The Town That Polo Built

In Aiken, South Carolina, Southern hospitality and sporting tradition reign supreme

Aiken, South Carolina is a place where history, sport, and Southern culture intersect in extraordinary ways. It is vibrant and refined, yet relaxed—an equestrian paradise with a legacy rooted in hospitality dating back nearly two centuries. To understand Aiken is to understand how the world’s most influential American families once made it their seasonal haven, how polo helped define its spirit, and how that heritage continues to shape the town today.

This small Southern charmer has been welcoming guests since 1833, when America’s first railroad was laid through the area, establishing Aiken as the nation’s first true railroad town. Word spread quickly about its refreshing air and the restorative scent of the longleaf pines. Soon, Aiken earned national recognition as a health retreat: a place where visitors found comfort and vitality in its clean breezes and mild winters. By the late 19th century, the town’s reputation grew far beyond a simple resort getaway. It became a social epicenter and a Southern playground for some of America’s wealthiest families.

The Rise of the Winter Colony and its Polo Legacy

From the 1890s through World War II, Aiken was considered the place for Northeastern high society to spend the season. Known as the Winter Colony, renowned families including the Whitneys, Astors, Mellons, Vanderbilts, Cabots, and Hitchcocks would arrive by train from New York (just one day’s travel away) to spend November through May immersed in sport, leisure, and society. 

They built magnificent cottages—estates grand enough to rival Newport—that dotted roads beneath canopies of oaks and towering longleaf pines. For its newest residents, Aiken quickly gained a reputation as both “The Newport of the South” and “The Sporting Center of the South.”

But among these elite residents, no name looms larger than Tommy Hitchcock Jr.

Hitchcock was not just a sportsman, he was a legend. Widely considered the greatest polo player of his era, he achieved a perfect 10-goal rating and helped popularize the sport nationwide. His skill, charisma, and influence placed Aiken firmly on the international polo map. Hitchcock and his contemporaries made polo a daily ritual in season, playing on what became the first polo field in the South: Aiken's iconic Whitney Field, which remains the oldest consecutively used polo field in the country.

Beyond polo, sports filled each day of Winter Colony life: golf on the South’s first golf course; court tennis (also the region’s first) and squash; steeplechase racing; fox and quail hunting; and social riding through the pine woods. This extraordinary sports culture shaped Aiken into a rare kind of town—one where athletic excellence and refined leisure blended seamlessly.

A Modern Equestrian Capital with Timeless Hospitality

The Winter Colony’s passion laid the foundation for Aiken’s modern identity as one of America’s most significant equestrian hubs. Today, the town boasts nearly 60 polo fields, several racetrack, eventing courses, and two Grand Prix venues for Olympic-style show jumping. Here, almost every equestrian discipline thrives. Riders from novices to Olympians relocate to Aiken to train, winter their horses, or compete in its thriving equestrian season.

And remarkably, this equine playground exists within a city still deeply connected to nature. Downtown lies adjacent to the 2,000-acre Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the nation, threaded with 70 miles of bridle and hiking trails. These woods are also home to the world’s largest known longleaf pine, more than 300 years old.

Though horses may be the heartbeat of Aiken, Southern hospitality is its soul. The town has been repeatedly recognized as one of Southern Living’s “Best Small Towns in the South”, and that spirit is evident everywhere—from smiling shopkeepers to lively community events. Its historic architecture remains wonderfully preserved, showcasing everything from Victorian mansions to stately Winter Colony estates, each with its own gardens and eclectic stories. The downtown shopping district offers local boutiques, galleries, and artisan shops, while the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and nearby museums celebrate the sporting legacy that built Aiken’s reputation.

Dining is a highlight, especially in The Alley, Aiken’s vibrant culinary corridor. With ten restaurants all within strolling distance, it’s a natural gathering place. Every Thursday, live outdoor music sets the perfect soundtrack for al fresco dining.

Where Past and Present Strike a Delicate Balance

Aiken may be deeply rooted in its iconic past, but it continues to evolve. Situated just 18 miles from Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters, its proximity makes it an appealing destination for golf lovers, retirees, riders, and families seeking a life steeped in culture and community. Yet despite its national significance, Aiken has never lost what makes it special. Simply put, it feels like home.

It’s a place where people greet one another by name, where dogs snooze under café tables, and where the click of horseshoes may be heard just around the corner. The spirit of Tommy Hitchcock and the Winter Colony still courses through Aiken’s daily rhythms—polo matches fill weekends, riders trot through the woods, and time slows down beneath the pines. Every gallop across a field, every ball struck on a polo pitch, every gathering on a downtown patio continues a legacy that began more than a century ago.

Stubbornly yet graciously, Aiken remains exactly what it has always been: a small Southern town defined by sport, shaped by nature, and celebrated for its hospitality.

WHERE TO STAY: THE WILLCOX

The iconic Willcox is located in the heart of Aiken, South Carolina, where elegance and comfort come together in timeless fashion. Built in 1898, the charming 23-room historic hotel has long been synonymous with leisurely living. From its earliest days hosting Northeastern elites who wintered in Aiken to its modern role as a beloved community hub, the hotel invites guests to slow down and savor life’s richest moments. The guest experience is intimate—each room and suite thoughtfully appointed with high ceilings, crown molding, and cloud-soft beds wrapped in cool, crisp linens. Many rooms feature glowing fireplaces for evenings spent reading, relaxing, or reminiscing after a day outdoors. Every accommodation has its own character, yet all share the hotel’s signature blend of Southern charm and elevated style.

Photo by: Brent Cline

The Willcox’s award-winning restaurant is a favorite both among travelers and Aiken locals. Guests are encouraged to dine wherever the moment feels right—in the dining room beneath equestrian-inspired wallpaper, beside the fire in the lobby, on the front porch, poolside, or in the privacy of their room. On-property, wellness is celebrated in a full-service salon and spa; and a saltwater pool and exercise space round out the amenities.

Locals lovingly refer to The Willcox lobby as “Aiken’s Living Room.” It’s a place where neighbors meet for a glass of wine and weekly gatherings—like Thursday night jazz and guided wine dinners—invite the community to connect. Though The Willcox welcomes guests from near and far, it remains dedicated to serving the town it has called home for more than a century.

Pampering Four-Legged Guests

The Willcox is proudly pet-friendly, offering a full menu of thoughtful amenities:

• Welcome amenity bag & personalized dog tag

• Cozy dog bed + food & water bowls

• Dog welcome basket with homemade treats

• Dog turndown featuring turkey jerky

• Pet cuisine menu featuring seared filet and poached salmon

• Dog walking and attentive pet sitting services

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