What to do when there is nothing to do...

School is out, work is slow and everyone is itching for something exciting to do. Sometimes in our small, but always growing city, it might seem like there is nothing to do during these summer months. Below is some inspiration for your next week day or weekend adventure for families, couples and even some personal time!

Family Time

Float-N-Movies: The City of Auburn is excited to bring you a movie series that combines some pool time and a family friendly movie all in one awesome night! Bring a pool float and find the perfect spot to enjoy a movie. Admission is $2 per person or FREE with a 2015 Splash Pass. Join them at Samford Pool on June 11 for A Lego Movie, July 9 for Paddington and August 13 for Muppets Most Wanted. All movies begin at 8:30 p.m.

Summer Swing Concert Series: The City of Opelika is bringing you the sounds of summer with their popular concert series at the Municipal Park in Opelika. The concert is held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. now through August 4. The concert series features a wide variety of musical entertainment including Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Praise and Worship, Oldies, Country, Big Band Swing, Folk and Community Band music. With concessions by the Opelika Band Boosters, complimentary lemonade from CharterBank and the Kona Ice Truck, you are sure to have some family fun that promises to be memorable.

Don't forget activities that are available at all times of the year, but are great summertime activities:

• Carmike Tiger 13 and Carmike 14
• Cyberzone/Bouncezone (www.cyberzone334.com)
• The City of Auburn community pools (www.auburnalabama.org/pools)
• Municipal Park in Opelika
• Hickory Dickory Park in Auburn
• Auburn Lanes Bowling Alley (www.amf.com/auburnlanesal)
• Chewacla State Park
• Scutter Putters Miniature golf (call 334-745-9393)
• Spirited Art Auburn (www.spiritedart.com)

For the Couple

Whether you have kids or you don't, every couple needs some time to yourselves. Below are some ideas for dates during the day and night!

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art: Spend the afternoon exploring your artistic side! Start out at the museum's cafe. The cafe serves lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and features light, freshly prepared salads, Italian Panini sandwiches and seasonal soups and entrees. After lunch, explore the wonderful exhibitions featured in the museum. For more information on exhibitions and collections, please visit www.jcsm.auburn.edu!

Wine Sampling at The Overall Company: The Overall Company would like you and your significant other to come enjoy a free wine sampling on Saturday, June 6 from 7:30-10 p.m. Head to downtown Opelika and have dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants in the heart of downtown before you head to sample wines from The Overall Company's wine list. For more information, please visit www.overallco.com.

A Downtown Auburn Night: Don't let a little construction steer you away from a magical night in Downtown Auburn. With dining to satisfy any taste bud, and after dinner treats for any mood, you are sure to be on cloud nine. For a more romantic setting, head to Hamilton's, Amsterdam, Ariccia or Acre to give your taste buds a thrill, and then head to Piccolo or Avondale for a few drinks to top off the night. If casual is more your style, try Cheeburger Cheebuger or Moe's BBQ for a laid back dinner, and then head to Steel City Pops for a refreshing treat to satisfy that sweet tooth.

First Fridays in Downtown Opelika: On the First Friday of each month, downtown Opelika shops will stay open until 8 p.m. to give you time to grab dinner and do some shopping afterwards. With music and entertainment on the street corners, this is a great way to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

In need of some "YOU" time:

Sometimes all you need is some peace and quiet and time to yourself. Here are a few ideas to give you that much needed life break!

Walking Trails at Kiesel Park: Sometimes the best way to clear your mind is to take a walk and breathe in the fresh air. Kiesel Park offers a 2 1/4 mile walking trail and is dog friendly, so feel free to take your four-legged friend along to listen to you.

Farmer's Markets: If you are like me, sometimes the best therapy is retail therapy, and what better to shop for than fresh produce. Luckily, both Auburn and Opelika have fabulous Farmer's Markets during the summer. The Opelika Main Street Farmer's Market is held at the Courthouse Square in Opelika every Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. going on now through August 25. The Market at Ag Heritage Park is held every Thursday from 3-6 p.m at Ag Heritage Park on the campus of Auburn University going on now through August 27.

Perch Bead Studio: Head to Perch for a relaxing afternoon of Jewelry making to express your creativity and style in a fun and affordable way. Come learn wire wrapping, hand stamping, and other jewelry making techniques and leave with a custom designed piece. For more information, please visit www.perchjewelrystudio.com.

