Auburn, Alabama Travel Guide :: The Loveliest Village on the Plains

Auburn, Alabama. Consistently ranked by Forbes as one of the best places to live in Alabama, I would have to agree. The Loveliest Village on the Plains is home to Auburn University and, of course, is thus largely characterized by the University presence. However, I would argue that Auburn-Opelika is a destination in itself, if you’re looking to experience America’s southern charm.

The bustle of this area is double that of another it’s size thanks to the University’s attractions (SEC sports, hello!!), so there’s always something going on. In fact, Auburn-Opelika is the fastest growing metro area in eastern Alabama. Auburn-Opelika has the charm of a small town with lots of local businesses gracing the town squares and some old historic architecture, but it still has many of the amenities of a smaller city (i.e. Target, multiple Chick-fil-A locations, etc.).

Most of my travel guides are geared towards foodies, because I, myself, enjoy food. A lot. And Auburn will shock you with the crazy amount of good food in town. Lets dig in, shall we?

- where to stay -

Because Auburn is constantly packed with sports fans, there are no shortages of places to stay. I’d recommend …

The Hotel at Auburn. For the classic traveler who loves to be close to the action. The AU Hotel and Conference Center is one of the most popular places in town due to its location. You can walk out of it’s front doors, cross the street and be on campus. Which means it’s only two blocks from Toomer’s Corner and all of the shops on Magnolia. The Hotel has an attached restaurant (featuring Italian inspired dishes), a coffee pop-up shop and bar + lounge (Piccolo). Piccolo often features a jazz ensemble if you’re looking to relax during an after dinner (or pre-dinner) cocktail. They also have a great pool area (you can order drinks + food by calling the front desk).

The Laurel Hotel. Sister to the Auburn Hotel, The Laurel Hotel is Alabama’s first and only AAA 5 Diamond Hotel. Which means they deliver an ~ extra ~ level of service from checking in at the front desk (prosecco, ma’am?), enjoying the spa or lounging at the rooftop pool.

The Collegiate Hotel. For the trendy traveler who appreciates design. The Collegiate actually used to be an old, all-female dorm and has been thoughtfully re-designed to welcome guests from near and far! The Collegiate’s bar is one of my favorite places to grab a cocktail because of their rooftop (it’s actually where George proposed!), so it will always have a special place in our hearts.

Auburn-Opelika Marriott at Grand National. For the golfer, resort lover, or getaway seeker. One of Alabama’s favorite destinations is anything along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The resort out here is gorgeous because it sits on acres and acres of gorgeously groomed greens. They also have a full resort-style pool with food and (adult) beverage services. It’s a bit further out from Auburn’s downtown area (~16 minute drive), but they do offer a free shuttle service to downtown if you need a ride.

Heritage House. For the traveler looking for a truly unique experience. This historic B&B is located in downtown Opelika just a few minutes from Auburn. Decorated to emulate true southern charm, this southern mansion is one of my favorite places to stay in the Auburn-Opelika area. The owners are incredibly welcoming, the rooms are gorgeous (so unique!) and they offer homemade breakfast in the mornings!

- what to do -

Immerse yourself at Auburn University. Tour Auburn’s campus! Beautiful red brick buildings, giant SEC stadiums and friendly people. Attend a sporting event (once we’re able to see sports again). Take a photo in front of iconic Samford Hall. Students and locals alike love to lay down a picnic blanket on Samford’s lawn and enjoy the evening.

Drink Toomer’s Lemonade. Toomer’s corner is almost synonymous with Auburn because of the tradition to roll the trees at Toomer’s after winning a sporting event. You’ll drive through downtown after a big game and think that it snowed (so much TP everywhere). Toomer’s is actually a functioning drug store, selling ice creams, sandwiches, coke floats and, of course, their famous lemonade.

Explore Downtown Auburn! There are a number of local boutiques and sweet little shops for you to pop into and explore. We love shopping local around here. Be sure to drop into Behind the Glass, Therapy, Auburn Oil Booksellers, The Locker Room and Wrapsody! If you’re wanting to do something a little more active, Bunkers offers craft cocktails + a fun menu + a golf simulator.

Hike Chewacla State Park. On the outskirts of town sits 696 sprawling acres of eastern Alabama land. Many locals love to camp, bike, hike, fish, and trail run out here. I love packing a lunch, getting in an early hike and sitting in the sunshine.

