Stop and smell the flowers.
Exams and projects may be looming over campus, but thanks to the 2011 Auburn Floral Trail--featuring 14 miles of landscaping and natural scenery throughout residential areas, city property and campus--you can take a hike, or drive, and escape into nature.
The flowers will look their best through April 12.
The trail highlights the native flowers, trees and shrubbery that make Auburn the Loveliest Village on the Plains, said Catrina Cook, committee chair for the Auburn Beautification Council.
"It just gives you a nice sight after coming from the cold winter that we've had," Cook said. "Looking at some of these beautiful colors is very exhilarating."
Cook said the floral trail is a partnership with the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, the Beautification Council and residents.
Visitors to the trail can find a brochure and map of the route on the city's website.
"People like to know where the Floral Trail is going to be because they actually look forward to it," said Robert Crittenden, member of the Beautification Council's board. "They'll go out, and I guess it is a starting point for many of them to get their yards cleaned up and get some things planted."
Costs for upkeep are low since the trail highlights existing landscaping and natural flowers maintained in the yards of residents.
Crittenden said many of the homes on the trail are also "Yard of the Month" and Beautification Council award winners.
Crittenden said he wished more students would take the time to care for their yards.
"Most of the students do a good job of that, but there are some that just don't take time to pick up trash out of their yard and things like that that would improve the community."
Two trails guide visitors through both residential and public areas of the city that are well-landscaped.
"The north trail is residential; it takes you through Cary Woods, and it's about three and a half miles," Cook said. "The south trail is just below Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, and it starts right there at the 'Welcome to Auburn' sign at College and Kimberly.
"It takes you back down South Gay to Town Creek Park, which is where it ends, and it's about ten and a half miles long."
The trail does include parts of campus.
"The arboretum and the president's house is one of the areas that are highlighted," Cook said.
Crittenden said the trail routes are created with diversity in mind.
"It is a floral trail encompassing as many different varieties of flowers and flowering trees and shrubs as we can," Crittenden said.
Cook said flower fragrance is one of the best aspects of the trail.
"It provides for a nice walk, and of course with all the blooms you get some nice smells," Cook said. "You have some roses that are blooming, and there are a number of things that give it a sweet smell."
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