PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best places to unwind in Auburn

The Auburn community provides its students with many choices when it comes to where they spend their free time. These leisurely activities include attending local events, working out or going on a first date. However, some locations and businesses are uniquely special due to their above and beyond services and welcoming environments. Plainsman’s Choice: Leisure will showcase the winners of the best places to unwind in Auburn.

Best First Date: Well Red

Well Red, run by Richard and Crystal Tomasello, is the winner of The Plainsman’s Choice 2025 award for “Best First Date.” The rustic charm combined with the relaxed environment of Well Red is what Richard Tomasello believes makes for a perfect date atmosphere. He recounted a time he witnessed a couple from two different circles meet, and now they visit Well Red as a married couple. 

“People will come in and do engagement photo shoots because their first date was here,” Richard Tomasello said.

Best Study Spot: Horton Hardgrave Hall

Horton Hardgrave Hall has quickly become a popular study location among students, regardless of major or academic year. Joey Casey, senior in finance, explained that the quiet environment and convenient location set HHH apart from other study spots on campus. Olivia Robinson, sophomore in chemical engineering, described how the layout and rooftop area is what she finds most helpful with studying. 

“The whole building is very open and a lot of light comes in, the roof is also great [during spring],” Robinson said. “I think it’s the variety of spaces they offer.”

Best Nail Salon: Luxe Nails

Kylie Sebastian, junior in finance, believes what sets Luxury Nail & Spa apart from other salons in the area is their student-friendly payment option using Tiger Card, and the business’s convenient proximity to campus. Catey Spraggins, junior in apparel design, shared how Luxe Nails creates a positive customer experience.

“Every nail tech I’ve had always remembers me and makes me feel comfortable and welcomed,” said Spraggins. “I recommend them all the time.”

Best Boys/Girls Night Out: 1716 Bingo Night

1716’s Thursday bingo night is The Plainsman’s Choice 2025 winner for “Best Girls/Boys Night.” Assistant General Manager Alexander Hess, considers it to “start the weekend a night earlier” for the bar. 

1716’s Thursday bingo night is run by Trent Mace, who puts his own twist on the popular event. Hess explains the reason behind having one person in charge of bingo night. “It’s a loud, interactive thing that we do, so it’s really good to have a familiar face for customers to attach bingo night to,” Hess said. “It became a thing where customers felt comfortable and drawn to the event, and bingo itself became really popular.”

Best Walking Trail: Chewacla

Located 15 minutes south of Auburn University and for only $4, Chewacla State Park provides students with numerous trails up to ten miles for hikers and mountain bikers, a 26-acre lake for fishing, swimming, overnight camping, lodging and RV options. 

Throughout the year, Auburn Outdoors offers low-cost, student-led trips to Chewacla where students can connect with others through activities like kayaking, camping and geocaching in addition to hiking the trails.

With Chewacla’s walking trails and scenic setting, students can sneak away into the wilderness for a calm afternoon away from the classroom. 

Best City Event: Live on the Plains and Auburn Rodeo

The first Auburn Rodeo was hosted by Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine fraternity Alpha Psi in 1965 as a recreational event for students in the vet school. 

Since then, the one-day hybrid tailgate-rodeo-concert has been dubbed “the rowdiest party in the SEC” at Sistrunk Farms in the spring semester. The newborn Live on the Plains takes place in the fall semester without the rodeo. 

“Auburn Rodeo has been a cornerstone of Peachtree’s festival family for nearly a decade,” said Nathan Baugh, CEO and Partner of Peachtree Entertainment. “Since its origins in 1965, Auburn Rodeo has grown into more than just a concert or a rodeo; it’s a tradition, a celebration of Southern grit and good times, and a destination that continues to draw people from all over the region.”

Best Place to Live: French Quarter

Located on East University Drive, the New Orleans inspired French Quarter is a student apartment community offering units ranging from studios to five bedroom townhomes.  

French Quarter provides amenities such as a Tiger Transit stop, swimming pool, student center, community green space, dog park, onsite cafe and weekly food trucks. 

After the Cambridge dorm was suddenly closed before her freshman year, Kathryn Varner, sophomore in psychology, was welcomed with warmth when she moved into the French Quarter. 

“There is a sense of community, even if we don’t know each other as well,” Varner said.

Best Place to be Active: Auburn University Recreation and Wellness

With a wide range of options like group fitness, intramural sports, Auburn Outdoors (AO), rock climbing walls, Olympic lifting, a pool and temperature tubs, students are sure to find engaging ways to stay active at Auburn University Recreation and Wellness. 

Whether someone unwinds by leading a kayaking trip with AO or attending a group fit class with their friends, there is a movement-focused community for any member of the Auburn Family, according to Auburn Rec Executive Director Eric Smith. 

“I would just hope that as many first year students as we can possibly get over here come on over,” Smith said. “We’ve got something for everybody, and we’ve got the opportunity to really impact the lives of every single student at the university, if they take a chance on us.”“I would just hope that as many first year students as we can possibly get over here come on over,” Smith said. “We've got something for everybody, and we've got the opportunity to really impact the lives of every single student at the university, if they take a chance on us.”