Gouge Performing Arts Center. “Auburn’s premier performing arts center” is brand new to town and absolutely gorgeous. You’ll see big names like Yo Yo Ma and Blue Man Group.

Venture to downtown Opelika. Opelika has so much to see and do! The historic downtown area is full of antique stores and small boutiques, so it’s also great for shopping and exploring.

The Auburn-Opelika Mural Trail. This trail features a stunning collection of murals painted by local and regional artists, each telling its own unique story and adding a vibrant touch to the area's streetscape.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Sidetrack, One Bike, Sidetrack, UniQ

- coffee -

The Fox (formerly Coffee Cat ). Located right next to city hall, this hipster coffee shop is home to many students as they study for exams. Pet friendly + strong lattes = great coffee spot.

One Bike Coffee. Located out in Moore’s Mill, this is one of my favorites because of their mission (and baked goods). A portion of their profits benefits multiple sclerosis research (patrons are known for participating in a bike race each year to help raise money for the cause). ALSO. you MUST try the crack cake. It is heavenly.

UniQ Coffee. Located just over the train tracks from Toomer’s Corner, UniQ is very minimalist in terms of decor but their coffee is anything but - it packs a punch!

Well Red. Coffee bar by day and wine bar by night. Two of my very favorite things! And it’s a bookstore. What’s not to love?

The Bean. The Bean is a student favorite and is also well known for their homemade cinnamon rolls (get your sweet tooth satisfied here!). They offer a full menu (and ice-cream!) so it’s a space where you could spend most of the day.

Sidetrack. This earthy and hipster coffee shops is located in downtown Opelika and is one of my FAVES. Sidetrack offers really unique coffee drinks and will leave you with a carafe of water + cup once you take a seat as if to say, “Sit and stay a while!”

The Well. A new spot in downtown Opelika, The Well offers a variety of drinks to include espresso, adoptogens, collagen waters and slushies. The interior decorating design is incredible (soooooo Insta worthy) and they are female owned and operated. GIRL POWER!

TOP TO BOTTOM: Resting Pulse, Lucy’s, The Depot, Ampersand. — TOP TO BOTTOM: Resting Pulse, Lucy’s, The Depot, Ampersand (Ampersand closed as of 2022).

- cocktails -

The Rooftop at The Laurel Hotel & Spa. Arguably the best rooftop views in Auburn-Opelika as it overlooks Samford Lawn and a large portion of campus. You’ll need a reservation and they do charge a cover (because of the cover, the rooftop isn’t too crowded). It’s so posh, you might not even believe you’re in Auburn.

The Bar at Wittle (The Collegiate Hotel’s rooftop bar). This is the place where George and I got engaged! It has a stunning view of Samford Hall and you can hear the bells ring. The sunsets up here are gorgeous - definitely a fab pre-dinner cocktail spot.

Lucy’s. I love Lucy’s cocktails. The bartenders KNOWS THEIR DRINKS. The team is constantly creating new (delicious) creative drink options.

Botanic. An absolutely STUNNING property on the edge of Opelika not only has a greenhouse, upscale restaurant, bakery, and shops but also a BOURBON BAR. Botanic is a destination in itself and their cocktails are thoughtfully crafted and delicious.

The Depot. The Depot has a great bar area where you can sit and enjoy the grandeur style decor. The selection of liquor is so large, they have a ladder for the bartenders to climb. They make the best martini in town.

Cerulean. This 30A inspired wine bar is located in Midtown (off of Opelika Road). They carry a number of interesting wines - you can order a flight to taste test or by the glass. Themed nights are popular here, as well.

Resting Pulse Brewing Company. Just a quick walk from Ampersand, Resting Pulse is one of the newer(ish) breweries in town! We love to sit outside and enjoy their patio as they often have live music!

- breakfast / lunch -

Big Blue Bagel. If you’re a sucker for a good bagel breakfast sandwich, this is your spot. Order at the counter, take a seat and sip your coffee. They also make some KILLER lunch sandwiches.

Byron’s Smokehouse. A classic Auburn breakfast dive. Head over to Bryon’s for a buttery sausage biscuit and don’t skip the grits. True southern fare.

Hotel at Auburn (on the patio). The patio area of the hotel is lovely (equipped with fans in the sumemrtime) and they serve a stellar breakfast. Perk: it’s not as popular among the students, so it would be a more quiet, sit-down, slow breakfast.

Moe’s BBQ. The original is in downtown Auburn! George and I love to grab some of their Redneck Nachos as a midday snack. DELISH! (Also be sure to try a bushwhacker).

