To pass those days where nothing seems to be happening, trips to the bowling alley or local mall are no more with these fun, inexpensive day trips.
Callaway Gardens, located in Georgia about an hour from Auburn, makes a perfect destination for students interested in a wide variety of activities.
With events that change with the seasons, as well as year-round activities such as the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center and wildlife trails, Callaway Gardens is ideal for day or overnight trips.
This fall and upcoming winter have no shortage of activities in which to participate.
On Nov. 6, Steeplechase, a thoroughbred horse race sponsored by Auburn, will be held at Callaway Gardens.
With five races to view horses leaping over hurdles, students can bet on their favorite horse while tailgating with friends.
"It would be great for a lot of students to come out and support it," said Rachel Crumbley, public relations manager for Callaway Gardens.
Since 1992, Callaway Gardens has held Fantasy in Lights.
Staying in the car is a good idea during the event, which takes place Nov. 19 through Dec. 30. Students have the opportunity to drive more than five miles while viewing the 8 million lights that are displayed.
Depending on the day of the visit, tickets range from $16 to $22.
While Steeplechase and Fantasy in Lights are only two of the many events Callaway Gardens has to offer, Crumbley believes the resort has a lot that appeals to Auburn students.
"Each season offers a different thing," Crumbley said. "It is a great date location or a great place for a group of guys to play golf."
While it is located farther away than Callaway Gardens, Monroeville has a lot to offer book lovers.
As literary capital of the South and hometown of Harper Lee, author of "To Kill a Mockingbird," Monroeville inspired Lee's novel. It is also the childhood home of Lee's friend and writer Truman Capote.
The town features the Courthouse Museum, which was used to recreate the courthouse in the film version of the novel, a free exhibit of Lee and Capote, walking tours around the town, a gift shop and a play of "To Kill a Mockingbird" each spring.
"We have more than 20,000 visitors each year," said Nathan Carter, director of sites and operations. "I think, especially if students have any interest in southern literature, Monroeville is definitely a place to visit."
Since 2010 is the 50th anniversary of Lee's novel, Monroeville has been celebrating all year.
A festival will be held Oct. 14 and 15 at the Old Courthouse lawn inspired by the festival in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
If supernatural phenomena are of interest, Gravity Hill, located in Sylacauga, is the place to go.
By putting the car into neutral, the laws of gravity are defied by vehicles rolling backward up the hill.
Gravity Hill, just off Highway 280, may not have all the glitz of other destinations with gift shops or entertainment, but the magnetic hill must be seen to be believed.
After being told about Gravity Hill from a friend, Livi Hauger, senior in nutrition and food science, decided she needed to see it herself.
"I didn't believe it until I actually saw it," Hauger said. "It was such an easy drive and made for a great trip for the day to get out of Auburn."
Between the ever-changing events at Callaway Gardens, the literature-loving Monroeville and the supernatural Gravity Hill, any student is sure to find something new and exciting to do during a day away.
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