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

October 20, 2023October 27, 2023

How to Make the Most Out of Your Campus Visit

Planning a campus visit is essential during your college decision process as you determine what college or university is the best fit for you. There is a lot to take into consideration during your visit: academics, campus culture, and student life—just to name a few. Visiting different campuses allows you to experience first-hand the differences that will factor into your final decision. Before you plan your visit to Auburn University, check out the list below to make the most of your time on campus.

Schedule a Campus Tour

The best way to learn about Auburn University’s rich tradition, campus life, and academic excellence is to schedule an official campus tour. Led by a current student (our “Student Recruiters”), the 75-minute walking tour provides a great overview of what Auburn has to offer and helps you get more familiar with the layout of our campus. Don’t be surprised if current students say “War Eagle!” as you pass. It’s what we do as members of the “Auburn Family” to greet each other on campus— and around the world!

Visit Your College

An important part of a campus visit is exploring your academic area of interest. Across all our 12 colleges, there are opportunities to schedule department tours or meetings with a professional staff member. It is important to schedule these meetings or tours before you arrive on campus due to limited availability. During this time with your specific college, you can ask any questions you have about your scholarly interests, explore the different classroom settings, and learn more about the opportunities available in your major.

Tour the Recreation and Wellness Center

Recognized by Men’s Health magazine as one of the “coolest college recreation centers in America,” the Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center is a must-see during your time on campus. The 240,000 square-foot Recreation and Wellness Center is home to a 1/3-mile inclining track, two 50-foot climbing towers, a bouldering wall, 6 basketball courts, two multi-activity courts, a resort-style pool and hot tub, and an outdoor equipment rental center and bike shop. The facility also provides group fitness classes, access to intramural and club sports, outdoor adventure experiences, personal training and more! Walk-up tours are available for potential students interested in learning more about Auburn University Recreation and Wellness.

Eat at a University Dining Hall

While on campus, take a lunch break and explore where our students eat daily. The Edge at Central Dining is our newest and largest, all-you-care-to-eat facility located in the heart of Auburn’s campus. The Edge has nine different food stations, including one with allergen-sensitive recipes. The dining hall even features products grown on campus through partnerships with the College of Agriculture. If you are curious, check out the menu before your visit. With two floors full of unique options, even the pickiest of eaters will find something to enjoy!

Explore Downtown Auburn

Auburn’s campus meets downtown at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue. Home to a variety of boutiques, restaurants and more, downtown Auburn offers plenty to visitors and locals alike. A trip to Auburn, Alabama is not complete without a glass of ice-cold lemonade from Toomer’s Drugs or grabbing a new t-shirt from J&M Bookstore.

There is so much to see on and off campus making it easy to fill up your itinerary for a day exploring Auburn! With the right planning, you can guarantee that you are making the most out of your campus visit. We look forward to welcoming you to “the Loveliest Village on the Plains!”

October 9, 2023October 9, 2023

How is Auburn in the fall?

Written by: Melissa Henry

Fall is all orange, all Auburn!

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Football

Auburn Football Home Games – There is nothing like cheering on the Auburn Tigers in Jordan – Hare Stadium with 88,000 of your closest friends! There are still opportunities to see the Auburn Football team and all the traditions our games have to offer on Saturdays in October and November.

Tradition

Hey Day – Hey Day is a tradition dating back to World War II when Auburn students created a day to properly welcome their fellow peers home. It has grown to become a day where the Auburn Family comes together and meets one another in celebration of all that is Auburn.

Homecoming– Homecoming Week in Auburn, Alabama is centered around events and parades and all that welcomes members of the Auburn Family back to campus. Miss Homecoming, the parade float competition, and the pep rally all serve Auburn in a way that brings the Auburn Family, young and old, together. One of our very own student recruiters, Ellie Korotky, was crowned Miss Homecoming 2023.

AUBURN – OPELIKA FUN

Auburn – Opelika Tourism is the place to go to hear all you need to know! Fall is in full swing in Auburn – Opelika and so are the fun activities! Below you can find Auburn Opelika Tourism’s event calendar full of festivals and fun. If you are visiting town within the month October or November, you are in for a spooky treat with all these great events!

