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Christmas at The Willcox

Posted on December 7, 2016September 22, 2020 by admin

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We love the holidays and we are excited to have parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and elves tucking in children.

Here are our top 10 fun holiday to-dos inside and outside of The Willcox:

-Enjoy a cocktail & live holiday tunes performed by John Vaughn and Brooke Lundy in our lobby on Sunday, Dec. 11 or Dec. 18 from 6-8pm by our roaring fireplaces.

-We love our city! Enjoy a trolley tour through Aiken on one of the following dates: Dec. 10, 17, 24 or 31! You’ll see Historic homes, equestrian sites and other special points of interest. To learn more, visit: http://www.visitaikensc.com/calendar/event/aiken_historic_tour

-Get holiday ready at our spa! Try one of our guest favorites like our signature manicure and pedicure or a hot stone massage.

-Give the perfect gift, The Willcox gift card can be used in our spa, hotel or restaurant – have you seen our new packaging?

-Hopelands Gardens is truly enchanting – enjoy over 2 miles of lighted pathways and 100,000 twinkling lights. To learn more, visit: http://www.visitaikensc.com/calendar/event/christmas_in_hopelands

-Staying at The Willcox over Christmas? Make your experience magical by having one of Santa’s elf tuck in your precious little one, bring cookies and read a book! See the video above!

-Have a holiday party to attend? Treat yourself by having your make-up and hair styled here at The Willcox and enjoy a glass of champagne for ultimate relaxation and enjoyment!

-Join us in celebrating the joyous season with our Christmas Eve Dinner: $45 per person and kids menu available for children 12 and under. (Reservations needed)

-Have your complimentary photo taken with Santa & Mrs. Claus by photographer Brent Cline in front of the fire when you bring an unwrapped gift or cash donation for Toys for Tots! December 14th from 4 to 6pm

-We have marshmallows for roasting! Snuggle up with your loved ones and enjoy the classic tradition of making S’mores. Available to hotel guests through our Custom Tailored Experience options for $20 per couple.

We look forward to hosting you and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Relieving Stress During the Holiday

Posted on November 15, 2016September 22, 2020 by admin

From October until the New Year, our plates are full of hosting, prepping, traveling, gift buying, cooking and so much more. With all the stress and non-stop action, it’s important to remember the most important thing: taking care of yourself and quality time with family. We want to offer a few ways The Willcox can help relieve stress during the holiday:

Trip to the Spa: A deep tissue massage can be the answer to all your holiday stress – Take advantage of a 60 minute massage for $80 and 90 minutes for $110. If you’re really wanting to relax, add in DoTerra Aromatherapy Oil like a relaxing lavender scent for only $10!
Date Night: Take a night off of holiday planning to enjoy a date night at The Lobby Bar. Have fun tasting new wines or crafting your very own Manhattan by choosing your whiskey and your specialty bitter.
Romantic Escape Package: The Willcox is the place to escape for a little alone time and rejuvenation. Relax in front of roaring fires, play outside in the perfect temperature and enjoy the change of the seasons ahead. With rates starting at $160 per night, indulge in a bottle of champagne upon arrival, enjoy an intimate dinner for two in our award-winning restaurant and luxuriate with a couples massage. Get more information about our Romantic Escape package under “Romance & Spa” here: https://thewillcox.com/specials-packages/

Hopefully these tips are helpful to take a little stress off of your holiday season! To book a spa appointment or to take advantage of our Romantic Escape Package, give us a call today: (803)648-1898.

Blessing of the Hounds

Posted on November 1, 2016September 22, 2020 by admin

Aiken’s annual Blessing of the Hounds in the Hitchcock Woods is one of our favorite, longstanding Thanksgiving traditions. Each year, the ceremony is part of the Aiken Hounds’ Opening Meet, which officially kicks off Aiken’s busy hunt season. The ceremony brings to light Aiken’s oldest hunting tradition: various fox hunting expeditions. With foxes known as being fast and sly, here are a few tips to make the most out of this year’s Blessing of the Hounds event:

Show up early: Even though the event starts at 11am, we’d recommend getting there around 10am to get a good parking spot and a great view for the event!
Don’t bring your dog: As much as we love our furry friends, leaving your dog at home is the best, safe answer.
Get comfortable: Between the 15 minute walk into Hitchcock Woods and the change of the weather, we recommend comfortable shoes and warm clothing to keep you cozy in the crisp shade of the trees.

