The Loveliest Village on the Plains

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Restaurant Round-Up: Fall 2025 – Coffee Shop Edition

Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers

Auburn Oil is the place to go for delicious coffee with a side of books in Auburn. This downtown bookstore is arguably the best in town, and at the back of the store you will find a barista serving up a varied menu of coffee, tea, cider, and hot chocolate. One of their most popular drinks is “Looking for Alaska”, a latte with the perfect blend of white mocha and peppermint.

Each month they feature a specialty drink that is creatively written on their chalkboard. If you are looking for your next read and one of the best lattes in town, step in to this cozy bookstore on Magnolia!

Side Track Coffee

Across the Auburn-Opelika Coffee Shop Trail, no spot is quite like downtown Opelika’s Side Track. Where other coffee shops invite you in with plush sofas and colorful interiors, Side Track offers you a wooden stool inside a white room. And yet, the place oozes charm. First-time customers will realize this is not your standard coffee shop when, after ordering, the register’s screen requests them to input not a tip, but a price. Pay-what-you-want pricing makes Side Track a proper sanctuary for anyone seeking community, regardless of circumstance.

This commitment to community is evident not just in the pricing scheme, but in the friendly service as well. Sitting at the bar, even without ordering anything, it is only a matter of time until a glass of water is set in front of you by one of the friendly baristas. Side Track’s furniture situation also contributes to the open, welcoming atmosphere. Almost nothing is fixed in place, and stools can always be dragged up to seemingly full tables to make sure your party can sit together, and then some. It almost feels tasteless to bring up the quality of the coffee, because what Side Track offers is so much more than caffeinated beverages. This is a proper gem of the Auburn-Opelika area, and a must-stop on the Coffee Shop Trail.

Thrive Here @Auburn

Located inside Auburn University’s Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, Thrive Coffee blends great coffee with hands-on learning. Operated in partnership with the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, the café doubles as a teaching lab where students roast beans, craft syrups, prepare espresso drinks, and gain real experience running a specialty coffee shop.

The space is bright, modern, and relaxed – complete with a record player and plenty of room to study – making it a favorite spot for students.

Signature drinks like seasonal lattes, along with house-made ingredients from the center’s pastry kitchen, give the menu a creative touch. I tried the Candy Cane Captain, an iced latte with candy cane flavored oat milk. It was a perfect sweet drink, just in time for the holidays! Thrive accepts Tiger Card dining dollars and offers a loyalty program, adding to its campus appeal.

More than just a coffee spot, Thrive embodies the Rane Center’s mission: blending education and industry in a real-world setting where students learn, serve, and create exceptional coffee every day.

November 10, 2025November 24, 2025

Autumn in Auburn: When the Campus Turns Orange

There is something undeniably special about Auburn in the fall. All across campus, the trees have turned the color of orange, deep and glowing, as if the University itself has dressed up in school spirit. The air carries a soft crispness that feels like a promise – of new beginnings and treasured memories waiting to be made.

Walking to class feels different in this season. Leaves crunch underfoot, and the same paths you have walked all semester now seem brand new. The sunlight lingers a little longer on the red brick concourses and catches in the golden leaves drifting down from the oaks near Samford Hall. You pause to watch, and time slows for just a moment.

Fall has a way of making the familiar seem more special. The paths, the buildings, the small routines – all seem to come alive in color and light. As the wind carries another swirl of orange across your path, you realize it is more than just a beautiful time of year. It is the season of sweaters and spirit, and of warmth and belonging. Fall in Auburn feels like stepping into a story – one painted in orange, filled with laughter, tradition, and the quiet magic of home.

September 10, 2025September 11, 2025

What in the world is Camp War Eagle??

Incoming freshmen take part in Camp War Eagle activities on June 5, 2025, as part of Auburn University’s orientation for new students.

Camp War Eagle (CWE) is Auburn’s two-day summer orientation program for new freshmen! At CWE, incoming freshmen meet their CWE Orientation Counselor and other incoming freshman students, learn more about campus resources to help them be successful at Auburn, and register for fall classes with their academic advisor. This past summer, over 6,000 incoming freshmen attended CWE.

