresh Energy, Thoughtful Hospitality and an Evolving Menu Shape the Steakhouse’s Next Chapter Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray Photography For years, Prime Steakhouse has held a place in Aiken’s dining scene. It is the restaurant many guests think of for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions. Now, with new leadership and fresh energy, Prime is embracing its next chapter. At the center of that evolution is Crystal Richardson, Area Operations Manager for Prime and a...

Home + Design

Framed for a Lifetime

Big Trimming Reconstructs an Aiken horse Farm into a Piece of Modern Art Article by Jessica Crandall Lawrence | Photography by Bee's Knees Photography In Tracy Strobel’s peaceful Aiken County home, azure tile washes across the primary bathroom like a deep, tranquil pool. A patterned blue accent wall lends the room an artful focal point. Glossy subway tile wraps the remaining walls in saturated color. Underfoot, petite penny tile offers gentle texture and graceful drainage. A custom bench and...

Life + Culture

A Cleaner Aiken Starts Here

Clean Up Aiken Calls on Volunteers to Protect the Community and Change Habits for Good Article by Nikita Hanif Clean Up Aiken began with a simple idea, gather people together and make the community cleaner. What started through the efforts of Marianne Yost has grown into a nonprofit focused not only on removing litter, but also on education, awareness and shared responsibility. Co-Directors Jerry Lang and Kic Young first met at a Clean Up Aiken gathering at Newberry Hall in 2021. Both were...

Food + Beverage

Where Experience Begins

Rhumba Creates Memorable Moments One Gathering at a Time Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray From the beginning, Elier and Jessica Alberto knew Rhumba would be about more than food, drinks and cigars. Their vision started as a tapas lounge and developed into a full-service restaurant that also brought memorable experiences to Aiken, a place where dinner could turn into a night out, a celebration could feel extra special and there was always something new on the calendar. ...

Food + Beverage

A Taste for Growth

David Meunier Combines Food, Real Estate and Vision to help Aiken Thrive Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray Photography For David Meunier, the restaurant business has never simply been about what is served on the plate. Creating delicious food is a passion for him, but it is also about transforming spaces and giving people another reason to enjoy the city around them. That philosophy has followed Meunier across decades, continents and 54 restaurant openings, most recently La...

Travel

Rediscovering Augusta

A Staycation Surprise Article by Gayle Bryan | Photography by Gayle Bryan & Destination Augusta I have lived in the CSRA for nearly 30 years, many of them on the other side of the Savannah River. So when I was invited to spend a few days exploring Augusta, just 20 minutes from my home in Aiken, my first thought was, “Been there. Done that.” In fact, when I was asked what I might like to do during our staycation, I struggled to come up with an answer. I thought I already knew Augusta. As it...

Life + Culture

Fair Fun Returns

Food, Rides, Shows and Traditions Fill Aiken’s Unforgettable Fair Days Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Western Carolina State Fair The Western Carolina State Fair returns with the kind of classic fall fun that brings families and friends together year after year. From the glow of midway rides to the smell of funnel cakes, corn dogs and other fair favorites, every visit offers something worth savoring. Beyond the food and rides, the fairgrounds stay busy with entertainment for all...

Life + Culture

In Sync Style

Roy and Angel Keitt Inspire through Fashion, Faith and Partnership Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray Photography In Aiken, Roy and Angel Keitt have become known as the city’s unofficial king and queen of fashion. Their coordinated outfits regularly turn heads at community events, but their signature style represents something much deeper than perfectly matched colors. It reflects a marriage built on intention, faith and genuine partnership. For this year’s style issue, we...

Life + Culture

Authentically Autumn in Aiken

Downtown Aiken’s Boutiques Showcase the Season’s Most Stylish Fall Fashion Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray Style in Aiken is as unique as the people who call it home. For our Style Issue, Aiken City Lifestyle gathered several downtown boutique owners to showcase some of their favorite fall looks, celebrating the season with fashion, friendship and a love for local business. Set against the charming backdrop of Solo Vino and The Backyard on Horry Street SE, the photoshoot...