7 Reasons to Spend the Night in Auburn-Opelika

1. Be a part of Auburn’s oldest tradition: Rolling Toomer’s Corner

Rolling Toomer’s Corner is one of Auburn’s oldest and most renowned traditions, where thousands of AU families join in downtown Auburn to celebrate tiger victories by hurling tissue into the surrounding trees, lamp posts, and anything that will stand still long enough. A quirky scuffle that can last for hours, a blizzard of paper is left blanketing the entire intersection. There’s no way you haven’t heard of it, but seeing is believing! And here’s a fun side note: Auburn is the only city in the country with a line item in its budget for removing toilet tissue.

2. Avoid the mayhem of post-game traffic

Let’s face it, Auburn is a small college town with a lot of charm and very little road space to accommodate 85,000+ visitors. The last thing your family wants to do is sit in the car for hours while you make minimal progress getting to the interstate. Talk about a buzz kill? Who wants to sit still in the confined space of a car after the Auburn Tigers just dominated in Jordan-Hare Stadium? Not me, not you. Save yourself the misery, and book yourself a hotel room.

3. Experience a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Auburn-Opelika

Auburn-Opelika is home to numerous independent restauranteurs and talented chefs who have created exceptional establishments with specialty dishes you'll find nowhere else in the world. Among these, you'll find something suitable for every taste and budget - whether it's a downtown student haunt or a white tablecloth dining room with a 300-bottle wine list. Our restaurants have been featured in Southern Living, Gourmet, and Wine Spectator, just to name a few, and we're pretty proud when the world discovers what we already know. From tapas to tacos, and squash to sushi, make your trip especially memorable when you visit one of Auburn-Opelika’s “Best Bites.”

4. Go out with friends to the local brewery and distillery

While some people call it a night after indulging in a legendary meal, you do not. You want more. Did you know that Opelika is the proud home to both a local brewery AND a distillery? John Emerald Distilling Company has been making fine liquors including whiskey, gin, vodka, and rum since 2014, and Red Clay Brewing Company next door offers a variety of rotating seasonal beers, including ales, IPAs, and ciders. Located in the hip arts district in historic downtown Opelika, the venues often offer or are surrounded by live music and a year-round calendar of special events. Who wouldn’t want a local craft spirit nightcap?

5. Make memories with your family that will last

Of course, your children love going to football games. You might even take them to every single home game, but will they remember that winning touchdown in 5 years… or 10 years? Probably not. Will your child remember that one time when you stayed the night and had a blast? Absolutely. Children will remember the sweet-sour taste of their first Toomer’s lemonade. They will reminisce about getting their favorite flavor from O Town Ice Cream. Take this opportunity to spend quality time with your family and make memories that will last a lifetime.

6. Get up early and take a hike at Chewacla State Park

Feeling well rested? We bet you are! Get up early and take a hike at Chewacla State Park. Stretch your legs and take in the scenery, find that amazing waterfall you’ve heard about, or maybe just throw up your hammock and take it easy. With a 26-acre lake, swimming area, playground, campground, picnic areas plus hiking and mountain biking trails, there’s always something to do out in the fresh air. Chewacla State Park's 696 scenic acres offer plenty of rest, relaxation and recreation, and just a short drive from the Auburn-Opelika area.

7. Enjoy a savory brunch before you hit the road

Did you work up an appetite? I know I did. Coffee, mimosas, Bloody Marys, chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits… need I say more? Brunch is trending in Auburn-Opelika and we aim to please! Check out one of these culinary masterpieces before you head home. If you’ve driving home with a food baby and permanent grin, then we did our job.

Be sure to take a picture at your favorite place using the hashtag #AuburnOpelika for a chance to be featured on our website. War Eagle!

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