Our current students also have the opportunity to be a Camp War Eagle counselor for the summer! One of our CWE counselors, Lydia East, said this about her experience:

“Being a part of this team and having an impact on thousands of incoming students was truly the greatest experience. Watching these students embrace Auburn as their new home was incredibly rewarding and brought so much joy to each day! I am so thankful to have been a small part of their Auburn journey. War Eagle”

Lydia East, sophomore, Agriculture Communications

Admitted students can begin to register for their CWE session in March. There is not an advantage to attending an earlier session, and each session holds a certain number of spots in core classes for registration.

Learn more about CWE here on our First Year Experience website!

May 2, 2025May 1, 2025

Baseball Season in Auburn

By Dana Poore, Admissions Advisor

Spring in Auburn means it’s time for my favorite season of the year: baseball season! My favorite pastime is watching baseball, whether it be a night game in the middle of the week or a beautiful Sunday afternoon. If Plainsman Park is open, more than likely, you will be able to find me there.

My love of baseball comes from the days when my parents took me to Mobile Bay Bears games to help me learn more about being a catcher since I played softball. Those days in Hank Aaron Stadium always brought so much joy and peace to me, and they are some of my fondest memories. Baseball was also my first official sport I attended at Auburn as a kid. Although Plainsman Park has gotten some updates since my first visit, it is still just as special to me as it was on that first visit.

So, when I grew up with easy access to continue going to baseball games, I was all in. I find myself counting down to opening day each year. In my eyes, Auburn baseball is the perfect example of if you love Auburn, it will love you right back. For me, baseball is my refuge, no matter what is going on in my life: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I know when I walk into Plainsman Park for a brief time, it all melts away. Whether I am taking in a baseball game with a group of friends or making a solo trip to Plainsman Park, I know I am with family. One of the special aspects about baseball is that it is a very social game. I have gotten to sit with Auburn alumni who, after the last three years, I have made connections and community with. Plainsman park, whether you are sitting in the outfield or directly behind home plate, is such a magical place to be. Plainsman Park is even electric when 1^st pitch has to be delayed until 9:15 pm due to weather. Take it from a girl who loves baseball, but who loves Auburn baseball the most.

If you cannot find me during baseball season, chances are high that I am hiding away in Plainsman Park cheering on the Tigers! Check out this year’s schedule here, and make it to a game if you can. I hope it’s as wonderful an experience for you as it is for me!

Dana with Auburn baseball legend Frank Thomas

Dana with Auburn’s head baseball coach Butch Thompson

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025

Does it ever snow in Auburn?

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025 it snowed in Auburn, and the dreamy winter wonderland was enjoyed by students, employees, and residents all over town.

It does not snow often in Auburn, Alabama, but every few years a wintry mix appears in the Loveliest Village on the Plains. Students and residents gathered their coats, hats, and gloves and ventured out into the cold for some fun.

Samford Lawn was full of students taking pictures and enjoying the snow! Some students went sledding at the Red Barn and built snowmen.

Time stands a little more still on snow days. It is a chance to pause from the regular schedule and break the routine. Our students took full advantage of this, embracing the day with fellowship and laughter.

July 19, 2024July 19, 2024

Summer on the Plains

Summer is here and so are some of our students! While campus is definitely less busy during the summer, many students stay for the summer semester and there are still a ton of fun things to do!

1. Spend time in the great outdoors

Explore Chewacla State Park, take a guided hike through the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center on the second Thursday of the month, or check out Kiesel Park.

2. Go to a farmer’s market

Hosted by the College of Agriculture at Auburn University, The Market at Ag Heritage Park is held on Thursdays each summer from 3pm-6pm.

3. Savor a sweet treat

https://www.aotourism.com/listing/the-yard-milkshake-bar/1577/

Grab an Instagram-worthy milkshake at The Yard Milkshake Bar, beat the heat with a Tiger’s Blood from one of the many snowcone spots, or stick to the tried and true and enjoy a flavored lemonade from Toomer’s Drugs.

