New Things in Auburn-Opelika Since Last Football Season

Everything from new murals to new bars

Can’t wait until the white tents are up on campus and Jordan-Hare is thundering with cheers? Well, the Auburn Family isn’t just welcoming a new first-string quarterback to the Plains. Take a look at the top new things to do in Auburn-Opelika this football season. 

1. Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center 

The long-awaited, state-of-the-art culinary science center is located across the street from Samford Hall. The center will be home to the Laurel Hotel & Spa. Amenities will include 16 luxurious rooms, 10 suites, 6 residences, a spa, a fitness studio, a rooftop pool, and a yoga pavilion. In addition, guests will be available to enjoy a delicious meal at the 1856 restaurant and even have the chance to dine with a beautiful view of Samford Hall at the Sky Rooftop Garden. Don't forget to visit the Hey Day Market and their new restaurants either! Click here for more info about this game-changing facility.

2. Botanic 

From the creators of Crepe Myrtle Café, Blooming Colors, and Chicken Salad Chick comes a new place that will plant fresh memories and experiences within the community. Botanic is a new business founded by husband-and-wife duo King Braswell and Stacy Brown that will be located in Tiger Town. The venue will function as a garden retail center, entertainment area, and farm-to-table restaurant featuring Southern cuisine. Click here for more information about this one-of-a-kind business.

3. New Murals

Local artists have been working hard painting one-of-a-kind murals since your last visit. In downtown Opelika, there is a new mural outside the Museum of East Alabama. The mural represents what’s displayed in the museum, telling the history of Opelika and the five surrounding counties that make up East Alabama. Rock N’ Roll Pinball also had an artistic addition. The new piece by local artist Brett Young shows a young Stevie Nicks in one of her famous shawls surrounded by waves of colors. "We have lava lamps in the front room in Rock N' Roll, so I thought it would be cool if we used that to bring in the flowy, trippy vibes," said Young. Check out all of the murals in the area here!

4. Tavern on the Trax

Tavern on the Trax is the newest restaurant and bar coming to downtown Auburn! Located at the corner of Mitcham Avenue and North College Street, this new business will be an ideal spot for watching the game. The restaurant will feature a laid-back environment with wooden tables and a full bar with high-end drinks and specials, while the outside will offer a covered patio with a beer-only bar open on the weekends. For more information about Auburn’s only tavern, click here.

5. Inclusive Playground

Take your kiddos to this 60,000-plus square-foot playground nestled between Wrights Mill Road and Camellia Drive at Town Creek Park. The playground features parallel play components, accessible fitness and playground equipment, sensory components, and more to provide an engaging and barrier-free experience for persons of all abilities and ages to enjoy. The playground is surfaced with poured rubber and ADA-compliant accessible turf, enabling people who use assistive devices to navigate all playground areas. To read more about the Town Creek Park inclusive playground, click here.

6. Cerulean Wine Bar

Cerulean is Auburn's first full wine bar with bottles from around the world. Whether by the glass, bottle, or flights, Cerulean serves a wide range of wines. Choose from their list of diverse flight options, including red, white, bubbly, or mixed wine. Cerulean is located in Midtown next to Sword and Skillet, a fine dining food truck serving upscale coastal food to pair with your wine selection. Want to see what bottles are currently offered? Click here!

7. Good Dog Park and Bar

The Good Dog Park and Bar is perfect for enjoying your favorite drink while your furry friend plays. It has a 16,000-square-foot fenced park and a 1,000-square-foot covered area. The park is completely turfed and features benches, chairs, obstacles, and water troughs. Good Dog Park employs trained “bark rangers” that watch to make sure no play gets too rough. Click here to learn more about the only dog park where you can grab a cold drink!

8. Artifactory home decor store opens

Artifactory is new furniture, home decor, and gift shop in Auburn-Opelika. Artifactory was founded and is owned by Rebecca and Michael Thompson (both Auburn Alumni) with a passion for providing the Auburn Family with the most unique and wide-ranging selection of products for "artfully furnishing your Home on the Plains." To learn more about Artifactory, click here. 

 

9. Cyberzone laser tag and arcade revamped and remodeled

Cyberzone has been completely remodeled and is back open for business! The venue completely rebuilt its interior with a revamped arcade area and reimagined laser tag arena. The 5,100 square-foot arena, which was designed and installed by nationally-renowned entertainment vendor Creative Works, now boasts a more open concept and features new theming and maze work, as well as interactive props, including bases and wall-mounted drones. Click here to book a party or event or learn more about CyberZone’s attractions.

 

10. World-renowned pickleball courts get expansion 

The Sportsplex has added 12 new state-of-the-art pickleball courts! There are now 24 courts open to the public. The new courts are individually fenced, have LED lighting, a canopy covering the entire facility, ample parking, and access to bathrooms, lockers, showers, and concessions. The courts are free to use anytime; just be sure to turn off the LED lights when finished playing at night! For more information about these new pickleball courts, click here.

11. Food Truck Friday 

Food Truck Friday is an event to enjoy dinner and drinks from downtown restaurants, bars, breweries, and up to five different food truck partners every first and third Friday. From brews, bites, live music, and beautiful downtown Opelika, Food Truck Friday has it all. For dates and information on which food truck partners are attending click here. 

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