SPRING IS HERE
“A flower blossoms for its own joy.”
OSCAR WILDE
Come bloom
along with Aiken
this spring.
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!
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 here to visit their site.
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.
THE HISTORY & FASHION
OF HATS IN AIKEN
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.
Pictured, top: The Minnie Pearl display at the Aiken County Historical Museum. Bottom: Milliner Natalie Simmon from Carolina Millinery Company who we welcomed to The Willcox in March.
MEET
TAMMY FENDER
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.
SOMMELIER'S CORNER
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.
How will you experience Aiken this spring?
We welcome you to be our guest this season—
A rejuvenating, restful visit in our town awaits you.
