We believe that employees are our most important resource and our success depends upon creating and retaining a staff capable of delivering an exceptional experience to every customer, every time.
We are looking for someone to work breakfast and lunch. Experience preferred but training available.
Above all, you must be motivated and have a positive attitude and a passion for food. A full-time position is available. If this sounds like you and you want to progress your career while ensuring that standards, preparation and presentation of food exceeds the expectations of our guests, we would like to hear from you.
We are looking for an experienced and creative Line Cook to join a small team in our busy kitchen.
We are seeking a mature professional with strong culinary skills and high food presentation standards for this hands-on role.
To be successful you must have the following attributes:
Above all, you must be motivated and have a positive attitude and a passion for food. A full-time position is available. If this sounds like you and you want to progress your career while ensuring that standards, preparation and presentation of food exceeds the expectations of our guests, we would like to hear from you.
Performs professional nail, foot, and hand treatments such as manicures and pedicures toguests. They possess in-depth knowledge of nails, including a fundamental knowledge of foot and hand massage techniques and careful application of polish, grooming, cleaning, and cutting. They utilize this knowledge and excellent sanitation and cleanliness skills nail service offerings. Nail technicians must keep up to date with the latest nail products, techniques and trends. They must demonstrate, promote, and sell spa/salon retail products. They must follow all company policies and procedures.
Provide hair styling, cutting, and possibly color services to guests. May provide nail services, waxing, and skincare services to guests. Assess guest needs, inquire about contraindications, and examine skin, hair, or nails to evaluate condition, appearance, and appropriateness of scheduled service. Cosmetologist must keep up to date with the latest hair products, techniques and trends. They must demonstrate, promote, and sell spa/salon retail products. They must follow all company policies and procedures.
We are fun, upbeat, and have a great atmosphere in which to work. We are looking for an energetic and positive massage therapist to join our team.
Qualifications:
Due to our size, cancellations affect us significantly; therefore, we adhere to a strict cancellation policy. Reservations may be canceled without penalty up to 7 days prior to arrival. Reservations not cancelled by 3 p.m. (7 days prior to arrival) will be charged in full.
Check-in time is 3 p.m.; checkout is 11 a.m. We are happy to store your luggage if you arrive before 3 p.m. or wish to depart later than 11 a.m.
All bookings made starting January 1st, 2025, for stays starting from April 1st, 2025, will be charged a resort fee of $30 plus tax nightly. The fee includes access to premium amenities, enhanced services, and exclusive guest benefits to elevate your stay. Amenities and services include: Glass of Champagne or Cider upon arrival, Standard Wi-Fi, Wireless high speed access, Unlimited local and toll free phone calls, Resort wide parking, Morning Coffee and Tea service in the Mansion, Time Digest Daily, Newspapers, Concierge services, Miss Lucy boat cruise (weather dependent), fishing rods and bait, Stand-up paddle boards (seasonal), Kayaks (seasonal), Canoes (seasonal), Lawn Games, Board Games and Puzzles, Afternoon cookie drop (seasonal), Hot spiced apple cider (seasonal), hot water bottle turn down upon request (seasonal).
Inside, The Willcox is a smoke-free environment. Please retire to the porch to indulge in a pipe, cigar, cigarette or vape.
Children are always welcome at The Willcox. Pack and Plays are available at no charge. Call ahead, and one will be set up in your room when you arrive.
Well-trained and quiet pets are welcome. If your favorite pet is joining you, a $100 charge will be added. All pets must be on a leash while on property and please make sure pets are secure in their crates when you leave your room. A credit card must be presented at the time of check in to guarantee against damages or soiled carpets/soft goods in the room. Damages will be billed on a case-by-case basis.
The pool is open to guests spring, summer and fall but closed in winter. A lifeguard is not on duty, however, so swimming is at your own risk. If you require assistance getting in and out of the pool, please notify the front desk.
The comfort, well-being and safety of our guests has always been our top priority. In addition to local, state and federal guidelines within our industry, we have implemented additional cleaning and sanitation protocols through the entire hotel and installed the REME HALO in the HVAC systems in public areas of the hotel. The HALO-LED is an in-duct, whole building air purification system that is both zero ozone compliant, mercury free and is intended to proactively treat every cubic inch of air-conditioned space, reducing airborne and surface contaminants.
If you have any questions about our health and wellness protocols or have a specific request, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@thewillcox.com or 803-648-1898.
Note: Room rates are subject to all state and local taxes, currently at 11 percent. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Maximum number of guests per room is two adults and two children.
Discover Aiken this summer through Horse Around Aiken Treasure Hunt. Created by Aiken Center for the Arts, this interactive journey takes you and your entire family through the heart of downtown Aiken. Locate nine life-sized horse statues created by local artists and learn more about each equine-inspired art installation as you scan their QR codes. Once you’ve found all of these unique horses, return to Aiken Center for the Arts for a photo opportunity and prize!
The roots of farming in South Carolina run deep. Agriculture drives our state, with nearly 25,000 farms – or five million acres – helping feed South Carolinians daily. Although agribusiness, or agriculture and forestry, is the most significant economic sector in the state, it can often feel like an endless pursuit to find fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables in an age of supermarkets that ship food across the country.
