O-pel-ee-ka? O-pel-ica? O-peel-ka?
O-pel-I-ka !
Opelika is the sweet town that connects to our beautiful Auburn, AL. The town is made up of more 30,000 residents who LOVE their town! From sweet treats at O-Town Ice Cream to the community traditions by the railroad tracks, this town has it all!
Here is my guide to OPELIKA!
The Eats
Café One Twenty Three
If you are looking for fine dining and southern cooking, Café One Twenty Three is for you! This restaurant is located in historic downtown Opelika and has a cozy, at-home atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a delicious pork chop, juicy steak, or lobster, shrimp and grits, you are going to leave full and happy!
Zazu Gastropub
Zazu is another fine dining experience with an eclectic, industrial feel. This restaurant is also located in historic downtown Opelika. They pride themselves on making everything from scratch and buying produce from local farms as best they can. Make sure you try the Korean BBQ Spring Rolls the next time you stop by!
Irish Bread Pub
Another historic downtown favorite has to be Irish Bread Pub. IBP has the classic Irish, English and American pub favorites on the menu to enjoy. My personal favorite is the Chicken & Chips! Not only is the food great, but the environment is even better. This is the place to just hangout and enjoy the community!
O-Town Ice Cream
Now if you are looking for something sweet, you have to head over to O-Town Ice Cream. Located on 2nd Ave, O-Town has all sorts of sweets to satisfy your cravings. You can stop by in the morning and pick up one of their delicious biscuits or cinnamon rolls to start your day. Or you may choose to end it with a scoop of one of their homemade ice creams named after people and places in Opelika. Either way you cannot miss this Opelika favorite!
The Drinks
Side Track Coffee
Now Side Track Coffee is a spot you can’t miss. This coffee shop has a cool, minimalist atmosphere where you can study, meet with friends, or just grab a quick cup of coffee when you’re on the go. The coffee is amazing and the service hospitable, but what makes this location so unique is you choose your price. You pay what you can pay.
Mama Mocha’s Coffee Opelika
Now we have talked about Mama Mocha’s on this blog before! Our coffee shop round up described the unique and eclectic feel of the Mama Mocha’s brand. Now the Opelika Mama Mocha’s shop and roastery located in downtown Opelika on 1st avenue has that same unique feel. This spot has amazing coffee, breakfast, and a welcome-to-all environment.
The Traditions
Opelika Songwriters Festival
The Opelika Songwriters Festival is a new tradition here in Opelika, but it is a great one! This festival is co-produced by The Sound Wall and Russell Carter Artist Management and takes place all over town. Opelika venues and locations are transformed into music filled spaces. You are able to enjoy your favorite Opelika hotspot while experiencing local artists and artists from all over. Unfortunately the 2020 OSF was cancelled due to COVID, but here’s to 2021!
On The Tracks
There is no better way to bring a community together except through food, live music and drinks! Opelika holds this biannual event to raise money and promote local businesses in the area. You able to walk through downtown while eating and drinking from Opelika favorites!
Christmas in a Railroad Town
My personal favorite tradition held in Opelika has to be Christmas in a Railroad Town. This event is perfect for everyone! You can shop at the local businesses, try one of the holiday activities, enjoy the live music, say hi to Santa, and of course grab a sweet holiday treat. This event typically takes place right before Christmas Break, so make sure you stop by before heading home for the holidays!
There is so much more to Opelika than this quick guide, so make sure you head over there and explore!