Auburn among Southern Living's 'Best Small Towns'

Auburn will be featured in the upcoming edition of Southern Living magazine as one of the South's best small towns.

Readers of Southern Living chose Auburn as the seventh best small town in the South and the sixth best gameday tailgating experience in the South.

Last fall, the magazine based out of Birmingham polled its audience across the U.S. to get their opinions on the best bars, breweries, cities, hotels, restaurants and more. All-in-all, readers could vote in 13 different categories.

“It was an unbelievable response,” said Sid Evans, editor-in-chief of Southern Living. “We got from you, your favorite places throughout the South.”

More than 20,000 people voted in the polls, according to the magazine.

"This small town in rural Alabama is addictive, with tree-shaded streets and great old storefronts," Southern Living said of Auburn. "Together with sister town Opelika, it gives students and locals interesting options for food and drink, not to mention live music."

Auburn wasn't the only Alabama town to make the list. Florence landed at No. 9 on the best small towns list, and Birmingham was No. 10 on the best cities list.

There was a tie for the No. 1 spot for best tailgating in the South. The University of Alabama is in a runoff with Ole Miss.

The special April edition of the magazine will hit the stands on March 17.