With more and more South Carolinians getting curious about where their food comes from, Big Smile Peaches offers the unique opportunity for consumers to support their local food economy in a hands-on way. Located just a short drive from The Willcox, hungry guests can connect with the farms that feed us, pick their own peaches, and immerse themselves in the traditions farming that runs so deep in our state. Agritourism is as inspiring as it is impactful, allowing consumers to become active participants in our food system.
Whether you’re in pursuit of talking with a farmer face-to-face this summer or want to collect your own bounty of fresh food that was picked the same day, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite local farm stands and markets for you in this issue to help inspire the senses and invite curiosity.
Farmer’s Markets:
Aiken County Farmers Market
Woods Farm Market and Garden
Certified Roadside Stands:
Berry Farm Produce
Boondock Farms
Fresh Farm Market at Cold Creek Nurseries
Samaria Farm & Dairy
U-Pick Farms:
Big Smile Peaches
Carolina Country Farm
For an entire list of local farmers markets in Aiken and across our state, how to enroll in a local CSA program, discover roadside farm stands, and more, view the entire list here.
HEIRLOOM TOMATO PIE
One of the greatest joys of a Southern summer is tomato pie. When they’re ripe on the vine, it’s time to create this classic dish. With pie crust made from scratch and juicy heirloom tomatoes, enjoy this recipe by Southern Living around the dinner table with family and friends.
Ingredients:
Heirloom tomatoes
Kosher salt
Thick-cut bacon
Shallots
Cloves
White cheddar
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Fresh basil & chives
Egg
Recipe and photo: Southern Living. Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
Aiken in Bloom: In Conversation with Margaret Brown
For 27 years, she created the floral arrangements that decorated Augusta National during the Masters Tournament. The flowers she arranged each year in The Butler Cabin, where the post-tournament Green Jacket Interview is famously held, have been seen by hundreds of millions of people around the world. Her experiences over the course of nearly 3 decades, from 1982 until 2008, inspired her to write a book entitled A Florist’s Walk Down Magnolia Lane: An Augusta Story so that she could share a behind the scenes look at the tradition of one of the most storied golf tournaments in history.
Long before she was the floral designer for Augusta National, Margaret was busy falling in love with nature and flowers in her parents’ yard growing up. She was zealous about spending time outdoors, and as she got older, she became equally enthusiastic about the happiness, peace, and joy that spread wherever flowers go.
Tune in as we have the opportunity to sit down with her to discuss her passion of flowers and how she originally started working with Augusta National.
Interested in learning more about Margaret and her work at Augusta National? Purchase her book here.
Joye in Aiken: Off the Stage and into the Classroom
Joye in Aiken makes a grand entrance onto the social scene each March with it’s array of dazzling performing artists and productions. The sweet melodies and soulful jazz fills the local businesses and performance venues throughout the week. What is often over looked is what is softly happening in the background of Joye in Aiken: the philanthropic work that they do in the local public schools as part of their outreach program.
46,000 students have felt the impact of their outreach program since Joye in Aiken’s inception in 2008. Joye in Aiken works closely with the Aiken County Public School District to bring Kidz Bop and Young People’s concerts, master classes, in-school performances, artist residencies, and a summer jazz camp to town for the students to participate in. They offer performing art experiences and learning opportunities that would otherwise not be available in Aiken.
This past winter, Joye in Aiken received a 2023 Community Grant of $15,000 from the CSRA Community Foundation to continue the impactful work that they do in our public schools. This grant will go towards a newer mission of Joye in Aiken that came about due to the pandemic. They are working closely with schools to reengage students after multiple years of disrupted education that led to, in some cases, substantial learning losses.
Their philanthropic work over the past fifteen years has been inspiring to students throughout our community and we’re grateful for all that they do!
Interested in learning more about Joye in Aiken 2024? Click below to visit their site:
https://www.joyeinaiken.com/
Our resident sommelier, Matthew Sayer, is back this spring with his recommendation for what to drink this season. His choice? Tears of Vulcan. This wine is special because it is an “orange” wine… no, not wine made from oranges, but instead it’s a wine made where the skins and seeds of the grapes are left in contact with the juice creating an orange tint to the wine. It hails from the Chehalem Mountains of Oregon. You’ll enjoy the beautiful copper color, light tannins, and hint of umami that comes with every pour. It elicits endless depth and character. The best way to enjoy it is on a warm spring day, sitting on the shaded patio enjoying some cheese. It also pairs well with a spicy low country boil.
Meet Tammy Fender, a world-renowned holistic skin guru who is passionate about sharing her love of the holistic lifestyle, embracing natural beauty, and utilizing pure plant remedies. Our team at The Willcox is beyond thrilled to be partnering with her this season as we bring her practices and products to Aiken for our guests and visitors to enjoy.
While she was here with us earlier this month, Tammy created a meditation specific for The Willcox and she completed hands-on training with our staff that we’re excited to show you when you visit with us.
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