Coffee at the Overall Company: Come have a date with you, yourself and I at The Overall Company. With a wide variety of espressos and coffee that consists of single-origin coffees, microlots and handcrafted blends, you are sure to find the perfect brew to give you a little peace and quiet. Don't forget to grab a handmade popsicle from the popular Pop Factory. For more information, please visit www.overallco.com.

These are just a few suggestions of things to do, but the calendar is constantly growing with new and exciting things to do this summer! For more information, please visit www.aotourism.com or give us a call at (334) 887-8747, we will be happy to give you suggestions!

 

This week in Auburn-Opelika:

June 1-5: Summer Ecology Camp, Young Naturalist I at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center
June 4-5: Camp War Eagle at Auburn University
June 5: First Fridays in Downtown Opelika until 8 p.m.
June 6: Science on Saturdays at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center beginning at 10 a.m.

How to avoid hearing, "I'm bored..."

Tests are done, the last grades are being posted and the bell will soon ring for the last time, which can only mean one thing... SCHOOL IS OUT! As many city schools are winding down this week, kids and parents are ready for a break from homework, after school activities and all of the hussle and bussle that is the school year, and ready for the easy, breezy, laid back atmostphere of summer. If you are like most parents, you will have happy kids for the first few weeks, and then the dreaded, "I'm bored..." statement is back. Luckily, Auburn and Opelika are both prepared to take the burden off of you with the many camps for every interest. Below are just a few, but be sure to check www.aotourism.com for new camps added every day!

For the athlete:

CAMPS AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Auburn University Football Camps: If your child is looking to brush up on some of his or her offensive, defensive, or kicking techniques, send them to the professionals... the Auburn Tigers that is. Head Coach Gus Malzahn and staff have put together a summer full of camps to benefit your child by improving their overall skills, and keeping them from sitting on the couch all day. For more information, visit www.auburnfootballcamps.com.

Auburn University Baseball Camps: Since baseball season is winding down for rec leagues and school ball, why not continue working on pitching or hitting that homerun on the off season. Under Coach Sunny Galloway, the Auburn Tigers have laid a great foundation for the future of AU Baseball, and they can't wait to share the excitement with your child. For more information, visit www.collegebaseballcamps.com/tigers.

Auburn University has camps in almost every other sport, including Equestrian, Golf, Swimming & Diving, Tennis and so much more. For information on all camps, visit www.auburntigers.com/camps.

HIGH SCHOOL CAMPS
Auburn High School also has camps that may be more cost efficient and convenient. Below are dates for athletic camps at Auburn High School:

AHS Baseball Camp: May 26-29 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/baseball)
Junior High Baseball Camp: June 2-4 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/baseball)
Lady Tigers Basketball Camp: June 15-17 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/basketball)
Boy's Basketball Camp: June 1-4 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/basketball)
Fundamental Skills Basketball Camp: June 8-10 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/basketball)
AHS Cheer Camp: May 26-28 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/basketball)
AHS Softball Camp: June 1-3 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/softball)
AHS Track and Field Camp: June 16-20 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/track)
AHS Volleyball Summer Camp: June 23-25 (www.auburnschools.org/athletics/volleyball)

CITY OF OPELIKA CAMPS
The City of Opelika has several athletic camps avaiable for all ages this summer. Below are dates for those camps, find detailed information in your copy of The Park Bench.

Basketball Camp: June 18-19 for ages 6-8, 9-10 and 11-12 at Covington Center.
Sports Camp: June 22-26 for ages 5-7 at the Opelika Sportsplex.
Sports Camp: June 29-July 3 for ages 8-11 at the Opelika Sportsplex.
Mini Tennis Clinic Session 1: June 16 & 18 for ages 6-12.
Mini Tennis Clinic Session 2: July 14 & 16 for ages 6-12.
Cheer Camp: June 15-16 for ages 3-12, taught by the Opelika Cheerleaders.
11th Annual Back to the Dawghouse Camp: Date is TBA, check www.opelika.org/opr for more information.

Also be sure to check out the City of Auburn's athletic camps at www.auburnalabama.org/parks or pick up a summer brochure today, and the City of Opelika athletic camps at www.opelika.org/opr!

For the performer:

Auburn University Summer Band Camps: The award winning Auburn University Band is ready to help your child excel in every area this summer. They offer camps in percussion, symphonic band, majorette, colorguard and dance. These camps, while great for every skill level, is especially great for those interested in being involved in band in college. For more information, visit www.auburn.edu/auband.

