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Something spectacular is coming to the skies this summer. On Monday, August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will pass through the United States from Oregon down to South Carolina.

The last complete solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States was in 1979. What
makes this eclipse even more special is that this is the first one since 1918 that will cross the
nation from the Pacific to the Atlantic coasts. It is exclusively crossing the United States and
will not be visible anywhere else in the world, making it truly The Great American Eclipse!

Here’s how you can get prepared to see the eclipse:
*Take the day off from work. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this eclipse!
*Pack the essentials: eclipse viewing glasses, sunscreen, cold drinks, snacks, and a
chair or blanket to sit on
*Stake out the best place to watch the eclipse from or make plans to attend an eclipse
viewing event at The Willcox!

Join us at The Willcox for one of nature’s most amazing natural phenomenon’s, the grandest spectacle in the sky – The Total Solar Eclipse of 2017. Reserve your spot at The Willcox and we’ll provide the eclipse viewing glasses, cooling towels and moon pie munchies. We’ll also have lots of solar cocktail offerings for you to enjoy throughout the day.

Dad can be hard to shop for, despite all we know about him. This Father’s Day, why not give him something different (not another tie), an experience that he’ll find relaxing and invigorating? Come to beautiful downtown Aiken and celebrate Dad at The Willcox. Below are a few ideas to get you started:

Aiken

• If you’re looking for something fun to do in Aiken, we recommend taking a walk down South Boundary Street, one of the top 10 “prettiest southern streets for a stroll,” according to USA Today. The live oaks lining the street boast ages of 100 years or more.
• If you’re up for a longer hike, follow South Boundary westward till you reach Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the United States.

Hotel

• A family getaway is a time-honored tradition that often involves Dad doing the lion’s share of the work; this year, give Dad a break and let us take care of everything. Our hotel offers a variety of packages, including our Family Slumber Party package, which is sure to put a smile on Dad’s face.
• Take advantage of one of the add-ons from our customize menu. Whether Dad wants to hone his golf game with a private tutor or learn more about the art and science of beekeeping (little did you know, Dad has thought seriously about keeping bees in his spare time), The Willcox is the place to be.

Restaurant & Bar

• Meet Dad at the lobby bar for a drink and pick up the tab. If he’s feeling creative, he’ll enjoy our “build your own Manhattan” option. With a dozen delicious whiskeys to choose from, not to mention a selection of vermouths and bitters that would make Hemingway blush, he can’t go wrong.
• “Fish, flesh, or fowl,” Yeats wrote, “commend all summer long whatever is begotten, born, and dies.” That’s quite a standard to meet, but our chef aims high. For dinner, how about a 10oz New York strip steak, with a Portobello mushroom brioche melt, Gruyere fondue, and fried onion rings? Almost poetic, that.

Salon & Spa

• Help Dad nurse his old football injury with our Sports Orthopedic Massage. He can opt for an hour or an hour and a half, depending on his needs.
• If Dad has just come in from out of town, welcome him home with our Jet Lag Recovery package, which includes a dip in our pre-massage aromatherapy hydro tub, a Willcox relaxation massage, and oxygen inhalation therapy.

Remember to pick up Willcox gift cards, which guarantee the gift of rest and relaxation.

We look forward to seeing you soon. Happy Father’s Day!

The birds are chirping, the azaleas are beginning to bloom, and the grass is turning greener by the day. Spring is here and before you know it, Mother’s Day will be here as well. Have you made those all important plans yet for how you plan to celebrate the special mother in your life this May? Mother’s Day Weekend is May 12th – 14th.

There are plenty of ways to shower your mom with appreciation and love this Mother’s Day at The Willcox.

You can make reservations now to enjoy a Mother’s Day brunch in our restaurant with your entire family. Come and savor a delicious meal prepared by our restaurant especially for you.

Daughters, set aside some time to enjoy an entire morning or afternoon with your mother in our salon and spa. We are a full service salon and spa offering a wide range of services from massages to facials to manicures and pedicures. What mother doesn’t enjoy being pampered every now and then?

Don’t forget about all of the “new” mothers in your life, either! Recently married with a new mother-in-law to celebrate? Include her in your brunch plans or your mother/daughter spa afternoon. Is your wife pregnant and about to become a mother for the very first time? Why not book your Babymoon at The Willcox? We offer a Babymoon hotel package that she is sure to love, check it out here https://thewillcox.com/specials-packages/. Be prepared to celebrate all the wonderful mothers that you love!

To truly create a wonderful Mother’s Day for your favorite mother, go ahead and book an overnight visit with us. You can combine all of the best things that we have to offer: brunch reservations in our restaurant, an appointment in our salon and spa, and the luxury of staying in one of our many delightful, welcoming guestrooms.
However you choose to celebrate the extraordinary mother in your life this year, we hope that you choose to celebrate with us! We look forward to making it a unique and memorable weekend for her!

Not too hot, not too cold.

April in Aiken; the sun is out, and the bright green is back in the leaves and grass. Light breezes blow the Spanish moss as people sweep the last bit of pollen off their front porches. All the neighbors are finding reasons to be outside. Here at The Willcox, we love picnics and have created a special package – a picnic package!

You have the option to bring your own picnic basket, or purchase a Willcox one, and we pack everything for you to take for a romantic outing to Hitchcock Woods, Hopeland Gardens, or the Polo Fields. If you’re a morning person, enjoy coffee and muffins as you watch the sunrise. If you prefer a beautiful sunset, we pack an array of cheeses and wine in your basket.

No matter the occasion or amount of people, the packages are catered and customized however you like; with options that consist of offsite table and linen set-up. The South is known for its hospitable people and a sweet, simple way of life. This Spring, enjoy a relaxing outdoor picnic.

National Hot Toddy Day

Crackling fires, cozy chairs, close company, and a warm, spiced beverage.  We specialize in creating an experience and ambiance that can be described as high quality meeting easy going elegance. The Lobby Bar is furnished with large sofas and chairs, walls wrapped in curly pine, and is anchored by large stone fireplaces. You’re likely to find people gathering for professional purposes or intimate social gatherings. We know our guests visit us for a multitude of reasons, and we love finding any reason for celebration.

This January we are celebrating National Hot Toddy Day at The Willcox. For those who may not be familiar with what a Hot Toddy is, you are in for a treat. A Hot Toddy is a warm cocktail that originated in the UK, and then has been found throughout history as the cocktail of American Southerners. It is still known as a southern winter staple today.

At The Willcox, we use Bourbon as the base spirit for our Hot Toddy, however, it can be crafted with Whisky or Rum as well. The spirit is poured over a mixture of sweet honey dissolved in hot water.  It is finished with a little bit of fresh lemon juice and a twisted strip of lemon peel garnish.

The Lobby Bar was voted as the area’s best, including the  “Place to See and Be Seen,” during happy hour and home of the “Tastiest Original Cocktail.” Matt is our mixologist and the friendly face that will greet you at our massive, solid oak bar. We invite you to come sit by the fire, order your own Hot Toddy, and relax and enjoy true Southern Hospitality.

Hot Toddy Recipe

Stir honey and hot water in a 2-cup measuring cup until honey dissolves. Add bourbon, and twist a strip of lemon peel over each drink, then add to glass.

• 2 oz Burbon
• 1 Tablespoon of Honey
• 2 Teaspoons Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/4 Cup of Hot Water

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.

-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!

• 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/