Month: September 2023

As the all-too-familiar humidity of summer yields to the crisp, cool magic of fall, South Carolinians still find themselves in pursuit of something to warm their bones. Whether it’s gathered around a cozy campfire or crowded amongst loved ones during a beloved holiday celebration, the spirit of fall often takes shape in the form of a cocktail glass and an old friend to share it with.

Many distilleries call the Palmetto State home, and there’s no better time to raise a glass than during the comforts of the fall season. Here are just a couple that we’re pleased to offer at The Willcox:

Firefly Vodka

Made from locally-grown tea leaves less than five miles from the distillery in Charleston, Firefly Spirits is a versatile favorite used in many libations, but are most famous for their sweet tea vodka that captures the heart of any Southerner. Creating the world’s very first sweet tea vodka, Firefly’s sweet tea vodka trail-blazes both in flavor and originality.

Spiked Sweet Tea Cocktail

Throughout America and across Great Britain, hunters, hounds, and onlookers gather on Thanksgiving Day to celebrate the time-honored tradition known as “The Blessing of the Hounds.” With origins that trace back to the eighth century with St. Hubert of Liege, patron saints of hunters, the cherished bonds between humans and hounds are affirmed once again as enthusiastic viewers assemble to pay homage to this age-old partnership at the dawn of a new fox hunting season.

The heart of South Carolina’s thoroughbred country lies in Aiken, where sprawling fields, dense forests, and a deep love for equestrian and hunting traditions are as firmly planted as the live oak trees. This Thanksgiving Day tradition began in Aiken in 1914 when The Aiken Hounds was initially founded. For over a century now, this celebration marked so distinctively by the autumn season has an inexplicable tie to Aiken’s longstanding hunt culture.

With modern adaptations now the norm, the cunning fox can rest easy during this bustling event, where an artificial scent now takes its place. Recognized as the oldest drag hunt in the nation, hounds take to this fixating scent of a saturated cloth that has been dragged across the terrain to create a winding trail for the hounds. At the same time, riders outfitted in traditional clothing reminiscent of their 19th-century counterparts hark to the cry of the hounds and direct the chase atop their horses.

As Aiken approaches its 110th season, this historic chase is not to be missed for thrill seekers who admire such time-honored traditions. Although Black Friday sales have swept the nation to mark the day after Thanksgiving, this morning looks much different in Aiken, South Carolina, where loved ones huddle together in crisp November air to experience this priceless show.

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For thousands of years, humans have been intricately intertwined with nature and its therapeutic shelter. Fast-forward to the 1980’s in Japan, where shinrin- yoku, meaning “forest bathing”, became the ideal physical and mental exercise to refresh oneself from the big tech boom of the time.

In today’s fast-paced world, forest bathing remains the ultimate form of eco-therapy. Forest bathing isn’t just a quick hike or jog through the woods; it’s a mindful practice centered around being present in natural surroundings. By deliberately engaging all senses in this experience, a profound connection with the natural world is formed; whether by laying in a bed of grass, scooping a handful of rocks, or exploring dirt’s texture.

 

Forest bathing has a host of proven health benefits. Here are a few:

• Regulates blood pressure and heart rate
• Decrease in cortisol hormone levels (stress and anxiety)
• Immune system boost: phytoncides, a natural compound found in trees, enhances white blood cell function and strength.
• Improved sleep quality (regulates sleep patterns)

Nature operates on its own rhythms and cycles, and there are amazing opportunities to practice forest bathing right in The Willcox’s backyard. Visit Hitchcock Woods and Hopelands Gardens to fully experience nature’s healing beauty in the heart of Aiken. In a world that often pulls us away from our roots, forest bathing beckons us to slow down, immerse ourselves in the natural world, and rediscover the healing power of the environment.

Learn more about forest bathing at the links below:

• The secret to mindful travel? A walk in the woods
• Shinrin-yoku: The Simple and Intuitive Form of Preventative Care
• Forest Bathing Is Great For Your Health. Here’s How To Do It

 

Bellino Fine Linens is a luxury linen brand with a rich history dating back to 1930 when it was founded by a family in Italy. Over the decades, it has become world-renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, establishing itself as a symbol of elegance and sophistication in the world of fine linens.

Maurizio Bussolari, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, sat down for an exclusive interview as The Willcox takes on an exciting new partnership to offer Bellino Fine Linens for their guests. From Bellino’s fascinating history to modern-day evolution, sustainability efforts, and innate luxury to the touch, this fine Italian brand weaves quality in every stitch.

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