What:  22nd Annual Holiday Homes Tour Hosted by:  Aiken Choral Society Date: Saturday, Dec. 11 Time:  begins at 4pm - CLOSES AT 7pm Map Pick-up - after 3:30pm at the Aiken County Historical Museum. Tickets: $10. More info: 803.439-0083. This is NOT a walking tour!     Happy Holidays!        Enjoy the tour!!     I wasn't born here but Aiken sure feels like home. Come see for yourself! What are you waiting for?! Kara Casamassina, The Carolina Real Estate Company, 333 Park Avenue SW, Aiken SC 29801 803.648.8660 12/06/2010

Night of 1000 Lights is truly ONE of THE PRETTIEST evenings in Downtown Aiken, SC.   Pictures can't do it justice - you have to see it, feel it, live it, be part of it, enjoy it :)            Downtown is aglow - the streets lined with luminaries.  Sponsoring businesses will be open late for holiday shopping, there will be food, festivities and even SANTA will be in town!!  More Info: 803.649.2221   Come enjoy Downtown Aiken during the Night of 1000 Lights -  say hello if you see me!   Give us a call when  you are ready to move South :)    Kara Casamassina, The Carolina Real Estate Company - Historic Aiken SC - 803.648.8660        www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com 12/06/2010

What:  Christmas in Hopelands!                                         Hopelands  Gardens will once again be beautifully illuminated for all to enjoy!  Stroll thru the gardens and enjoy the holiday displays - thousands and thousands of lights!!     Be sure to visit the Doll House, Carriage House and the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame Museum :)   Where:  Hopelands Gardens - near the corner of Whiskey/Dupree Hours:  weekends: 5:30pm - 9:30pm    weekdays: 6pm-9:30pm Dates:  WEEKEND DATES: Dec. 11, 12, 18, 19 and 26    (5:30pm-9:30pm)                WEEKDAY DATES:  Dec. 16, 17, 20, 21, 22 and 23 (6pm-9:30pm) Refreshments offered :)    (hot cocoa, spiced cider, cookies...!!!!)   No charge to attend this event!  Children MUST be accompanied by an adult. More Info: Call 642-7631 or visit:  ... 12/06/2010

CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW! What:  Aiken Christmas Craft showWhere: Odell Weeks Center, Whiskey RoadWhen: December 3rd and 4thMore Info: 803.642.7631 The annual Aiken Christmas Craft Show will run from 9 to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4, with vendors from all over the Southeast displaying their handmade treasures.       Come support the community and buy a fresh made wreath for your door from the local high school!! See you there!!---------------------------------------     Buying or selling property in Aiken?  Hire a professional!!   Call The Carolina Real Estate Company - 333 Park Avenue Sw, Aiken SC 29801.  www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com     12/04/2010

HOLLY DAYS IN AIKEN!!   What: A holiday event with something for EVERYONE!!   When:  Saturday, December 4, 2010.   Where: Downtown Aiken!   Hosted by:  Aiken Downtown Development Association     Participating Businesses include:  Aiken Antique Mall, Aiken Center for the Arts, Aiken Community Playhouse, Birds & Butterflies, Desserves, Equine Divine, Lionel Smith Ltd., MB Jewelry & Beads, Tea Garden Gifts, PowerCuts Salon & Spa and Vinya's. Visit Downtown Aiken on Saturday for our Holly Days! Activities for this event include gingerbread decorating, door prizes, in-store promotions, pictures with Santa Claus and more.   See you there! WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.   MERRY CHRISTMAS Give us a call for your real estate needs :)   Kara Casamassina, The Carolina Real Estat... 12/04/2010

  What:  Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting - hosted by Mayor Fred Cavanaugh                                                                               When:  6:30pm. Friday, December 3, 2010 Where:  Downtown Aiken, at the intersection of Richland Ave and Laurens Street -- THAT'S WHERE THE TREE IS!! Who:   ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!! Cost:  FREE!!!!   (children must be accompanied by an adult, though) More Info:  803-642.7631                                                             Come join us Friday for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Downtown Aiken.   The ceremony will be led by Mayor Fred Cavanaugh, with music, refreshments, singing carols, candle lighting and a countdown to the lighting of the tree :)   Even a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus!!                  ... 12/01/2010

That's right!  This weekend is the 19th Renewal of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase.  Between 8,000-10,000 people are expected to turn out Saturday for tailgating at the races :)  It's another Aiken social event!  You need to experience it first hand, come on down :)         HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Here's the schedule of events :) Friday, October 29, 2010Fall Fete "Twilight In Transylvania"7 p.m. Ford Conger FieldDinner and DancingIndividual tickets are $90Table of eight is $720 (ten is $900)             Saturday, October 30, 201019th Running of the Aiken Fall SteeplechaseFeaturing the Budweiser Holiday Cup 9:30 AM:    Gates Open10:00 AM:   Village of Shops Open11:00 AM:   Guarantor Tent Party Starts1:00 PM:    First Race1:15 PM:    Carriage Parade1:30 PM:    Second Race2:00 PM:    Third Race 2:30... 10/27/2010

