Category: The Loveliest Village on the Plains

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!

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.

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Laura Ingalls Wilder

If you are wanting to get outside in Lee County, look no further. As the weather gets nicer many students find themselves wanting to spend their time in the great outdoors. Here is a list of the best parks in Lee County and two bonus spots within an hour drive.

1. Agricultural Heritage Park

• 620 N Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL 36832
• 30 acres at the southwest corner of Samford Avenue and Donahue Drive
• Ag Heritage Park has an open-air market that operates every Thursday from May to August at the Edward L. Lowder Red Barn

2. Chewacla State Park

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• 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830
• 696 Acres with a 26 acre lake
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Website: https://www.alapark.com/parks/chewacla-state-park
• Park Map: https://www.alapark.com/sites/default/files/2019-02/Chewaclacampgroundandcabinmap.pdf

3. Davis Arboretum

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• 181 Garden Drive, Auburn AL 36849
• 13.5 acre botanic garden on the corner of campus
• Hours: Every day from sunrise to sunset
• Website: http://www.auburn.edu/cosam/arboretum/index.htm
• Map: http://auburn.edu/cosam/arboretum/images/driving_map.jpg

4. Kiesel Park

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• 520 Chadwick Lane, Auburn, AL 36832
• Kiesel Park is Auburn’s largest park.
• Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Website: https://www.auburnalabama.org/parks/facilities/kiesel-park/
• Kiesel Park is home to Auburn’s annual CityFest. For more information visit www.auburncityfest.com.

5. Kreher Preserve and Nauture Center

• 2222 North College Street, Auburn, Alabama 36830
• The 120 acre park was donated to Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences by Dr. Louise and Frank Allen Turner in 1993.

Bonus Day Trips:

Lake Martin

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Tuskegee National Forest

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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!

By Joshua Huggins

If you have ever visited Auburn’s campus, you know that there is a constant hum of construction equipment around campus ALWAYS! One of the larger and most exciting projects that is slated to be completed in April of 2021 is the Central Dining Hall Project. This 48,000 square-foot, 800 seat dining hall will include reservable dining and study rooms and retail venue space. It will also have food stations dispersed on two levels and offer a variety of dining options from salads and pizza to allergen-sensitive recipes.

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While it will not be completed in 2021, one of the largest construction projects you will see on campus when driving through Auburn is the construction of the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. It is a first-of-its-kind project for Auburn University and combines a major academic component with revenue generating elements to help defray the cost of the building. The revenue producing opportunities include six living units that will be leased to third parties at fair market value. The entire project is in support of the College of Human Sciences’ Hospitality Management program, and its Culinary Science, Event Management, and Hotel and Restaurant Management academic options. The project combines academic instructional and laboratory space, as well as operational food venues and hotel spaces in which students will obtain experiential training.

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A few steps off campus, it looks like the city council members for the City of Auburn have approved a resolution to construct a downtown grocery store, rumored to be a Publix. The completion of this project will allow students without a means to transportation the opportunity to walk downtown from their residence halls to gather all their grocery items with ease. Currently, the closest full grocery option is about 2.5 miles away.

Just around the corner from the downtown grocery store, AuburnBank is constructing a new 96,000 square-foot building on the corner of Gay Street and Magnolia Avenue with retail space on the bottom floor. In addition to this building, a 5-level parking deck will bring an additional 535 parking spaces downtown making the shopping and eating a little more accessible to the community.

Some of the newest and exciting news is that Auburn has hired a new Head Football Coach. Bryan Harsin joins the Auburn Tigers from his Alma Mater, Boise State. With hiring Harsin, completely new to the SEC, Auburn fans are hopeful that he can bring that change our program needs to make us a team that consistently competes for SEC and National Championships! Fingers crossed 2021 is our year!

Regardless of what we are faced with in 2021, there is no doubt that Auburn University will continue to carry on its legacy of family across campus and on the field.

By Mary Davis Kennedy

2020- What. A. Year. I am not sure where to begin. COVID-19 has truly flipped our world upside down. When I first started hearing about COVID-19, it was in early March, right before our students left for spring break. I truly thought we’d be asked to quarantine for 2 weeks and then we’d return to work and life per usual. But boy was I wrong. From cancelled events like weddings, graduations, and other celebrations, to businesses shutting down and so many people struggling to make ends meet, it is safe to say that we have all been challenged in one way or another this year. “Wear Your Masks” signs and hand sanitizer stations are everywhere now. Homes quickly became offices and schools. Throw in a presidential election and a toilet paper shortage and suddenly we had pure chaos on our hands.

