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The Hotel at Auburn
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Crepe Myrtle
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Red Clay Brewing Company
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Maestro 2300
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Toomer's Drugs
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The Hound
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Auburn, Alabama
The sworn in-state rival of the Tide, Auburn can hold its own both on the football frontthe Tigers have their own pair of national championships, the most recent being 2010and in the tailgating realm.
School: Auburn University Stadium: Jordan-Hare Stadium Mascot: Aubie the Tiger Battle cry: 'War Eagle!”
Friday
5 p.m. After a five-hour drive, you'll be ready to kick up your heels at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center, the largestand nicesthotel in town with a convenient locale in the heart of campus.
7 p.m. Grab a bite at Maestro 2300, an upscale Mediterranean-style spot offering a number of steak and fish selections and an impressive wine list to boot. For the diner with restrictions, there are plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options.
9 p.m. Sip your way through the list of classic cocktailslike a frosty Moscow Muleat the dimly lit Avondale Bar and Tap Room, celebrated for its stellar bourbon and scotch selection, before hitting the sack.
saturday
10 a.m. Have a late breakfast at Crepe Myrtlea cafe that serves crepes both savory (like buffalo chicken or Philly steak) and sweet (try the Simply Naughty: sliced bananas topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, cinnamon, and banana liqueur). Then head into nearby Opelika to sample the Hay Shed Saison or Hop Jubilee at the newly opened Red Clay Brewing Company, a taproom and brewery that's the brainchild of a pair of homebrewing Auburn alums.
2 p.m. Check out the game day action at Toomer's Corner and, while you're in the vicinity, grab a treat from the soda fountain at Toomer's Drugs, a pharmacy that's been around for more than a century. Four hours before the game, Tiger Fan Festan interactive area of free fun for game-goersopens up in front of the Nichols Center on Donahue Drive. Just be sure to stick around for Tiger Walk, a long-standing Auburn tradition that happens two hours before each kickoff.
7 p.m. Skip out of the game earlyespecially if Auburn is already winning by a landslideand claim a table at The Depot, a brand new fine dining experience that opened in the historic train depot last month. The brasserie-style seafood concept specializes in fresh Atlantic and Gulf offerings but also serves Southern favorites like steak and pork chops made from a custom wood-fired grill. Plus, there's a full bar with a dozen or so beers on tap and a carefully curated wine list from regions around the world.
10 p.m. Squeeze in one last thrill at the famed War Eagle Supper Club, which will close its doors on New Year's Day after more than 75 years in the location.
sunday
10 a.m. On Sunday mornings, there's no hotter place to be than The Hound, a three-year-old restaurant that has quickly become Auburn's most popular hangout. And with dishes like granola French toast and a fried green tomato stack with Andouille cream sauce, fried egg, and homemade green relishnot to mention brunch cocktails like a sriracha Blood Mary and bottomless mimosas (none of which can be served until noon per state law)it's easy to see why. There's already a line by the time the restaurant opens its doors, so arrive early to avoid an hour-long (or more) wait.