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Quintana Roo Destination of Choice for Travelers

Upcoming solar eclipse to draw travelers to states in path of totality, indiana convention center and hilton formalize agreement, new horizons, american bus association annual convention draws thousands.

Alabama itinerary: Auburn-Opelika

Centrally located near Atlanta, Georgia; and Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama, Auburn-Opelika hosts numerous natural beauties and exciting stops. Home to the second-largest university in the state, Auburn-Opelika offers groups a diverse city scene with a college-town feel.

“Auburn-Opelika is vibrant, easygoing and authentic,” said Cat Bobo, communications manager at Auburn-Opelika Tourism. “Auburn-Opelika is a perfect choice for a relaxing getaway.”

Get a bite to eat at one of the area’s eclectic restaurants, then take a stroll downtown and stop in one of the many unique shops and fresh storefronts. Whether in the city center or amid the rural landscape, groups will enjoy all the unparalleled diversions in the Auburn-Opelika region.

Auburn-Opelika Tourism 334-501-3281 aotourism.com

John Emerald Distilling Company award-wining whiskey is the first legal whiskey distilled in Alabama since Prohibition. Groups can savor delicious cocktails made from one-of-a-kind spirits and take a tour of the facility to learn about the entire distilling process, from the barrel storage room to the bottling line.

Take a tour of Auburn University’s athletic facilities given by trained Auburn University students. They give groups a history of the school and provide their personal experiences at Auburn. Visit Jordan-Hare Stadium, the nation’s 10th-largest, on-campus stadium, then stand in the Watson Field House where Auburn’s 15 athletic teams train year-round.

Experience 696-acre Chewacla State Park and enjoy over 30 miles of the South’s best mountain biking and hiking trails. The park features a 26-acre lake for swimming, fishing, kayaking or canoeing. Magical waterfalls, pristine creeks and unique rock formations will have groups appreciating the endless beauty of the Auburn-Opelika landscape.  

One of the many restaurants located in Downtown Auburn, Acre crafts its menu with both a sophisticated charm and modern flare, with roots deep in Southern cuisine. Guests will enjoy dishes with ingredients sourced from on-site gardens and local farms — all inside a rustic-style structure designed with repurposed architectural details.

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Robyn Bridges and AO Tourism bring people to the Plains

Auburn, Alabama, commonly referred to as “The Loveliest Village on the Plains,” is a community beloved by many. From Auburn University students to families, Auburn is made up of all kinds of people.

In a growing community like Auburn, marketing the city as a tourist destination is essential. That is the purpose served by Auburn-Opelika Tourism and its president Robyn Bridges.

Bridges moved to Auburn in 1994 and despite attending The University of Alabama, developed a love for the community. She has seen a lot of growth during her time on the Plains.

“Shortly after I moved here, the front page of the OA News was ‘Ruby Tuesday Opens in Auburn,’" Bridges said. “That’s about how much we had going on in 1994.”

Bridges discussed the purpose of Auburn-Opelika Tourism and how it impacts the community.

“Auburn-Opelika Tourism is here to make the community better – that is our vision statement, and that is what we work toward every day,” Bridges said. “Our business revolves around our core values and how those contribute to making this community better. The way we do that is by impacting the visitor economy. We are here to bring in people and events that are positive for our community, both for the economy and long-term benefit of our residents and neighbors.”

Bridges elaborated on where her passion for marketing Auburn as a tourist destination comes from and how rewarding it is to do so.

“It just comes from my love for this community and a heart for service that I developed and honed when I worked at the Hotel at Auburn University,” Bridges said. “I never knew that was what I wanted to do with my life, I never studied hospitality. That was not my major. I took a job in marketing at the AU Hotel for about seven years before I moved over to tourism. I don’t think there is any other place in the world that I’d rather live and work.”

Bridges spoke on the effect that the city of Auburn as well as the campus has on the people who visit and where that welcoming nature comes from.

“It’s not so much about what the campus looks like,” Bridges said. “It’s the people, and we hear it every day in our work and when we’re out and about hearing from people who visit. There is something special about it, and no one is immune to it – if you come here, you feel it.”

Bridges talked about her favorite places to dine throughout Auburn and the surrounding areas.

“I love to go a lot of places,” Bridges said. “Café 123 [in Opelika] is one of my favorite restaurants in the community. I think it’s very underrated. It’s been there a long, long time. It’s a workhorse, but the chef there is very creative and does a really great job.”

Bridges listed some places to eat and visit as well as other things to do that she would recommend to someone visiting the area for the first time.

“If you live here, it seems cliché, but everyone needs to go the Toomer’s [Corner] and have lemonade when they come,” Bridges said. “I think everyone should see Chewacla State Park and the trails that have been built out there. Everybody needs to go to downtown Opelika and eat and shop in those little stores. There are just some no-brainer things everyone should make sure to do the first time that they’re here.”

Bridges mentioned how Auburn has become more marketable as a place to open a business as a result of it becoming a more popular place to live and visit.

“It’s a place where people want to come to open their business because it’s such a great community and such a thriving community that continues to grow,” Bridges said. “A place where people want to live is a place where people want to open their businesses. We continue to add sports facilities and parks and recreation facilities. Those types of facilities are great for our businesses.”

