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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

It is Christmas time in Aiken. That is a delightful thing. Colder weather is sweeping in and thus, the inviting fireplaces of The Willcox beckon.

And for a little bit longer, I am ensconced in the embrace of her most comfortable cocoon. I am happy to stake out my ground and declare she is special, charming and an enchanting top of the hospitality heights. The Willy is, simply put, iconic.

I have grown to know her well. For over a decade, I have, from often time to time, camped out here while at work, while in trial, while writing my books, while simply seeking some ‘down time’ and rest. I admit, when here, I luxuriate in her manifold and many comforts. Her food and drink, her people are all just easily beyond fine. Good humor and good manners and good conversation abound.

Her ambiance is Southern unique. She is a throwback time warp, the transfer portal to a proper touch serendipity and a just right, comfortable hedonism. When here, I am a happy sybarite, and she helps my brain calm and work thoughtfully.

Surely, you say, surely you exaggerate.
No, not at all, not in the least. She is, flatly put, a gem.

-E. Vernon F. Glenn, Author, Attorney & Raconteur

Guests often ask: How can I enjoy equestrian culture in the winter?
There are plenty of activities and competitions during the winter season that welcome spectators.

If you are a morning person, The Aiken Training Track will have young thoroughbreds training typically from 7-9am – enjoy watching Railside during their morning training ritual.

Recently a guest who had never attended a horse show asked about spectator etiquette…which is a great question! I shared this article which they found very helpful, and it still holds true!

There are so many ways to enjoy thoroughbred country, and we hope you find it as exciting as we do!

Happy Spectating!
Tina McCarthy
Willcox General Manager & Horse Enthusiast

Where to Spectate Horse Shows & Competitions
National USEF Jumper Shows – Aiken Horse Park
USEA Horse Trials and USDF Competitions – Stable View
Hunter Jumper Shows – Highfields

Winter Art Classes
Interested in learning about oil painting? Or maybe try your hand in acrylics and drawing!
Join classes at Aiken Art Annex this Winter.

Register here – https://aikenartannex.com/registration/

Take time to rejuvenate…
Let this be a season to give yourself freedom from expectation, create presence of mind and peace from the many distractions of life…

Lose yourself in a great novel
Meditate & breathe with intention
Take a long walk somewhere in nature
Relax & laugh at a silly movie or show
Turn your phone off – if only for 30 minutes
Spend time with yourself and those you love
Write away worries in your journal
Remember to be kind to you

When in doubt, take an extra-long bubble bath, pour a glass of something delicious & turn up your favorite tunes.

Stay tuned for more details on special spa & self-care packages this winter.

“My passion is the restaurant industry,” Matt said. “Every day is a school day and I love to learn. The Court of Master Sommeliers was a perfect fit for me. Level One really sets the standards for what the Court expects you to know and learn over the course of your training. My goal is to eventually become a Master Sommelier—it’s my 10 year goal, and my next step in the certification process will be completed in early 2021. I have always had the ‘wine bug’ and the Court has definitely taken me to the next level.”

Matt and Lindsay’s training and education will bring new experiences to The Willcox for all of our guests, age 21 and up, to enjoy.

“Wine service has already begun changing at The Willcox as we now have trained sommeliers gathering information from customers to offer sound advice on great wines,” Matt said. “We’re helping them to select wines that apply to their specific tastes. We’re also engaging in the correct service methods and ensuring that all of our wines are at the correct temperature.”

While Matt’s favorite wine offered at The Willcox is Leclerc Briant NV Champagne from France, he takes all kinds of elements into consideration before offering his suggestion and advice to a guest as they select what they would like to drink.

“It all depends on the day, time of year, and the guest,” Matt said. “As a sommelier, it is our duty to listen to the guest and see what they are in the mood for. It isn’t for me to tell them what they like.”

In celebration of this achievement, they will be introducing a new wine by the glass program at The Willcox consisting of wines described sa having a superior character and style, and rated 85 or above by Wine Spectator. The next time that you stop by The Willcox, be sure to congratulate them! This is a huge accomplishment and we are immensely proud of them.

There’s a palpable energy in Aiken this month as the heat of summer begins to fade away and the cool, crisp autumn air begins to blow down Laurens Street, through The Alley, and right up to our front porch. Fall is here and with it comes a bustling social calendar filled with the Aiken Steeplechase, family gatherings, and holiday parties.

Before life gets too busy for you, we invite you to take a minute to appreciate the little things this month that make living in and visiting Aiken so wonderful.

Spend a morning hiking through Hitchcock Woods. Known as one of the largest urban forests in the country, it’s less than half a mile away from our hotel. You can take to the trails by foot or by hoof—there’s nothing we love more than an early morning horseback ride through this forest. Time your visit just right and you’ll even enjoy some autumn colors gracing the canopy of the trees around town and in Hitchcock Woods.

Make plans to meet up with a friend one day this week to sit in one of our rocking chairs with a tall glass of sweet tea or lemonade, and take the time to catch up with one another as you enjoy the beautiful Aiken weather. Sip a glass of red wine from our award-winning wine list in the evening as the sun sets and the cooler temperatures descend around you. Before it gets too chilly, step back inside the warm embrace of our lobby to grab a seat by the fire or a table in our dining room for dinner.

For the ultimate relaxation, escape to our Salon & Spa where you’ll be graciously welcomed into a truly serene atmosphere that promotes rejuvenation. You’ll leave your cares and worries at the door as you indulge in spending a little time pampering both your mind and your body in our Spa.

Before you know it, it’ll be time to put on your Steeplechase best, to begin shopping for the perfect hostess gift for all of your holiday parties, and to gather around the table with your family. Be sure to take a moment to soak in the beauty that surrounds you this fall season in Aiken!