4. Groove to the music

The Standard Deluxe, a music venue about 15 minutes down the road in Waverly, has live music regularly. You can see their schedule of upcoming events here.

Free to the public, the Summer Swing Concert Series is held every Tuesday night in the summer through July 30th at Monkey Park in Opelika.

5. Visit a museum

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University is a true cultural gem, and just a short drive from campus on S. College Street.

6. Take a weekend road trip

One of the best things about Auburn is how close you are to some really cool places. Head up 85 to Atlanta for a Braves game or concert, or drive a quick 4 hours south to the beach or north to the mountains!

June 14, 2024June 14, 2024

Auburn University: It’s a Land-Grant Thing

Are you familiar with Auburn University’s central purpose? If not, check out our mission statement describing that purpose below!

“As a land-grant institution, Auburn University is dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research and scholarship, and selfless service.”¹

The very first clause of that mission statement sets the tone for who we are as an institution and, conveniently, the rest of this blog post – it’s a land-grant thing.

If you’re anything like me, I wasn’t actually familiar with the term “land-grant” before enrolling at Auburn. And yet, I was unknowingly already familiar with several land-grant institutions. Each state has at least one, many have multiple. Did you know that many of Auburn’s most beloved rivalries in the SEC are also land-grant institutions? The University of Georgia, Mississippi State University, and LSU just to name a few. While each of these universities have their own unique culture and charm, they have some noteworthy similarities because of their land-grant designation.

Land-Grant Institutions: A Mini-History Lesson

The higher education system in this country dates back to the founding of Harvard College in 1636. The first college in what is now the United States was founded in 1636. For roughly 200 years, most colleges in this country were private liberal arts institutions that were primarily geared towards educating young, wealthy, white men interested in pursuing careers as civic or religious leaders. Beginning in the mid-1800s, leaders in the federal government began discussions of supporting a higher education system that was geared towards preparing more people for a variety of careers – agriculture and engineering, in particular.²

Those discussions resulted in the passage of the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862, which established land-grant institutions across the country. Auburn (then called the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama) received its land-grant status in 1872. Since then, we have been keenly aware of the responsibilities we have to help “provide practical solutions to pressing societal problems.” More specifically, we have a responsibility to: 1) educate our students, providing them with practical and technical skills to prepare them for life; 2) drive forward-thinking research that advances knowledge; and 3) transform these on-campus successes into improving our local communities through outreach and service.³

Should you choose to attend Auburn, know that you will benefit from this land-grant lineage. You’ll be equipped with practical, hands-on opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom that will prepare you for a lifetime of continuous improvement and service to others. Our hope is that your life will be improved from your time at Auburn and that you will pay that forward by helping to improve the lives of everyone you interact with moving forward.

From Humble Beginnings to Modern-Day Advancements

As the old adage goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” So what better way to wrap up this post about Auburn’s land-grant lineage than with several pictures? Enjoy!

Then and Now: Engineering

This picture was taken in the early 1890’s and shows students using lathes and other equipment in the Machine Room of the Mechanical Arts Laboratory.⁴

The Theme Park Engineering and Design student organization is housed within the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. Pictured here: Two students (and hopeful future theme park developers) enjoying their research on Disney’s TRON Lightcycle Run. Learn more about TPED here.

Then and Now: Agriculture

It may be a bit blurry, but this picture shows several women who were students at Auburn in the early 1900’s. They were enrolled in a horticulture class and are shown here tending to on-campus gardens as part of the course.

Look at this technological advancement! The College of Agriculture has created the Transformation Garden. Pictured here: A student working inside a high-tech vertical farm shipping container that has been outfitted with LED lights that help with photosynthesis. Learn more about the Transformation Garden here.

Then and Now: Architecture

This unidentified student is shown here in an architecture lab circa 1937.

The College of Architecture, Design and Construction celebrated the 30^th anniversary of Rural Studio this year. Pictured here are faculty and students on-site at a current project. Learn more about Rural Studio here.

