The Willcox Hotel

White-pillared Colonial Revival hotel standing on a tree-lined residential avenue in genteel Aiken, in the heart of thoroughbred horse country across the Savannah River from Augusta, Georgia. A popular “winter colony” for New York’s high society in the 1920s and 1930s. Most of the two dozen accommodations feature high ceilings, fireplaces, period antiques, feather beds and luxury baths. Rocking chairs line the front porch, which opens into a pine-paneled British club-style lobby. A heated outdoor pool, small exercise room and intimate spa round out the amenities.  A 2,000-acre surrounding park is laced with hiking trails and bridle paths. Golf and equestrian sports (polo, steeplechase, fox hunting) are available nearby, plus the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame on the grounds of lovely Hopeland Gardens.