CONTRIBUTED BY AO TOURISM
AUBURN-OPELIKA —
Make this Father’s Day one to remember and treat Dad to an experience you will only find in Auburn-Opelika. Whether it’s riding mountain bikes or hanging out at a local brewery, there are so many options for you and your dad this year.
THINGS TO DO FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND
Have a fun day filled with golfing on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National. Located on 600-acre Lake Saugahatchee, Grand National includes three extensive courses, all of which are 18 holes.
Feeling adventurous? Try renting a bike from James Bros Bikes and taking a trip to Chewacla State Park. The beautiful park features plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails to choose from. Whether you prefer a shorter ride or a more challenging trail, you can enjoy a unique scenic experience at the park.
Good Times Bowling is an awesome place in Auburn to go bowling and grab some drinks. With a full bar, arcade games and escape rooms, there are more than enough fun things to do with Dad. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the Father’s Day specials where fathers get free shoe rental with the purchase of lane rental and you can get discount pizza with a pitcher of soda or tea.
Try something new at the Firing Pin, an indoor state-of-the-art shooting range in Opelika. The building includes 12,000 square feet of range, classroom, retail showroom and a VIP members’ lounge.
DRINKS AND SHOPPING
Grab a Southern spirit or experience a tour at John Emerald Distilling Company. It is a cozy, small-batch craft distillery located right next to the tracks in beautiful downtown Opelika. Try its Bourbon Smash for a light and refreshing bourbon drink. Did we mention Red Clay Brewery is right next door?
If liquor isn’t your thing, feel free to walk next door to Red Clay Brewing Company. It is a brewery and taproom that also offers tours and tastings. During the extensive tour, you can expect a tasting of six in-house beers, a private tour, knowledgeable staff and a fantastic atmosphere.
Think we forgot about the wine fanatics? Nope! Cerulean Tasting Room is the perfect spot to grab a glass, bottle or flight of wine. The premier tasting room and wine shop has a covered patio and all the wine combinations you could think of. Order the “I Can’t Decide” flight and get a sparkling, white and red wine flight hand-picked by the bartender.
Want to get Dad something sophisticated? Check out The Locker Room, a men’s clothing store that features tailored clothing, sportswear, outerwear, accessories and Auburn gear. The staff is knowledgeable, well-trained and passionate about helping their customers.
Reynolds Outdoors is an independently owned outdoors store located in Opelika. In addition to gun and ammo lines, it has evolved to offer fishing gear, archery, outdoor apparel, accessories and box blinds. Providing great deals and excellent customer service, Reynolds is an excellent place to shop for the outdoorsy dad.
FATHERLY FOOD OPTIONS
Head over to Opelika for the most unique dining experience at Zazu Gastropub. A “fine dining” type of food in a laid-back, pub-like atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating is exactly what you can expect at Zazu. It has over 20 craft beers on tap, uses as many local ingredients as possible and makes sure there is something for everyone with its wide-variety menu.
Enjoy some authentic Italian dining at Ariccia Cucina, located in The Hotel at Auburn University. Celebrate with one of its homemade pasta dishes and a glass of champagne for dinner.
Niffer’s Place is a great casual dining spot for you and your whole family on Father’s Day. With a fun atmosphere and awesome burgers, it won’t disappoint.
Famous brunch spot The Hound is family-owned and features over-the-top American classics. Order Sunday brunch between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and enjoy an “Auburn must” with indoor and outdoor seating this Father’s Day.
MACHO CURBSIDE AND TAKEOUT OPTIONS
Grab some home-style breakfast-to-go at a true Auburn landmark: Byron’s Smokehouse. It is a delicious Southern barbecue joint that cannot be found anywhere else.
Pick up Texas-style meats with classic Southern sides from popular smokehouse Bow & Arrow. Opened by well-known Acre Chef David Bancroft, the restaurant is his interpretation of a South Texas smokehouse juxtaposed with the communal and casual dining approach of an Alabama potluck. Try one of the Potluck Platters and the whole family will be satisfied.
Try any of these local experiences and tag AO Tourism (#auburnopelika) and The Observer so we can see how you and your dad make this holiday one of a kind.