Bridges talked about what she would like to see come to Auburn either soon or further down the road.

“Everybody wants a major attraction,” Bridges said. “Years ago, there was talk of an aquarium or something that is visitor-centric. We’re here to make this community better and to develop those projects that are beneficial not just to our visitors but are going to be a long-term benefit to our residents.”

Bridges has dedicated her career to the betterment of the Auburn community, a place that she loves dearly.

“It’s something people say all the time," Bridges began, "but if you love Auburn, it will love you back.”

Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.

Daniel Locke, junior in journalism, is the community editor for The Auburn Plainsman.

Twitter: @danieljlocke

Auburn University Campus Safety & Security investigate 'concerning social media posts' By Connor Copeland | Campus Editor and Harlee Meydrech | Assistant Managing Editor | March 13

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Car hits 191 College apartments late evening of April 2 By Brychelle Brooks | Campus Reporter , Harlee Meydrech | Assistant Managing Editor and Michaela Yielding | Campus Writer | April 3

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Local artist Lauren Duncan hosts the Painting on the Rooftop event

Tigers record no-hitter in midweek victory over UAB

Rough night offensively leads to first midweek loss for Auburn

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Opelika is one of the fastest growing communities in Alabama and has been recognized as a Best Small City for Business by the US Chamber of Commerce and one of the South’s Best Cities by Southern Living. Opelika earned its moniker as the first “Smart City” in the State of Alabama with a state-of-the-art 425-mile fiber optic system providing high-speed internet to every home and business in Opelika. The Opelika Chamber has played a critical role in raising the profile of our community to achieve these milestones.

Although Opelika has much of which to be proud, challenges persist. Competition for jobs and talent has never been tougher. While offering networking / event opportunities to members is an important part of its role, the Opelika Chamber must now take a stepped-up approach to proactively drive business and overall economic growth in Opelika and the region.  

The Forward Opelika Economic Growth Initiative is a comprehensive five-year $3.5 million strategic community and economic development plan designed to:

The Forward Opelika Initiative addresses our biggest economic challenges and opportunities with well-conceived strategies and clear metrics. This is the right moment for this bold initiative, and the Opelika Chamber of Commerce is the right organization to lead this endeavor in collaboration with essential private and public sector partners.

We can only be successful if all businesses and stakeholders with an interest in Opelika’s economic strength and resiliency step up, engage—and exercise financial leadership by investing in this plan and the future. Join us, by helping ensure that Opelika is the place where people and businesses come to grow, thrive, and succeed!

CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS

Fareportal Prepares for Earth Day 2024 With List of Sustainable Tourism Travel Destinations

New York, New York, April 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On April 22, 1970, Earth Day launched with over 20 million people across the United States attending events at elementary schools, secondary schools, universities, and community sites.  According to the Library of Congress the observance was promoted by US Senator Gaylord Nelson, who called upon students to support environmental causes.

To celebrate the 54 th annual Earth Day, Fareportal, the New York based travel technology company behind online travel agencies CheapOair and OneTravel is shining a light on seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites at the forefront of sustainable tourism.  An article published on CheapOair’s Miles Away blogsite showcases destinations renowned for their commitment to preserving natural and cultural heritage, while promoting responsible travel practices such as managing the number of visitors per day to specific locations.

From the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef in Australia to New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site, Tongariro National Park, 7 UNESCO Sites That Are Leading the Way in Sustainable Tourism gives readers a thought-provoking list of destinations to consider when endeavoring to see the world in an environmentally conscious manner.

Fareportal President Glenn Cusano comments, “At Fareportal, we recognize the pivotal role travelers play in shaping the future of tourism. By spotlighting these exceptional UNESCO sites, we hope to encourage responsible travel practices and foster a deeper appreciation for destinations that prioritize sustainability.”

Travelers can read the full article here and use the information to inform and inspire their 2024 vacation travel plans.

About Fareportal   

Fareportal is a travel technology company powering a next generation travel concierge service. Utilizing its innovative technology and company-owned and operated global contact centers, Fareportal has built strong industry partnerships providing customers access to over 500 airlines, a million lodgings, and hundreds of car rental companies around the globe. With a portfolio of consumer travel brands including CheapOair and OneTravel, Fareportal enables consumers to book online, on mobile apps for iOS and Android, by phone, or by live chat. Fareportal provides its airline partners with access to a broad customer base that books international and domestic flight, hotel, and other travel and ancillaries. 

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Downtown Auburn Christmas Parade

Date: December 3rd, 2023 Time: 2:00 PM

Join us for your favorite holiday tradition, The Auburn Christmas Parade. The parade will be held in downtown Auburn on Sunday, December 3 at 2 p.m. 

This festive holiday evening will be filled with extended shopping hours, Santa, tree decorating, train rides, live music, Christmas cocktails, children's activities and more! At 5:30, meet us in front of St. Dunstan’s Church for a special lighting ceremony with Mayor Ron Anders.

This event is free, open to the public, and will be an entertainment district. All local Auburn businesses and organizations are invited to participate. Click  here  to apply.

To learn more about other local holiday happenings, click  here .  

Auburn-Opelika Tourism

714 East Glenn Ave Auburn , AL 36830 USA

phone: 334.501.3281 [email protected] --> site: http://www.aotourism.com

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