Call today to tour these beautiful NEW UPSCALE condominiums located in historic downtown Aiken, South Carolina :) AIKEN - THE PLACE TO RETIRE!!  (MONEY MAGAZINE SAYS SO!)   and so does Boomer Living.com ! Are you..or anyone you know... looking for a vacation get-away to use and to rent?  A winter retreat? A full-time residence?... IN SUNNY SOUTH CAROLINA!     Low property taxes, friendly people, warm moderate climate with all four seasons!    No lawn to mow - no stalls to muck!!  Bring your horse and take advantage of our many equestrian facilities located nearby, including in our famed Hitchcock Woods.    Did you notice the beautiful green parkway out front? Downtown Aiken has over 176 Downtown parkways, which total 15+ miles in length and are home to over 150 tree species.  Each parkw... 10/19/2010

I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome fellow Realtor, Alex Tyrteos to The Carolina Company.  Alex joined our team of top producers recently.  check out his website:  http://www.farmfieldplantation.com/index.html     and check out his awesome property 'Farmfield Plantation' -- stalls and apartment available for rent - even a polo field!  Give Alex a call for more info on this equestrian rental:  203-249-3071.                     Welcome to the neighborhood Alex - wishing you happiness and success :)     Kara Casamassina - The Carolina Real Estate Company - 333 Park Ave SW - Aiken SC 29801 803-648-8660 I wasn't born in Aiken, but it sure feels like home!  Come see for yourself!  What are you waiting for?  :)   Give me a call if you have any questions about Aiken :)   10/18/2010

Aiken SC is an equestrians dream city, with many options available for equestrians of all disciplines :)      Little horse farm, or a sprawling ranch - what's your dream?      Just looking for some land right now to build on in the future?  Buy your land now - with no time limit on building.  (no minimum square footage requirements either! Build the house YOU want, not want someone else wants you to have!)    - then consider Three Runs Plantation!                            Want to be able to ride right off of your property and onto a trail system? ....with over 30 miles of trails, and picnic areas along the way! -- then consider Three Runs Plantation!    Do you like the idea of having 3 schooling arenas that you don't have to maintain!!    An awesome clubhouse  and outdoor pavilion for... 10/11/2010

  The view from my downtown office - in historic Aiken, SC :)   Park Ave - Downtown Aiken.   The beautiful grassy parkway you see is one of 176+ in downtown Aiken! We ARE Aiken's Horse People...selling Aiken's Horse Properties...what else would we have but black, 4-board fencing around our parking lot!- -- and beautiful landscaping with blooms all throughout the year :)   across the parkway is a beautiful 'nearly new' three unit high-rise town home.      Ready to come see what Aiken is all about?  Give me a call for answers to your questions!   Be sure to let me know you saw my blog :)   For all your real estate needs - buying/selling/investing....   residential/land/commercial/industrial/multi-family....  we do it ALL!   Horse property - farms - estates - luxury property - rental inves... 07/23/2010

Free concert every Monday night in the summer - at Hopelands Gardens.  (in case of rain - concerts are held at the Odell-Weeks Activity Center) Here's the next couple of concerts you can enjoy  -  FOR FREE!!!    nothing beats live music :)                           July 26Mike Frost Trio August  2Ft. Gordon Dixieland Band August  9Aiken Brass  Concerts start at 7pm, and end around 8pm.  Bring a blanket or chair...even a picnic dinner can be enjoyed while listening to the performance.  Feel like dancing?? Get up and do it!!  Enjoy!   Say hi if you see me:)   FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOPELANDS GARDENS AND IT'S HISTORY:  http://www.cityofaikensc.gov/index.php?page=hopelands_gardens   Give me a call if you need any real estate assistance.  Our affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies o... 07/22/2010

Things are moving right along at the Park Place Condos!  Matt and Shane from TKE have been here installing the elevator! I can't wait to take a ride in it :)   (a few more inspections, etc...and it will be ready to go) Did you notice the beautiful green parkway out front? Downtown Aiken has over 176 Downtown parkways, which total 15+ miles in length and are home to over 150 tree species.  Each parkway is unique, with flowers, plants, lush grass, shrubs, trees, sitting areas, water features and other greenery. Only in Aiken!  What's not to love? Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity cabinets are being installed - moving right along with appliances - painting is in progress - landscaping has begun (loving the two palm trees flanking the building!) Here's some info on the property: New Resi... 07/22/2010