This year has presented new and unique challenges for Auburn University as a whole, but for the Admissions Office as well. As an Admissions Advisor, one of my favorite things about my job is traveling to meet students in person at their school or other recruitment events. I (along with the rest of our office) cannot wait to get back on the road and to be face-to-face with prospective students. While we are thankful to still connect with our students virtually, nothing beats in-person interactions. Besides not being able to travel, one of the biggest challenges we faced was deciding whether to go test-optional or not and when we made that decision to do so, there was certainly an adjustment period for our office. We’ve also received an overwhelming number of applications this year, especially during the 3^rd early action round. I can promise you that Admissions Advisors are reading applications day and night these days! Despite all the changes and challenges, we have remained committed to assisting our future students in any way possible and to be as flexible and understanding as possible as they go through the admissions process at Auburn.

My hope for us all is that this world returns to “normal” very soon, whatever that may look like. Here is to a healthy, happy, and “normal” new year!

Finally, may we always remember the many people who lost their lives due to COVID-19. Our hearts go out to the many families who have lost loved ones during this time.

By Jan Miles

As with everything else in 2020, the winter holidays look different in Auburn this year. Santa wears a face shield and sits behind plexiglass, Aubie Claus is distanced in the background of family Christmas pictures, and masks are donned at parades, but the glitter of the menorah and Christmas tree still light up Samford lawn.

The December 6th Christmas parade kicked off the season with the first Santa sighting in downtown Auburn.

Unique to the Auburn/Opelika area is the Victorian Front Porch Tour. Their website explains the event impeccably:

“The tour began in 1993 with just a few homes participating, but has grown to include 60 homes on North 8th and 9th street. The homes are decorated with life-size Santas, angels, toys, carousel horses and Christmas themed figures. The Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour has been voted one of the southeast’s top-rated tourism events and featured in Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living.

The event is a self-directed driving tour. However, on Saturday night North 8th and 9th streets will be closed to traffic to encourage visitors, neighbors and friends to stroll through the neighborhood. This enables everyone to leisurely enjoy the homes up close, listen to the carolers, and talk with residents dressed in Victorian costumes. This tour begins on North 8th street and 2nd Avenue and includes over ten city blocks. Admission to this spectacular production is free.”

On the Friday night of the tour, the City of Opelika sponsors Christmas in a Railroad town which includes wagon rides through the Victorian Front Porch Christmas tour. The tour guides take you back in time while enjoying the festively decorated homes.

Another Auburn favorite is the annual Auburn Gingerbread Village on display at the AU Hotel and Conference Center. The impressive display of campus includes campus favorites: Samford Hall, Toomers Corner and the Haley Center.

Dotted throughout the month of December are Aubie appearances, family gingerbread house building at the Marriott, 5ks and lit walks, and story times with Mrs. Claus.

One of the many things I will miss during Covid holidays are the opportunities to gather with the diverse cultural celebrations happening through student multicultural organizations on campus. With a portion of the student population of over 80 foreign countries represented here at AU, the month of December -in a normal year- is one where everyone can celebrate!

What is orange and black with navy blue all over?

That’s right! Auburn during October!

Here in Auburn we love ORANGE and blue, so of course we love SpOoKy SeAsOn! In Auburn the students, locals, stores, and restaurants go all out for the season. They have themed merchandise, events, and prizes throughout Auburn. This year things are looking a little different, but just as spooky as ever!

Costumes

We love dressing up here in Auburn, so every Halloween you will see costumes everywhere! Many hangout spots and on-campus organizations will host costume contests to see who can get the most creative. Many of these contests have fun prizes and sometimes even cash!

Trick-or-Treat

Of course what is Halloween without any candy???? In typical years you can trick-or-treat at the local stores downtown, but this year Auburn is hosting a 2020 Drive Thru trick-or-treat! Are you ready for a spooky Halloween parade?

