“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson
What a gem we found today. Hopeland Gardens is a hidden secret in
Aiken, SC and has 14 beautifully landscaped acres. There are
curving paths where you can walk under 100 year old oak trees, large
magnolia trees, and magnificent deodar cedars. We loved looking at
the variety of trees and plant specimens as we walked the peaceful
pathways. The gardens are accented with azaleas and other
magnificent plants. The garden enticed us to go on and see more and
more as every turn brought something even more spectacular. The
reflecting pond and fountains are very grand and a joy to see. There
is a venue area for weddings and parties has a lovely bridge going
over the stream and a large pond that has huge Koi and Kaolin
swimming around. They all came up to the surface when we came near
them. They were very active and all different colors. What a
wonderful place to get married or just take family pictures. We
passed only a couple of people while walking around the gardens on
this beautiful day. Also on this property is the doll house which
was a playhouse and school room for their children. What a treasure
this place is and well worth a visit.
This land prior to 1897 was part of a farm. On March 10,1897 this
property was deeded to C. Oliver Iselin. He was one of he greatest
American Yachtsmen winning six American Cup races. He married his
second wife, Hope Goddard who was the first woman to serve as a part
of a crew on the America's Cup yacht and was also very much an
equestrian. She was known as “the great lady of racing.” She
was also into gardening and put her heart into these gardens. She
personally planted the Oaks and the deodar cedars. She took care of
the caring for and managing the stables into her 90's till she passed
away at a ripe old age of 102 in 1970. At that time she gave the
city of Aiken the garden to be enjoyed by all.
We went to the delightful town of Aiken and walked around looking at
the antique shops and unique stores. I particularly enjoyed
Cyndi's Candy Shop and seeing all the old fashioned candy's I
remembered as a child. It brought back so many memories. What a
blast from the past. www.cyndissweetshoppe.com.
There are many good places to eat and get a drink but when we asked
for a good place to eat lunch, we were told to try Betsy's on the
Corner. The locals were correct and it was a lovely dinner style
restaurant that serves wonderful sandwiches, burgers, and shakes.
We enjoyed our meal and the waitresses were all very nice and do a
great job. We left there full and “grinin' like a possum eatin' a
sweet tater.” I recommend this highly. www.betsysonthecorner.com.
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