Clean, Crisp Art Gallery In Side Track Featuring Work From Local Artists. — Art gallery at Side Track Coffee shop in Opelika featuring work from local artists. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of your normal routine? Read below for seven things to do in Auburn and Opelika to wind down and take a breather.

1. Wine tasting at Well Red

Photo Of The Front Of Well Red At Night, The Perfect Place To Wind Down After A Long Day. — Well Red reserves the outdoor, patio, back porch, and indoor seating for the wine tasting event. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Grab some company and head to Well Red for one of their bimonthly wine tasting events. For only $13 a person, try their five featured bottles of the night. Pair your glass with a sweet treat from their rotating menu of baked goods and browse their selection of books before you go. The next wine tasting is September 29 from 5:30-8:00PM.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7AM-9PM | Friday 7AM-10PM | Saturday 8AM-10PM | Sunday 9AM-2PM
Address: 223 Opelika Road Auburn, AL 36830
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2. Art exhibit at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art

Photo12 2 — *Frethaus* spring 2022 exhibit. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Outdoor Garden And Bench At The Jule Collins Museum Of Art — *Frethaus* spring 2022 exhibit. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Turn your attention to the four new exhibits at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Art. With free admission, this is the perfect screen-free experience for a date night or family outing. Pro-tip: visit during their extended hours on Thursday nights to watch the sunset over the pond. Don’t forget to take a small art piece home from their Art-o-mat art vending machine!

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10AM-4:30PM, extended hours on Thursdays until 8PM
Address: 901 S College St, Auburn, AL 36849
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3. Picnic at the Red Barn

Picnic At Red Barn In Auburn, Al — Picnic at the Red Barn with lunch from Tiger VR Cafe. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

With the weather cooling down and the first day of fall upon us, a picnic at the Red Barn is the perfect way to change your atmosphere. Grab some food and a blanket and enjoy a meal by the pond.

Address: Agricultural Heritage Park, 620 S Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL 36832

4. Peaceful ambience at Side Track coffee shop

Front Room Of Side Track Coffee Shop. — Enjoy a coffee or tea at Side Track. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Enjoy a coffee or tea at Side Track. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Disrupt your routine with a visit to Side Track coffee shop in downtown Opelika. The atmosphere is the definition of tranquil: neutral tones, plants everywhere, record player on the speakers and the Back House art gallery down the hall. I always trust the staff to make a drink selection for me—they give the best recommendations for whatever mood you’re in. Oh, and you pick the price you pay.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 8AM-4PM
Address: 817 S Railroad Ave, Opelika, AL 36801
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5. High tea at the Well

Tea Pot And Tea Cup At The Well — Vanilla Berry Truffle hot tea from the Well. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Workshop At The Well Including Hot Tea And Flower Pressing. — Vanilla Berry Truffle hot tea from the Well. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Walking through the doors of the Well is like magic. Have a sophisticated tea party with friends in one of their themed downstairs rooms or sit and have a casual sip of one of their specialty teas on the main floor. Get some retail therapy while you’re there, too—the Well sells goods from twenty women-owned businesses. They also offer various artsy workshops to exercise your creativity, like a Scrapbook Card workshop on September 22 and 23 (make sure to purchase tickets and view other upcoming workshops on the Well’s website). You will leave feeling relaxed and replenished!

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-6PM
Address: 824 Ave A, Opelika, AL 36801
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6. Take a hike (or a walk)

Arboretum Walking Trail, Auburn — The Donald E. DavisArboretum walking trail. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

There are several trails in Auburn to enjoy nature and calm your mind. Whether it’s hiking through Chewacla Park, strolling through the Donald E. Davis Arboretum or viewing the Jule’s outdoor exhibits along the sidewalk, there are plenty of open spaces to enjoy the outdoors.

Chewacle State Park: 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830
Donald E. Davis Arboretum: Auburn, AL 36830
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art: 901 S College St, Auburn, AL 36849

7. Candle making at Auburn Candle Company

Candle Pouring At Auburn Candle Company. Pictured Are Three Scents To Pour Into Wax Mixture To Make Candle. — Pour your own candle at Auburn Candle Company. (Elizabeth Hobbs / The Bama Buzz)

Get some aroma therapy with a custom candle from the Auburn Candle Company. Pop in at any hour to browse their extensive candle selection and pour your own custom candle in-house. Pick your favorite scent combination, jar color and size and even name your unique candle scent!

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 12PM-6PM | Friday-Saturday 10AM-6PM | Sunday Noon-6PM
Address: 166 N Gay St, Auburn, AL 36830
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How else do you like to wind down and relax in Auburn? Let us know and follow The Bama Buzz on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok + LinkedIn for more things to do in Alabama!