Downtown Spooky Scavenger Hunt

Like I said….SPOOKY SEASON PRIZES!!! Active Auburn & the Downtown Merchants Association are hosting the Downtown Spooky Scavenger Hunt. Beginning October 25th through Saturday, October 31st, Active Auburn will be hiding a pumpkin at a downtown merchant location. A picture will be posted at Noon every day on Active Auburn’s Facebook page (@activeauburnAL). The first participant to find the pumpkin each day will receive a prize from the hidden location!

Halloween Enchanted Forest

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center

This year there is the Halloween Enchanted Forest event. During the event, you’ll hike the KPNC trails and visit some costumed characters who will entertain you on how they “trick or treat” other animals in the forest! This is a fun family-friendly event to experience with the locals! Some other fun activities include: pumpkin bowling, a campfire, fortune-telling, and face painting!

Spooky Movies

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum at Auburn University and Auburn Parks and Recreation will be hosting the 4th annual Friday Fright Night at the arboretum! There will be two movies this year:

“Little Shop of Horrors” (1986 version)

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)

Pumpkin Carving

Of course there are always pumpkins to carve!

This year students and locals can compete in the JDCAC Pumpkin Competition hosted by the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) and Auburn Arts Association (AAA). “Prizes will be awarded in four categories: Most Creative, Best Mixed Media Effects, Best Carving and Best Children’s Work. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each category.” The winners will be announced October 30th!

Football of Course!

We can NOT forget the most important thing:

FOOTBALL!

This year on Halloween, we play LSU at Jordan-Hare Stadium. We can’t wait see our Auburn Tigers cause quite a FRIGHT by serving the LSU Tigers with a loss!

As always War Eagle to all my SpOoKy Tigers out there and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

By Brenna Locklear

There is absolutely nothing like fall in Auburn. In a town that celebrates orange all year long, it is extra special when the season starts to reflect our favorite color, too. The change of season from summer to fall in Auburn brings new tastes, smells, sights, and weather, all while keeping the color orange at the center of our attention. Here is a list of my personal favorite Auburn, orange and fall things:

1. Samford Hall. Some would argue this is the most iconic building on campus, and I couldn’t agree more. And while Samford is always there, standing at attention, catching the eye of every passer-by, it seems to look even more stunning in the fall. The building, with its orange-reddish brick, combined with the backdrop of autumn foliage seems to say “Welcome to fall” like nothing else on campus.

2. Chewacla State Park. Located on the outskirts of town, this is the place to be to see fall foliage in all its glory. Nothing could be more “fall” in Auburn than packing a yummy picnic, hiking one of Chewacla’s 10-plus trails, and observing even the forest showing off a little bit of that Auburn Spirit.

3. Auburn Sunsets. If you know, you know. Sunsets in Auburn on any given day are over-the-top beautiful, but especially in the fall. It’s as if God himself lights up the sky with an ode to our favorite combo of colors, orange and blue.

4. Weather. It’s not a secret that in Auburn many months of the year are rather, shall we say…hot. But come mid-October we are finally afforded some sweet relief from the heat. As you step outside in the early morning, the crisp fall air greets you and reminds you that fall really is the best season in Auburn, Alabama. As an Auburn student, you start and end the day in a light sweater and spend as much time as possible soaking in every moment of the much-anticipated change of temperature.

5. Football Season. Yes, we can’t really talk about fall and the celebration of our favorite color without mentioning one of the most popular sports on Auburn’s campus. Starting on Thursday, Auburn fans from across the state begin to trickle into the area, sporting their favorite Auburn t-shirts and jerseys, and decorating the town in that iconic burnt orange. If you haven’t felt the spirit of fall yet, I promise that will change the closer we get to gameday.

6. Coffee. I know, coffee is not orange, but hang with me. At a local coffee shop downtown called Coffee Cat, they feature a specialty drink that does tip the hat to our most beloved fall color. Their bourbon caramel syrup reflects that cozy orange color and gives you all the fall tastes in one yummy drink. Ask for that added to your standard ole latte and your fall experience can officially be complete. It’s tasty, it’s orange-ish and it’s oh so fall.

If you haven’t experienced a fall day in Auburn, I venture to say you haven’t really experienced all this season has to offer. Make a day of it – drink the coffee, take in the weather, see Samford Hall with orange leaves all around. Come see what fall is really like in a town that loves orange.