From boutique to bed & breakfasts, and darling to daring, Thoroughbred Country has lodging options to enhance a weekend away
Step away from ordinary and into refreshingly extraordinary places to catch true R&R in Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina. Situated along I-20, between Atlanta and Charleston–just east of Augusta, Georgia, Thoroughbred Country is comprised of several cities with rolling countryside, parks, charming downtown squares and Civil War Sites. Ditch the chains when it comes to lodging and indulge in rooms nestled in historic antebellum homes, cozy cottages and unique boutiques that assure a getaway where the accommodations promise to leave you recharged.
1.) Wisteria Cottage–Immerse yourself in country living with a stay at Wisteria Cottage. This Blackville, South Carolina, bed and breakfast is the perfect place to unplug and escape from it all. It sits on 25 stunning acres of picturesque land, complete with trails, bird-watching opportunities and a gorgeous garden. The 1940s rustic hideaway sleeps four, with two bedrooms, one bath with a claw foot tub, and a small kitchen. While you’re there, learn how to utilize the plethora of herbs in Ms. Lill’s garden. Book here.
2.) The Inn at Houndslake–Make your vacation a hole-in-one with a stay at The Inn at Houndslake. This cozy South Carolina inn holds 30 distinctive rooms, each with a golf course view. Houndslake Country Club features a 27-hole championship course designed by Joe Lee, who also designed courses at La Costa and Disney World. In addition to hitting the links, enjoy the bright azaleas, an elegant dining room and invigorating pool. Book here.
3.) Magnolia Shadows–European elegance meets Southern charm at Magnolia Shadows. This Ridge Spring bed and breakfast is for traveling horseman and travelers, alike. The 1895 historical plantation home offers horse boarding and is pet-friendly. Pack up Fido and enjoy the manicured pastures, magnolia trees, pool and gardens that epitomize South Carolina living. Book here.
4.) Barnwell State Park–Pack for adventure with a stay at South Carolina’s Barnwell State Park. This striking park is located on the coastal plain and includes three lakes. Take advantage of nature trails, picnic shelters, fishing opportunities and boat rentals. Pitch a tent under the stars or snuggle up in one of the five cozy cabins on site. Book here.
5.) The Willcox–Step back in time at The Willcox. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this white-columned Southern hotel offers elegant suites and rooms adorned with period antiques, cloud soft beds and deep soaking tubs. Get pampered inside a serene intimate spa or take a dive in the landscaped pool. Situated in historic downtown Aiken, South Carolina, enjoy a full Southern breakfast buffet each morning, then step out and explore this treasured downtown. Book here.
6.) Rose Hill Estate–Enjoy the simple, but finer things at Rose Hill Estate in historic downtown Aiken, South Carolina. This Winter Colony garden manor encompasses an entire city block. At Rose Hill Estate, you’ll experience over a century’s worth of natural beauty, woven together with understated elegant elements, which give the property its serene feel and timeless charm. Enjoy rooms with private baths or group accommodations that fit up to 21 people. While you’re there, partake in the continental breakfast, then sit and sip in the evening at Sheffield’s Bar and Clubroom. Book here.
7.) Miss Alda’s Inn–Come, relax and be part of the family at Miss Alda’s Inn. This quaint 1925 home near Barnwell, South Carolina, serves as a bed and breakfast and is complete with four bedrooms, each with private baths. Sip on sweet tea while lounging on the porch or relaxing in one of the peaceful interior rooms. Tour the many nearby historical sites, take advantage of golf and hunting packages or just sit back and cherish the still of the country. Book here.
8.) Carriage House Inn–Indulge in comfortably elegant surroundings at the Carriage House Inn. This boutique hotel sits on Aiken’s Main Street and epitomizes its hometown by exquisitely combining chic surroundings in its historic Southern frame. The Carriage House Inn boasts 37 rooms, outdoor porches, a delicious complimentary breakfast and more amenities for guests to enjoy. Book here.
9.) Rosemary Inn Bed & Breakfast–Grab your sweetheart and escape for a romantic getaway for two at Rosemary Inn Bed & Breakfast in North Augusta, South Carolina. This show-stopping 1902 mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the home of James U. Jackson, the founder of North Augusta. The estate echoes with elegance with its six guest rooms, period furnishings and hospitality center. ILoveInns.com listed the Rosemary Inn Bed & Breakfast as one of the “Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels of 2012.” Book here.
10.) Lookaway Inn–For over a century, Lookaway has nobly stood overlooking the historic town center of North Augusta, South Carolina. This historic Southern mansion is a classic Beaux-Arts jewel from the 1800s. Guests enjoy large, elegant bedrooms, private bathrooms and landscaped courtyard and gardens. Book here.
11.) General Elliot Inn–This contemporary Queen Anne-style home sits on three acres, overlooking playful thoroughbreds in Aiken County, South Carolina. Settle in for a peaceful respite away from the daily hustle. The inn has three guest rooms and a two-bedroom cottage that will make you feel at home. Treat your palate to a gourmet breakfast in the morning, snacks and wine in the afternoon and fine dining for both lunch in dinner. Children and pets are welcome in the cottage. Book here.
12.) Annie’s Inn–Get out of the work weeds and step into high cotton at Annie’s Inn in Monmorenci, South Carolina. This unique bed and breakfast is housed in a pre-Civil War, Greek Revival style plantation home. Guest rooms each have private baths and include a full country breakfast. Guest cottages are beautifully designed to blend in the old architecture while offering modern amenities. While it may be tough to leave your beautiful room or cottage, the outdoor porches and stunning pool, surrounded by cotton fields, are more than enough to entice soaking in the country air. Book here.
13.) Carolina Oaks Bed & Breakfast–Unplug at this 1905 Victorian home, Carolina Oaks Bed & Breakfast, in the heart of North Augusta, South Carolina, complete with a cozy wrap-around porch and beautiful interiors. Get out of bed with ease as a made-to-order breakfast by a certified chef awaits you each morning. Book here.
14.) Claridge House–Feel right at home at the Claridge House in Wagener, South Carolina. This bed and breakfast boasts three lovely porches and four bedrooms, each with its own fireplace. Savor a hot breakfast each morning, then grab a book from the cozy library and curl up with a hot cup of tea. Book here.
15.) Ehrhardt Hall Bed & Breakfast Inn–Check your problems at the door at Ehrhardt Hall Bed & Breakfast Inn in Ehrhardt, South Carolina. This beautifully restored plantation mansion has six guests rooms, all with private baths, fireplaces and TVs. Close to Rivers Bridge State Historic Site, learn tales of the past during your stay. Get adventurous by hunting or fishing nearby. At the end of the day, retire to the Inn’s pool under the stars. Book here.
16.) 208 Abbeville Bed & Breakfast–Combine a city and country getaway at 208 Abbeville Bed & Breakfast in downtown Aiken. Indulge in a tranquil stroll in the 2.5-acre garden, rock the day away on front porch and then step out into the town where restaurants, shops and culture abound. Book here.
If You Go
Soak in the scenes of rural America by visiting The Jim Harrison Gallery in Denmark, South Carolina. The gallery celebrates the renowned late artist by hosting “Jim Harrison Retrospective,” which opened February 10, 2018 and will run until March 15, 2018. Get a glimpse into the life and work of the beloved Southern artist who preserved small town America throughout his career.
In this special show, “Jim Harrison Retrospective,” visitors will have the opportunity to view images from Jim Harrison’s earliest days as an artist, through his more recent works, and learn the story of his journey as an artist. Jim Harrison passed away in June 2016, but his legacy lives on through his extraordinary works. For more information, visit www.JimHarrison.com, 1-800-793-5796.