Back to Aiken County

Remember the driving tour of Aiken I mentioned? Well, I took it this week and, as expected, saw some splendid sights. My favorites were the Aiken Training Track, the Rose Hill Estate, the Willcox, and Hopelands Gardens (shown here). I didn’t see all of Hopelands, but they have free concerts and performances every Monday evening throughout the summer, so I suspect I’ll be returning soon. What a peaceful, pretty place.

My First “First Friday” in Augusta

On the First Friday of every month, hundreds of people gather in downtown Augusta to enjoy live music and to browse the galleries and shops that stay open late for the occasion. Artists, performers, and vendors set up shop too, all along Broad Street, and a themed exhibit is usually displayed on the Common area. (This month’s exhibit, a car show, included the lovely Corvette shown here.)

Looking forward to celebrating May's First Friday, my mom and I arrived fairly early (before 7p), and there were already people feting, neon rope lights flashing, cotton candy scents floating, and music flowing from seemingly every direction. After looking at cars and lingering at the main music stage on the Common, we walked down Broad Street to browse the shops. During that walk, and topping off the night, we discovered an award-winning gospel and bluegrass band, Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold. What a night!