2023 Away Game Guide: Auburn
The Georgia-Auburn game will be held in Auburn, Alabama, on September 30. If you’re traveling to Auburn for the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, here’s a guide from fellow Dawg Megan Kelley (AB ’11) with all the best places to stay, eat and sightsee.
Where to stay
The Hotel at Auburn University provides luxury accommodations and is located near the Auburn University campus.
If you’re looking to stay in downtown Auburn, The Collegiate Hotel could be another great option. This boutique hotel is home to Auburn’s first elevator and has a rooftop bar and wraparound porch—perfect for enjoying views of the city.
The city of Opelika is less than 20 minutes away and is also home to a number of hotels, restaurants and attractions, including the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National.
The Auburn Mariott’s large swimming pool is surrounded by the golf course. (Photo: Auburn Mariott Opelika Resort and Spa)
Where to eat
Megan’s all-time favorite restaurant is Acre, a Southern-inspired fine dining pick with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and house-made charcuterie. The head chef, David Bancroft, is an “Iron Chef” Showdown Winner.
Megan also enjoys David’s more casual Texas-style smokehouse, Bow & Arrow. The restaurant has plenty of parking and an extensive drinks menu.
A barbecue spread at Bow & Arrow. (Photo: Bow & Arrow)
A trip to Auburn isn’t complete without a stop at Toomer’s Drugs for their famous, fresh-squeezed lemonade. This historic drugstore and soda fountain is beloved in Auburn and sells lunch, ice cream and gifts in addition to their iconic drink.
Toomer’s lemonade, an iconic sweet-tart treat. (Photo: Toomer’s Drugs)
On game day
Even if you don’t plan to tailgate, there are lots of places to gather with other fans before the game. The Plains Taproom in downtown Auburn is the city’s first self-pour restaurant, with pay-per-ounce beers and a full menu of shareable, upscale pub foods.
Red Clay Brewing Company is in Opelika. Their TVs and pizza menu make it a great place to watch the game if you don’t have a ticket.
Resting Pulse Brewing Company, just a minute walk away from Red Clay, is located in downtown Opelika and has a comfortable patio space and 11 individually-controlled TVs.
Megan typically watches the game at The Office Sports Bar & Grill in Columbus, where her local alumni chapter hosts watch parties for select games throughout the season.
Auburn attractions
Many people pass through Columbus, Georgia—Megan’s hometown—on their way to Auburn. The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, a free historic museum with interactive exhibits and a giant-screen theater, is one of the city’s most popular attractions.
When she’s in Auburn, Megan likes to stop at her favorite store, The Maker and Merchant in Auburn Mall. The store features a collection of goods from local jewelers, designers and artisans.
Not making the trip to Auburn and looking to connect with Dawgs in your own area? Find your local UGA alumni chapter and cheer on the Dawgs with fellow alumni at a game-watching party near you.
