Happy weekend, Aiken! In today’s happening-today edition: Nuclear fuel storage upgrades, a proposed hospitality tax hike, and Juneteenth + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Site upgrades completed: At Savannah River Site near Aiken, crews replaced an exhausted resin and completed upgrades, improving basin water quality and making used nuclear fuel storage safer, more efficient, and more reliable -- see the site upgrades.
Proposed tax increase ahead: Aiken is considering doubling the hospitality tax from 1% to 2%, potentially funding a soccer complex with Aiken Futbol Club, plus projects like a hotel garage and more pickleball courts -- check the tax proposal.
Youth event with resources: Teen Summer Jam will be July 18 at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center. Registration for 8th–12th graders is open through July 10. Current school ID required -- get the registration details.
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Your outdoor reset: Camp Long has been the Aiken go-to since 1933, with 400+ acres of lakefront woods, a 35-foot climbing tower, giant swing, and paddleboards when it’s hot. Round up your crew this week for a church retreat, professional development day, or group getaway in climate‑controlled cabins without leaving town.
Your midweek mulligan: If your week’s a little knotted, sneak a golf break at Palmetto Golf Club right here in Aiken and let your brain exhale between tee shots. Quiet fairways, crisp greens, and just enough challenge to make that one pure strike feel like a personality reboot.
Local seafood, elevated: Park Avenue Oyster Bar & Grill is that downtown spot you hit when the seafood itch strikes, shucking boutique oysters, creative plates, and solid-from-the-grill steaks in a casual bistro vibe. Seasonal menus and a legit raw bar make it an easy weeknight win or lingering date-night upgrade.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🧺 Aiken County Farmers Market @ Aiken County Farmers Market | Saturday (6/20) at 7:30 AM – Whether you grew up shelling beans or just want tomatoes that taste like August, this historic Aiken market has the goods. Listed on the Aiken Historic Register, expect corn, beans, fruit, baked treats, plus local meats, cheeses, and the pleasant inevitability of neighborly gossip.
❄ Cold Creek: Chillin’ & Grillin’ @ Cold Creek Nurseries | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Father’s Day calls for low-stress vibes at Cold Creek Nursery, with backyard inspiration, great flavors, and all the summer feels. Let Dad retire his grill-sergeant act for an afternoon, wander the plants, and taste something he didn’t have to babysit.
🚶 Summer Stroll in Downtown @ Downtown Aiken | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats a summer wander through Downtown Aiken, where the shops are lively, the sidewalks friendly, and the AC breaks plentiful. Grab a friend, stroll, browse, and pretend it counts as cardio. Sun, small-town charm, and a few impulse buys, guaranteed.
✊ Juneteenth @ Founders Park | Saturday (6/20) at 11:00 AM – Juneteenth is serving history and joy, with moving speeches, stellar performances, and food that tastes like recipes your neighbor refuses to share. Kid-friendly art, music, and community, no small talk required. Think family reunion energy you actually look forward to, then stay awhile.
🪟 Intro to Stained Glass @ O'Sullyside Studio | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Swap doomscrolling for stained glass, where you’ll learn design, cutting, copper foiling, and soldering without torching your dignity. Make one beginner project with the instructor’s guidance, enjoy the hum of grown-up shop class. It’s $100, materials included, and spots are limited.
🎷 Joye In Aiken: Jazz Explosion @ Etherredge Center | Sunday (6/21) at 3:00 PM – Take a break from the usual patio chatter and let Joye in Aiken kick off Summer Jazz Camp with a high-octane set from its five stellar faculty. Real swing, real chops, and your music algorithm can sit this one out.
🤠 Aiken Pro Rodeo @ Western Carolina Fairgrounds | Sunday (6/21) at 4:00 PM – Aiken Pro Rodeo is back at the Western Carolina State Fairgrounds, bringing bulls, broncs, and the kind of dust that makes your laundry sigh. Expect barrel racing and prime people watching. Cheer when the hat flies, grab a lemonade, and call it quality time. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Aiken report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 68°F — Precip: 2%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Northeast wind 1 to 7 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. West wind around 1 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 91°F — Low: 72°F — Precip: 15%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 1 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%. This house is wildThis 4-bed, 3.5-bath home in The Reserve at Woodside pairs polished golf course views with classic Southern charm. A rocking chair front porch, tray ceilings, coffered details, and built-ins add character throughout, while the granite-and-stainless kitchen and spa-style primary suite keep things refined. A screened porch and stone patio finish it beautifully.
Take a peek inside → |
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