autumn-newsletter – The Willcox

NATURE’S THERAPY

THE POWER OF FOREST BATHING

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.

Learn more about forest bathing at the links below:

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.

Photo: Hitchcock Woods Foundation

BLESSING OF THE HOUNDS

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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THE SPIRIT OF AUTUMN:

EXPLORING SOUTH CAROLINA DISTILLERIES

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

3oz Firefly sweet tea vodka
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 simple syrup
Sugar rim – optional

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, strain into chilled martini glass, garnish with a lemon

CHARLESTON DISTILLING VESEY’S BOURBON

Another Carolinian classic is Vesey’s Bourbon Whiskey, made by Charleston Distilling Co. in the majestic Lowcountry. Bourbon is well-known for its rich, smokey flavors that perfectly accompany the brisk fall air. With soothing flavor notes of maple, baking spices, and oak, Vesey’s Bourbon is an indulgent comfort that warms from the inside.

The Willcox’s Hot Toddy:

2oz Charleston Distilling
Vesey’s Bourbon
1 cinnamon stick
Splash of lemon
1 oz honey
Top with hot water

Autumn teaches us the beauty of letting go. Growth requires release— it’s what the trees do

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UNWIND THE FALL:
A SLICE OF PUMPKIN PIE

As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold,it’s a time most South Carolinians use to explore the great outdoors during fall festivals and holiday gatherings. Still, this cherished time of year can quickly slip away as the calendar fills up with long- awaited activities. Just as the trees shed their leaves and creatures of the wild begin to hibernate, the natural world offers a poignant reminder every autumn. Rest is a necessary aspect of life.

Nature encourages us to appreciate the simple joy of slowing down amidst life’s busyness. Maybe it’s with the help of a good book, a phone call with an old friend, a crackling fire, or a warm cup of tea, but nothing encapsulates the comforts of this cozy season more than a fresh-baked pumpkin pie that’s fresh from the oven with a dollop of whipped cream.

With a rich history, early American colonists adapted traditional English pie recipes to incorporate native pumpkins, creating a precursor to the modern pumpkin pie. Over time, pumpkin pie became synonymous with Thanksgiving, and it has since evolved into a beloved dessert enjoyed best on an evening at home with loved ones to share it with.

CLICK HERE for a classic Southern Pumpkin Pie Recipe from Southern Living!

SUFFRAGE & MRS. SALLEY:

THE STORY OF EULALIE CHAFEE SALLEY

The history of women’s suffrage in the United States is a long and tumultuous story, one that Eulalie Chafee Salley, an Aiken, South Carolina resident, helped to write. Eulalie was the wife of Aiken’s mayor, Julian Booth Salley, a caring mother of two, and a tenacious suffragist. Her passion in advocating for women’s right to vote began in 1909, when Lucy Tillman Dugas’ children were deeded to her husband’s mother during an illness. Outraged, Salley took to a Carolina newspaper to respond to an advertisement seeking new members of the South Carolina Equal Suffrage League (SCESL), and claimed it was “the best dollar I ever spent.”

Salley served as the first president of the SCESL and organized a number of evocative campaigns for women’s suffrage, flying in an airplane dropping suffrage flyers below and canvassing door- to-door in the unpaved countryside. While her husband was mortified and some of the public outraged, Salley harnessed her determined spirit to empower other women to fight for their rights. She received her real estate license in 1915, becoming South Carolina’s first female real estate agent, helping put Aiken on the map as one of the South’s most charming small towns.

Finally, at the age of 85, Salley witnessed former Governor Robert McNair sign the 19th Constitutional Amendment into action in the State of South Carolina. It is because of Salley’s persistence, compassion, and tenacity that women’s right to vote transformed from a dream into reality. The City of Aiken and The Willcox are proud to honor the inspiring legacy of a woman who had a large hand in writing the story of women’s suffrage. Salley exemplified every characteristic of what it means to be a true Southern woman, igniting change that would last for generations to come.

FALL COMES TO AIKEN

With the waning of the summer sun, a different kind of gold takes shape across the land as autumn returns.

IN THIS ISSUE:

STITCHING QUALITY:
A SIT-DOWN WITH BELLINO

Learn more about forest bathing at the links below: