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 café 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

November Happenings... and Thanskgiving Dinner!

November Craft Beer Dinner featuring Good People Brewing Company

Date: November 21, 2013
Time: 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM

Craft Beer lovers can enjoy an evening with Good People Brewing Company Brewer Adam Klein who will feature Good People Beer paired with a unique four course dinner prepared by Ariccia Chef Chris McCurdy. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Ariccia at (334) 844.5140 Four course dinner & beer pairings is $45 excluding tax & gratuity

Roman Street Live in Piccolo
Date: November 22, 2013
Time: 8:00 PM until 11:00 PM

Roman Street is an internationally trained instrumental band based out of the Mobile, AL area specializing in improvisational fusion of Classical, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz, Latin, Funk, and Nuevo Flamenco. Don't miss their performance Friday, November 22 starting at 8:00pm at Piccolo inside Ariccia at the AU Hotel! { No Cover for Piccolo }

National Village at Grand National
Date: November 23, 2013 - January 05, 2014

National Village will host a Christmas Lights display from November 23-January 5. For more information, please visit their facebook page! 

Ariccia's Thanksgiving Buffet

Date: November 28, 2013
Time: 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM

Seating Times: 11:00am ¦ 1:00pm ¦ 3:00pm Price: Adults $45 ¦ Children 5-12yrs $19 ¦ Kids 4 & under Free with an Adult.

Ariccia's Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 28th - Thursday, November 28th

Enjoy a special four course dinner featuring turkey & Swiss chard, pesto parsnip, carrot mash & milk chocolate & pumpkin mousse. Dinner Seating Begins at 5:30pm Price: Adults $45 ¦ Children 5-12yrs $19 ¦ Kids 4 & under Free with an Adult.

Downtown Autumn Nights
Date: November 29, 2013

Kick off a weekend of fun on the Plains with Downtown Autumn Nights! Aubie, the band and cheerleaders will begin the celebration while live music will entertain the crowd into the evening. The entire Auburn Family and visiting fans are invited to enjoy the festivities at the new entertainment area located on Gay Street in downtown Auburn. This week's band:  Swingin' Medallions.

Hudson Family Foundation Celebrity Home Run Derby

The annual Celebrity Home Run Derby is coming to Plainsman Park on November 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM! The event is presented by the Hudson Family Foundation. The Home Run Derby will feature Major League Players and Auburn Legends. For more information please visit, www.hudsonfamilyfoundation.com.

Please visit our calendar of events for up-to-date and accurate information www.aotourism.com/calendar.

Weekend Events for Auburn Football!

Football season is finally here! With one win under Auburn's belt we can't wait to see what else is in store for the season. Game weekends in Auburn have become a packed weekend of opportunity. Check out all that Auburn and the area have to offer for most games this year.

Friday Football Luncheon
Kick off home game weekends at the Friday Football Luncheons. Enjoy lunch with other Auburn fans and preview the week's matchup with Coach Malzahn or others of the Auburn coaching staff. Reservations are required- follow this link to buy your tickets $15 each! http://www.auburntigers.com/gamedayevents/

AU Lecture Series
Join us at 3 p.m. at the Auburn Alumni Center each Friday before home games. Free and open to the public. Hosted by the Auburn Athletics Department, Auburn University's Office of Communications and Marketing and the Auburn Alumni Association. | More Info

Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 (prior to Washington State game)
          "This is Auburn" - confirmed speaker: Walker Jones, Under Armour

Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 (prior to Arkansas State game)
          "This is Community" - confirmed speaker: Stuart Pope of Caring PAWS with three therapy dogs

Friday, Sept. 13, 2013 (prior to Mississippi State game)
          "This is Go Green/Sustainability" - confirmed speaker: Steve Duke of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering discussing student outreach projects in Bolivia, plus 30-second sustainability

Friday, Oct. 4, 2013 (prior to Ole Miss game)
          "This is Patriotism" - confirmed speaker: Ron Burgess, Cyber Security

Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 (prior to Western Carolina game)
          "Homecoming" - confirmed speaker : Ari Fleischer

Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 (prior to Florida Atlantic game)
          "This is Technology" - confirmed: Bruce Smith, Vet Med's One Medicine approach

Friday, Nov. 15, 2013 (prior to Georgia game)
          "This is Loyalty" - confirmed speaker: John Carvalho

Campus Walking Tours
Join the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen on Friday afternoons before home games beginning at 4 from the Auburn Alumni Center for a special tour of campus. Free and open to the public. Campus walking tours available prior to each home game except the Auburn-Alabama game.

JHS Locker Room Tours
Come experience the pre-game locker room setup for the Auburn football team at Jordan Hare-Stadium on Fridays prior to each home game from 4-6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Please enter at Gate 10 through the Jane and Mike McCartney Brick Plaza.

Plainsman Park Movie Nights
Bring a blanket and join us in the outfield grass at Plainsman Park at 7 p.m. to view a movie from the big screen on the dates listed below. Make sure to bring a blanket Free and open to the public. Enter though the main Plainsman Park entrance. No chair allowed on the grass. Light concessions will be available.

Friday, Aug. 30, 2013 (prior to Washington State game) - featuring Dolphin Tale
Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 (prior to Western Carolina game)- movie TBD

Football Letterman Club
Each week prior to a home game, former Auburn football lettermen will be present at the Verizon Autograph Tent to sign memorabilia and talk with fans. This year we will also honor the 1963, 1983, 1988 and 1993 teams. Located beside the Red Diamond Tailgate Show in the parking lot of Plainsman Park. Begins two hours prior to kickoff.

Autumn Nights
Kick off a weekend of fun on the Plains with Downtown Autumn Nights. Aubie, the AU pep band, cheerleaders and Tiger Paws will kick off the celebration at 6 p.m. while some of Auburn's favorite bands will entertain the crowd into the evening. The entire Auburn Family and visiting fans are invited to enjoy the festivities at the new entertainment area located on Gay Street in downtown Auburn.

The first Autumn Nights event (Sept. 6) will be held on Magnolia Avenue between Gay Street and College Street, but the events set for October 25 and November 29 will be held in the newly created downtown event space on Gay Street in the former Auburn Bank drive-through.

The downtown entertainment district will also be in effect for the Autumn Nights event. The special measure allows individuals to purchase alcohol at a licensed establishment, leave that establishment with an open container and consume alcohol in shatterproof containers outside during special events approved by the city council. No coolers are permitted.

Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 (prior to Arkansas State game) | 1st Generation Band
Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 (prior to Florida Atlantic game) | Rollin' in the Hay
Friday, Nov. 29, 2013 (prior to Alabama game) | Band: Swingin' Medallions