Belle Meade

Overview

Graniteville, South Carolina is located 5 miles west of Aiken. A sketch of the mill is portrayed on the signage above welcoming folks into Graniteville. The mill's owner, William Gregg, is said to have built the town before he built the mill.

Things To Do

Aiken Steeplechase. This is horse country. Founded in 1930, the Aiken Steeplechase Association is a non-profit organization that hosts two steeplechase racing events sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association each year, the Imperial Cup in March and the Holiday Cup in October. The mission of the organization is to perpetuate the tradition of steeple chasing in Aiken and give back to the community through donations given to local charities.

Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum. Forty Champion Thoroughbreds have trained at the famed Aiken Training Track. The Hall of Fame features both flat racers and steeplechase horses, from 1942 through the present. Photos, trophies and other memorabilia highlight these outstanding horses.

Aiken State Park. Set along the South Edisto River, Aiken State Park is a haven for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. A scenic 1.7-mile canoe and kayak trail winds its way down the south fork of the Edisto River.

Aiken Center for the Arts. The mission of Aiken Center for the Arts (ACA) is to inspire and educate by providing unique visual and performing art experiences for all ages as stated on the website. Year-round exhibits feature artists from around the world, with an emphasis on local and regional talent of the South. Local artisans sell their original work in the Gallery Store.

Hopelands Gardens.  Bequeathed to the City of Aiken by Mrs. C. Oliver Iselin, this 14-acre estate was opened in 1970 as a public garden. Radiating throughout the gardens is a network of paths shaded by 100-year-old live oaks, deodar cedars and magnolias.

Agape Chocolates. This a small family owned and operated chocolatier in Graniteville that makes chocolates by hand. According to the website, they ‘chose the name Agape Chocolates because we believe it reflects our mission to “take a bite out of childhood hunger one bar at a time”. The word Agape is Greek for selfless love.