AIKEN --- If you're staying at The Willcox in Aiken for Masters Week, you've likely already met Kellie Smith.
As the historic inn's assistant general manager, she and other workers will be quite busy this week helping visitors settle in and learn about Aiken, the South Carolina city about 20 miles east of Augusta.
"I've grown up in Aiken," she said, sitting in a front lobby area, near a stone fireplace. "Aiken has a lot of history, and it's a great town."
Ms. Smith was already busy leading up to this week, overseeing the booking of Masters Tournament guests and setting up early dinner and golf reservations in town.
She said that before the year started, The Willcox, which dates to the late 1800s, already had its rooms booked for the weekend tournament days.
"The National definitely helps Aiken out," she said.
The inn has 22 rooms, including some suites. All feature antique furniture and have a different design scheme. The site also offers its own spa.
Ms. Smith said The Willcox will be full of activity this week as guests check in and out.
She said Masters Week is the busiest time at The Willcox, with Aiken's horse-related events, such as the Steeplechase, coming in second.
The inn on Colleton Avenue has its roots in a time when many wealthy Northerners visited the Aiken area during the winter.
According to legend, Franklin Delano Roosevelt frequented The Willcox.
And at one time doormen at the site would even check the shoes of arriving guests before allowing them in, according to the site's official brochure.
Reach Preston Sparks at (803) 648-1395, ext. 110, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.
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