Hopelands Gardens — Attraction in Aiken County

I love this park. It's almost magical. There are paths you can walk along with bench's to sit along, or you can sit in some shaded areas in the grass, if needed. The plaques, throughout the park, have Braille and the maze area has one you can trace a long with your finger (my blind nephew enjoyed that a lot several years ago).

The last time I visited, there was a large family having photos done and several other small groups having them done throughout the park. No biggy though, it's a beautiful area and there is enough area to walk around, but very hard to get lost. There were people having a picnic, others reading books, some listening to music, and some (like my husband and I) just having a stroll.

I think in the summer and/or fall they have musicians come out to play in the theater area. I've never been when this was happening though.

In the winter (before Christmas) they put a lot of lights and displays out and you can walk the park at night until a certain time. It's very lovely.

Oh, and did I mention it's a free park to visit? Well it is. Go and visit, if...

Wow, the Hopelands Gardens are absolutely beautiful! I decided to do some wandering around Aiken, SC this weekend, and it didn't disappoint. Aiken is a welcoming small southern hospitality city! They were crowned the #1 small town in Southern Living Magazine, south awards in 2018! A 14 acre estate turned into a public garden, century old oaks, horticultural labyrinth, a few ponds with fountains, and a theater that the US Marine Corps uses yearly. I will have to go back for the Christmas Lights in the winter!

They were not overcrowded and the trails were paved for the most part. User friendly for all, and especially for children! Lots of space to roam and not be in contact with others. They do have a few small gardens houses that were closed. All kinds of flowers were in bloom all over the gardens. The Horse Race Hall Of Fame museum is located toward the back, so don't miss this free museum. The bathroom is also located in the same area.

This lovely free green space is free to all! Face mask are required inside the bldgs. I really enjoyed my time here...

I have mixed feelings about the gardens. The gardens are measured at 25 acres and it is beautifully maintained. I visited last week and I took many photos of the trees, fountains, flowers, horse stables and lakes. However, my experience QUICKLY soured when one of it's guests harassed me claiming that I was "Following their group and that I was being creepy." I was appalled and quickly stated that this is a PUBLIC SMALL garden, so you are bound to run into the same visitors. I am unsure if she was a resident of Aiken, but I was extremely disappointed that this demented young female would accuse me of following the group. Be weary that this garden is small and that you will most likely run into visitors multiple times. My theory... the female accusing me was off her medication. In any event, Crazy is Crazy... and it's always around us. Enjoy my photos of this park. Captured...