We hope you have a wonderful time at the Blessing of the Hounds and can’t wait to see everyone there! Even though an actual hunt is not taking place, it’s a beautiful ritual and insight into Aiken’s rich history. And don’t forget that The Willcox will be sponsoring Bloodies & Bagels for the Aiken Land Conservancy at the Museum at the Memorial Gate from 9-10:30am before the Blessing of the Hounds – come ready for a hot cup of coffee and hot cider or a delicious Bloody Mary and a variety of warm bagels! Get more information here: http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20141121/AIK0101/141129893

It’s a Dog’s Life: Healthy Treats From The Willcox

Posted on October 15, 2016September 22, 2020 by admin

We love our pampered pooches! It’s important to know what goes into their food and treats to make sure they’re getting the proper nutrition to live their canine lives to the fullest. Here at The Willcox, we’re known for using freshly sourced and organic ingredients as often as possible in our Restaurant. We also take on the same mindset for serving our four-legged guests. Whether it’s an “I Love You” bone or our “Turkey Jerky”, we want you to know what’s in each of our gourmet Dog Treats so you can feel confident in your pet’s stay:

Chicken and Cheese Treat:
This tail-wagging option includes all natural chicken, flour, broth, cheese, parsley, and oregano. It’s also sodium and fat free for those pups that might be on a restricted diet.

Turkey Jerky:
Your pooch will need a belly rub after this indulgent treat complete with 100% all natural turkey, molasses, oregano, parsley and a natural smoke flavor.

Doggie Donuts:
Treat your loyal bird dog to the finer things in life like our doggie donuts loaded with flour, honey, vanilla, eggs, yogurt and unsweetened coconut.

We hold our guests in high esteem – even if they’re covered in hair, chew on toys and tend to sleep all day. We have several experience enhancements not only for you, but for your pup. For your next stay, consider a Dog Welcome Basket that includes selection of homemade treats such as: Peanut butter I LOVE YOU bones, mini mutt muffins, a bag of chicken and cheese biscuits and turkey jerkey for only $25. And of course, all of The Willcox Dog’s get their very own Dog Tag and Door Sign to use during their stay. See more here: https://thewillcox.com/customize/. Also, treats can be purchased by phone and shipped right to your front door!

Southern Living Soiree: Rebecca Lang’s Live Demo and Book Signing

Posted on September 26, 2016September 22, 2020 by admin

Southerners surely don’t shy away from using vegetables in as many of their recipes as possible – especially if they’re harvested right from their backyards. On October 21st, we have the honor and privilege to host a Southern Living Event with the guru of vegetables right here at The Willcox.

A farmer’s market feel and live cooking demonstrations from ninth-generation southerner and author of The Southern Vegetable Book, Rebecca Lang, The Willcox is hosting an unforgettable Southern Living Event on Friday, October 21 sure to leave you delighted and growing with inspiration.

For only $35 a ticket, you’ll enjoy an evening that starts with a signature cocktail greeting inspired by Rebecca’s southern recipes as you meet and greet friendly new faces by the pool. Peruse through several local Aiken vendors that will be showcasing their fresh produce and flowers before Rebecca broadens our southern vegetable and cooking knowledge and entices our tasting palates! The evening will wind down with a book signing and live, acoustic music from Sean Free.

Tickets are now available and are offered on a first-come, first served basis – Call today to reserve your spot: (803) 648-1898. We can’t wait to celebrate all things Southern with you!

The Sweet Benefits to Beekeeping

Posted on September 20, 2016September 22, 2020 by admin

The sweetest benefit of beekeeping is obviously the delicious harvest. What most Southerners don’t realize is the incredible experience and memories it produces as well the fact that it can boost your garden’s production. One of our very own, Heaven, sat down with us to discuss the ins and outs of being a fourth generation bee charmer as well as give us an inside look at how the hive thrives!

“My great grandmother started beekeeping back in the 1920s and its been a family project ever since. I decided to get bees because aside from all of the benefits of raw honey, they are great for pollinating the rest of my crops. Additionally, the honeybee population has drastically decreased in the last ten years due to pesticides and lack of food and its important to nurture the species and keep them around for the future of the planet’s plant life.”

When asked how the entire process within the hive works, Heaven said, “The bee process begins with a new hive and ordering a bee package. You can usually find distributors for bee equipment in your area by contacting your local university. After your bee kit arrives, check to make sure your queen is healthy before releasing the rest into the hive. Make sure to feed them sugar water until they get settled in and have figured out how to feed themselves. You’ll know they are ready to work when they start leaving the sugar water alone. Our honey extraction method is a little different than others’ because we’ve installed mason jars that can be screwed into the hive and they contain combs and honey from past hives. We call them starter jars. They just screw in, and when they are full, we just unscrew them. It’s much less invasive to the hive this way.”

