A Stroll Through History

Explore the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, Hopelands Gardens, and Rye Patch

The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum

The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the great tradition of Thoroughbred horse racing and the vital role that Aiken has played in horse racing history. Forty champion Thoroughbreds have trained at the famed Aiken Training Track, and each has been immortalized in the Hall of Fame. Featured in the museum are photos, trophies and other memorabilia that highlight the careers of these famous racehorses. Special exhibits and events happen throughout the year. Learn more by visiting the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum website.

Hours of Operation
Tuesday – Friday from 2 pm – 5 pm
Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday from 2 pm – 5 pm
Closed on Mondays and major holidays.

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The Doll House

The Doll House at Hopelands Gardens is the home of the Aiken Council of Garden Clubs. It is open to the public on Sundays for visits from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., spring, summer, and fall, as well as during the evenings of Christmas in Hopelands. The Doll House contains antique toys and furniture. The building is an example of a one-room, wood frame, prefabricated modular structure designed by the Hodgson Company in 1903 and ordered through the mail.

Beside the Doll House is a Little Free Library. In the back of the Doll House is a Blue Star marker, which memorializes the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed services. Surrounding the courtyard in front of the Doll House is a Camellia garden.

The Aiken Council of Garden Clubs has been involved with Hopelands Gardens since the late 1970s. They maintain the Doll House and the plants and flowers surrounding it.

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Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage

The site for spring and summer concerts and weddings, the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage sits across a lake in Hopelands Gardens. It was designed specially to resemble the historic buildings and equestrian theme of Hopelands. The earlier Performance Arts Isle, now the Performing Arts Stage, was part of the original 1974 plans for Hopelands to draw the community together for special events.

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Highlights

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The Bird and Butterfly Garden

A short walk south of Dupree Place parking lot, the Bird and Butterfly Garden has feeding stations, a bird bath, and plants attracting birds and butterflies. A gazebo and benches offer spots to observe. Donated by Edward S. Hallman, it’s dedicated in memory of Walter C. Plunkett, Jr.

Bluebird Houses

Bluebird nest boxes in Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch are part of South Carolina’s Bluebird Trail. Positioned for ideal bird habitat, they offer enjoyment for visitors. Monitored by South Carolina Bluebird Society volunteers, activity is recorded weekly for Cornell’s research database.

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Camellia Trail Gardens

Hopelands Gardens is part of The American Camellia Trail by the American Camellia Society. Camellias, planted by Hope Goddard Iselin since the 1940s, include 80 plants with 60 varieties and 20 cultivars. The Aiken Camellia Society donated many along Dupree Place. More details are on the Society’s website.

Located adjacent to the walkway near one of the reflecting pools is a sculpted bronze portrait bust of Hope Goddard Iselin, whose home Hopelands became Hopelands Gardens. Nearby is a sculpted bronze portrait bas-relief of James D. McNair, President of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Aiken and first President of the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch. The bust and bas-relief were created by sculptor Maria Kirby-Smith and were given to Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch in memory of James D. McNair by People’s Community Bank of South Carolina, First Citizens Bank and the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch.

Iselin and McNair Sculptures

Adjacent to the walkway near a reflecting pool is a bronze bust of Hope Goddard Iselin, whose home became Hopelands Gardens. Nearby is a bronze bas-relief of James D. McNair, first President of Friends of Hopelands. Sculpted by Maria Kirby-Smith, both were donated in his memory.

The Joan B. Tower Gazebo, which stands on the bank of one lake, is an 18th century Italian design rotunda, the model of which was found in Florida. It is a popular photo setting.

Joan B. Tower Gazebo

The Joan B. Tower Gazebo, an 18th-century Italian design rotunda, stands by the lake. Its model was found in Florida.

Its elegant structure makes it a favorite spot for photography, attracting visitors who appreciate its historic and aesthetic charm.

The Labyrinth in Hopelands is an octagonal brick path, 45 feet in diameter, with a polished granite center. This spiritual pathway is patterned after a 13th century design at Amiens Cathedral, France, and offers a meditative walk, following the centuries-long tradition of labyrinths.

The Labyrinth

The Labyrinth in Hopelands is an octagonal brick path, 45 feet in diameter, with a polished granite center. This spiritual pathway is patterned after a 13th century design at Amiens Cathedral, France, and offers a meditative walk, following the centuries-long tradition of labyrinths.

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Oak Allée

The Oak Allée, created in 1974 by Robert Marvin, connects Hopelands Gardens with Rye Patch, enhancing Aiken’s natural beauty. This picturesque pathway, lined with majestic oaks, welcomes visitors to an inviting journey through lush greenery, a testament to Marvin’s landscape vision.
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Pet Cemetary

Hope Iselin, renowned in Thoroughbred horse racing, cherished small animals. Near Hopelands’ reflecting pools on Whiskey Road lies her pet cemetery, where six beloved dogs find eternal rest, a touching tribute to her enduring love and compassion for animals of all sizes.

Promenade-Overlook

Promenade Overlook – Reflecting Pool

A frequent setting for weddings, the Promenade Overlook is a site from which to view the expanse of the Gardens – the large Oaks and huge Magnolias. The reflecting pools, which lead to the Overlook, were built on the foundation of the Hopelands’ residence. These areas were designed by SC landscape architect Robert Marvin.

Sand Patios

Sand Patios

Sand patios, extending from the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum to the reflecting pools, lie beneath the shade of a majestic Oak and Deodar Cedar. Outdoor tables and chairs invite visitors to enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the serene beauty of Hopelands Gardens.

Water Rill

Water Rill

A water rill, originating near the serpentine wall on Whiskey Road, flows under a wooden bridge towards the Wetlands, as envisioned by landscape architect Robert Marvin in 1974. This tranquil feature adds to the scenic allure of Hopelands Gardens, enriching the visitor’s experience with its soothing presence.

Wetlands

Wetlands

The Wetlands, nestled between Hopelands Gardens and Rye Patch, act as a natural filtration system. They collect and filter street runoff in a pond, supplying water to the gardens’ lakes. Home to turtles, fish, Irises, and Bald Cypress, a wooden bridge offers a scenic view.

Explore the beauty of Hopelands Gardens through our photo gallery, showcasing its stunning landscapes, vibrant blooms, and tranquil settings. Capture the essence of this historic garden and its enchanting features, perfect for any nature lover or photography enthusiast.