Competitors in the city of Aiken's steeplechase make their way to the finish line after clearing the last obstacle. Aiken, known for its love of horses, holds the competition and a thoroughbred race on back-to-back weekends in March. The Augusta Chronicle

From its western front along the Savannah River to its horse community to the east and rustic mill towns in between, Aiken County is an eclectic blend of new and old.

The county is different from one end to the other, with pockets of city surrounded by long stretches of farm and horse country.

Its banks along the Savannah in North Augusta are bustling with development, including a new golf course, residential community and plans for a new town center and neighborhood within a stone's throw of the river.

A drive from North Augusta, the county's second-biggest hub, toward its biggest, the city of Aiken, illustrates the county's aging dependence on textile mills.

Fabric-producing plants still go strong in towns such as Graniteville, but a drop in demand led to the closure of manufacturing sites in Clearwater, where abandoned mills can be seen from U.S. Highway 1.

The road turns into Richland Avenue as it reaches Aiken, which became popular at the beginning of the 20th century when Northern residents came to the city as it grew into a showcase for all things equestrian.

The town already had gained fame among people from the Northeast as a winter health resort for those with lung disorders.

The soft, sandy soil that is kind to horses' hooves has made the town one of the country's premiere horsing communities. Aiken's lust for horsing events is showcased with thoroughbred and steeplechase racing on back-to-back weekends in March and polo on a third; Aiken has become a hotbed for some of the sport's top players from across the county.

Along with the growth of Aiken's horse world came its "Winter Colony," a community near downtown characterized by immense storybook estates.

The area sits flush against Aiken's more horsey area, which is most active along Banks Mill, Two Notch and Powderhouse roads, off South Boundary Avenue.

The area is marked with dirt roads, left to accommodate the much-loved horses. Aiken also features Hitchcock Woods, one of the country's largest urban parks designated for equestrian use.

It borders The Palmetto golf course on Whiskey Road, one of the country's first and one of many in Aiken.

The city is popular among retirees, drawn to communities such as Houndslake, Cedar Creek and Woodside Plantation, each of which features community living near golf courses and country clubs.

IT'S A FACT:

Aiken County is about the size of Rhode Island.

Aiken County contacts

Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service (803) 649-6297

Coroner's Office (803) 642-1740

County Administrator (803) 642-2012

Emergency Services (803) 642-1624

Financial Department (803) 642-2064

Indigent Care Coordinator (803) 642-2071

Health Department (803) 642-1687

Legislative Delegation (803) 642-1694

Museum (803) 642-2015

Planning and Development (803) 642-1520

Transit System (803) 642-1525

Public Service Authority (803) 278-1911

ABBE Regional Library (803) 642-7575

North Augusta Branch (803) 279-5767

Public Works (803) 642-1533

Animal Control (803) 642-1537

Engineering Department (803) 642-1535

Langley Landfill (803) 593-5522

Sheriff's Office (803) 642-1761, Emergency 911

Auditor's Office (803) 642-1510

Tax Assessor's Office (803) 642-1583

Election Commission (803) 642-1528

Voter Registration Board (803) 642-2030

Aiken County Government Information, (803) 642-1500

Department of Social Services (803) 649-1111

Department of Social Services North Augusta (803) 202-3500

Veterans Affairs (803) 642-1545

Aiken County Historic Museum (803) 642-2015

Probate Court (803) 642-2002

Aiken County Public School District (803) 641-2640

Recreation Department (803) 642-7559

Recreation Center (803) 663-6142

Harrison-Carver Park, Clearwater (803) 593-4698

Roy Warner Park, Wagener (803) 564-6149

Aiken Municipal Airport, (803) 648-7803

Chamber of Commerce, (803) 641-1111

City Manager of Aiken, (803) 642-7654

Fire & Crime Prevention Bureau - Public Safety (803) 642-7620

Garbage/Recycling/Yard Debris - Public Works (803) 642-7613

Inspections, Building (803) 642-7675

Mayor of Aiken (803) 642-7654

Police and Fire Services - Public Safety Nonemergency Purposes (803) 642-7620

Recreation Department Facilities, Nights & Weekends Emergencies, (803) 642-7620