Heaven goes on to explain the different bees that work together in the hive, “There are three different types of bees in the hive. There is one queen. Her two jobs are to lay eggs and preside over the hive. The worker bees are all female and do all of the comb construction, larvae tending, and foraging. Girls rule in the hive. The drones are the males, and their purpose is mainly reproduction and they are the only types of bees in the hive that don’t have stingers.”

If you want to join Heaven in the incredible process of beekeeping, talk to your local beekeeping association on how to get started and check out this accessory starter kit from Williams-Sonoma: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/backyard-beehive-starter-kit/. We’d also love to invite you to add a tailored option onto your stay at The Willcox. For just $50, enjoy our Backyard Honey Bees Experience as you take on a private tour and coaching session with our local expert.

The Art of Polo: A Professional’s Inside Advice

Posted on September 6, 2016September 22, 2020 by admin

Originating in India, the game of polo spread as fast as its enthusiasts could travel, eventually ending up in North America, specifically New York, in the summer of 1876. Here in Aiken, trotting to the polo fields starts at a young age, like professional polo player and Aiken dweller, Tiger Kneece. After talking with Tiger, we learned how he got his start and the basics of the game.

“I began playing polo at the age of 10 years old. I had tried other equine disciplines such as show jumping, fox hunting and pleasure riding, but just never got that interested in any of them until my parents had me try polo. The first time I had the mallet in my had I was addicted.”

If you aren’t familiar with the basics of the game, Tiger easily explained the premise to us:

“The basics of the game are that their are 4 players on each team. The field is 300 yards long by 160 yards wide. Each end of the field has a goal which is 24 feet in width. The object of the game is to hit the ball through the goal which represents a score while the opposing team is trying to stop you. Their are plenty of rules, but the main one to remember is: when the ball is hit, a line is created which cannot be crossed by an opposing player. This is mainly for safety reasons since you are on a horse traveling up to 35 mph. If the line is crossed, a foul is awarded and the team can hit a penalty shot. Most games have 6 chukkers in them. One chuckker is 7 1/2 minutes long. In between chukkers, the players have a chance to switch and get a fresh horse. Team at the end of the game with the most goals wins!”

Playing for over 35 years, 25 of those as a professional, Tiger thoroughly enjoys teaching others how to play.

“Teaching is one of my passions because Polo is such a challenging sport. Not only do you need good hand-eye-coordination and a true sense of the game, but you need to know how to ride also. Putting all of these together can be difficult, but it brings me great joy to see others learn how. The best advice I can give someone is to find a reputable and safe instructor or polo school. Polo and horses in general are expensive, so take your time. People usually know very early on if they like it and are going to continue. The most important thing is to make sure you have a safe and reliable horse to start learning the sport, which can make all the difference in the world.”

Whether it’s sporting art throughout the hotel or our guests bringing their horses to eat brunch outside, The Willcox has a heart for the equestrian lifestyle. Swing by The Willcox to celebrate the deeply rooted tradition of Polo after a leisurely game this month and end it with an Old Fashioned at our bar! With our “Learn to Play Polo” package, enjoy a three-night stay and three private polo lessons for one person (includes use of horse) from an experienced polo player – call guest services for more information: 803-648-1898.

Stave Puzzles!

Posted on July 31, 2016September 22, 2020 by admin

What better way to spend a late summer evening than cooling off in our lobby with a group of friends completing a jigsaw puzzle and sipping on a signature cocktail named in its honor? And not just any puzzle – a handcrafted wooden puzzle that can reach a $6,000 price tag. Here at the Willcox, we value our relationship with the Stave Puzzle Company and are in awe, as well as our guests, at the luxurious, unique, devilish fun they create. Here are a few fun facts about the puzzles and why you should come try to complete one, especially in August:

Each wooden jigsaw puzzle is meticulously hand-cut, one piece at a time, by a skilled crafter in Vermont.
No picture comes with the puzzles – just a little blue box filled with the pieces.
Stave puzzle images range from Monet and Renoir paintings to 3D baseball stadiums and magical underwater ecosystems. We have 8 various puzzles available for guests on Sunday evenings.

The thought of sitting down, slowing down and kindling friendships over such a nostalgic pastime is something we’re passionate about. That’s why we’re offering a unique proposition: If you complete a Stave Puzzle here at The Willcox in our lobby on a Sunday night in August, you get to stay that night FOR FREE!

