From the gallery to the galleries

Southern Living, Oct 1998 by Young, Dianne

Take a break from golf to explore Alabama's Plains.

olf fans looking for a respite from the on-course action at this year's Tournament of Champions can find plenty of fun around Opelika and Auburn, Alabama. Here are our recommendations for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and lodging.

ATTRACTIONS & SHOPPING

Donald E. Davis Arboretum: College Street, Auburn; (334) 844-5770. Enjoy other kinds of greens here.

Auburn University Theatre: 211 Telfair Peet Theatre, Auburn; (334) 844-4154. Call for the current schedule.

Chewacla State Park: 124 Shell Toomer Parkway, Auburn; (334) 8875621. Set out on a vigorous hike here.

The Museum of East Alabama: 121 South Ninth Street, Opelika; (334) 7492751. Examine firefighting memorabilia, items from Camp Opelika (a World War II POW camp), and other artifacts.

Opelika Arts Association Gallery: Lewis Cooper, Jr., Memorial Library and Art Center, 200 South Sixth Street, Opelika; (334) 749-8105. Works by local and national artists are on display year-round.

Opelika Arts Association Performing Arts Series (in the Opelika Center for Performing Arts): 1700 Lafayette Parkway; (334) 749-8105. Call for a schedule.

Shopping Auburn: This college town has some delightful surprises. At Terra on Magnolia (shares space with Behind the Glass, a great place for lunch), you'll find cute clothes, shoes, and accessories as well as soaps and candles. On College Street, Heartstrings sells jewelry, stationery, and collectibles, and Ampersand specializes in gifts for the home. Drop into Java.com Cafe and surf the 'Net while sipping your cafe au lait. Don't leave town without visiting Toomer's Drugs for a limeade. Sweet Auburn offers the best confections, and look for Christmas in Auburn on Gay Street to get a jump on your Yuletide gift list.

Shopping Opelika: Downtown Opelika is home to such shops as Jackie's on the corner of Avenue A and Eighth Street. On Railroad Avenue, find antiques at Easterday, gifts at Southern Crossings, and artwork at The Gallery. Explore High Cotton for jewelry, kid's clothes, and toys. You'll find USA Factory Outlet Stores near I-85 at Exit 62.

Touring Opelika: Start your trek of this historical area at the Chamber of Commerce in the 1890s Whitfield-Searcy House at Avenue A and Sixth Street. Next, visit the Heritage House, a bedand-breakfast in the Neoclassical style, on Second Avenue. Call to reserve a tour; (334) 705-0485. From there, drive down Eighth Street and back up Ninth to view numerous old homes. For tours of the Brownfield House on North Eighth Street, call the Chamber; (334) 745-4861.

DINING

In Opelika, try these local favorites for family friendly fare: The Breezeway and Jim Bob's. Fine dining can be found at the Warehouse Bistro and at the Coach and Four (popular for steaks). On Opelika Road between Opelika and Auburn, Bottchers Grill is known for relaxing meals on its deck, Hogans 34 serves fabulous desserts, and Niffer's Place offers a casual family atmosphere.

In Auburn, you'll find salads and soups at Behind the Glass; wonderful sandwiches at Traditions; classic American fare at The Grille; and nouveau American cuisine at Ivy's in the Auburn University Hotel & Conference Center.

LODGING

In Opelika, rates at The Guesthouse Inn start at $60; (334) 7456293 or toll free 1-888-745-6293. At Holiday Inn Opelika, rooms start at $55; (334) 745-6331 or I8004564329.

In Auburn, rates start at $89 at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center ([334] 8218200 or 1-800-228-2876); $59 at the Hampton Inn ([334] 8214111 or 1-800-426-7866); $60 at the Quality Inn University Center ([334] 821-7001 or 1-800-2828763); or $48 at the Crenshaw Guest House Bed & Breakfast ([334] 821-1131).

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Auburn/Opelika Convention and Visitors Bureau: P.O. Box 2216, Auburn, AL 36831; (334) 8878747 or 1-800-321-8880. Web site: www.auburn-opelika.com

Opelika Chamber of Commerce, PO. Box 2366, Opelika, AL 36801; (334) 7454861.