Then and Now: Human Sciences

Order up! Several home economics students were completing a cooking class assignment in the kitchen lab in 1930.

Pictured here: A current Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management student staying cool under pressure preparing food for a 200-person event in the world-renowned Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. Learn more about the Rane Center here.

Footnotes

https://auburn.edu/about/visionandmission.php ↩︎
There are several resources to learn more about land-grant history, but I highly encourage everyone to read Adam Harris’ The State Must Provide. ↩︎
https://auburn.edu/about/visionandmission.php ↩︎
Historic photographs courtesy of Auburn University Photographs Collection ↩︎

March 1, 2024March 1, 2024

Does Auburn offer summer programs for youth?

YES!!

There are all types of camps and youth programs happening during the summer at Auburn University. You can find the complete list here, and we have highlighted a few below. With everything from ACT Bootcamp, Creative Writing Studio, and Nursing Camp to Construction Management Summer Academy for Young Women, Fisheries and Aquaculture Camp, and World Affairs Youth Seminar, there is something for each student.

Architecture Camp

Architecture Studio at Auburn University

Architecture Camp is offered for 3 sessions over the summer to rising 11th and 12th grade students. The one-week program teaches students the basic concepts of architecture and is highly intensive. Students receive hands-on experience working in the studios under the instruction of Auburn University professors. Registration is open!

Pharmacy Camp

Walker Pharmacy Building at Auburn University

Pharmacy Camp is available to rising 11th and 12th grade students as well as rising college freshmen. Partnered with the Harrison School of Pharmacy, students learn various skills through hands-on experience, including compounding labs. Students also have the opportunity to visit local pharmacies and healthcare facilities. This camp is a great opportunity for students to see if the pharmacy profession is the right career path. Check back in December 2024 for information about Summer 2025!

Musical Theatre Camp

During Musical Theatre Camp at Auburn University, students get to develop their skills through masterclasses, private lessons, workshops, and rehearsals with the faculty and staff of the Department of Theatre. This immersive camp is for an entire week and gives students interested in music, dance, show choir, and theatre the opportunity to practice on stage. Registration is open!

Wheelchair Basketball

This will be the 5th summer of Auburn Wheelchair Basketball Camp. The camp is focused on developing individual fundamental skills and is open to males and females, ages 12-19, with a permanent disability of the lower extremity. During camp, students will participate in controlled scrimmages and develop their skills through drills and games taught by the trained staff. Campers will leave with new skills and new friends from around the country. Registration is open!

Sr. PoultryU

Charles C. Miller Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center

Sr. PoultryU is a poultry science camp offered to students ages 14-18. Auburn also offers Jr. PoultryU for students ages 9-13. This partnership with the Department of Poultry Sciences allows campers to gain hands-on experience related to the poultry industry, including nutrition, breeding, animal welfare, and product development. Registration is open!

Our Office of Professional & Continuing Education helps students find their passion, strengthen their skills, and shape their future through our summer youth programs. Learn more here, and consider registering for one of our summer programs soon!

February 23, 2024February 23, 2024

Sweet Tooth: Best Desserts Around Town

There are a TON of delicious desserts in the Auburn area, but these are some favorites in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

The Bean

If you want to grab one of Auburn’s best desserts while you study, check out The Beans’ famous cinnamon rolls! Each cinnamon roll is rolled, filled, baked, and iced in house every day. It’s a meticulous 12-hour process necessary to create the perfect cinnamon roll! The Bean has such a cool, retro atmosphere making it the perfect place to study, hang out with friends or just grab a quick cup of coffee to pair with your cinnamon roll. If you are looking for something to take home to your family over the break, The Bean also sells their rolls by the dozen for you to cook at home! It’s a perfect way to get a taste of Auburn wherever you are.