So grab a group of friends, we’ll whip up our Stave Puzzle cocktail complete with pineapple vodka, peach schnapps and Blue Curacao float (it stacks like a puzzle), and enjoy your night of puzzling! We hope you’ll be the lucky one to stay with us!

Don’t forget: To thank you for puzzling with Stave on your visit to The Willcox, Stave will send you a complimentary 20 piece puzzle of The Willcox when you complete their request for a catalog postcard. Ask us at the front desk how to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Pickled Summer Foods

Posted on July 27, 2016September 22, 2020 by admin

When you think of pickling, the South automatically comes to mind. Eggs, Cucumbers, Onions, Vegetables, and Fruit are items that you might have experienced firsthand as your grandmother’s taste tester growing up. Imagine those jars lined up in the pantry with a colorful assortment of canned vegetables and pickled foods – the nostalgia of it all is why we love “preserving” the idea of pickling.

This summer, we’re featuring two pickled items on our menu: pickled onions on our burger and pickled peaches on our summer salad. Our Executive Chef Regan sat down with us and shared her pickled peach recipe for you and your family to try on your own!

Pickled Peaches:

Ingredients:
3qts peaches, cut into 1/8ths (approximately 12 cups of fresh peaches)
1qt water
1qt white balsamic vinegar
1qt sugar
2 Tbsp salt
1 tbsp pepper
2 Tbsp pickling spice
Bunch lemon thyme
4 star anise
**Serves a family of 6

Instructions:
Bring everything to the boil except the peaches
Bring liquid to the boil and then simmer for 10 min
Pour over peaches
Cover and refrigerate

Serve & enjoy!

Have fun with this recipe- write it down on a recipe card & pass it along with a basket of peaches for a fun hostess gift. Try the recipe with your kids or grandkids and serve as a side to a summer picnic in your backyard! Here at the Willcox, we like to place our pickled peaches on our summer salad. This summer treat won’t disappoint. We’d love to know how you served your pickled peaches, so get creative and tag us on social media and we’ll share your delicious recipe!

Happy picking and don’t forget to buy your peaches locally like Sarah’s Fresh Market!

Winning with Wine

Posted on July 20, 2016September 22, 2020 by admin

Ernest Hemingway said it best when he claimed, “Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection…”. We sat down with our Restaurant Manager, Matthew Sayer, and received his top 3 list of this summer’s best wines and what they pair especially well with here at the Willcox Restaurant!

1. Barton & Guestier Rose – Provence, France- Light, fruity and sweet, this is a classic Rosé. Bright strawberry fruits are softly linked with a crisp texture and acidity to finish. I would pair this with our spring salad- arugula, blueberries, peppercorn feta, red onion, salted pretzel & balsamic dressing. This will match well because the acidity of the wine will cut through the fatty texture of the peppercorn feta.

2. Villa Maria Private Bin Chardonnay – Hawkes Bay, New Zealand – A medium-bodied Chardonnay with a focus on fruit. Honeydew and citrus flavors take the lead, then finish crisp and clean. This will pair well with the Smoked Cornish Hen. Here’s a fun fact: most chardonnays are aged in oak barrels. The Villa Maria is aged in stainless steel vats so it is very crisp and clean. Coupling this wine with the smoked hen is a play on not being aged in oak barrels, the smokey flavors that linger on your palate really mellows out the chardonnay giving a creamy feel to the wine.

3. Jean-Louis Sparkling Brut – France – This is a sophisticated wine that’s ripe and full bodied. It has acidity that supports the apple and citrus flavors, pairing this wine with the Moses Sleeper Brie. The idea here is that especially fatty and generally salty cheese is cut by the wine’s effervescence, essentially scrubbing your palate clean for more cheese.

Are you as excited as we are to taste Matt’s recommended Summer wines? Now that your wine knowledge has ripened, host a dinner party with dear friends or we’d love for you to come celebrate with us at The Restaurant with a glass of wine! Here are a few interesting facts about our wine offerings:
120 bottles on our wine list
40 offered by the glass, glass prices range from $6 to $25
We serve wine in proper stemware by Reidel
We select esoteric wines that have the flavor and balance of some of the more recognized wineries around the world.

We’re extremely proud to announce we’ve won the 2016 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the third consecutive year! With our carefully chosen, diverse assortment of wine we have the pleasure of delivering a satisfying experience to all of our Willcox wine lovers. Thanks for continuing to raise a glass and celebrate with us!

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