Halloween Enchanted Forest & Nature Nightmares at the Kreher Preserve

Fall Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park

9^th Annual Fall Bash at Red Clay Brewing Company

Opelika Sportsplex Fall Festival

Football Fridays

Friday night in Downtown Auburn is a weekend highlight! The town is alive, music is playing and people are out and about. Here are a few unique activities offered to students and visitors, alike:

AU Raptor Center 4:00pm on Game Day Fridays

Come Home to the Corner – Downtown Auburn

PUMPKIN – THE TRUE STAR OF FALL

Pumpkin Patches – With both of these pumpkin patches being located southwest of Auburn and about a 20-minute drive from Auburn University’s campus – this is a for sure stop while in town on a fall weekend!

Farmer in the Dell – “Pick Pumpkins, ride hayrides, buy local honey and more

Choctafaula – “Pumpkin Patches and the Sleepy Hollow Haunted farm”

And we all know that it wouldn’t be fall without tasty fall coffee drinks!

POLL: Where can you find the best fall drink in Auburn, Alabama?

Ross House – @ross.house.coffee – Pumpkin Brulee (caramel and pumpkin)

Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers – @auburnoilbooksellers – Their Drink of the Month is the Out Of The Woods Latte (pumpkin spice, white mocha, maple spice and cinnamon)

Well Red Coffee, Books & Wine – @wellredau – Pumpkin Spice Latte

The Bean – @thebean_au Specialty Lattes like “Caramel Harvest” and “Fall in a Mug” are sure to bring the fall vibes to your coffee cup!

June 28, 2023July 5, 2023

What is the GPAC at Auburn University?

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, or GPAC, at Auburn University opened in 2019 and is the premier performing arts venue of East Alabama. Broadway productions, concerts, opera, dance, and student and faculty performances are featured here. The mission of the GPAC is to “engage audiences across the university, the state of Alabama and beyond with curated arts experiences that inspire, enlighten and unite”.

A few of our admissions advisors have attended performances at the GPAC so we thought we would share them here with you!

Legally Blonde – Broadway Series

I was first introduced to the magic of Broadway through the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performances. The 2007 performance of “What You Want” from the show Legally Blonde captivated me. From that performance, I had the cast record album and knew the songs all by heart. I always dreamed of getting the chance to see the show live. I never had the opportunity to visit Broadway to see Legally Blonde and eventually the show was no longer on Broadway. Seeing Legally Blonde live was a dream that I thought was just not meant to be. In October, I had just started working at Auburn when I happened to hear students talking about going to see the Broadway Production of Legally Blonde in Auburn, Alabama. This is how I would first be introduced to the Gogue Performing Art Center. I was able to get a ticket for the show day of and finally see Legally Blonde performed live on stage. I ventured to the Gogue Performing Arts Center. Learning that Auburn had a theater that normally hosts 4 different Broadway Performances a year felt like a dream come true. Going to the Gogue feels just as I would expect seeing a show on Broadway to feel. I find that it is special that I get the opportunity to see Broadway performances in Auburn. The Gogue really brings the shows to life with its state of the art facility, and I have also found that the Gogue does not have a bad seat in the house. All seats are arranged in a way that gives every member in the audience a spectacular view to be transported into the show they are seeing. -Dana Poore

La La Land – Summer Film Series

The Gogue Performing Arts Center is screening movies in their outdoor Ham Amphitheater throughout the summer. The 2023 Summer Film Series opened with Damien Chazelle’s La La Land. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and bring a date! River Region Ballroom Dance of Montgomery led ballroom dance lessons prior to the movie. We learned the rumba and foxtrot, which the instructor described as “NASCAR but with fewer explosions.”

The GPAC provided popcorn and water, and there was a chance to win a bottle of wine from the event sponsor. Additional refreshments were available for purchase from the Amsterdam Café, Las Latinas, and Kona Ice food trucks. It was a relaxing and fun outdoor summer event for the whole community. -Bryce Gray

The Little Prince – Dance & Movement Series

I have always been someone who loves the arts, so being on a campus with a premier performing arts venue is a dream! I have attended a variety of performances throughout the years including touring Broadway productions, concerts, films, and more. However, one of my favorite performances was a ballet– The Little Prince by BalletX. I had never seen a professional ballet before, so this performance was a step out of my comfort zone, but it did not disappoint! With an abstract set design and a unique cast of dancers, The Little Prince engaged my imagination throughout the entire performance. It was such a delightful experience!

