Reviewed by: Selah Vetter
7 ways to wind down in Auburn and Opelika
Reading time: 5 minutes
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
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
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
2. Art exhibit at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
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
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
3. Picnic at the Red Barn
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.
4. Peaceful ambience at Side Track coffee shop
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
- Website | Instagram
5. High tea at the Well
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
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
6. Take a hike (or a walk)
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
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
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
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!
