Happy Birthday America!

Here's to fireworks, cookouts, pool time and maybe even a slice of watermelon. It is one of everyone's favorite holidays, it's the Fourth of July, Independence Day, America's Birthday! This week the City of Auburn and Opelika are gearing up for a fun weekend to celebrate the birth of our nation. Below are some ideas to get you red, white and blue ready.

Firework Celebrations:

AUBURN
The City of Auburn will host their Annual Fourth of July Celebration on July 4 at Duck Samford Stadium. Gates open at 6 p.m. with live music beginning at 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and the whole family and enjoy delicious food from local vendors, door prizes and giveaways. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. The celebration is free to the public and is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton.

Parking will be available at the lot off of E. University Drive, next to the Old Duck Fields. The parking lot off of Airport Road, between Bo Cavin Fields and the New Duck Fields, will be closed to the public to accommodate the fireworks shoot site. For more information, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/parks.

OPELIKA
The City of Opelika will host their 63rd Annual Freedom Celebration on July 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Opelika High School track. There will be inflatable games, hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, activities for the whole family and entertainment by Route 66. The free event is sponsored by The Orthopedic Clinic and open to the public. For more information, please visit www.opelika.org/opr.

 

Buy Fruits & Veggies:

 

Don't forget to stock up on your fresh fruits and veggies, especially the watermelon, at your local farmer's market!

 

Opelika Mainstreet Farmer's Market- The market begins at 3 p.m. every Tuesday at the Opelika Courthouse Square. Come walk around the square and find fresh, local produce ranging from heirloom tomatoes to collard greens. You may even find some fresh bread, homemade ice cream or local honey. Depending on the year's crop, the market may continue through September or until produce is depleted. Check www.opelikamainstreet.org for further updates about the end date.

 

 

The Market at Ag Heritage Park- The market is an open-air farmers' market held each Thursday from 3-6 p.m. during the spring and summer growing season at Ag Heritage Park on the Auburn University Campus. The market offers locally produced fruits, vegetables, honey, ornamental plants, herbs, cut flowers, stone-ground grains, eggs, goat cheeses, goat milk soaps, baked and canned goods, and Alabama-roasted coffee. In addition, it often features the work of local artisans, educational booths, and musical entertainment. It's open to the public and will run through August 27.

 

 





 



Don't have plans for the Fourth? There is still plenty to do in Auburn and Opelika during a holiday weekend. Be sure to check out our website, www.aotourism.com, for a complete list of events, restaurants, music and nightlife options and of course shopping. We hope everyone has a safe and happy Fourth of July!

This week in Auburn/Opelika:

June 30: Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market at 3 p.m.
June 30: Summer Swing Concert Series at the Municipal Park at 7 p.m.
July 2: The Market at Ag Heritage Park from 3-6 p.m.
July 3-8: USTA National Intersectional Team Tennis
July 3: 63rd Annual Opelika Freedom Celebration at 6:30 p.m.
July 3: First Fridays "Shop Late, Eat Local" in downtown Opelika.
July 4: Auburn's Fourth of July Celebration at 6 p.m. at Duck Samford Stadium

Auburn/Opelika Best Bites Part 1

Summertime is a perfect time for exploring your surroundings. Whether you have been here for four days or 40 years, there is always something new to discover. If you are like me, food is always on the top of my priority list and our area has some of the best food that you will find (we might be biased). We have so many, that it was hard to put them all in one post. Get ready for your mouth to water as we break down some of Auburn and Opelika's Best Bites in Part 1 of this exploration of cuisine.

The Hound

The Hound, a family owned restaurant, brings the outdoors to life in downtown Auburn and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Owners Matthew Poirier and Jana (Caruthers) Poirier successfully and tastefully combined the feel of a hunting lodge with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From the entry doors, to the barnwood, bar, tables and chandeliers, all were Alabama reclaimed, milled, designed and hand crafted by the Caruthers-Poirier clan. Moving on from their awesome decor, their menu is second to none and is sure to excite your taste buds. Menu items include meatloaf, craft beer braised chicken, 1/2 lb. bacon BLT, wild-game sausage, their Big Fat 16 oz Steak, thick cut bone-in Berkshire chop, home-spun vanilla bean ice cream, and bread pudding with a bourbon caramel sauce, and that is just the beginning. Don't miss this Auburn classic next time you are visiting or just need a night out. For more information, please visit www.thehound-auburn.com. Reservations are accepted for parties of 10 or more.

