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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

Spring celebrates Aiken tailgating season. Polo matches, horse shows, horse races all offer great opportunities for tailgating.

“Tailgating is a family affair for us! Not only our food and drinks…but don’t forget the children at halftime or in between the races!”
– Joanne Dorian

“The more the merrier on our Sunday Polo tailgates! Our menus vary and grilled lobster is not out of the question!”
– Rhett Sinclair

The Willcox Signature Mint Julep
3 oz Bourbon
1 oz Simple Syrup
6-8 Mint Leaves
Crushed Ice

Stir together bourbon, simple syrup, mint leaves and ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top off with more ice and garnish with mint leaves. Try the recipe at home, or come enjoy a mint julep at the Lobby Bar.

At The Willcox, we take land conservation very seriously, with our beloved Hitchcock Woods so close at hand. The Aiken Land Conservancy aims to preserve Aiken’s unique character and natural and historic resources for present and future generations through advocacy and land protection.

Learn more about conversation here.

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What’s Growing and Blooming?
Spring Botanicals in Aiken with Bill Tiszai

What are some of the “favorites” that will grow and bloom in Aiken in the spring?
There are several classic trees and shrubs that let us know we’re on our way to spring. Camelias are at the top of the list and begin before spring with their brilliant blooms in various colors and combinations. We also love the Japanese Magnolia, commonly called the Tulip Magnolia, with its vivid purple tulip-shaped blooming flower. Yellow Forsythia is another favorite that will produce a wonderful yellow flower before the leaves. Of course, you can’t forget the okame cherry trees with their beautiful pink blooms.

What are or is some of the most common “spring” gardening problems in Aiken?
As soon as we hit our first warm week, many customers want to plant tomatoes, which is still a bit early in February. We always run the risk of a late frost in March, so we recommend paying attention to the weather and covering or moving plants when frost is expected. We are blessed in Aiken to have very favorable conditions for planting throughout the year, so there really isn’t a bad time to garden. While it may sound obvious, it’s easy to overlook the importance of watering regularly, especially when rain is not sufficient.

Do you have any “spring surprises” that you could share?
One of our favorites right now is Edgeworthia Chrysantha, also known as the paper bush. It blooms in winter with beautiful white florets that pack a punch with its scent. Another shrub with a wonderful scent is winter daphne that also provides beautiful blooms earlier than others. Because it’s harder to find, we really enjoy having it when it’s available. We’ve been fortunate this year to find several different varieties of camelias with beautiful color combinations. We love sharing things that are unique and only found in small numbers. We just received a nice shipment of palms, which adds a tropical feel to any landscape.

If there were one garden resolution to make during the spring what would you suggest that be?
Don’t be afraid to try things, and if it doesn’t work out, try again. While we like to reduce things in our lives to an exact science, gardening is still working with mother nature. Things might not always work just the way we want them to, but don’t let that discourage you – try again. Once you experience a little success with nurturing something and experiencing its beauty, you will be hooked. It’s a wonderful way to relieve stress and connect to nature, which is something we could all use more of these days.

“If winter were a beer, it would be Stones IPA with a good balance of piney notes and citrus/grapefruit. The hops profile is complex and rounded with a lingering bitterness, pairing well with the creamy yolk from the egg, the fat from the sausage, and bitterness of the Stones IPA Mustard. That is why if winter were a beer it would be Stones IPA.”
– Matthew Sayer, The Willcox Restaurant Manager
Matt’s Favorite Winter Snack: Scotch eggs

Food: “Oyster Roasts… salty, briny low country oysters enjoyed around a fire with friends…”
Activities: “Hiking in Hitchcock Woods… each season brings a different view, scent, and experience.”
Book to read by the fire: “One of my favorites is Beryl Markham’s Memoir – West with The Night.”
– Tina McCarthy, General Manager

“Enjoying plays at The Aiken Playhouse, walking the Aiken Arboretum Trail, bundling up and enjoying the Aiken State Park, and riding Pedego electric bikes.”
– Teresa Noel, Guest Services

“Enjoying winter meals with family and friends, having friends over for drinks around the fire pit, and last but not least… football, football, and more football!”
– Derek Brown

Food: “Cooking mom’s cheddar biscuits & dad’s Argentine empanadas.”
Activities: “Walking the dogs downtown to Tailgate Tavern and watching football outside under the heaters, ordering chorizo mussels, and seeing Wendy our favorite bartender.”
Book to read by the fire: “Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier”
– Alex Carranza, Guest Services and Vacation Rental Manager