It's a Natural
Hike through the largest urban forest in the United States or let the ivy lined footpaths of a local garden carry you to another time.

Book a room at a hunting lodge and enjoy hunting, fishing, trail riding or sporting clays.

Listen for the area's abundant wildlife as you paddle the Edisto River, the longest free-flowing blackwater river in the United States.

Take in the local flora and fauna at the Audubon sanctuary or a heritage preserve.

Ponder over the unusual phenomenon known as a Carolina Bay.

Explore the grounds of the four state parks that dot the area.

Make an appointment to visit the Agricultural Heritage Center near Blackville, which will give you a better understanding of the agricultural fields that paint the landscape.

Escape
Thoroughbred Country is the ideal location for a weekend getaway. Escape into the beautiful scenery of the region where you can enjoy caneoing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching, hunting, fishing and more.

Unearth History
Volunteers are helping to uncover history at the Paleo-Indian Expedition in Allendale County. Sponsored by the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, the expedition is excavating ancient archaeological sites associated with prehistoric chert quarries.

Traditional beliefs are that the first people arrived about 12,000 years ago (Clovis era) by foot, and were the ancestors of today's Native Americans. Excavations in Allendale are Yielding evidence that is giving credence to the theory that humans populated North American 3,000 years before previously thought.

Anyone interested in participating in this effort is eligible to register for one or more weeks of excavation during the season.

Charming Invitation
Old fashioned ice cream parlors, delightful downtown districts, South Carolina's only drive-in movie theater, local museums, home town festivals, an old fashioned five and dime complete with hardwood floors, friendly smiles and so much more make Thoroughbred Country's small towns an inviting place to be.

Folks Love to Horse Around
Here in Thoroughbred Country folks love to horse around. The whole area, a portion of the old Barnwell District, was known for raising thoroughbred horses after the Revolutionary War and thus has been popular for quite a while with thoroughbred-racing fans.

During March, the City of Aiken celebrates the horse with three weekends of horse racing known as the Triple Crown. These races include trials, steeple chasing and harness racing. Polo matches also begin in March. These games are played at local polo fields such as Whitney Field which has the distinction of having the longest continuous period of play of any field in the country.

The Hippodrome, located in North Augusta, is the site of many events including barrel shows, team penning and cutting shows. Other equestrian events, such as rodeos and organized rides, are also scheduled around the region.

Trail riding and horse camping are popular at Lakeview Plantation in Allendale County. With 140 campsites and 60 miles of groomed trails it's easy to see why.

Doin' What They Love
The owner of the Little Red Barn and the proprietors of Montmorenci Vineyards have a few things in common. They are small business owners and they love their work.

At the Little Red Barn, you'll discover many handcrafted items, such as soap and quilts, which were created by local artisans. Here you will also find owner Liz Ringus and her face jugs. It has been suggested that alcohol was kept in these jugs with the curious faces to prevent children from drinking it. Liz enjoys throwing these face jugs as well as her trademark Paw Print Pottery.

At Montmorenci Vineyards, you can find the best of both worlds. Although Montmorenci Vineyards didn't make their first wine until 1990, James Achille de Caradeuc, a descendant of French noblemen, introduced grape vines, from France, to the area in the 1800's. Montmorenci Vineyards is well aware of those 'roots' and produces their wine the old fashioned way, without the aid of machinery. This process allows for a slower fermentation that holds the flavor. As a result, 12 of the 13 wines produced here have won international awards.

Legendary
Legends surround several of the attractions in Barnwell County. The town earned the nickname of "Burnwell" from Sherman's troops. While much was torched, the Church of the Holy Apostles was spared because it was used as a stable for Union horses. The altar window, which depicts the entire doctrine of the Christian church, was taken out and buried before Sherman's troops arrived. The hiding place proved to be a good one.

The story of the Healing Springs, located near Blackville, dates back to the 1700's when Indians believed in the healing power of the springs. Natives of the area still claim the waters as a cure-all for "what ails ya."

 The unique vertical sundial in Barnwell is believed to be the only one of its kind in the United States. Although erected two years prior to Standard Time, the sundial keeps within two minutes of that.

Delicate Preserved
Thoroughbred Country delicately blends the past and the present to offer its best to you.

The region claims both Revolutionary and Civil War battle sites, grave sites, occupied homes and churches. Several National Register historic districts such as Graniteville Historic District, Bamberg Historic District and Vaucluse Historic District dot the map. In addition to these districts, there are also many individual properties listed on the National Register.

Historical markers, churches and cemeteries of the past, local museums and guided tours help tell the vibrant history of Thoroughbred Country.

A Favorite Detour
To those who have never been it's a mystery. Why do people venture off the beaten path of the Interstate just to stop in Blackville? A stop at Miller's Bread Basket will be your first clue as to why this place is so popular. Work up an appetite with a round of mini-golf. After dining on a delicious Southern Mennonite meal, be sure to browse through the adjacent Miller's Mini Mall. Here you will find a little bit of everything including homemade bread.

This town is also host to Parrott's on L'Artigue where you'll find costumes, antiques and uniques. If you would like to know more about the Mennonite culture or the town's Civil War History, then let a step-on guide from Blackville Historical Tours show you around town.

A stop at the Agricultural Heritage Center will educate you on the agricultural heritage of the area. Be sure to make an appointment. Don't leave without a drink from the Healing Springs whose waters are believed to cure "what ails ya."

Come out and Play
There's more to Thoroughbred Country than just history and beautiful scenery. The area also offers many opportunities to come out and play! 

Tee off at one of several championship caliber courses. Notables such as Ellis Maples, Jim Fazio, Arthur Hill, Bob Cupp, Joe Lee and Rees Jones have designed our courses. Public and semi-private courses include Aiken Golf Club, Bogeyville Golf Club, Cedar Creek Golf Club, Houndslake Country Club, Midland Valley Country Club and The River Golf Club. Further out in the region enjoy Paw Paw Country Club in Bamberg and Sweetwater Country Club in Barnwell. Both of these boast 18 holes and serene settings. From rolling hills and creeks to stately pines and beautiful landscapes, the scenery of Thoroughbred Country's golf courses is indisputably some of the best in the state.

The area's four state parks and abundance of local parks also provide many opportunities. Enjoy picnic facilities, walking trails, a canoe trail, playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, fishing and boating. 

It's race time at Cooterfest and the annual Lobster Races. Join the folks in Allendale County in the spring for Cooterfest and watch the turtles race. If you aren't much for turtles, then join the folks in downtown Aiken to watch the lobsters race. More racing can be found on Langley Pond, a premier rowing venue and the only Olympic sized course in South Carolina. 

The Town of Ehrhardt invites you to take part in its annual Schuetzenfest, held in August. This festival promises fun and fellowship as the town celebrates its German history and hospitality.

Experience the way things used to be and the way they still are at the Old Time Horse Farmers Gathering in Blackville. Held every September, this event showcases the agricultural heritage of Blackville and the surrounding areas.