Thoroughbred Country South Carolina

02/13/2025

If you’re out looking for a tasty treat or hearty lunch look no further than The Little Bake Shoppe. Located in the heart of the quant town of Wagener. Open Tuesday-Saturday this little eatery offers a variety of sweets and sandwiches that are sure to alleviate your hunger. Don’t be shy, come and visit this treasure of Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina.
www.tbredcountry.org/Where-to-Eat

02/12/2025

This , Thoroughbred Country honors the legacy of Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor. Born in Fairfax in 1937, she became a powerful voice in the championing of Gullah culture and African American cuisine. Her groundbreaking 1970 book, ”Vibration Cooking: Or the Travel Notes of a Geechee Girl,” was more than a cookbook—it was a cultural manifesto, blending stories, history and food traditions. Through her writing, broadcasting and performances in film & television, Smart-Grosvenor shared the rich heritage of South Carolina with the world.

Join us in honoring Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor and come explore the vibrant stories and flavors of Thoroughbred Country, SC.
📷 NPR & Doubleday Publishing
www.TbredCountry.org

02/11/2025

Don’t wait too long, Joye in Aiken is just around the corner. Click below to read about all the amazing performances that are coming March 7 – 14 and be sure to grab your tickets before they’re gone!
www.joyeinaiken.com/schedule-and-tickets
Check out our calendar for more information about what’s happening in Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina.
www.tbredcountry.org/Calendar
📸: Joye in Aiken

02/10/2025

Experience the magic of “Joseph and the Dreams of Greatness” at the historic Carolina Theater in Allendale February 13th & 15th. Through powerful music and storytelling, the performance brings the classic story of resilience and ambition to life. Come dream with us and enjoy a night filled with talent in Thoroughbred Country, SC.
www.TbredCountry.org/Calendar

02/09/2025

Are you a fan of legendary soul singer James Brown? Did you know he had a long-lasting and impactful connection to Thoroughbred Country, SC?
James Brown was born in a one-bedroom shack just outside of Elko, SC. Later, around age five, his family moved to Augusta, GA to live with one of his aunts, but Brown kept part of his soul here in South Carolina. Throughout his career, he recorded several songs including “Get on the Good Food” which was recorded in our very own North Augusta at Soundcraft Studios. Until his passing in 2006, he resided at his mansion in Beech Island. Today, James Brown is celebrated throughout the region and this mural, depicting the “Godfather of Soul,” can be found at Red Hill Grill, located on The Circle in downtown Barnwell.
Come “Get on the Good Foot” and celebrate the local legends of Thoroughbred Country, SC.
📸: Red Hill Grill
www.tbredcountry.org

02/08/2025

Transform date night with toe tapping live music, tasty fare and a neighborly atmosphere at Govan's Sports, Blues, and Soul Food in Fairfax. Pack your dancing shoes and bring your loved one out for a night of entertainment in Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina.
www.tbredcountry.org/Where-to-Eat

02/07/2025

Dreaming of spring at Lazy Dog Acres.
www.tbredcountry.org

02/06/2025

This season of love, discover all there is to adore about Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina. ❤

Searching for the perfect Valentine's gift, a unique antique find or a sweet local treat? You'll fall head over heels for the treasures waiting to be discovered in Thoroughbred Country, SC. Shop local and spread the love this February. Thoroughbred Country has something special waiting for you.
www.TbredCountry.org/Shopping

02/05/2025

February Happenings in Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina. There’s a lot to love in Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg & Barnwell Counties. ❤
www.TbredCountry.org/Calendar

02/05/2025

Enjoy an enchanting evening in Thoroughbred Country at the annual Winter Nocturne performance. The event is held at the beginning of each year to benefit USC Aiken’s music department. This year, the Aiken Civic Orchestra will accompany Petronel Malan’s Piano Concerto with musical selections from Beethoven, Adagio Sostenuto, Allegretto, Presto Agitato, J. Brahms and Florence Price. February 6, take part in a tradition that will delight the soul at USC Aiken Etherredge Center.
www.tbredcountry.org/Calendar