I would encourage anyone from current students to guests traveling through Auburn to check out the current performances at the Gogue Performing Arts Center. Maybe one of your old favorites will be touring through town or you can try something new and different–regardless, you are guaranteed an entertaining night at the Gogue! – Hanna Morrison

January 13, 2023May 1, 2024

Goodbye 2022, Hello 2023!

2022 was a big year for Auburn University. The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center opened its doors in August, which also included the opening of the Hey Day Market. This food hall is named after one of Auburn’s traditions, “Hey Day“, and holds nine unique vendors serving everything from burgers, to poke bowls, to gelato. Students are able to use their dining dollars here, so it’s a place that both the campus and the community can enjoy!

The Woltosz Football Performance Center, which opened at the end of 2022, is Auburn’s new football training facility. This building includes indoor and outdoor practice facilities, a state of the art 25,000 square foot weight room, a locker room with zero gravity chairs, a barber shop, a 3D printer, an underwater treadmill, and much more.

https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2022/11/check-out-auburns-new-919-million-football-performance-center.html

https://www.auburnvillager.com/news/auburn-unveils-new-football-performance-center/article_bf29bc2a-66a3-11ed-9c64-fb47158a3b41.html

In downtown Auburn, construction is well under way for a new Target. This is expected to open in spring 2023. Target will be located on the ground floor with 32 apartments located on the top 3 floors of the building. Auburn residents and students are eagerly awaiting the completion of this exciting addition to downtown!

https://www.auburnvillager.com/news/target-a-part-of-downtown-mixed-use-development/article_cd8b0f46-5e82-11ec-aa6c-0fe8258bafd6.html

January 14, 2022

What’s Ahead for Auburn in 2022

Exciting things are happening in Auburn this year!

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

https://www.aotourism.com/Arts-and-Culture/19/Tony-and-Libba-Rane-Culinary-Science-Center/

According to the Auburn University Construction Update from November 2021, The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is a “first-of-its-kind project” for Auburn. Once completed in May, it will combine academics and revenue generation. The College of Human Sciences’ Hospitality Management program, including the Culinary Science, Event Management, and Hotel & Restaurant Management academic options will be supported by this project, and students will have the unique opportunity to train in operational hotel spaces and food venues outside of their academic instruction. https://www.auburn.edu/administration/facilities/updates/board-of-trustees-updates/pdf/november-2021.pdf

Watch this fly through on YouTube for a sneak peak!

Academic Classroom and Laboratory Complex (ACLC)

https://www.auburn.edu/administration/facilities/webapps/projects/profile.php?proj=15-034

Set to be completed in April, the ACLC will be a 151,000-square-foot building that can seat a total of 2,000 students in 20 adaptable classroom/laboratories. It will also have six engaged active student learning classrooms and five lecture halls. The ACLC will amount to a 40% increase in total engaged active student learning space on campus.

Football Performance Center

https://www.auburn.edu/administration/facilities/webapps/projects/profile.php?proj=19-441

Coming soon is the new Football Performance Center. This 233,400-square-foot facility will include a Football Operations Building and an indoor practice facility with two full sized turf fields. This is set to be completed in August of 2022.

Quad Residence Halls Renovation: Phase 1

Quad Residence Halls Renovations - Harper & Broun Halls — https://www.auburn.edu/administration/facilities/webapps/projects/profile.php?proj=19-557

Currently under construction are two of the ten Quad Residence Halls. Harper and Broun Hall in the Upper Quad are in the middle of getting mechanical, electrical, and HVAC upgrades, as well as new paint, floors, windows, and furniture. These two dorms will be completed in July 2022 and construction will begin on two new dorms the following academic year.

Outside of campus, there are some new and exciting things happening as well…

Whataburger opened at Toomer’s Corner on January 3^rd.

Are you hungry yet?!

