This Restaurant In The Heart Of Horse Country Is A South Carolina Dream

The term "horse country" in South Carolina perfectly suits at least two of the Palmetto State's cities: Camden, home to world famous Springdale Race Course where equine excitement includes two annual steeplechases. And then, there's Aiken, where you'll sometimes find more horses on the road than cars. Okay, that's exaggerated, but you get the idea.

Regardless of which South Carolina "equine destination" you favor, springtime in horse country opens a world a opportunities for things to do.

But there's only one historic horse stable in the whole state that's been converted into a charming, eclectic and rustic restaurant - and that's in Aiken.

Rose Hill Estate (a.k.a. Phelps House) in downtown Aiken was built around 1900 on 4.2 acres which now comprise an entire city block.

The main house, approximately 10,000 square feet, is surrounded by deliciously fragrant formal gardens.

The upstairs accommodations of The Inn At Rose Hill offer historic charm in nine nicely appointed rooms.

On the far end of the estate sits the orginal horse stable building - now converted to a rustic upscale eatery.

Neglected for many years after the last surviving original owner passed, the stables at Rose Hill saw extensive renovations before opening as a restaurant in 2009.

You'll love the conversion which created a cozy eating space...

...while still retaining many of the original design elements of the stables.

And the food! Oh, the food.

From one gorgeous plate...

to another...

..you'll love everything on the menu at The Stables Restaurant.

After dinner, enjoy a stroll around the gardens.

There's much to see and with an entire city block you'll have ample space to walk off the calories.

In season, enjoy live music in the courtyard every Friday night.

This restaurant, in the heart of horse country, is the only South Carolina eatery located in a converted historic horse stable. It's definitely worthy of a trip to Aiken. With a lovely inn at the main house, a restaurant, a bar and live music - it seems you could just make some reservations and head to Aiken for the night or weekend! The Stables Restaurant and Bar opens Tuesday through Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Cocktails are available starting at 4:30 p.m.

Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate is located at 245 Greenville St NW, Aiken, SC 29801. More information is available on their official website.

Need more convincing? Here's why Aiken is the one South Carolina town that's so perfectly southern.