Auburn University Cheer and Dance Camps: Auburn University is proud to partner with UCA, NDA, UDA and Half Time USA to bring you a summer packed with cheers, dances and stunts. These camps are packed with fun, team building and skill development. For more information, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouthprograms/cheeranddance.htm.

Auburn University Musical Theater Camp: Musical Theatre Camp, conducted by faculty and staff from Auburn's Department of Theatre, is an exciting opportunity for rising 9-12 grade students interested in the field of musical theatre. For more information, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/auburnyouthprograms/musicaltheatre.htm.

AHS Mini-Majorette Camp: The Auburn High School majorette line wants to share their passion with your child this summer. The camp is for Ages 4 through upcoming 8th graders. This camp is great for sparking interest in baton twirling or for 8th graders to perfect those basics before tryouts next year. The camp is June 8-10. Contact Holley Mullen at aufamilyx3@bellsouth.net for more information.

Also be sure to check out the City of Auburn's theatre camps available all summer long for different ages. Visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks or check out the summer brochure for more information!

For the artist:

City of Auburn Art Camps: The City of Auburn wants to help your young Picasso this summer. With camps for all ages, you can't let your child miss out. Below are camp dates, but for more detailed information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks or check out the summer brochure!

Art For Young Children: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 a.m.-noon. Ages 4-6.
Mommy and Me Music & Art: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9-10 a.m. (Ages 2-3), 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Ages 4-5.
Visual Arts Workshops for Children: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 7-12.
Artworks Intensive Workshop-Create a Creature: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 9-14.
Masks and Movement: The Art of Masks and Character Development: Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. 6th Grad and up.

The City of Opelika Art Camp: The camp begins July 20 and lasting through the 24. This is the 12th year of this hands on art class and has quickly become a hit. Student will use various media to create masterpieces. for more information, please visit www.opelika.org/opr or pick up your copy of The Park Bench today!

For the explorer:

The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center has a summer full of camps to fulfill the need to explorer in your child. Be sure to check out www.auburn.edu/preserve for detailed information on each camp and to register. Below are the dates:

Camp Discovery: May 26-29
Young Naturalist I Camp: June 1-5
Junior Rangers Camp: June 8-12
Young Naturalist II Camp: June 15-19
Explorers Camp: June 22-26

Those are just a few of the many camps offered this summer. Although I couldn't list them all, make sure to check out Auburn University, Auburn City Schools, Opelika City Schools, City of Auburn and City of Opelika websites and social media pages for other camps and further information on all camps listed here. As always, if you have any questions, please give us a call at (334) 887-8747 or visit our website at www.aotourism.com.

This week in Auburn-Opelika:

May 20: Landscape Watercolor Class at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center.
May 21: May Concert Series from 6-7:30 from Town Creek Park.
May 23-25: GOALFEST at Chewacla State Park.
May 25-31: Bluegrass on the Plains at University Station RV Resort.

#cornerconstruction

Big things are happening in Downtown Auburn. With new restaurants, retailers and brand new oak trees, Auburn is looking better than ever, but it doesn't stop there. Downtown Auburn is getting a makeover! Although things are going to be a little hectic for the next few months, we can't wait to show off our beautiful new downtown in the fall!

 

Today, May 11, marks the first day of the new Toomer's Corner Intersection Improvements Project. The intersection will close to allow for construction to begin. The renovation will bring several improvements to the intersection including raising the intersection to match the elevation of the sidewalks, new crosswalks and a permanent tiger paw made of paviers will be constructed. Aside from the road itself, the sidewalks of downtown will be included in the makeover with new trees, brick seat walls and overall general sidewalk improvements. New decorative traffic signal poles will be added as well to enhance lighting and overall appeal.

I know what your thinking, how in the world am I going to shop, dine and play in Downtown Auburn with all of this construction going on? Have no fear, downtown Auburn's retail stores, restaurants, and bars will remain open and fully functional throughout the whole process. Don't let gates and road closures stop you from enjoying all that Downtown Auburn has to offer. With free parking until August 17, there are no excuses. To make parking decisions easier, below is a list of all the available parking for the summer from www.auburnalabama.org/cornerconstruction!

Parking:

Downtown parking will be free during the Corner Construction project. Parking will still be limited to two hours (on-street) and four hours (parking lots) during weekday business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to keep parking as available as possible for everyone who wants to visit downtown. All three floors of the municipal parking deck will be opened for free parking to offset on-street parking that will be unavailable during construction. The municipal parking deck will be available for four-hour parking during businesses hours and will remain open on evenings and weekends.

