The Willcox Hotel and Restaurant, Aiken, South Carolina

 

“On cannot think well, Love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

Virginia Wolf

Walking up to the this grand white pillared Colonial Revival Landmark in Aiken, South Carolina, we looked up in awe of the beautiful architecture. This amazing stately building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in March 1982. The rocking chairs on the front porch draw you in to sit and relax for a while, to enjoy a glass of sweet tea and some down home Southern hospitality.   

 

We walked up the stairs and went inside where we gazed upon a wide open lobby. There was comfortable seating and a nice fireplace to sit by and get cozy and warmed up on a chilly day. In one corner was a lovely grand piano and we wondered how many nights people sat around listening to someone play that magnificent instrument. No wonder The Willcox is known as “The Community Living Room.” What a great place to gather with family and friends. On the other side of the room is a gorgeous wooden bar inviting you to grab a drink and relax in this lovely room. The bar is surrounded by comfortable bar stools as well as tall bar tables with stools close by to sit. We were there that day to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the Willcox Restaurant which is a part of The Willcox Hotel.

The staff were very friendly and accommodating and greeted us with a smile and led us directly to our table near the large windows. The wall behind where Joe sat looked like intricately carved wood veneer. It was just beautiful. The tables were set with white linen table clothes and napkins. The staff was very attentive and did all they could to make us comfortable and happy throughout the meal. I ordered the Gigi salad and Joe got their Rock Shrimp Fra Diavola. We relaxed and sipped on a nice cocktail before the food came out. The food was fantastic and plentiful. We enjoyed our time here being pampered. When we got up to leave, we noticed there was also outside seating that would be nice on a warm day.

Along with this historic building being a restaurant, it is also a splendid luxury hotel. The rooms are lovely and all have character and charm. Over the years, many wealthy guests have come here and stayed including diplomats, society leaders, European royalty, wealthy sportsman, and members of the entertainment world. Some of the people who have been here are Count and Countess Bernadotte of Sweden, Winston Churchill, John Jacob Aster, Evelyn Walsh McLean (owner of the Hope diamond), make up queen Elizabeth Arden, Andy Williams, the singer, Doris Duke, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Bing Crosby. As if that weren’t enough, we were told this was the romping grounds of the Vanderbilt’s and Pulitzer’s. That is quite the list.

This grand hotel in the heart of Thoroughbred country in Aiken was established in the late 19th century by Frederick Sugden Willcox and has served the affluent in Aiken since 1900. Frederick came to America with his wife, Elise from Sweden, and their two children, Frederick and Albert. When he first arrived in Aiken, he worked as a caterer for the Old Highland Park Hotel and worked there until a fire destroyed the hotel in 1898. After the fire, he opened his small hotel and slowly over the years added to it. This luxury hotel is said to have the first bathtub in the South connected to hidden inside plumbing. That must have been quite the treat during those days.

When Frederick died in 1924, his son, Albert “Bert” took over the business and did massive renovations. What a shame that Frederick never saw the hotel as it looks today. This incredible historic hotel did well until WWII. At that time, Aiken changed from being a southern playground for the wealthy to just another small southern town with many residents serving in the armed forces. The heyday of the hotel had ended when Albert sold the hotel in an auction in 1957.

In 2000, this property was sold to Garrett Hotel Group who restored the “Grand Dame” to her former glory. They reopened and renamed her, “The Willcox”.

The hotel stood empty for some years while it was in South Carolina’s National Banks hands. The current owners of the hotel are Shannon and Geoff Ellis who bought this amazing property on New Years Eve 2009 and worked hard to restore this elegant, historic hotel and restaurant. They have a beautiful pool, spa, and event center on the property as well, making it the perfect place for a wedding or special event. This hotel has been voted as one of the best hotels in the world by Travel and Leisure Magazine, as well as being voted locally the Best Local Restaurant, Best Happy Hour, and Best Wait Staff.

This hotel is located within walking distance of downtown Aiken at 100 Colleton Avenue, SW, Aiken, South Carolina. There is so much to do in Aiken that this would make a great destination. Check them out at: www.thewillcox.com.

Till next time. Bye for now.