From its western front along the Savannah River to its horse community to the east and rustic mill towns in between, Aiken County is an eclectic blend of new and old.
The county is different from one end to the other, with pockets of city surrounded by long stretches of farm and horse country.
Its banks along the Savannah in North Augusta are bustling with development, including a new golf course, residential community and plans for a new town center and neighborhood within a stone's throw of the river.
A drive from North Augusta, the county's second-biggest hub, toward its biggest, the city of Aiken, illustrates the county's aging dependence on textile mills.
Fabric-producing plants still go strong in towns such as Graniteville, but a drop in demand led to the closure of manufacturing sites in Clearwater, where abandoned mills can be seen from U.S. Highway 1.
The road turns into Richland Avenue as it reaches Aiken, which became popular at the beginning of the 20th century when Northern residents came to the city as it grew into a showcase for all things equestrian.
The town already had gained fame among people from the Northeast as a winter health resort for those with lung disorders.
The soft, sandy soil that is kind to horses' hooves has made the town one of the country's premiere horsing communities. Aiken's lust for horsing events is showcased with thoroughbred and steeplechase racing on back-to-back weekends in March and polo on a third; Aiken has become a hotbed for some of the sport's top players from across the county.
Along with the growth of Aiken's horse world came its "Winter Colony," a community near downtown characterized by immense storybook estates.
The area sits flush against Aiken's more horsey area, which is most active along Banks Mill, Two Notch and Powderhouse roads, off South Boundary Avenue.
The area is marked with dirt roads, left to accommodate the much-loved horses. Aiken also features Hitchcock Woods, one of the country's largest urban parks designated for equestrian use.
It borders The Palmetto golf course on Whiskey Road, one of the country's first and one of many in Aiken.
The city is popular among retirees, drawn to communities such as Houndslake, Cedar Creek and Woodside Plantation, each of which features community living near golf courses and country clubs.
IT'S A FACT:
Aiken County is about the size of Rhode Island.
Aiken County contacts
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service (803) 649-6297
Coroner's Office (803) 642-1740
County Administrator (803) 642-2012
Emergency Services (803) 642-1624
Financial Department (803) 642-2064
Indigent Care Coordinator (803) 642-2071
Health Department (803) 642-1687
Legislative Delegation (803) 642-1694
Museum (803) 642-2015
Planning and Development (803) 642-1520
Transit System (803) 642-1525
Public Service Authority (803) 278-1911
ABBE Regional Library (803) 642-7575
North Augusta Branch (803) 279-5767
Public Works (803) 642-1533
Animal Control (803) 642-1537
Engineering Department (803) 642-1535
Langley Landfill (803) 593-5522
Sheriff's Office (803) 642-1761, Emergency 911
Auditor's Office (803) 642-1510
Tax Assessor's Office (803) 642-1583
Election Commission (803) 642-1528
Voter Registration Board (803) 642-2030
Aiken County Government Information, (803) 642-1500
Department of Social Services (803) 649-1111
Department of Social Services North Augusta (803) 202-3500
Veterans Affairs (803) 642-1545
Aiken County Historic Museum (803) 642-2015
Probate Court (803) 642-2002
Aiken County Public School District (803) 641-2640
Recreation Department (803) 642-7559
Recreation Center (803) 663-6142
Harrison-Carver Park, Clearwater (803) 593-4698
Roy Warner Park, Wagener (803) 564-6149
Aiken Municipal Airport, (803) 648-7803
Chamber of Commerce, (803) 641-1111
City Manager of Aiken, (803) 642-7654
Fire & Crime Prevention Bureau - Public Safety (803) 642-7620
Garbage/Recycling/Yard Debris - Public Works (803) 642-7613
Inspections, Building (803) 642-7675
Mayor of Aiken (803) 642-7654
Police and Fire Services - Public Safety Nonemergency Purposes (803) 642-7620
Recreation Department Facilities, Nights & Weekends Emergencies, (803) 642-7620