Boulangerie French Bakery

A new bakery has made its way to downtown Auburn, and we are ecstatic! The Boulangerie French Bakery opened its doors on February 1^st, 2024, just in time for Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day. Jessica Rizzo, owner of IL Forno, Halftime and Oz Speakeasy and the Boulangerie French Bakery, said in an article with Opelika – Auburn News, “It’s going to be open seven days a week, and we’re going to serve brunch. We will have all kinds of assorted pastries, we’ll do custom cakes, cake by the slice, cookies, macarons and more.” Advisors in Auburn’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions thought what better way to celebrate Mardi Gras than to support an up-and-coming local business with a King Cake! We tried the cream cheese filled king cake with the traditional purple, green and gold sprinkles on top. We loved feeling so festive this Mardi Gras and we have the Boulangerie French Bakery to thank for that! We will 100% be back!

Saint Bernardo Gelateria at the Hey Day Market

https://www.aotourism.com/Dining/17378/Saint-Bernardo/

I love ice cream, but gelato is my absolute favorite! At the Hey Day Market, you can find delicious house-made gelato in a variety of flavors, including cherry chocolate and banana caramel. They also have an adorable gelato cart that can be rented out for events! This gelateria is a great option for something sweet after your meal, or just an afternoon or evening treat. A true taste of Italy!

The Waverly Local

About 20 minutes from campus is a hidden gem of a restaurant in the small town of Waverly. The Waverly Local serves up southern, seasonal dishes including everything from pimento cheese with grilled sourdough and bacon wrapped Wickle’s okra with buttermilk ranch to blue crab cakes and ranch house pork with butter bean dumplings. The cherry on top is the dessert, and their coconut cake is one to savor. The moist cake with delicious layers of frosting has just the right amount of sweetness and is perfect to share. Settle in for the food and stay for the ambience, you won’t be disappointed!

December 1, 2023November 30, 2023

Restaurant Round-Up: Fall 2023 Edition

Jack Brown’s

If you are looking for a simple menu and a unique burger, Jack Brown’s is the place to be! Downtown Auburn’s newest burger spot opened in July of 2023 and has been a hit ever since. Their menu exclusively offers a variety of burgers ranging from a traditional hamburger to their famous “Elvis” burger that is topped with peanut butter, mayo, applewood smoked bacon and American cheese. Their menu is limited, and their founders spoke on how they are not trying to please all tastes, so be sure to check out their menu before you go. Jack Brown’s prides themselves on serving 100% Wagyu Beef Burgers and ensures that you are getting quality farm to table burgers. Don’t forget to grab some fried Oreo’s for dessert!

If you drive by Jack Brown’s on South College Street on a Tuesday night, you might see Bigfoot standing outside to promote Bigfoot Bingo! Tuesday night Bingo offers food and drink specials and prizes for bingo winners.

To learn more about Jack Brown’s Auburn and their weekly specials, be sure to follow them on Instagram @jackbrownsauburn. -Bree Davis

Mellow Mushroom

Nestled right in the heart of downtown Auburn since 1996, Mellow Mushroom serves up delicious pizza in a cozy setting. Mellow Mushroom was actually the first meal I had in Auburn during my summer college visit in 2004, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. My family and I had just driven into town and had no idea where to eat. Pizza sounded great (when does it not?), so we settled on Mellow Mushroom and it did not disappoint. The thick, soft crust is dusted with parmesan, and you can ask for honey to dip the crust into when you’re done with your pizza. The Funky Q Chicken with ranch is my go-to order, but there truly is a pizza for everyone. They even have gluten free and plant-based pizza options, wings, salads, calzones, and more. -Heather Rodgers

Moe’s BBQ

Another Auburn staple is Moe’s BBQ. With locations in Downtown Auburn and Bent Creek, this is a popular spot for both college students and families. Moe’s has a classic barbecue menu with items ranging from pulled pork, smoked chicken and turkey, ribs and wings to fried catfish and fried shrimp. Their menu offers southern sides such as cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans, and banana pudding. My favorite menu item is the Redneck Nachos which consists of your choice of meat on top of their house chips with melted cheese and both red and white barbecue sauce. Not only is the food delicious, the atmosphere is great for a night out with friends. Moe’s has events almost every night of the week including Bingo, Wing Night (75 cent wings), Trivia, and live music. You can’t go wrong with a night at Moe’s BBQ! -Haylee Dorrill