This Charming City in the South Has One of the Largest Urban Forests in the U.S.-and It's Only a 2.5-hour Drive From Charleston

"Aiken rose to notoriety in the late 1800s when it became a hot spot for wealthy Northerners wanting to escape the winter, earning it the nickname 'Winter Colony.'"

"Attending a polo match while you're in Aiken is almost a mandatory activity. The sport arrived in Aiken in 1882, and today, there are matches throughout the year outside of the hot summer months."

"Hitchcock Woods has more than 70 miles of trails to explore and is easily accessible from downtown. Free to visit, it's open for both walking and horseback riding."

Aiken, South Carolina, is a city known for its Southern hospitality, equestrian culture, and historical significance. It gained popularity in the late 1800s as a winter retreat for wealthy Northerners. Today, Aiken features world-class polo matches, one of the largest urban forests in the U.S., and The Willcox hotel. Visitors can enjoy polo matches from late March to early June and early September to early November. Hitchcock Woods offers over 70 miles of trails for walking and horseback riding, while downtown Aiken provides opportunities for antique shopping and exploring local history.

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