Just a 20-minute drive from Auburn's campus is a town with a rich history and a busy
downtown.
"There is so much more to offer in the area than just what is on campus or what might be on their typical beaten path," said Robyn Bridges, vice president and public relations director for the Auburn and Opelika Tourism
Bureau. "Especially when you talk about going over to Opelika and what seeing what the downtown area of Opelika has to offer."
Every street corner of downtown Opelika has something to offer college students.
But some people do not venture beyond the safety of University property.
From music to art, entertainment and food, the city's downtown area has something for everyone.
"I always like to say we have an atmosphere that is unexplainable," said Pam Powers-Smith, director of Opelika Main Street, Inc.
"It's just fun to be in our downtown. The atmosphere is great and it just makes you want to be here."
Downtown offers a range of dining options from coffee bars, New Orleans fare to Southern cuisine alongside a string of antique and clothing stores.
"Besides all of our fun eateries and shops, students can enjoy some down time at beautiful
Courthouse Square or they can stroll along beautiful Railroad Avenue," Powers-Smith said. "If someone has some extra time, they could pop in to the Museum of East Alabama, take a look at the Historic (Lewiston-Auburn)
Depot or simply mark their calendars to attend one of our fabulous events."
The downtown area features historic exhibits and museums, including the Museum of East Alabama located on South Ninth Street.
The museum celebrates the rich history of East Alabama and focuses on five Alabama counties including Lee, Macon, Russell, Chambers and Tallapoosa.
The museum offers free admission and is closed Sunday and Monday.
"I also think the historic significance of Opelika is fun to learn about and you still see it," Powers-Smith said. "We try not to tear down any buildings or destroy what our ancestors built for us. It's always good for everyone to experience somewhere new." Opelika appeared on maps around 1733, according to the Museum of East Alabama.
In the mid-1800s, the town became a railroad crossroads to cities in Alabama and Georgia.
Today, trains still run through the city, but passenger trains were discontinued in 1970.
"I don't know that I can think of any hidden places, but I always like to encourage newcomers to try to experience all of our restaurants and shops," Powers-Smith said. "Don't always just go to the same ones. Walk around the corner or visit a block you haven't before.
I think it's fun to try a restaurant that none of my friends have and be the first one."
Downtown Opelika also appeals to the music scene as well. Bands from Nashville and Atlanta play at venues in the area, said Bridges.
"These are just places that students might not necessarily know about and they have so much to offer in terms of nightlife and food and cultural events," Bridges said.
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