Author: admin

Equestrian Season Returns to Aiken: In Conversation with Neil Morris

The sun is just starting to tint the lower horizon of the sky with ​subtle hints of oranges and pinks; ​the grass is covered in dew from ​the cool evening air; all is quiet ​around Aiken as residents are ​catching a few more minutes of sleep before beginning their ​busy days. It’s a peaceful time of morning all throughout town ​except for at the Aiken Training ​Track, where the days start early as trainers, jockeys, and ​horses prepare for the spring ​steeplechase season.

Neil Morris, a world-renowned ​Steeplechase trainer, is out at ​Aiken Training Track this year with over two dozen horses from across the globe to train. He’s trained for 30 years, mainly in Virginia, but has spent the off- season in Aiken as he gears up for another season of racing. The milder winter weather made our town the ideal place for him and his horses compared to Virginia, where the ground may be too frozen to train in January and February.

Tina McCarthy had the opportunity to sit down with Neil one afternoon, after the training for the day was complete, to learn more about his history. Tune in to meet Neil!

What do hats, comedy, and Aiken have in common? The one and only: Minnie Pearl! Minnie Pearl was an American comedian who took the stage for the very first time in 1939 right here in Aiken. She was well-known for always wearing frilly dresses in her performances, topped off with a hat that included a price tag of $1.98 hanging from it. Her look was curated before the first time she took the stage… and her now-famous hat was originally purchased in downtown Aiken at Surasky Bros. Department store just before the show!

You can learn more about Minnie Pearl, and other intriguing figures of Aiken’s past, at the Aiken County Historical Museum. Known as “Banksia” after the Banksia Rose and located in one of Aiken’s famous Winter Colony cottages, the museum is a living museum with exhibits that change frequently and special exhibits that feature privately owned items from Aiken residents. You can visit the museum Tuesday through Saturday, 10am until 5pm, and on Sundays from 2pm until 5pm.

Our town’s fascination with hats extends beyond the influence of Minnie Pearl, as many men and women don spectacular hats throughout the spring season at Steeplechase, Easter Sunday festivities, and Mother’s Day celebrations. Stroll the shops and boutiques of Laurens Street and you’ll find fabulous hats that are just right for any occasion.

 

 

Aiken, South Carolina may be home to more than 40 polo fields, but its crown jewel is no doubt the Historic Whitney Field, the oldest polo field in continuous use in the country. Located in Aiken’s charming dirt road horse district, Whitney Field is where the Aiken Polo Club hosts its matches every fall.

As we rejoice the return of Sunday Polo this month, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy Sunday the Aiken way.

A spectator sport for all.
It may be “the Sport of Kings” and the favorite pastime of royals, but polo is fun for all. With an exciting combination of hockey, soccer and basketball played on a horse traveling 35 miles an hour, what’s not to love?

Big hats are optional.
Forget the stuffy polo scenes you’ve seen in the movies. You can dress up if you like, but here, polo is mostly a laid-back family affair where kids and even fur babies are welcome.

Flat shoes are a must.
One of the most celebrated traditions of polo is the Divot Stomp. At halftime, all spectators are invited to the field to help replace the divots kicked up by the horses’ hooves. This is a great time to mingle with the crowd. This is not a great time for your Jimmy Choos.

It’s all about the tailgate.
Whether you’re hopping from tent to tent or enjoying the festivities under the Pavilion, Sunday Polo is ultimately the best garden party around. You can get familiar with chukkers, goals, handicaps, and other polo terminology, but all you really need to know is your favorite drink order. Cheers!

The Willcox offers several Polo Packages to savor the season. Stay to watch a match or stay and play!

Fall is the perfect season to grab your favorite mystery and claim a rocking chair on our breezy front porch, especially the gripping, seasonal classic Dracula. Bram Stoker fans are always delightfully surprised to learn that his great grandnephew, Dacre Stoker, is not only a resident of Aiken, South Carolina, but an author in his own right.

Dacre penned the international bestselling Dracula the Un-Dead, the official Stoker family-endorsed sequel to Dracula and is also the co-editor of The Lost Journal of Bram Stoker: The Dublin Years. The film rights to his latest novel, Dracul, a prequel to Dracula, have been purchased by Paramount Studios.

With a mission to preserve Bram’s legacy, Dacre lectures, makes presentations, and leads tours across the nation and overseas. His compelling and informative multimedia presentation, Stoker on Stoker, the Mysteries behind the Writing of Dracula, weaves together the details of Dracula’s history with Bram Stoker’s life in Dublin and London, and Stoker family lore, separating fact from popular fiction and revealing the truth about all things Stoker and Dracula.

Lucky for local fans of the caped Count, Dacre will present Stoker on Stoker just in time for Halloween at The Willcox. Illustrated with Dacre’s own collection of never-before published, and seldom-seen historic images, Stoker on Stoker fascinates Gothic scholars, vampire fans, and history buffs, exploring the issues behind the mysteries that have baffled Dracula scholars and fans since the book’s publication in 1897.

Please join us for this special presentation and book signing at The Willcox, including wine and light hors d’oeuvres. The Willcox will have books on hand for purchase.

Stoker on Stoker, the Mysteries behind the Writing of Dracula

Sunday, October 16
5:30 p.m.
$35 per person

Advanced reservations recommended, 803-648-1898

What’s the best al fresco dining spot in Aiken? There are too many to name! From the grassy slopes of Hopelands Gardens to the former site of Miss Celestine Eustis’ Tea Cottage in the Hitchcock Woods, Aiken is full of picture-perfect spots to spread out a blanket and enjoy a grand spread.

