16 Fall Favorites to Try in Auburn-Opelika

Grab a cozy coffee and treat from The Market, browse local gifts in the Garden Shop, wander through pumpkins and mums in the Greenhouse, or stay for cocktails and dinner in one of Opelika's most beautiful spaces.

An Opelika staple since 1952, Mrs. Story’s serves up classic chili dogs made from a secret family recipe. This 1950s walk-up is still in its original spot and is the perfect place for a nostalgic fall bite.

Fridays before home football games, the Auburn Raptor Center hosts Football, Fans and Feathers - a live show featuring eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons in flight. It’s a uniquely Auburn way to kick off game day weekends.

Admire fall-inspired work by local artists, then come out on October 9 for the Artist’s Harvest Market with handmade goods, a costume sale, and refreshments.

With outdoor courts open to the public year-round, the Opelika Sportsplex is a favorite spot for both casual play and competitive matches. This fall, it will host the 2025 Alabama Amateur Pickleball Championships, October 24–26, a public tournament that welcomes players and spectators alike.

Pick pumpkins, enjoy wagon rides, meet animals in the petting zoo, and take in live music during this family-friendly fall festival.

This bookstore café is a fall favorite for a reason. Grab a latte by day or sip wine by night, then stay for book signings, wine tastings, or one of their many cozy fall events.

Celebrate fall with seasonal brews, food trucks, Homebrew Alley, contests, and live music at one of the Southeast’s top beer festivals.

Housed in a multi-story historic building in downtown Opelika, Zazu is as cozy as it is delicious. Think pimento cheese, duck fat fries, and one of the best burgers around, all served in a rustic-chic space with a full bar and Southern soul.

If cozy sweatshirts, vintage-feel Auburn gear, and meaningful gifts are your love language, Scarlet & Gold needs to be on your list. This locally owned shop blends Southern style with spirited design offering everything from gameday apparel to candles and journals. Fall is the perfect time to browse their latest collection or pick up something heartfelt for a friend.

Spend a fall afternoon in Waverly, just off Highway 280 near Auburn. Start with a pumpkin loaf and locally roasted coffee at Wild Flour, browse vintage treasures at Fig & Wasp, and enjoy a hearty dinner in the old Ford dealership that now houses The Waverly Local. Small-town charm, warm autumn light, and food that tastes like home.

Join locals for food trucks, live music, and laid-back fun under the fall sky. It’s casual, easy, and always delicious.

It’s officially spooky-sippin’ season! Explore 13 flavorful stops on the Opelika Spirits Trail, where every drink tells a story, from pumpkin-spiced cocktails and cozy fall favorites to sweet, spirit-free sips.

Every Friday and Saturday night in October (plus Halloween), explore the ghostly side of Auburn and Opelika with a guided walking tour. Hear chilling tales of local legends, haunted landmarks, and eerie encounters under the cover of night.

This rustic favorite serves American classics with a twist, plus one of the best bourbon and beer selections in town. Perfect for a hearty fall lunch.

These nature spots offer cool air, quiet trails, golden light, and fall foliage. It’s the ideal time for a peaceful walk, picnic, or unplugged escape into the woods.