SC has 2 of the cutest Christmas towns in the South, according to Southern Living. Here’s why
Two South Carolina cities have been named cutest Christmas towns in the South by Southern Living.
Of 18 cities listed, Aiken was No.14 and Rock Hill No. 15.
The top city was Searcy, Arkansas, which has lights in all city parks, an illuminated replica of the county courthouse, decked out storefronts, carriage rides, a drive-through living Nativity, and letters to Santa collected at businesses.
Aiken was recognized for a 24-foot singing tree, 1,000 luminaries lining downtown, decorated trees at the visitor’s center and Christmas in Hopelands, where more than 2 miles of live-oak shaded pathways on the 14-area estate are lit with 100,000 lights.
A public garden opened on the estate in 1968 after Hope Iselin left the property to the city of Aiken.
Her husband C. Oliver Iselin, a banker and yachtsman, bought the property in 1897 for $1,650. The couple used it as a winter home.
Hope was the first American woman to compete as a crew member in the America’s Cup yacht race and owned thoroughbred race horses.
He died in 1932 and she died at age 102 in 1970.
Southern Living also encouraged visitors to visit The Willcox, a historic hotel that has decorated trees in guest rooms, cookies-and-milk door service, and an elf tuck-in for kids.
Then there is the Hoofbeats Christmas Parade, formerly known as Hoofbeats & Christmas Carols Parade, which begins at 2 p.m. Dec. 15.
Aiken is known for its equestrian roots, and as the name suggests that is the basis for the downtown parade. Nothing motorized is in the parade — horses come first, then dogs and their walkers.
Jim Tunison, president and CEO of the Aiken Chamber, told The State, “Being named a Southern Living Christmas town confirms what we’ve known and felt to be true all along; If you want to experience a Hallmark Christmas, visit Aiken.”
He said the Christmas vibe is the work of many.
“It takes the whole community to pull this off,” he said.
Among them, volunteers, merchants, the city, Aiken Downtown Development Association, and Aiken County.
“Our community spirit shines brightest during the holiday season,” he said
Artist Vernon Grant, who lived in Rock Hill before he died in 1990, figured in a big way in the community’s inclusion on Southern Living’s list.
“Step into the whimsical world of artist Vernon Grant — Rock Hill’s self-proclaimed “adopted son” best known for his popular Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Snap, Crackle, and Pop illustrations,” the magazine said.
Old Town Rock Hill turns into ChristmasVille Dec. 5-Dec. 8, featuring a holiday village and outdoor art festival.
There’s a Gnome Home experience for kids to “dress up, make themed crafts, enjoy story time, and jump on inflatables in Grant’s Playland,” the magazine said.
Grant drew his first gnome when he was 7 years old, hence the festival’s mascot, Grant the Gnome.
Rock Hill also has a holiday vendor market, a month-long skating rink, and a walk-through exhibit of Vernon Grant’s work in the Arts Council.
“Don’t miss the ChristmasVille Spiced Flavored Rum at Sleeping Giant Distillery or the custom ChristmasVille coffee blend from Knowledge Perk,” Southern Living said.
Other towns on Southern Living’s list are, in order, Georgetown in Washington, D.C.; Milford, Delaware; Apalachicola, Florida; Marco Island, Florida; Cartersville, Georgia; Danville, Kentucky; Lutcher, Louisiana; Cullman, Alabama; Canton, Mississippi; Warrensburg, Missouri; Hendersonville, North Carolina; Cary, North Carolina; Bristol, Tennessee; Richmond, Texas; and Bluefield, West Virginia.
