Activities in Aiken? (Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach: best schools, university, camping)

[graduateschoolbound]

Hi, I'm checking out grad schools, and USCA came up. I currently am in school in St. Petersburg FL, and LOVE it. I love all the options here. Would I go crazy moving from a 280,000+pop. to 28,800~pop. What all is there to do, and how far is Aiken from other cities? any information would be greatly appreciated. I'm really interested in the program, but I would hate to be miserable while I'm there because I went to a small town....

[waccamatt]

I think you'll get more responses in the general SC forum. I know very little about Aiken.

[youngbldt]

Being a graduate from USCA, I can honestly say it is one of the best schools if you are looking for small class size, plenty of one on one teaching, internships and grant work with profs, and exceptional facilities. There is a lot going on here.. festivals, street parties (annual lobster race and others) equestrian sports (Aiken Triple Crown, Steeplechase, polo events (Gold Cup a couple of years ago), night life is sparse but there are some good down town venues (Brewpub, the Alley clubs, and others) arts, etc. Plenty to do if you are outgoing.. beautiful town, close to Augusta Ga (Masters), monthly First Friday events downtown Augusta. Great food can be found at local places downtown. check out City of Aiken Home: City of Aiken, South Carolina, North Augusta, South Carolina's Riverfront, AikenCountySC.gov ** Official Website of Aiken County Government, and of course there is the best benefit of this local.. beaches 2-3 hours away (Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Savannah, Hilton Head) and mountains 3 hours away (Highlands, NC is the bomb!). Columbia SC is right up the road, 45 minutes.. Fishing Savannah River or Thurmond Lake day trips, camping, cabins at Hickory Knob, water sports, rowing races, annual Savannah River speed boat races. So if you choose this city, you have many options for day trips or overnight trips.

[4always]

I want to know if there is an upcoming boating class in Aiken

[truesouthcommunitiesaiken]

Originally Posted by graduateschoolbound

Hi, I'm checking out grad schools, and USCA came up. I currently am in school in St. Petersburg FL, and LOVE it. I love all the options here. Would I go crazy moving from a 280,000+pop. to 28,800~pop. What all is there to do, and how far is Aiken from other cities? any information would be greatly appreciated. I'm really interested in the program, but I would hate to be miserable while I'm there because I went to a small town....

I hear you! But I do have to say that Aiken has a great balance of arts, history, shopping etc. Many people who live in Augusta will go to Aiken for a night out! There will deft. be less people than you are used to, but the university is great and the people are amazing! You can check out our blog if you like Live Aiken. Aiken is about 2.5 hours from Charlotte, NC only about 45 min from Columbia SC, is really a suburb of North Augusta GA, and is a little over 2 hours to Atlanta I believe! You will have lots to do around you. The equestrian community brings in events and people from around the world really on a fairly regular basis. The Chamber also does a great job making sure there are events to attend. The downtown is booming at night. You should visit before you make your decision as I think your idea of a "small" town and what Aiken actually is may be very different!

[elvislives]

Originally Posted by truest

I hear you! But I do have to say that Liken has a great balance of arts, history, shopping etc. Many people who live in Augusta will go to Aiken for a night out! There will deft. be less people than you are used to, but the university is great and the people are amazing! You can check out our blog if you like Live Aiken. Aiken is about 2.5 hours from Charlotte, NC only about 45 min from Columbia SC, is really a suburb of North Augusta GA, and is a little over 2 hours to Atlanta I believe! You will have lots to do around you. The equestrian community brings in events and people from around the world really on a fairly regular basis. The Chamber also does a great job making sure there are events to attend. The downtown is booming at night. You should visit before you make your decision as I think your idea of a "small" town and what Aiken actually is may be very different!

L
O
L. Talk about total bull..
Aiken is not or never has been a suburb of North Augusta, and it is the opposite people from Aiken go to Augusta for entertainment because there isn't much here. And let's get real here do you think a college kid gives a crap about the horse community?

If you want to print things about Aiken tell the truth and have your facts right.

[FHMullane]

College students aren't necessarily kids and many do like horses. Maybe they won't own one now but the events are very good spectator events. Not everyone is city folk.

[fammaf]

Lol I was thinking the same thing. I think the poster meant to write people from Aiken ride 25-30 mins to Augusta. Aiken does have a nice downtown for a city its size.

Did somebody actually say Aiken is a suburb of North Augusta? Did you mean a suburb of Augusta. Aiken and North Augusta are about the same size.

[fammaf]

College kids hang out in downtown Augusta. Especially on the weekends and things like First Friday. Plenty of bars, clubs, and lounges for your enjoyment.