Hidden Gems

By Virginia Elliott

There are many different reasons why Auburn is incredibly special, why so many people love Auburn to their core, and why people continue to discover this gem of a college town. There’s nothing quite like experiencing Auburn for yourself. What I wouldn’t give to experience Auburn for the very first time again! Whether it’s your first time in Auburn or you’ve grown up an Auburn fan, hopefully these hidden – and some not so hidden – gems will offer you something new to discover during your next trip to the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

Listen

to the music.

Be sure to turn off your satellite radio and tune into WEGL 91.9 FM – Auburn’s student led radio station. You’ll hear a variety of music, sports, and talk radio from Auburn’s own student DJs.

WEGL 91.1 FM

See

the sights.

While the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts is not hidden, there are many hidden gems inside the museum walls. Be sure to check out the Auburn Oak Bowl by master wood turner Matt Moulthrop – a piece turned from the famous Toomer’s Oaks, the Audubon collection, and Out of the Box – an impressive outdoor sculpture exhibition.     

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts

Lovelace Hall of Honor – inspiring the avid Auburn fan and new visitors alike. If you’re hoping to understand why Auburn people love Auburn so much, the Lovelace Hall of Honor features exciting moments in Auburn sports history showcasing what it’s like to be part of the Auburn family.

Lovelace Hall of Honor

Breathe

the fresh air.

If you’ve found that taking to the great outdoors suits you best to conquer the pandemic blues, these gems might be your breath of fresh air:

Lake Wilmore Trail offers biking, hiking, and running trails near Ogletree Elementary School. This is one of my favorite places to enjoy the outdoors!

Lake Wilmore Trail

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center offers six+ miles of hiking and trail running, butterfly and sensory gardens, and a nature playground for the kiddos.

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

We’ll have another post coming soon with even more information about getting outside and exploring Auburn and the surrounding area!

Eat

to your heart’s content.

After all of your exploring, you may find yourself hungry. There are many articles about the top dishes and restaurants in town, but you may enjoy finding a treat off of the beaten path.

If you’re looking for a “taste of Auburn”, be sure to check out The Market at Ag Heritage Park – an open air farmer’s market with fresh, local fruits and vegetables, honey, soaps, and goat cheese galore.   

The Market at Ag Heritage Park

For something more substantial, you may want to check out the Meats Lab Retail Sales Room. The Meats Lab offers a wide variety of fresh beef, pork, and sausages. The prices are pretty tasty too!

Meats Lab Retail Sales Room

You can also check out earlier posts like the Auburn Coffee Shop Roundup or the Best Food in Town!  

After your visit to Auburn, you may just have some hidden gems to share too!  War Eagle!