02/04/2025

Dive into the past and discover 200 years of African American history that shaped the Thoroughbred racing industry. Explore the Kentucky Derby Museum’s traveling exhibit: Black Heritage in Racing. Learn about the beginning of racing in the United States, relive the story of one of the greatest jockeys of all time, Isaac Murphy, and find out just how crucial African Americans were to the early success of the Kentucky Derby. The exhibit is on display at The Center for African American History, Art & Culture until February 28, 2025. Open Wednesday - Saturday. Admission is free.
📸: Churchill Downs Racetrack
www.tbredcountry.org/Calendar

02/03/2025

We’re on the fringe. The Masters Tournament will be here before you know it. ⛳ Looking for a place to stay? We have historic hotels, comforting inns and camping of every style. Ready to hit the links? Schedule a tee time at one of our historic and challenging courses. Located just across the river, Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina offers an abundance of activities. From fine dining or hand-made burgers to art galleries or drag racing, we’re way more than horses.
www.tbredcountry.org/golf

02/02/2025

Did you know the Salkehatchie River once played a starring role in a Civil War battle? 160 years ago today, Union troops waded through its swampy, tangled terrain to outmaneuver Confederate defenders at the Battle of Rivers Bridge. The river was such a hindrance that Union General Oliver O. Howard famously referred to it as "this indescribably ugly Salkehatchie."

Want to see the Salkehatchie for yourself? Head to the Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site, where you can explore the well-preserved battlefield and earthworks and dive deeper into history in Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina.
www.TbredCountry.org

02/01/2025

Attention all equestrian enthusiasts! Discover the engaging equestrian training facility Stable View in Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina. Enjoy a variety of events from combined driving to eventing, ride or walk 15 miles of trails, observe an array of rare/endangered plant and bird species and relax in peaceful on-site accommodations. Stable View is conveniently located to I-20 and has close proximity to downtown Aiken, Columbia and Augusta, GA.
www.tbredcountry.org

01/31/2025

Housed in a 1900s former school house, the Williston Museum immerses visitors in the history of Williston with exhibits containing memorabilia of lifestyle and business. Make your appointment to visit today.
www.tbredcountry.org

01/30/2025

Embark on a backroad adventure in picturesque Thoroughbred Country, SC. Imagine cruising down a quiet country road, enjoying the natural scenery. Driving past pine forests, farm stands and cotton fields. Spotting an old pickup loaded with newly harvested sweet potatoes. Every turn offers a new surprise.

It's these unexpected encounters that make exploring Thoroughbred Country so special. Time to pack your sense of adventure and hit the road. You might just find your new favorite spot in undiscovered South Carolina.
www.TbredCountry.org

01/29/2025

Congratulations to the newest South Carolina State Park Director, Joy Raintree! Joy’s journey with the State Park Service began right here in Thoroughbred Country, and we couldn't be prouder of her accomplishments. Join us in wishing Joy all the best in her new role. We can't wait to see all she'll accomplish in support of our state’s natural and historic treasures.
www.TbredCountry.org

Today we announce our new South Carolina State Park Director, Joy Raintree!

Joy started her career over 20 years ago as Park Interpreter at Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site. While serving as Interpreter and eventually as Park Manager, she helped create the standards for sharing complicated stories in our Park Service. Her work with outside groups, descendants, staff and other professionals informed her approaches as she helped our historic sites focus on researching stories, protecting landscapes and structures, and sharing information on difficult material honestly and professionally.

As Park Manager, she mentored and supervised various positions, and learned she had a gift and passion for helping others find and achieve their potential.

Seven years ago, Joy was promoted to Sandhills Region Chief where she has continued to share that passion and be guided by her experiences. From ranger writing groups to working on mental health initiatives, improving communications, sharing podcasts, articles and books, she has worked to find many avenues to help her team grow. As a leader, she has worked tirelessly to help improve the Park Service for both our employees and visitors. We are thrilled to have her knowledge, passion, and heart for service in this role for the next chapter of SCPRT history.

Congratulations, Joy! We look forward to serving with you and moving the SC State Park Service forward.

01/28/2025

Get ready as the 25th Annual Aiken Antique Show returns to the Aiken Center for The Arts! Join us this weekend for three days of exquisite finds, special presentations on garden history and Southern interiors, a daily Collector’s Café and a Sunday Bloody Mary Brunch. Plus, every ticket supports the arts in our community. Come find your style and bask in arts and culture in Thoroughbred Country, SC.
www.TbredCountry.org/Calendar