Located in front of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, this marker recalls an important scientific…read morediscovery that took place not far from here. The marker is on two sides. On the front, "The Detection of the Neutrino, 1956. On August 27, 1956, at the Savannah River Plant (now Savannah River Site), Drs. Clyde L. Cowan, Jr. (1919-1974) and Frederick Reines (1918-1999) used P Reactor to detect the neutrino, a sub-atomic particle hypothesized in 1930 but unconfirmed until their experiment, one of the most significant in modern physics." And on the reverse, "The Nobel Prize In Physics, 1995. In 1995 Dr. Frederick Reines was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his and Dr. Clyde L. Cowan's detection of the neutrino at the Savannah River Plant. The Nobel citation called their experiment "a pioneering contribution that opened the doors to the region of 'impossible' neutrino experiments." [Review 14749 overall, 249 of 2021, number 788 in South Carolina.]

It would be easy to miss this stone marker that is located on the traffic island at the…read moreintersection where US-1 turns north from running with US-78 in Aiken. It is a little colored and needing a power wash. It reads, "The battle of Aiken. Near this spot on February 11, 1865 was fought one of the final Confederate victories of the War Between The States. Federal Cavalry commanded by Major General Hugh Judson Kirkpatrick were attacked by Confederate Cavalry commanded by Major General Joseph Wheeler when the Federals entered Aiken from the south east along the South Carolina Railroad. The Federals retreated to Montmorenci where their infantry support was stationed. Successful defense of Aiken by the Confederates prevented the possible destruction of the cities of Aiken, Augusta and the Graniteville Mill." Online, there is more information. The Union general reached Aiken after looting and burning several other towns in South Carolina including Barnwell and Blackwell. The Union soldiers were quite cruel and we'll just leave it at that. There's a reason it's called "The War of Northern Aggression." [Review 15051 overall, 553 of 2021, number 819 in South Carolina.]

This is one of Augusta's most rewarding museums, a place that manages to tell a 12,000‑year story…read morewithout ever feeling overwhelming. The Augusta Museum of History is the city's oldest historical institution, founded in 1937 and now the only accredited museum in the Central Savannah River Area, which gives it a level of curatorial depth you can feel as you move from room to room. The museum's signature exhibition, Augusta's Story, begins with the region's earliest Indigenous cultures, including artifacts from the Stallings Island people, and then moves through the Colonial Era, the antebellum period, the Civil War, and the city's twentieth century reinventions. You see everything from slave‑made pottery to a 12‑pounder bronze Napoleon cannon tube and an 1869 steam fire engine tied to the devastating 1916 fire that reshaped parts of the city. It's a rare chance to see Augusta's full arc laid out in a way that feels comprehensive. The museum also excels at capturing the city's cultural identity. The James Brown gallery is a highlight, celebrating the life and global influence of the "Godfather of Soul" with photographs, stage pieces, and biographical context that show how deeply he shaped Augusta's modern identity. Several media options to watch him performing and to hear other leading figures discuss his influence. The golf and Masters Tournament section offers a thoughtful look at how the sport became intertwined with the city's reputation, and the medical history exhibit includes an impressive wall of antique medicine bottles that gives you a sense of how local healthcare evolved over generations. One of the most enjoyable parts of the visit is the Transportation Corridor, which brings Augusta's mobility story to life with a 1914 steam locomotive, a 1917 steam trolley, a reconstructed 1930s gas station, and a range of early vehicles. Walking through the restored streetcar and stepping into the rail car for photos adds a tactile, playful element that balances the more traditional exhibits. Upstairs, the museum's radio history exhibit traces the rise of WBBQ, one of Augusta's most influential stations, including a "then and now" section installed for its 60th anniversary. There are also exhibits on local law enforcement and firefighting, as well as a gallery of regional legends that highlights entertainers, athletes, writers, and other notable Augustans. The entire museum is comfortably explored in about two hours, which makes it an easy and rewarding stop whether you're spending a full day downtown or pairing it with the Morris Museum of Art or the Riverwalk. It's the kind of place that leaves you with a clearer sense of Augusta's character, from its earliest settlements to the voices and industries that shaped the city you see today. Don't miss it. [Review 203 of 2026 - 904 in Georgia - 25392 overall]

We were in town for the weekend and decided to pay this place a visit. The admission price was…read moreonly a dollar so you really can't go wrong with that price. The first floor has a pretty extensive history of the city and was very interesting. The second floor has about five other sections including golf, James Brown, medical, and locals.

This extensive tract of land open for visitation is barely a minute from the center of town, most…read moreof that minute spent driving on a short dirt road. The woods are open to pedestrians and people on horses, though I did not see any horses. The trails are extensive and on foot it would take a full day to cover them all, particularly given the fact that they are quite sandy. What were marked as streams on the map seemed just to be sand as well with no water; these must be transient streams. The main paths were quite large, while some of the more peripheral trails meant for humans only were more solid ground and less sand, but were a bit overgrown. No facilities were available, but the place was free and was no trouble to get to.

Hitchcock woods has changed their policies and no longer allows commercial trail riding ventures…read moreinto the multi thousand acre woods. Since I do not own a horse, and since my two legs only take me so far, the crown jewel of Aiken is essentially unavailable to me, a non horse owner. Who needs more elitist policies?

Spent a weekend wandering around Aiken, SC looking at more history. This beautiful bldg is a work…read morein progress, under construction currently. I did take a few outside pics just for my memories. The bldg was built in 1889 and is a history lesson in itself. The inside will be history of origin for African Americans and our heritage during the Civil Rights Movement. They do have a wonderful website with up to date information. I look forward to the opening!

To say this is a work in progress is an understatement. it is a force in motion! The history of the…read morebuilding, beginning in 1889, to the present efforts demand its attention. The internal construction will provide an educational experience starting with the origin of African Americans and their heritage, a Middle Passage experience, then a telling of the Civil Rights Movement and the current work being done in attempts at equality. It is within walking distance of downtown and hosts a number of events throughout the year. I look forward to what it will look like when the construction is complete.

I can't imagine having my girls dance anywhere else! They have learned so much from Corey & Rhoda!read more

From the owner: Burns Dance Studio offers the most professional and comprehensive dance instruction in the Aiken…read morearea. We have classes from ages 3-adult and offer instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and Karate. Combination classes also are available for pre-school children and elementary students in tap/ballet or tap/jazz.

A cooperative of various types of art, from stained glass to jewelry to paintings of various kinds…read more A group of artists who have come together to provide some art and culture. The gallery is actually a working studio space and also provides art classes. They even allow you to use the space for events at really reasonable cost.