Free, on-street parking will be available on Gay Street, Tichenor Avenue, Wright Street and as follows:

South College Street Parking: Even though South College Street will be closed to through traffic from Thach Avenue to Magnolia Avenue, normal on-street parallel parking will still be available. A cut-through will be created in the median to allow drivers visiting downtown to get back to Thach Avenue. New, temporary, on-street parking will be created on the campus side of the road.

North College Street Parking: North College Street will be closed to through traffic from Glenn Avenue to Magnolia Avenue. Some parking will be available up to about the mid-block crossing. A temporary cul-de-sac will be created with on-street striping to allow traffic to park and leave. Cars will still be able to access the University Inn during construction.

East Magnolia Avenue Parking: East Magnolia Avenue will be closed to through traffic from Gay Street to College Street. Some parking will be available up to the mid-block crossing. A temporary cul-de-sac will be created with on-street striping to allow traffic to park and leave. Cars will be able to access the Compass Bank parking lot from Gay Street.

West Magnolia Avenue Parking: West Magnolia Avenue will be closed to through traffic from Wright Street to College Street, with Wright Street serving as a detour for northbound traffic during the construction.

Don't let traffic stress you out. The City of Auburn has carefully created a traffic plan with you in mind. Below are the detour routes from www.auburnalabama.org/cornerconstruction:

Traffic:

All traffic will detour around the Toomer's corner intersection.

Detour Routes:

Northbound and southbound traffic on College Street will detour to Gay Street via Thach Avenue and Glenn Avenue.

Eastbound traffic on Magnolia Avenue will detour via Wright Street, Glenn Avenue and Gay Street.

Westbound traffic on Magnolia Avenue will detour via Gay Street, Glenn Avenue and Toomer Street.

We are so excited to see how the improvements will impact our city and make shopping, dining and playing more enjoyable to residents and visitors. For updates on the Corner Construction, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/cornerconstruction and be sure to use the hashtag #cornerconstruction to easily find updates on Facebook and Twitter!

This week in Auburn-Opelika:

May 12: Discovery Hike at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center at 3:30 p.m.
May 12: Auburn Baseball vs. Morehead State at 6 p.m. at Plainsman Park
May 14: Nature Walk at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center at 8:30 a.m.
May 14: May Concert Series featuring SoulCo from 6-7:30 p.m. at Town Creek Park
May 16: Aviation Education Outreach Fly-In at the Auburn Regional Airport
May 16: 23rd Annual Fishing Rodeo from 8-11 a.m. at the Auburn Technology Park South Lake
May 17: 5K Trail Run, Tot Trot & Sunday Stroll at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center at 1 p.m.
May 17: Spring Art Show & open House at the East Lake Estates Model Home from 1-4 p.m.

For more information on these events and more, visit www.aotourism.com!

Calling All Movie Buffs - Opelika is Film Begins This Week

How much of a movie buff are you? Can you figure out the answers to this infographic? 

The answers are... 

The Dread Pirate Roberts/Westley from The Princess Bride, Mary Poppins from Mary Poppins, and Mr. Fox from The Fantastic Mr. Fox. 

Do you know what they all have in common? 

They’re characters from the movies that Opelika is Film is putting on this summer!

Beginning this Thursday, June 26, Opelika is Film, sponsored by Cottonseed Studios and Opelika Main Street, is putting on three summer films on the Train Depot Lawn in downtown Opelika after sundown. Admission is $1 for adults and free for children under sixteen, so whether you’re looking for a date night idea or something for the whole family to enjoy, Opelika Film Night is for you! 

The first movie is The Princess Bride on Thursday, June 26, 2014. The movie starts at sunset, but there will be plenty of activities, including Frisbee, beginning at 6 p.m. Pack up your lawn chair or a blanket, grab dinner from your favorite downtown restaurant, and settle in to watch the Dread Pirate Roberts battle everything from giants, an angry Sicilian and Rodents of Unusual Size in order to win the hand of his fair Princess Buttercup. 

 The second movie will be Mary Poppins on Thursday, July 17, and the third movie will be The Fantastic Mr. Fox on August 13. 

For more information, visit the Facebook event page at www.facebook.com/opelikaisfilm or call Opelika Main Street at 334.745.0466. 

See you there!