Home + Design

Dogwood Construction

Building Custom Homes Through Commitment and Trust Article by Ashley Elvis | Photography by Meghann Padgett Photography & Film Started in 2012 by owner and general contractor, David Hopkins, and his wife and designer, Carole Ann, Dogwood Construction has made its place in Aiken as one of the best. Hopkins began his career building barns but the company has evolved to also focus on custom-built and designed homes in the area. This husband/wife team provides an amazing support system throughout...

Home + Design

Greig McCully and Fireside

Luxury Kitchen Experiences Focused on Quality Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Greig McCully In the realm of culinary craftsmanship, Greig McCully has carved out a niche for himself as the visionary owner of Fireside, a business that has evolved from specializing in outdoor kitchens to becoming the prominent player in the indoor kitchen arena. Established with a commitment to excellence, Fireside has not only thrived but has set new standards for luxury and quality in the world of...

Life + Culture

Death Be Still

A New Novel by Local Author David Wolman Article by Shelby Mayer | Photography by Carolyn Dawn McAvoy Every once in a while, you run across a person who has seemingly packed a hundred lives into one single lifetime. Local author David Wolman is one of those people. Here in Aiken, David was known for many years as a Physician Assistant in emergency medicine at Aiken Regional. But most of the patients who passed through had no idea that David also led a “secret” life as a successful novelist. ...

Home Services

From Clutter to Calm

Decluttering Strategies for a Stress-Free Home Article by Shelby Mayer | Photography by Scott Webster In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, our homes often bear the brunt of the hectic schedules we keep. Living in a cluttered and disorganized space can cause anxiety, stress and a constant sense of overwhelm. It's time to transform your living space from a disarray of belongings to a sanctuary of tranquility. Join us as we explore some decluttering strategies to create a stress-free home...

Home + Design

Head into a Sustainable Spring

Helpful Tips for a Sustainable Garden Article by Kate Van Cantfort | Photography by Provided Plant native wildflowers from seed or starts . A great beginner goal to help declining bird and pollinator populations and beautify your garden is to have 30% of your yard host wildflowers. Get comfortable with worms. The famous fish bait, red wigglers, are hugely beneficial to your lawn, flower beds and gardens. You can add worms to your soil, begin a small worm farm or add worm poop, aka worm...

Arts + Culture

Field of Dreams

The Aiken Steeplechase Association Has Big Plans for Community Facility Article by Jessica Miller | Photography by AP Gouge Photography Steeplechase racing in Aiken is a time-honored tradition that dates back to the 1930s. Despite its growth over the years, the event's pageantry, family traditions, fashion and atmosphere have remained constant, attracting patrons year after year. Not only does this event bring people together and provide a sense of shared history and tradition, but it also...

Home + Design

Elevating Your Home Garden

Grass Roots Yard Supply Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Gayle Bryan & Provided In Graniteville, South Carolina, there’s a haven blooming for plant enthusiasts and budding gardeners alike. Grass Roots Yard Supply is owned and curated by the community favorite Ryan Williams, affectionately known as the “Plant Nerd” by his loyal customers. A local gem, this garden supply store goes beyond the ordinary, boasting multiple greenhouses that showcase a diverse array of plants, both outdoor...

Arts + Culture

The Art of Orchestration

A Maestro’s Perspective on Creating a Symphony Article by Nikita Hanif | Photography by Gordon Humphries In the world of classical music, the symphony conductor plays a pivotal role in shaping and bringing to life the rich tapestry of sound that is a symphony performance. Renowned conductor, Scott Weiss, has a career spanning decades and an impressive repertoire of performances leading orchestras worldwide. He graciously shared his insights into the intricate process of creating a symphony...

Food + Beverage

For the Love of Chocolate

Bebbette Smith Brings Authentic Belgium Chocolate to Aiken Article by Ashley Elvis | Photography by Gayle Bryan After years of bringing chocolates back to the States from Belgium, Bebette Smith, owner of La Bonbonniere, decided to learn how to make her own, and Aiken is glad she did! Smith was born and raised in Belgium. She met Larry, her husband and then army brat, at a local pool in her hometown, and by 1972 they were married. Smith followed her military husband to wherever he was...

Health + Wellness

Oaks at Aiken

Take a Peek Inside Aiken's Newest Senior Living Facility Article by Shelby Mayer | Photography by Meghann Padgett When you hear the words "retirement home,” you might not tend to think of state-of-the-art facilities, customized dining experiences or luxurious amenities. But that’s exactly what you’ll find when you visit Oaks at Aiken, and it’s why the community stands out from the crowd in the world of assisted living. Oaks at Aiken is the newest location for Oaks Senior Living, a family-owned...