A hiking trail that leads to a stunning 270-degree view of Lake Martin. The fire tower was built in the 1930s, used for decades by the Alabama Forestry Commission, and later restored to better-than-new condition. It is completely free and open to the public, as long as you're alright with some uphill walking! There is a gravel parking lot at the bottom of the hill and a gravel road leading up to the tower.

(Directions: Travel U.S. Hwy 280 to Dadeville and turn South onto AL Hwy 49. At the first blinking light turn right onto W. Lafayette St. In 1.4 mi., turn left onto Young's Ferry Road. In 3.4 mi., turn left onto Smith Mtn. Drive. In 0.2 mi. turn right onto Tower Road and follow to the parking lot for Smith Mountain area trail heads. There are brown signs for the "Historic Fire Tower" at every turn.)

An upscale, James Beard-recognized restaurant that sits on a hillcrest overlooking Lake Martin. SpringHouse was selected as Best Brunch by Alabama Magazine's Best of Bama 2025 awards, and its chefs prioritize high-quality local or regional ingredients. Reservations recommended; dinner Wednesday–Saturday and Sunday brunch. Located at 12 Benson Mill Road in Alexander City, AL.

The Waverly Local is a delightful "casual fine dining" restaurant that sources its produce from local growers whenever it can. It often has live music on Fridays. Check @thewaverlylocal on Instagram for upcoming performances and daily specials. Definitely worth making a reservation. Open 4:30-9pm Tues-Fri, 11am-2pm and 4:30-9pm Sat, and 10am-2pm Sun. Located at 1465 Patrick St, Waverly, AL.

Wild Flour Microbakery is a true hidden gem. Owned by a local family, it specializes in creative pastries, cakes, and breads. This place draws people from all over Alabama and has gotten some significant press in the past couple of years, rightfully so. Visit if you love freshly baked bread, quirky nonalcoholic drinks (lemon meringue cold brew was one recent offering), and perfectly made pastries! Open 7am-4pm Tues-Fri, 9am-4pm Sat. Located at 1490 Patrick St, Waverly, AL.

Toomer's Corner is practically a pilgrimage site for SEC college football fans. After a win, Auburn students traditionally roll its iconic oaks in so much toilet paper that they look like they're covered in snow! Toomer's Drugs is known for their fresh-squeezed lemonade and is the perfect place to begin a leisurely stroll around Auburn's gorgeous campus and downtown area. Toomer's Drugs is open 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm Sat, and 12-5pm Sun. Located at 100 N College St, Auburn, AL.

A free, beautifully designed art museum at the entrance to Auburn's campus. It features seven changing galleries, a café, and landscaped walking paths and is one of only 1,131 museums in the United States (out of an estimated 33,000) with an AAM accreditation. Open from 10am-4:30pm, Tues-Sun. Located at 901 S College St, Auburn, AL.

An interactive walk through Auburn's legendary athletics history, with 17 exhibits and a theater. Located on the concourse at the main entrance to Neville Arena, 392 S Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL.

Two easy, green spots for a walk. The Donald E. Davis Arboretum is near campus, and Kiesel Park is a bit further out. Both are lovely options for a quiet stroll. You can find the Donald E. Davis Arboretum at 181 Garden Dr, Auburn, AL. Kiesel Park is located at 520 Chadwick Ln, Auburn, AL.

A teaching restaurant located inside Auburn University's Rane Culinary Science Center. It was recommended by the Michelin Guide 2025 and became the first U.S. teaching restaurant ever to earn the distinction. Reservations required. Visit at 205 S College St, Auburn, AL.

A family-owned bar and restaurant featuring over-the-top American classics, top-shelf bourbon, and 28 craft beers on tap. In the bride's opinion, The Hound makes the best pepper jelly in Alabama. Buy a jar and serve alongside a brick of cream cheese and some Ritz crackers for a great party snack! Located at 124 Tichenor Ave, Auburn, AL.

An American seafood brasserie inside Auburn's historic 1847 train depot. It was the first restaurant in Alabama to receive the James Beard Smart Catch Leader Award for sustainable seafood. Located at 124 Mitcham Ave, Auburn, AL.

A health-focused café known for dirty sodas, Onyx coffee, and clean-ingredient dishes. The best option in the area for those with dietary restrictions, with free parking. Located at 234 W Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL.

Another favorite of the bride. Well Red is a bookstore, coffee shop, and wine bar all rolled in one, with in-house baked pastries and desserts. Very cozy and located inside a converted house! You can find it at 223 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL.

The rooftop bar at the Laurel Hotel is widely considered to have the best view in Auburn. Located at 205 S College St, Auburn, AL.

Side Track Coffee is one of the bride's all-time favorite coffee shops. Owned by a devout Christian, David Bazilia, Side Track is a pay-what-you-want cafe with the friendliest baristas around. They have a creative list of offerings and approach their craft with the mindset of a mixologist (seasonal ingredients have included everything from grapefruit tonic water to activated charcoal), but they nail the classics every time, too. Anything you order will be impeccably made. Open from 8am-4pm, Tues-Sun. Located at 817 S Railroad Ave, Opelika, AL.

Right next door to Side Track. A small local history museum that’s worth a stop if/when you're grabbing coffee. Located at 121 S St, Opelika, AL.

Also right next to Side Track. Over 30 pinball machines and arcade games on free play, plus a 19+ bar called The Jailhouse with live music, karaoke, and open mic nights through the week. Located at 815 S Railroad Ave, Opelika, AL.

A Korean- and Japanese-inspired café in a warm, modern space. They make excellent quality coffee and matcha and often feature unique flavored lattes. Located at 2650 Corporate Park Dr, Opelika, AL.

Superb Korean breads and artisan French pastries in the heart of downtown Opelika, baked fresh daily. They also sell matcha and coffee. Located at 404 S 10th St, Opelika, AL.

An authentic, non-franchise, no-frills barbecue joint. Their brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and pulled chicken sandwich are all winners, not to mention their homemade sides and sauces. Located at 128 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika, AL.

Botanic is more than just a restaurant - it doubles as a plant nursery and features beautiful greenery and flowers throughout. Its Garden Shoppe sells a plethora of gifts and goods from local artists. It's a beautiful, relaxing, and spacious place to hang out for a while! Open 7am-9pm Tues-Sat, 7am-5pm Sun. Located at 1702 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL.

For the Northerners and the Californians.

A large resale shop supporting local ministries. Clothes, furniture, and housewares. Located at 1750 Opelika Road, Auburn, AL.

A great stop for furniture, home goods, and secondhand finds. Located at 2051 E University Dr, Auburn, AL.

A 46,000-square-foot thrift store in Tiger Town. One of the largest in the Southeast. Located at 1640 Parker Way, Opelika, AL.

Downtown Opelika's one-stop-shop for all your consigned fashion needs. Located at 125 S 8th St, Opelika, AL.

As one of the largest (and best-rated) antique malls in the South, Angels boasts over 400 vendors across 68,000 sq. ft. Indoors so you won't melt while you're browsing! Located at 900 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika, AL.