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...

Health + Wellness

Explore More. Scratch Less.

What Began as a Mother’s Kitchen Experiment Became a Trusted Solution for Outdoor-loving Families. Article by Diana Shea | Photography by Provided Exploration requires the right tools, and especially in the South, that means an effective insect repellent! A decade ago on a warm evening, what should have been a carefree summer memory became the beginning of an unexpected journey for Diana Shea. While swimming at dusk in their wooded backyard, her daughter Katie was bitten by a mosquito and...

Health + Wellness

Sun Smart Summer

Stay Protected and Hydrated with Family Pharmacy Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Nikita Hanif As the days grow longer and the South Carolina sun shines a little brighter, summer in Aiken invites us all outdoors. From afternoons at the pool to weekends at the lake and strolls through downtown, it is the season of sunshine, fresh air and making memories. But along with all that fun comes the importance of protecting your skin and staying hydrated, and that is where Family Pharmacy in...

Life + Culture

Tea Time Memories Together

A Heartfelt Father’s Day Celebration Creating Timeless Memories at The Willcox Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Whitney Ray Photography Beneath the shade of sweeping oaks and wrapped in the quiet charm of historic Aiken, The Willcox has long stood as a symbol of true Southern elegance. Since opening its doors in 1898, the inn has welcomed guests with a rare blend of grace, warmth and timeless hospitality. It is more than a destination. It is a place where stories unfold, where...

Local Services

Where Sound Becomes an Experience

Shayne Tenace Brings Passion, Artistry and High Fidelity Sound to Life at Absoulute Audio Plus Video in Downtown Aiken Article by Nikita Hanif In the heart of downtown Aiken, where artistry and character seem to live on every corner, Absoulute Audio Plus Video offers something you cannot quite put into words until you experience it. Step inside, and it feels less like a store and more like a carefully curated living space that blends real-world aesthetics and audio and a lifelong love of...

Life + Culture

Chasing the Next Chapter

A Global Journey of Resilience, Passion and Purpose Brings a World-class Dressage Coach to Aiken Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by MirrorMePR For Shaun Mandy, the path to dressage has never been a straight line. It has crossed continents, changed direction, and carried him through triumph, loss, reinvention and extraordinary opportunity. Yet through every turn, Mandy has held to one defining belief: keep moving forward. Today, Mandy resides in Aiken, a place that, despite his many...