Personal Favorite:

Appetizer: Mama Sue's Pepper Jelly, homemade jalapeno pepper jelly with house cream cheese and crackers.
Entree: Veggie Lasagna, wine stewed mushrooms, onion, spinach, feta, mozzarella, and house made basil tomato sauce.
Dessert: Bread Pudding, with caramel, bourbon sauce... speaks for itself.
Drink of choice: With 28 beers on tap, good luck choosing just one.

Located at 124 Tichenor Avenue in Auburn, AL.

Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m.- 12 a.m.
Friday: 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m
Saturday: 11 a.m.- 2 a.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Ma Fia's Ristorante & Pizzeria

 

 

"Eat well, laugh often, love much." Ma Fia's Ristorante & Pizzaria wants you to take this Italian saying to heart. Ma Fia's prepares handmade Italian dishes prepared in a relaxing, Italian setting. Their specialties include a variety of fresh fish, seafood, meats and pizzas cooked in their one of a kind pizza oven. Their dough is made from scratch daily and rests for 48 hours to ensure a one of a kind taste. With San Marzano tomatoes imported from Italy, their sauce will make you want to say, "Buon appetito!"Their menu also features unique Italian specialties such as Seafood Limoncello, Linguini a la Vodka, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, and classics such as Meat Lasagna, Fettucini Alfredo and Shrimp Scampi. Offering just the right mix of flavor and hospitality, I am sure you will feel as though you are dining on the streets Venice. For more information, please visit www.mafiasitalian.com.

 

Personal Favorite:

Appetizer: Grilled Scallops, grilled crostini, proscuitto, blueberry gastrique.

Entree: Wild Mushroom Ravioli, prosciutto, gorgonzola, red onion and basil.

Pizza of Choice: Margherita, san marzano tomato sauce, roma tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basic and olive oil.

Dessert: Cheese Cake Flan, cream cheese pastry with sugar tuile.

Drink of choice: They have a wide variety of both red and white wines, but I prefer a Chardonnay with my Wild Mushroom Ravioli.

 

Located at 811 South Railroad Avenue in Opelika, AL.

 

Hours:

Sunday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

 

Hamilton's on Magnolia

 

If you wish to dine and bask in the beautiful Auburn scenery, then Hamilton's on Magnolia is the place for you! Located one block from Toomer's corner, Hamilton's offers an intimate and casual neighborhood atmosphere and is perfect for all kinds of occasions. Whether it is a business meeting, or a party or family event, they are ready to accommodate you. Appetizers, salads and sandwiches are available throughout the day, but the chefs also prepare entrees daily and are as creatively presented as they are prepared. The menu consists of beef, pork, fish and chicken and is sure to satisfy any palate. The patio is a always a great option to relax and re-fuel after a busy day of shopping and exploring downtown Auburn. With live music on Mondays and daily drink specials, Hamilton's has quickly become a hometown favorite, and we can't wait for you to experience why! For more information, please visit www.hamiltonsonmagnolia.com.

Personal Favorite:

Appetizer: Hummus, garbanzo beans, roasted garlic and tahini blended together and served with pita, banana peppers, green olives and pickled red onions.
Entree: Shrimp & Grits, Hamilton's specialty with sauteed with Capps' sausage and bell peppers, tossed in a crystal cream sauce served over cheese grits.
Dessert: Irish Creme Brule, rich custard, Bailey's Irish Creme, vanilla sugar, whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Drink of Choice: Hocus Pocus, muddles strawberries, Hypnotiq, Malibu Rum and Pineapple Juice

Located at 174 East Magnolia Avenue in Auburn, AL.