Taco Mama. If you’re feeling Mexican food, Taco Mama is very casual and always delicious. They also serve a fab margarita.

Niffers. An Auburn classic, Niffers is known for the extensive burger menu and corn fritters. Great for a casual lunch or dinner.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Lucy’s, Bow & Arrow, Moe’s BBQ, Acre.

- dinner -

Acre. A new age southern menu that will knock your socks off. The cocktails, the wine menu, the appetizers, the entrees, the dessert. Acre is consistently ranked one of the best restaurants in Alabama (and for good reason). Every dish I’ve ever eaten here is stellar. We love to order their pimento cheese, rib-eye steak, red snapper and peanut butter pie. But everything is good.

The Hound. Their motto is “bacon and bourbon” so you can pretty much determine your dinner destination based off of that. One of their appetizers is a flight of bacon (order bourbon to pair on the side). The Hound has more of a polished wood lodge feel with dishes for every price point. (They REALLY shine for brunch - see below).

Hamilton’s on Magnolia. I love popping into Hamilton’s for a martini on Monday’s (half price!) and an app (their fried green tomatoes are lovely). Hamilton’s is an Auburn classic and has been nestled on the corner of Magnolia for years. I love going for dinner when they have live music, it’s hard to beat.

The Depot. Fresh seafood imported from the coast, daily! I’m not a seafood fanatic, but I love a visit to the Depot. The owners actually remolded an old train depot right next to the train tracks in town to channel an old glam vibe. I love that the servers + bartenders all wear suspenders. Be sure to order their spicy blue crab dip.

Botanic. If you can get a reservation here, I would recommend. They serve each table homemade bread & butter upon arrival, customize each menu (“Welcome Nunnelley Party!”) and have a stellar southern menu. The ambiance is 10/10.

Bow & Arrow. A sister restaurant of Acre, Bow & Arrow is an Alabama take on Texas BBQ and Tex Mex. They have a great, laid back vibe and an awesome outside patio. They recently revamped their menu. Get the fried enchiladas. QUE RICO.

Auburn Plaza Bar & Lounge. One of Auburn’s more recent additions, Auburn Plaza is also located at Midtown. They have more of a old burger joint / hangout spot feel at a GREAT price point. We love grabbing a beer on the patio and nomming on their Warburger + cheesy tots.

Zazu’s. This downtown Opelika gastropub is probably one of the coolest buildings in town. It was an abandonded building transformed into a 5-level restaurant featuring exposed (original) brick and edison-glass lights. Their menu is truly a mix, but with a southern flair. They also try to support local farmers as much as possible. George and I love their burgers and Korean BBQ Spring Rolls!

Cafe 123. One of my favorite places to eat in Auburn-Opelika, hands down. It feels like you’ve been transported back to the 1950s and half expect Frank Sinatra to be the evening entertainment. Be sure to order the bananas foster.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Lucy’s, The Hotel at Auburn, Hamilton’s, Acre

- brunch -

Lucy’s. I frequent this place for brunch. I love it’s french bistro, white washed patio with pops of yellow just so much. Their brunch is stellar and their cocktails are even BETTER. I alternate between ordering their avocado tartine + chicken and waffles. And, sometimes during the week, I’ll pop over for a cocktail and app!

The Hound. Consistently voted “Best Brunch” in Auburn. Their Bloody Mary’s are MASSIVE and you can order a whole bottle of champagne + homemade juice blend for the table (or just for you - whatevs). I dream about their Huevos Houndcheros and George loves the Redneck Benedict. PRO TIP: Get there EARLY.

Waverly Local. This spot is located about 15 minutes out of town, but worth the trek. Their bacon-wrapped okra is TO DIE FOR and their pimento cheese comes with fried sourdough bread. Southern comfort at it’s finest. I’d recommend any dish that features their homemade biscuits (I love the Benne). SO DARN GOOD! Their cocktail game is pretty strong, as well.

Hamilton’s on Magnolia. Surprise! Hamilton’s is on here twice. I love sitting on their little patio area, shipping on a mimosa and chowing down on a good ole chicken biscuit (covered in some sort of magic chipotle sauce).

Acre. Acre also has a fantastic brunch and all the natural lighting in the restaurant makes it a beautiful place to sit and stay for a while.

Phew! Like I said - most of my travel revolves around food and drink. Auburn is such a great destination - I hope you’re inspired to visit the Loveliest Village on the Plains.