Sweet Home Alabama

Auburn

A community rich in tradition, history, natural beauty and opportunities for family fun, Auburn is probably best known for being the home to Auburn University, the state’s largest university. Fondly known by many as “the loveliest little village on the plains,” this quaint Southern college town is surrounded by recreational areas, including Chewacla State Park, the Donald E. Davis Arboretum, Lake Harding, Lee County Public Fishing Lake and Hickory Dickory Park, just to name a few. The community boasts several museums, including the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, as well as a lengthy list of sports complexes and lovely homes. Nearby Opelika features a stop on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the much lauded Grand National.

Attractions

  • Adventure Sports, Inc.

    Backpacking, camping and scuba gear. Scuba guides, classes.

  • Auburn Lanes

    Whether it's a birthday party, a company outing or just a spontaneous desire to go have some fun, Americans have a favorite destination -- AMF Bowling Centers.

  • Auburn Links at Mill Creek

    Championship course with Bermuda greens. Voted one of best courses in Southeast. Golf Digest: 3 1/2 Stars award. Hooters/Jordan professional tour.

  • Auburn Opelika Running and Track Association

    Runners of all abilities and all walks of life. Club races, social and charity runs, including Auburn Classic Half Marathon in January. Weekly training runs.

  • Auburn University Historic District

    Centered around beautiful Samford Park, Revivalist-style buildings date from 1850s to early 1900s. Historic buildings include University Chapel, Samford Hall, Hargis Hall, Langdon Hall.

Events

  • Bluegrass On The Plains

    May 23-27, 2012

    First Annual "Bluegrass On The Plains" 5 Day Bluegrass Festival, Memorial Day Week 2012, Wed - Sun, May 23 - 27, 2012. 19 Bands include Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Little Roy & Lizzy Show, The Dillard's, Carl Jackson, Nothin' Fancy, Blue Moon Rising, Cumberland River, Marty Raybon, Gary Waldrep, Jerry Salley, Larry Cordle, Shannon & Heather Slaughter & County Clare, Kelli Johnson, Volume Five, Eastwind, Cedar Rock, The Bailey Mountain Cloggers, The Moron Brothers, Stacy Grubb, Randy & Sherri Miller. Website: www.bluegrassontheplains.com, 334-821-8968 for more information. Wed. 6-11 PM, Thu, Fri, Sat Noon-11 PM, Sun 9 AM-2 PM

  • Sundown Concert Series

    May 3-31, 2012

    May 3-31, Auburn Sundown Concert Series 334 501-2940. www.auburnalabama.org/parks. Free. Town Creek Park--Every Thursday in May citizens are encouraged to bring a blanket, chairs, and picnic and enjoy an evening of free musical entertainment. 6-7:30 p.m.

  • SummerNight Downtown Art Walk

    Jun 15, 2012

    Jun 15, Auburn SummerNight Downtown Art Walk 334-501-2947. www.auburnarts.org. Free. Downtown Auburn--Art Walk, hosted by the Auburn Arts Association, Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and Downtown Auburn Merchants, is a self-guided event featuring works in every medium; from photography to sculpture, from fine art to live music and spoken word poetry. This event is for local artists and musicians to display their talents, while offering the community a chance to enjoy an evening in the downtown area. Downtown merchants and restaurants will remain open after regular business hours. Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to shop, dine and enjoy the downtown atmosphere. Local artists will have their work on display and local musicians will entertain the public. Also, the downtown merchants will hold sidewalk sales. 5:30-9:30 p.m.

  • Father's Day Brunch at Ariccia

    Jun 17, 2012

    Jun 17, Auburn Father's Day Brunch at Ariccia 334-844-5140. www.auariccia.com. Ariccia Italian Trattoria & Bar--Take Dad to Ariccia Italian Trattoria & Bar to experience a true man’s afternoon this Father’s Day. A meat-filled buffet and a “Father’s Lounge,” complete with overstuffed leather couches and flat screen TVs airing sports, will combine to let Dad experience his favorite things. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Tim Chambliss Jazz Trio. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 334-844-5140. 11 a.m.

  • Culinary Boot Camp at the Hotel at Auburn University

    Jun 22-24, 2012

    The Culinary Boot Camp at The Hotel at Auburn University is a hands-on weekend-long event showcasing the best of Alabama culinary products and talent. Two top dining locations – Ariccia Trattoria & Bar and Piccolo – will mix gourmet meals with educational experiences. From a Friday evening reception featuring Alabama beers and seafood, where participants can meet the chefs to a Saturday cooking demo, wine pairing seminar and hands on cooking class, guests can enjoy a full array of interactive culinary activities. Afterwards, they can wind-down on Sunday with a final meal of either Sunday Jazz Brunch in Ariccia or breakfast in bed. All participants will receive special aprons and chef toques to wear throughout the weekend to identify them as honorary participants in the Culinary Boot Camp.

Accommodations

Restaurants