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Cafe 123

 

Located in an authentic 50s soda fountain, Cafe 123 is a fine dining restaurant serving southern and continental cuisine with a hip, vintage atmosphere. Take it from me, you DO NOT want to miss out on this one of a kind dining experience. The menu features hand-cut ribeyes and filets, sushi-grade tuna, and a selection of Chef's specials and fresh cataches. Some local favorites include Beer-Battered Asparagus with Lemon Aioli, classic tableside Ceasar for two and Chef Eron Bass' Beef Tenderloin Napoleon. Wine dinners and other special events will keep you coming back again and again. For more information, please visit www.cafeonetwentythree.com. Reservations are recommended.

Personal Favorite:

Appetizer: Fried Green Tomatoes, thick sliced green tomatoes fried to golden, accompanied with a horseradish and parmesan sauce.
Entree: Barbeque Bourbon Salmon, farm-raised Chilean salmon, seared with a barbeque bourbon glaze, served over Oakview Farms creamy stone-ground grits and sauteed spinach, finished with creme fraiche and scallions.
Dessert: Their dessert menu is always changing, but everything I have ever had has been fabulous.
Drink of Choice: Cafe 123 has an exceptional wine list. There is something for everyone!

Located at 123 South Eighth Street in Opelika, AL.

Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 6-9 p.m.

Those are just a few of our amazing dining options in the Auburn/Opelika area. Stay tuned for Part 2 in a few weeks! For more information, please visit www.aotourism.com!

This week in Auburn/Opelika:

June 22-23: Camp War Eagle at Auburn University
June 22-26: Summer Ecology Camp, Explorers at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center
June 23: Opelika Mainstreet Farmers Market from 3-6 p.m.
June 23: Summer Swing Concert series at the Municipal Park in Opelika
June 25: The Market at Ag Heritage Park from 3-6 p.m.
June 25-26: Camp War Eagle at Auburn University
June 27: A Day in Clay at the Dean Road Ceramics Studio

For additional information on all events in the Auburn/Opelika area, please visit www.aotourism.com!

 

 

 



 

Boda Getta BBQ

Summer is right around the corner, and what better way to kick it off than a good ole fashioned BBQ? Katie Tynes, Auburn Chamber of Commerce PR & Marketing Intern, is here to tell us all about it!

 

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is hosting its third Boda Getta BBQ competition at University Station RV Resort off Highway 14 in Auburn on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. This Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned event will bring professional and amateur barbecue teams from all over the Southeast to the Plains to compete for the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion titles. Event proceeds will benefit FACES- The Foundation for Auburn's Continuing Enrichment in Schools- a local non-profit that funds and encourages creative programs in classrooms within Auburn City Schools.

 

 

The two-day competition will boast barbecue in every style and form. For those who consider barbecuing more of a spectator sport, there will be live entertainment throughout the weekend, vendors such as Sweet Bones, Cindy Cakes, Snack Shack and Fork in the Road, LLC, sponsors, antique tractor exhibits, a kids' zone with inflatables and crafts and a children's one-mile Fun Run. General admission tickets will be $5 per person per day at the gate, while children age 15 and under accompanied by parents can attend for free.

 

Professional Teams will have the opportunity to compete for $11,000 in cash prizes along with the Grand Champion title. Amateur "tailgate" teams will compete for the chance to have their team announced as the "Best Tailgaters in Auburn" at the first home football game on the newest and largest college jumbotron in the country.

 

The weekend festivities will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday night, with entertainment from the Fountain City Players from 7 to 10:30 p.m. On Saturday morning, children from throughout Auburn City Schools will get an early start at the FACES one-mile fun run. The Kid's Zone will open at 9 a.m. when gates open back up to the general public.

 

Families can meet Travis the Camel and Fred the Alpaca from Fred the Alpaca from Farmer Brown's Party Animals petting zoo from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. The Kid's Zone will also include a tractor exhibit, inflatables and more. Entertainment from the local Spicer's Music will begin at 11 a.m. and play until the competition winners are announced at 3 p.m.

 



Who is FACES?

All the proceeds from the event will go toward FACES, the Foundation for Auburn's Continuing Enrichment in Schools. FACES is a non-profit organization that promotes innovative opportunities that enrich the educational experiences of students at Auburn City Schools. The Foundation falls under the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and funds mini-grants of up to $600 to teachers promoting programs for classroom experience enhancement. With over 1,000 grand proposals received since its start in 1985, they have given a total of 567 mini-grants to teachers in the amount of over $224,000.

