Showing posts with label auburn hotel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label auburn hotel. Show all posts

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Helpful Hints for Gameday

It’s less than 40 days until football season (not like we’re counting!) and we absolutely can’t wait to open against Arkansas on August 30, 2014, and see Auburn fans from all over the country back in the loveliest village! Whether you’re tailgating, going to the game or even visiting Auburn for the first time, here are some great ways to get the most out of your game day experience.
  
Somewhere to Stay

It’s a common misconception that there’s nowhere to stay in Auburn when it comes close to football season! While certain game weekends fill up quickly, the hotels are never 100% full. However, if you go online to check a certain hotel, sometimes it will say there’s no availability – not true! The staff at the tourism bureau calls all of the hotels every week leading up to football season to check rooms and rates, and there are always rooms available! Go to the aotourism.com homepage and click on the spinning football – you can view the football availability, week by week, including minimum rates for every hotel. 


Here's what the football availability looks like!
If you’re still having trouble, give us a call at 334-887-8747. We can help you find a room!

 Packing the Essentials

It’s easy to remember to pack your orange and blue and your famous chip dip for your tailgate – but here are some items commonly forgotten that can make or break your gameday.

1. Sunglasses and sunscreen: Absolutely essential for games on the plains! Depending on the time of the game, you might be sitting in the sun and/or squinting to see the eagle fly. Don’t get sunburned or miss the iconic tradition – remember to pack sun protection to keep your skin and eyes healthy!

2. Shakers: How many times have you walked into the stadium and realized you didn’t have a shaker? Shakers are essential for cheering, so unless you want to buy one when you get in town, pack your lucky shaker first (next to your Auburn shirt!)

3. Portable phone charger: This is a new addition to the must-have list. Phone batteries die quickly on gameday (between the Instagram photos, checking the scores of other games and even trying to send a text in the stadium.) Pick up a portable one and charge it up before you leave – that way you won’t be hunting around for an outlet when you should be having fun! You can pick them up almost anywhere, including grocery stores and gas stations.

4. Toilet Paper: Do we even have to explain this one?
 

  
Enjoying the Events

The main event on a football weekend is, of course, the football game. But there’s always more to do before and after the game! Check out the calendar here – some of our favorites are Football, Fansand Feathers and AUsome Amphibians and Reptiles!

A turkey vulture at the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center.


Finding Your Way Around

Auburn is easy to navigate, but when thousands of fans stream in to watch their Tigers play, it can get confusing! Check out www.auburntigers.com for a parking map of where you can park on campus, but there are plenty of off-campus parking options too. Many establishments will sell parking spots, but be sure not to park anywhere you will get towed (like restaurants or apartment complexes).  The tourism bureau also operates shuttles that go to the hotels and other main locations, like TigerTown and the Village Mall. All of that information can be found here
And, of course, you can’t forget to eat. If you’re still peckish after your tailgate, check out the Best Bites list to see where to go after the game (or for brunch the next morning!)
One of our favorite "bites" - the crab cake and avocado sandwich from Amsterdam Cafe! 



Monday, February 10, 2014

7 Ways to Celebrate V-Day (the Auburn-Opelika Way)

One of the most romantic days of the year is in a few days, and for those of you struggling to set up the sublime date your sweetheart seeks, here are seven ways for your date to stand out while staying in Auburn-Opelika.

1. Valentine’s Day Dinner Out
It’s perfectly ok if butter-poached grouper or pistachio-crusted lamb isn’t in your cooking repertoire – let the
chefs do the work while you do the romance. Many restaurants in the Auburn-Opelika area have special menus for Valentine’s Day that include delicacies from caviar to a chocolate bar. Be sure to make reservations early, and if you’re feeling mysterious make the location a pleasant surprise for your date!  Add in some flowers and you’ve got yourself the ingredients for an ideal romantic evening.

Restaurants with Special Menus:
Acre:  (334) 246.3763 
MaFia’s: (334) 745.6266
Arricia: (334) 821.8200
Grand National: (334) 737.2187

2. A Sweet ‘Staycation’ 
Sometimes it’s good away to get away from life’s distractions and your normal scenery to celebrate a special day in style. Book a romantic reservation at The Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center or the Marriott at Grand National for you and your darling dear, and spend the evening ordering room service, watching movies and snuggling up away from the crowds.
Hotels:
AUHCC: (334) 821.8200
Marriott at Grand National: (334) 741.9292

3. Pamper Who You Prize 
If you really want to help your loved one luxuriate on Valentine’s Day, consider booking them an all-inclusive spa day at one of Auburn-Opelika’s many day spas. Sea salt scrubs, manicures and pedicures all take care of the little details, and your lady will love that you thought of her. You can also book appointments for a couples massage if you want to unwind together.
Spas:
One-eighty Wellness Spa: (334) 887.1180
Ambiance Spa & Salon: (334) 826.3060
CaraVail’s Med Spa: (334) 502.7253

4. Cherish Culture
A Valentine’s Day date doesn’t have to be dinner and a movie – break away from the norm and take your beloved to the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art for a unique day out. Peruse the works of art and photography together, and afterwards stop in at the cafĂ© to sip on some tea and devour delicious strawberry poundcake with chocolate covered strawberries.
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art: (334) 844.1484

5. Adore the Outdoors
Romance can be found off the beaten path. If your date is more likely to be found in hiking boots than high heels, pack a picnic lunch and head off to Kiesel Park, or plan a secluded hike in Chewacla State Park to the picturesque 30-ft waterfall. Couples committed to getting in touch with nature can also book a camp-site or stay in one of Chewacla’s renovated cottages over the weekend.
Chewacla State Park: (334) 887-5621

6. Cuddle with a Cocktail 
No matter your dinner (or dancing!) plans, any Valentine’s Day date can include enjoying a delicious drink together in some of the most romantic atmospheres Auburn-Opelika has to offer. Specialty drinks include The Princess Leigh Cheri at Avondale Bar and Tap Room, an Italian Sidecar at Piccolo, or a Lucille Ball at Hamilton’s on Magnolia. Find your date, cuddle up at the bar or in a booth, and enjoy each other’s company! A list of bars and nightlife can be found at www.aotourism.com/nightlife.


7. Give a Gift
Teddy bears, a box of chocolates and red roses are the staples of Valentine’s Day gifts. Set yourself apart by going above and beyond and giving your love something unique. A relaxing and romantic bubble bath 
could be improved by the decadent scent of a Toomer’s Lemonade candle, or maybe your man could use a new bowtie or button-down from the Locker Room. Either way, you’re sure to find a special gift in the stores of downtown Auburn and Opelika. 

For listings of stores, visit www.aotourism.com.



By: Rachel Pipan, guest blogger