There's still time to enjoy the Hopelands Gardens Summer Concert Series! Every Monday night (7pm) in the summer you can enjoy a free concert at Hopelands Gardens.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair :)   Here's what's left to enjoy this summer:   June 28Preston and Weston featuring Sandra Simmons July 6US Marine Corp Band-Parris Island Marine July 12Angela Easterling July 19Mellow-D July 26Mike Frost Trio August  2Ft. Gordon Dixieland Band August  9Aiken Brass August 16Aiken Big Band August 23South Boundary August 30Aiken Community Band (6:30 p.m.) A shuttle service from the Goodwill Parking Lot on Whiskey Road will run on July 6 for the US Marine Corp Band -  Parris Island performance.  For more information about the shuttle service, please call 803-642-7650. The Hopelands Summer Concert Se... 06/24/2010

That's right - it's just about beach blast time!!   For the past (I dont' know how many) years, downtown Aiken is converted into a beach, complete with sand, beach music and shagging!  For those who don't know - the shag is our state dance :) Here's the deal: What:   Downtown After 6 - Beach Blast When:   Thursday, Jun 17, 2010 Time:   6:30 PM - 10:30 PM   Where:  Newberry Street Festival area The Newberry Street Fesitval area turns into a beach - come get your toes in the sand :) Most Downtown merchants will be open for after 6 shopping from 6:30-8:30 with special offers -  then at 8:30 begins the shagging in the sand on Newberry 'Beach'!                                For More Info: 803. 649.2221 (Aiken Downtown Development Association) See y'all there!  :)     Give me a call if you n... 06/07/2010

Celebrity Waiter night is upon us!  (always the Monday after Mother's Day) This has been an Aiken event for many years - raising money for Children's Place.                                                   May 10th-Come out for dinner and show your support for Children's Place! Several area restaurants participate in this event - opening their doors on a Monday night (usually the one night of the week these hard-working restaurant folks are closed) for our local 'celebrities' to take over hosting, serving and entertaining the customers for more and more tips :)    All of the tips go to Children's Place.  A portion of the meal price goes to them as well.   It's amazing what they will do for tips :)     Last year this one event raised over $60,000 for Children's Place.  Thank You to our ... 05/01/2010

The Aiken Spring Fling Dressage Show was held April 17-18 at Highfields Equestrian Center. This is one of five recognized dressage shows held in Aiken every year. Please come and visit Aiken, and see what all of the talk is about! The dates for the next three dressage shows in Aiken are May 29-30, September 4-5 and December 4-5. Thank You for your interest in Aiken, SC... Jack Roth, Listing Agent for Three Runs Plantation Website: www.jackrothhomes.com Email: jack@threerunsplantation.com Cell: 803-341-8787 ©2010 Jack Roth @ Carolina Real Estate Company | 333 Park Ave. SW Aiken SC 29801 Powered by Mad Mimi® 04/27/2010

Yaaaay!!!  My favorite time of year is here :)    Time for the Strawberry Festival!! When: Saturday, April 24, 2010 Where:  Greenville Street at Mead Hall - Downtown Aiken Time: 10am - 3pm -   GET THERE EARLY!!    (the homemade strawberry ice cream is THE BEST!!) Admission:  FREE!!!! More Info: 803-644-1122.                                                     Ready to move to the Aiken area?  Give us a call!    The Carolina Real Estate Company. 803-648-8660  (be sure to let us know you saw my blog!) Enjoy the weekend!       ----I wasn't born here but Aiken sure feels like home.  Come see for yourself!  What are you waiting for? 04/22/2010

This year is Aiken's 175th Birthday, and there are events going on all year long to 'Celebrate Aiken' :)      for more information you can visit the official 'Celebrate Aiken' website .                     Here's a list of the events happening April - June :)   (courtesy of the 'Celebrate Aiken' website) ART, EDUCATION AND ENTERTAINMENT (April - June) Events created especially for Celebrate Aiken! Artist Jim Harrison "Scenes of Aiken" Exhibition with Opening Reception: Harrison has created an official Celebrate Aiken! poster plus 20 new originals of local scenes. A reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. April 1, at the Aiken Center for the Arts. Harrison's retrospective work also will be displayed there through May 8.  Free admission. Contact Kristin Brown at (803) 641-9094. Earth Day ... 04/15/2010

It's no wonder that NAR says that, "90% of all buyers used the internet to search." We have seen this first hand, and especially over the last few months. When people relocate to other states, it's a long distance move. These people usually start by researching the city on the Internet. More times than not, they find one of our 1,100+ relocation websites. If they're serious, they'll request help in a possible home purchase. Due to a very large demand, we need a Buyer's Agent in Aiken that is able to assist these prospective home buyers. These families and individuals are wanting assistance from a Realtor, and if you would like to get in contact with them, we need to talk soon. Time is of the essence, and we only need 1 Realtor to be able to contact these people. We NEVER send people to ... 04/13/2010