Summer is a great time to visit Auburn-Opelika, when the pace is more relaxed and crowds are lighter with students away for the season. It is the perfect setting for an alumni reunion, group getaway or weekend centered on connection and nostalgia, with familiar landmarks, great food, and easy group-friendly experiences.

Friday - Arrive to a Warm Welcome Back

Check in at the Graduate

Friday is all about arriving, settling in and easing into the weekend. After hotel check-in and some free time to get comfortable, gather the group for dinner in downtown Auburn.

The Graduate

Dinner in Downtown Auburn

The Hound is a warm, inviting choice known for American classics, bourbon and craft beer. Acre offers a more polished Southern dining experience, while The Depot is ideal for groups looking for a higher-end seafood dinner in a beautifully restored historic train depot.

the hound

Keep the Night Going

Drinks at The Bar at Wittel at The Collegiate Hotel or Olivine at the AC Hotel offer a relaxed, polished end to the evening. At Olivine, the rooftop setting adds fresh air and skyline views, creating an easy spot for conversation as the night winds down.

Olivine Rooftop

Wake up & Fuel Up

Start Saturday with breakfast or brunch at Hey Day Market, Byron’s Smokehouse or Boulangerie French Bakery. Hey Day Market is ideal for groups with its flexible, multi-concept setup, while Byron’s offers a classic Auburn feel that longtime visitors will appreciate.

Morning to Afternoon

From there, spend the morning on a casual walk through Auburn’s campus. Stops like Samford Hall, the Auburn Alumni Center, Jordan-Hare Stadium and Toomer’s Corner make it easy for groups to revisit meaningful places at their own pace. In the afternoon, make Auburn facility tours the main event. Open to groups of 10 or more, these tours offer a chance to step inside some of Auburn’s iconic athletic spaces and reconnect with the traditions that define the university.

Dinner in Opelika

Dinner can be as casual or elevated as the group prefers, from Draft House to The Hound, Acre or 1856.

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One Last Auburn Moment

Before heading home, gather for brunch at Acre, Hey Day Market, Amsterdam, or Lucy's, depending on the group’s pace and preference. Take a little time afterward to sit together, swap favorite Auburn memories, and start the conversation about which football game you want to come back for in the fall.

Acre

Pan-Spiced King Salmon, Culver Farms Duck Breast, or Toasted Almond & Goat Cheese Salad.

acre

Lucy's

A modern American restaurant offering private dining, customized menus, and dedicated service for group events of all sizes.

Lucy's bar