Reviewed by: Selah Vetter
NEW OPENING: Botanic is the newest community destination in Opelika
ByElizabeth Hobbs
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5192 views
A plant nursery, garden shop, dining experience, artisan market, coffee shop and community space—this is Botanic, one of the newest openings in Opelika. Botanic is Opelika’s newest destination for any occasion—whether you want to spruce up your home landscape, browse local artisan goods, enjoy live music or treat yourself.
In its first month open to the public, Botanic has received overwhelming support from the Auburn-Opelika community and has everyone asking, “Have you been to Botanic yet?” We visited Botanic and are here to tell you what the buzz is about.
What should you expect?
Entering Botanic is like entering a new world. With beautiful landscaping and friendly staff, Botanic has a lively and rejuvenating atmosphere. You’ll find people browsing the grounds, chatting on the patio or shopping local goods. If you have company in town or want to have a family outing, this is the place to go.
“Everyone remarks that it’s such a special spot in the middle of town. Someone even compared it to Disney World for adults.”
Grace Mitchell, Media Specialist, Botanic
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the outdoors—Botanic is pet-friendly. Keep an eye out for Tucker the chocolate lab and Freddy the tuxedo cat (oh, and the chickens of course).
Botanic’s garden center is its own oasis with a variety of flowering shrubs, trees, bushes and more. If you’re lucky, you may be greeted by Botanic’s resident tuxedo cat, Freddy.
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 8AM-6PM | Sunday 9AM-5PM
Those with (and without) a green thumb will love the Garden Shoppe. Find all the garden tools you need and browse a wide selection of home decor, wares and other goods to take home or gift to a friend.
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 8AM-6PM | Sunday 9AM-5PM
Come to Botanic hungry! The Grille farm-to-table style restaurant serves up dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Quality food and a beautiful nature view—what could be better?
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-9PM | Sunday 10AM-3PM
You can’t leave Botanic without stopping by the Market (a crowd favorite) for their coffee and pastries. You’ll find even more goodies lining the shelves, plus a fresh produce stand.
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7AM-9PM | Sunday 7AM-3PM
How is Botanic cultivating community?
Above all, Botanic’s goal is to foster community in the Auburn-Opelika area. Here’s how Botanic is bringing new life to the area:
“So much of what we do is about community and being a place you can come with your family but also your friends. We have a whole line of events that we’re rolling out now like our ongoing ‘Botanic’s Got Talent.’
We are finding artists and makers—the people who make Auburn and Opelika what they are—and making this their space. People who love to make things or love things local, this is the spot for that.”
Grace Mitchell, Media Specialist, Botanic
What are Botanic’s plans for the future?
If you thought Botanic couldn’t get better, it does—owners Stacy Brown and King Braswell still have more to their vision for the property. Currently under construction, Botanic’s second restaurant, The Garden, is set to open next year and will have a retractable roof, wine cellar and multiple bars.
If you like the looks of this cottagey office building, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Botanic plans to add more cottages just like this along the other side of the pond for visitors to rent out.
We’re excited to see how Botanic continues to flourish.
Have you visited Botanic yet? Tag us on social media and let us know @TheBamaBuzz!
