Your Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving break in Auburn

While Thanksgiving is a great time to reconnect with your family, there’s plenty to do in Auburn if you need a break from family festivities. In fact, this Alabama town is a great place to explore, whether you’re in town visiting family, staying in the area for school, or you simply want to enjoy the lovely fall weather. Here are a few fun ways to spend your Thanksgiving break.

Enjoy Toomer’s Corner

Image by Eric Foster is licensed with Unsplash License

Toomer’s Corner is one of the most iconic places to visit in Auburn. You can find it at the corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue, and this downtown destination is the heart of the city. This is where the locals come to celebrate after Auburn wins a home game with the tradition of toilet-papering the trees on campus.

The biggest reason to visit Toomer’s Corner is Toomer’s Drugs, a drugstore that’s been a staple since 1896. Toomer’s Drugs is home to freshly squeezed lemonade and Auburn Tigers merch. After you grab a drink, you can explore the Auburn campus, which is right across the street.

Order a Thanksgiving Meal

If you’ll be in Auburn for Thanksgiving, you might want to stop by a local restaurant for a traditional dinner. Some downtown restaurants will be open for lunch or dinner, so you’ll have a few options to choose from. In the past, the restaurants that remained open for Thanksgiving included Tacorita and Hamilton’s. Reservations ensure that you get a table on this busy holiday.

If you would rather enjoy your meal at home, you’ll find plenty of restaurants offering meal pickup if you reserve a meal early. The Hound, Acre, Lucy’s, and The Depot usually offer meal pickup the day before Thanksgiving. Whether you’re feeding yourself or your entire family, this is an easy way to celebrate the holiday with no cooking required.

Sign Up for the Turkey Trot

Each year, Moore’s Mill Club hosts the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. The annual event welcomes everybody, including walkers and runners of all ages. After the run, you can enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks. A mimosa and bloody mary bar is also available after the event. If you sign up, you’ll be able to choose between the one-mile and three-mile routes. The routes travel along the golf course, and dogs and strollers are both welcome.

Visit Chewacla State Park

Some people prefer to connect with nature on Thanksgiving, and Chewacla State Park is a great place to do exactly that. The park contains 696 acres of recreational space, and it’s just a short drive from Auburn. Chewacla offers a 26-acre lake full of bream, bass, catfish, and crappie. You’ll also find a swimming area, campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails for mountain biking. If you plan to camp over Thanksgiving, you should make your reservations early to ensure you get a spot.

Watch Football

If you’re in town for the week with nothing to do, it’s a great time to watch an Auburn football game. This year, the Auburn Tigers will play Western Kentucky on November 19, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The game will take place at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

After you watch a game in person, you can stay in town to cheer for your favorite NFL team at local bars and restaurants that will stay open on Thanksgiving. This year’s Thanksgiving games include the Buffalo Bills versus the Detroit Lions, the New York Giants versus the Dallas Cowboys, and the New England Patriots versus the Minnesota Vikings.

Explore Tuskegee National Forest

Another great thing to do when you’re in town is to trek over to Tuskegee National Forest, which is a gorgeous area with a rich history. Just outside of Auburn, this park is a stunning green escape from town. It’s a prime destination for people who love to hike, and the fall weather provides the perfect backdrop for photos. The park also offers mountain bike trails, fishing ponds, horse trails, and a shooting range. You can even reserve a campground if you’d like to spend your Thanksgiving in the great outdoors.

Enjoy Live Music Downtown

If you’re in Auburn for the weekend following Thanksgiving, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for live music. Downtown has a big nightlife scene, complete with live bands that play each weekend. The most popular music venues and nightlife spots in Auburn include Piccolo, The Avondale Bar & Tap Room, Cerulean Tasting Room, LiveOaks, Irish Bred Pub, Moe’s Original BBQ, and Fat Daddy’s. Many of the best nightlife spots are within walking distance, so you can visit several spots in a single weekend.

Check Out the Birds at Football, Fans, and Feathers

The Southeastern Raptor Center will host Football, Fans, and Feathers on November 18 this year. Visitors will learn fun facts about many species of birds, including falcons, hawks, and eagles, as they fly freely around the Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater. The show is a family-friendly event. If your little ones are interested in animals, this show provides an educational opportunity.

Visit the Donald E. Davis Arboretum

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum is a 13.5-acre botanic garden in Auburn. The natural setting is a relaxing space to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. A quiet walk through the garden also provides a great way for you to reflect on the things you’re thankful for. During your visit, you’ll see many native Alabaman plants and trees. You can also relax next to one of three unique water features in the park, enjoying the tranquility and a break from cooking. The garden is open every day, and it’s free to visit.

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