Buc-ee’s, the gas station known for its clean restrooms, beaver nuggets, and clever advertising, will be opening late 2022 off of Interstate 85 at Exit 50 in western Lee County.

https://www.wsfa.com/2021/10/31/buc-ees-holds-groundbreaking-auburn-plans-late-2022-opening/

A new Publix will be opening on South Gay Street within walking distance of campus. This is expected to be open by Fall 2022.

https://oanow.com/news/local/construction-begins-on-publix-shopping-center-in-downtown-auburn/article_40fdce82-127a-11ec-8fe7-23af965040dd.html

As you can see, there are many new things to check out in Auburn, Alabama this year! Make sure to schedule a visit to campus to see it all for yourself!

December 17, 2021

2021 – What a Year!

In the admissions world, we work on the academic year which is made up of fall, spring, and summer semesters. When you’re so used to the academic year, it’s sometimes difficult to think about time in terms of the calendar year . Also, how does anyone properly keep track of time while living through a pandemic? I thought we were all still processing 2020.

Like most years, 2021 had its ups and downs; challenges and successes; celebrations and sorrows. How quickly the time has passed, and now, the holiday season is upon us. Finals, holiday parties, spending time with those we love the most. Every year, I spend time with my family watching at least one or two holiday movies. What would the end of the year be without Home Alone? Kevin McAlister is going to help add some humor to our recap today. Everyone loves Kevin, right?

We’ll recap 2021 by semester. 😊 Here we go!

Spring Semester

2021 began with the spring semester. Ah, spring. A time when we in admissions like to think that we’re slightly less busy than the fall. But really, this spring, we were busy with admissions deadlines and our most competitive applicant pool yet. We weren’t expecting quite so many applications, but we worked incredibly hard to make sure that each student received a full and thorough review. The Class of 2025 is amazing, and we’re so proud that you joined the Auburn Family!

Spring was busy for the rest of campus as well. Auburn celebrated two amazing Auburn women, Dr. Bessie Mae Holloway and Dr. Josetta Brittain Matthews, by naming residence halls in their honor. Dr. Holloway was Auburn’s first African American Board of Trustees member, and Dr. Matthews was the university’s first African American graduate and faculty member. Auburn Liberal Arts student Amelia Grace Hill was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in Galicia, Spain; and Auburn Engineering student Shelby Wales was named a Goldwater Scholar to continue her research on 3D printing and geochemical reactions.

Auburn reopened the Gogue Performing Arts Center and featured performances by Wynton Marsalis, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, and Zakir Hussain. Auburn also received top rankings from U.S. News & World Report for many online graduate programs, earned the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School designation, and was named a Yamaha Institution of Excellence.

Summer Semester

Summer is usually quieter in the admissions office. A time to recharge. Still, we were busy gearing up for the fall.

Auburn University was certainly busy as well. Auburn was well-represented at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics with 15 current and former Auburn Tiger athletes. Auburn students returned to Ariccia, Italy with Auburn Abroad to study over the summer. Professor Latif Kalin of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences was selected to receive a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award to conduct research in Brazil.

Fall Semester

Fall is the busiest time for the admissions office. We opened Fall 2022 admissions applications in August of 2021, and we’ve been going nonstop ever since.

In any normal year, Auburn would see roughly 20,000 admissions applications. We recently surpassed our previous record with 40,000+ freshmen applications for Fall 2022. Yes, this means that we’re already experiencing a 68.5% increase from Fall 2021 and a 155% increase from Fall 2020. Not only have the application numbers increased, but the academic profile of the applicant pool has increased as well. The average GPA of accepted students is currently a 4.21, and the average ACT score of accepted students is a 28.6. For Alabama residents, the averages for accepted students are a 4.1 GPA and a 27.1 ACT. For non-residents, the averages for accepted students are a 4.27 GPA and a 29.8 ACT.

Auburn was also named among the top public schools in U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings. We are excited to remain one of the top institutions in the United States. Auburn University’s bald eagle Spirit was named an Honorary War Eagle and took her final stadium flight this fall. Auburn introduced a new and improved fleet of Tiger Transits, and Auburn opened The Edge at Central Dining which is the new two-story dining hall.

It’s been quite the year. Here’s to looking forward to 2022! We are excited to see how the Class of 2026 shapes up! Hoping you have more ups than downs, more successes than defeats, and more celebrations than sorrows in 2022.

Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and War Eagle!