Whether you want to tailgate in style at the polo field, refuel with panache at a local horse show, or celebrate a special occasion anywhere in town, just tell us your favorite spot and we’ll do the planning, packing, and even set it up for you!

Picnics for two start at $40.

OUR STAFF’S FAVORITE PICKS

• Hopelands Gardens
• Whitney Polo Field
• Hitchcock Woods

There’s so much to look forward to every fall in Aiken – the colorful abundance at the Farmers Market, evening oyster roasts, the energy of downtown’s Laurens Street, and a calendar of events we count down the days to. While Aiken offers a variety of ways to kick around the leaves, here are just a few of the seasonal affairs the locals love.

Best of the West Horses Auction
Witness the bidding on the most experienced and trustworthy horses from the American West at this lively event in Aiken’s historic horse district.

Saturday, October 1 | Aiken Training Track

Why we love it: “The Best of the West Horses Auction is not to be missed! The calmness of the experienced horses paired with the energy of the fast-paced bidding is exhilarating.”

Aiken Fall Steeplechase
See horses fly and the season’s best tailgating at this annual Aiken tradition.

Saturday, October 29 | Aiken Steeplechase Racecourse

Why we love it: “Fall Steeplechase has all the fun of Spring Steeplechase without the bigger crowd. It’s easier to hop from tent to tent and see everyone.”

Blessing of the Hounds
Join the community for this longstanding Thanksgiving ritual that pays homage to horse, hound, and rider and the rich traditions of foxhunting. Followed by Bloodies and Bagels at the Aiken County Historical Museum.

Thursday, November 24 | Hitchcock Woods

Bloodies & Bagels
Kick off Thanksgiving day with Aiken’s favorite garden party featuring live music and complimentary bagels, Bloody Marys, coffee and hot cider. Local businesses, including Mental Health America, generously sponsor the event with all donations supporting local mental health programs.

Thursday, November 24 | Aiken Historical Museum

Why we love it: “The Thanksgiving morning ritual of the Blessing of the Hounds and Bloodies & Bagels is a beloved community tradition for all ages. Even my teenagers wouldn’t miss it!”

With so many seasonal traditions and activities to fall for in Aiken, we hope you’ll join us this autumn at The Willcox.

Samaria Farm & Dairy
…Aiken’s local grower, is famous for its delicious dairy, homemade jellies and jams and scrumptious seasonal vegetables.

This summer, we are taking inspiration for Willcox dishes from their incredible harvest.
Click  here for more information on Samaria Farm & Dairy.

This July, stop by for our tomato burrata salad, fresh from local Samaria farms–perfect for cooling down on those warmer days! Featuring delicious burrata cheese from Siano in North Carolina (https://www.sianomozzarella.com/burrata/) and vine-ripe tomatoes from our very own Samaria South Carolina (https://agriculture.sc.gov/roadside-markets/samaria-farm-dairy-llc/), it’s a foodie tour de France on our plates this summer!

Farm Fresh Local Peaches

Peaches in summertime – it can’t be beat! The Willcox has visited The Peach Pit for a sweet pit stop. Purveyors Payton and Caroline spoke about about their Grade A, tree-ripe peaches which are “perfect for baking, making ice cream, and other wonderful dishes.”

The Peach Pit is known for its Clingstone peaches, named for the way they cling to the pit and which are typically harvested at the beginning of the season, as well as their Freestone peaches, whose pits are easily removed and are harvested mid-June.

Catch The Peach Pit at 1518 Whiskey Road Monday – Sunday as well as at The Aiken’s Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

We asked our wonderful Willcox staff to share their favorite summer combos, and now our mouths are watering!
Tina: Grilled okra and eggplant watermelon martini
Nicole: Stuffed artichokes, rum-soaked peaches, and Aperol spritz
Lily: Burgers and lemonade
Deshawn: Grilled steak and cold Heineken
Zion: Ribs and chicken with sweet tea
Katy: All things kebobs and basil gimlets

Let’s stay active this summer in Aiken with activities and adventures around town!

• Shop around in Aiken’s local stores to escape the summer heat.
• Walk under the canopy trees at Aiken State Park
• Pick fresh flowers and strawberries at Gurosik Berry Farm
• Catch summer theater shows at Aiken Community Theater
• Indulge in your artistic side with painting classes at the Aiken Art Annex
• Take a trip to The Willcox and enjoy a cold margarita or daiquiri on the patio

 

Check our activities page for more summer inspiration.

Aiken Trolley Tour
The Historic Aiken Trolley Tour is a must-do activity, perfect for the family or for anyone looking to get a feel for Aiken. Board your air-conditioned trolley at the Aiken Railroad Depot and travel around our historic town, with views of infamous homes and churches, equestrian sites and the site of the Civil War’s Battle of Aiken.
https://www.visitaikensc.com/whattodo/detail/aiken_tours

Equestrian Events

• Polo
• Steeplechase
• Horse shows

 

For more information:

• Aiken Polo Club
• New Bridge Polo & Country Club
• Aiken Steeplechase
• Stable View
• Aiken Horse Park
• Aiken Horse Show
• Progressive Show Jumping

 

Exploring Town

• Hopelands Gardens Concert Series
• Electric Bike Tours
• Hike Hitchcock Woods