 

Event Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Auburn Rotary Club

Pit Master Sponsor: Prewett Insurance Group

Pit Master Sponsor: Kinnucan's

Backyard Griller Sponsor: MAX Credit Union

 

Auburn Chamber of Commerce

Verge Pipe Media

Alabama Contract Sales

Country's Barbecue

 

For a detailed schedule of events or for more information, please visit www.bodagettabbq.com!

 

This week in Auburn-Opelika:

May 5: Koresh Dance Company at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m.

May 7: May Concert Series at Town Creek Park from 6-7:30 p.m.

May 7 & 8: S'More Fun with Mom at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center from 6-8:30 p.m.

May 8-9: Boda Getta BBQ at University Station RV Resort

May 8-10: Auburn Baseball vs. Alabama at Plainsman Park (F: 6 p.m., Sat: 3 p.m., Sun: 1 p.m.)

May 9 & 10: Auburn University Graduation ceremonies at the Auburn Arena

May 9: Garden in the Park at the Opelika Municipal Park from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.





 

Tiger Trek 2015

 

Auburn is everywhere. Whether you are catching a flight to Europe or in the grocery store in your hometown, chances are you have had a "War Eagle" moment, but sometimes those little glimpses of the Auburn family just aren't enough. The Auburn Alumni Association has a cure, Tiger Trek 2015. Before we dive into the excitement that is Auburn football, the Auburn Alumni Association offers fans, alumni and those that need to be swayed a chance to have a night out with the Auburn family and some of its favorite members.

Emerald Coast Auburn Club Tiger Trek 2015

 

 

Who are these people?

Auburn Clubs are the heart and soul of the Auburn Alumni Association. They play a very important role in Auburn's presence throughout the United States. There are currently 90 active Auburn Clubs all over the country, stretching as far west as California and as far east as the Carolinas, and everywhere in between. These clubs work tirelessly throughout the year to bring Auburn Football watch parties, Freshman Send Offs, Annual Meetings, community service projects and student scholarships to communities everywhere. For more information on Auburn Clubs, visit www.auburnclubs.org.

Emerald Coast Auburn Club participates in Auburn Alumni in Action at a beach clean up event.

 

 

What should I expect?

Every Tiger Trek is a little different, but all of them have one thing, or person in common, Auburn Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn. Of course Aubie makes an appearance as well, what Auburn event is complete without him? On a serious note, these special events serve as a fundraiser for student scholarships that are given by the Auburn Clubs. On top of the great food and fun for all ages, the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau will be there to provide information on everything from hotel accommodations for football season, dining options in our beautiful city and shopping to golf information and even a few giveaways and chances to win fabulous prizes. Be sure to stop by and see us, or as always, visit www.aotourism.com.

 

 

Sign me up! When, where and how?

There are seven different opportunities and places to attend a Tiger Trek. Be sure to visit www.aualum.org/clubs to find out more information on each event and to register!

 

May 4: Wiregrass Regional Tiger Trek

Host City: Eufaula, AL

 

May 5: West Georgia Tiger Trek

Host City: Lagrange, GA

 

May 6: Atlanta Area Tiger Trek

Host City: Atlanta, GA

 

May 7: Alabama Gulf Coast Tiger Trek

Host City: Orange Beach, AL

 

May 11: Shoals Area Tiger Trek

Host City: Florence, AL

 

May 12: North Alabama Regional Tiger Trek

Host City: Decatur, AL

 

July 13: Greater Birmingham Tiger Trek

Host City: Birmingham, AL

Gus Malzahn speaks to the Greater Birmingham Tiger Trek.

Too far away? Many Auburn Clubs have annual meetings that feature other head coaches, assistant coaches, former players and other guests from Auburn University. For a complete calendar of events, visit www.auburnclubs.org.

This week in Auburn-Opelika:

April 24-27: ICYHOT Southern Tennis Tournament
April 29: Auburn Baseball vs. Kennesaw State at 6 p.m.
April 30: 10th Annual Mayors Jeans & Jackets Ball at 6 p.m.
May 1: First Fridays "Shop Late, Eat Local" in Downtown Opelika
May2: Bo Bikes Bama
May 2: Color My College 5K from 10 a.m.- noon