June 7, 2021

Summers in Auburn

Alright, students. I think it’s important to preface this post with a very clear statement of my love for all of you. I love that my job is centered around working with you as you aim to further your education. I love that so many of you similarly fall in love with my hometown of Auburn, AL – The Loveliest Village on the Plains. With all of that in mind, are we all on the same page about my feelings for all of you? Great! Because I also must admit that I kinda love summers in Auburn when there are just fewer of you in town. I always have. I always will… There’s less traffic, minimal wait times at restaurants, and a generally slower pace that makes for a nice reprieve from the energetic hustle-and-bustle of the academic year.

While I’ve never been the biggest fan of the heat and the humidity of Alabama summers, there’s something special about a season that comes with more sunlight to savor the experiences that accompany the consistent smell of freshly mowed grass and the sounds of cicadas and crickets chirping. This post won’t be an exhaustive list of all of the special things that take place during Auburn summers, but these are some of my favorites – coming from a food-loving, music-loving, and small-town charm-loving Auburn native.

Downtown Auburn

With the few blocks that compromise Downtown Auburn, there are several incredible restaurants. Several have outdoor seating, which make for my favorite dinner environment in the summer. Be sure to check out a former blog post by fellow admissions advisor, Jan. Jan prides herself on knowing the perfect restaurant – type of food, price point, and atmosphere for any meal, so you can trust her recommendations for the Best Food in Town! I would also encourage all of you to follow The Auburn Downtown Merchants Association’s Instagram: @downtownauburn. This is a great way to keep up with the comings and goings in downtown. They even have a highlight for events that are taking place during that current season. A couple of my favorites take place in the summer!

For example, SummerNight Downtown Art Walk will be taking place on June 11^th this year. A couple of streets will be shut down to thru-traffic and downtown becomes even more walking friendly for folks to enjoy (and even purchase) the talents of many of our local artists.

Cheers on the Corner is another favorite event of mine that will be taking place on July 30^th this year. This is a similar set up – streets are closed to thru-traffic and there will be over 20 stops in the downtown area where attendees can sample a small bite to eat from one of our many local restaurants.

Local Parks

We have several parks in town that are worth exploring during the summer. Be sure to check out a former blogpost from my colleague, Rebecca. She describes many of Auburn’s Most Loved Parks in greater detail along with several pictures!

But for a brief synopsis – If you want…

… to hike, mountain bike, or enjoy water in multiple forms (lake, waterfall, creek) – check out Chewacla State Park.

… to take a peaceful, meditative walk – check out Town Creek Park. This is also where one of our local farmers markets, City Market, takes place every Saturday from late-May to late-August.

… to walk/run, visit the dog park, or enjoy various festivals – check out Kiesel Park.

Surrounding Areas: Downtown Opelika; Waverly, AL; and more!

I also highly encourage you to explore our local surroundings like Downtown Opelika and the even smaller town of Waverly, Alabama. Clayton Ann, a fellow admissions advisor, recently wrote about several must-sees in Downtown Opelika. Opelika is a quick drive from Auburn University’s campus and is home to several blocks of restaurants, coffee shops, and music venues. It’s also worth following @downtownopelika on Instagram to keep up with events. One of my favorite bands, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, was featured at a local music festival that took place there just a few years ago. The Auburn/Opelika area is also home to several incredibly talented local musicians so you’re never going to be far away from musical entertainment. Another top music venue from local and visiting musicians alike is the Standard Deluxe in Waverly, AL. Just a short drive up Highway 280, this venue is home to a bi-annual “280 Boogie” as well as a favorite of musical acts throughout the summer as well.

Auburn is also centrally located in the southeast so you’re only a couple of hours away from bigger cities like Birmingham and Atlanta. And depending on the direction you drive, you’re only 3-4 hours away from the beaches of Alabama and the Florida panhandle or the southern portion of the Appalachian Mountains.

I’ll wrap up this post by shamelessly spamming you with a picture of my part German Shepherd, part Pitt Bull, part Tasmanian Devil of a dog, Maddox. Let it serve as proof that a sunny day in Auburn will put a smile on anyone’s face. And if you want to experience everything that this town and the surrounding areas have to offer this summer, schedule a visit! We’ll be offering campus tours starting Monday, June 7th through the end of July. At the time of this posting we’re at capacity for most of our tours in June, but I highly encourage you to check our tour registration form for our availability.