Fall Family Weekend

Parent & Family Programs, Fall Family Activity Guide

A Guide to Auburn and Alabama

This guide, prepared by Parent & Family Programs, provides virtual activities to do with your student from wherever you may be. We’ve also provided activities that can be done in-person that allow for proper physical distancing and current best practices. We encourage all members of the Auburn Family to use best judgement when determining if visiting campus is appropriate and to follow current guidelines and policy if choosing to visit campus or local community.

Things to do Virtually:

We understand that many families are staying home, and we wanted to provide ways families can experience Auburn and Alabama from the comfort of their homes. Keep a lookout for added events.

Family Movie Night

Movies are a relaxing way to feel connected to a place other than home. There are several ways to stream films across distances, and this is a helpful article from The Verge that provides some options. Our movie suggestions range from the lighthearted to the serious, so there is something for everyone. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but the titles and a brief review are provided:

Sweet Home Alabama

IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes

Parent & Family Programs Review: A lighthearted romp through Alabama. Classic rom-com with several great one-liners. A classic of Reese Witherspoon’s. Lighthearted and fun.

My Cousin Vinny

IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes

Parent & Family Programs Review: This is an all-time cinematic favorite of our administrator, Torey Palmer. Joe Pesci stars as the titular cousin in this classic version in a fish out of water. He navigates the discovery of grits, managing his relationship with his long-term fiancé Mona Lisa Vito (Marisa Tomei won an Oscar for this portrayal), and defending his first criminal trial. It’s funny, but there’s some crass language (may not be appropriate for younger tiger ears), but it is one of those movies that you have to watch if you like to laugh.

Forrest Gump

IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes

Parent & Family Programs Review: Tom Hanks stars at the titular Forrest. Forrest is the right man at the right place through several pivotal moments throughout history. Caution, that there may be some scenes that might not be appropriate for younger eyes.

To Kill a Mockingbird

IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes

Parent & Family Programs Review: There likely not an Alabamian alive that hasn’t seen this film. A popular favorite. Based on the classic Harper Lee novel of the same name. Set in the small fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. A provocative film for its time and, still today. It grapples with issues of justice, change, and leaving childhood into adulthood. Some content may not be appropriate for all audiences.

Big Fish

IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes

Parent & Family Programs Review: A mix of fantasy and love story, which showcases the power of a good storyteller. Auburn University features in this film (the scenes were actually shot at Huntington College in Montgomery). If you watch the stage production Samford Hall is a prominent set piece.

Just Mercy

IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes

Parent & Family Programs Review: The true story about Bryan Stevenson (played by Michael B. Jordan) and his experience in the Alabama legal system. A film that covers a career of work in the fight for justice for his clients and the legal system that he must operate within. Not all content may be appropriate for all audiences.

Watch the Roll Tide, War Eagle ESPN 30 for 30

Are you and your family new to the Auburn/Alabama rivalry? This documentary episode can tell you more about the deep roots of the rivalry and some traditions that come along with it.

Go on a Campus Tour

If your family was unable to take a campus tour before and you are wanting to know more about campus, we recommend taking a virtual tour. This self-guided adventure takes you through different parts of campus and you can find the tours here: aub.ie/virtualcampustours.

Get to know the Auburn Traditions

At Auburn, we take pride in our traditions. We enjoy saying “War Eagle’ any chance we get and rolling Toomer’s Corner after a victory. As a parent or family member, you will learn these with your student as well, and you can get a head start of learning them by visiting this website: aub.ie/autraditions.

Attend the Auburn Abroad virtual sessions about studying abroad

Auburn Abroad understands that studying abroad is a family decision. This session is designed to guide families through the study abroad process: from applying for a passport, to introducing scholarships and navigating the hundreds of program options. This session is designed to help first-generation university students start their study abroad journey.

Time/Date: Friday Sept 25^th at 3pm

Zoom Link: https://auburn.zoom.us/j/93368978075 / Meeting ID: 933 6897 8075

Explore the Jule Collins Smith Digital Art Exhibitions

The Jule Collins Smith Museum is a fine art museum at Auburn University. The museum is offering a way for viewers to explore their exhibitions and collections online. These items can be found here on their website: aub.ie/smithmuseum.

Watch live events sponsored by the Gogue Performing Arts Center

The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center is bringing a live concert series to viewers from the comfort of their own home. Families can enjoy virtual performances from the Department of Music. There are two scheduled performances, the Fall Faculty Showcase on September 22^nd and Thomas Vines on September 29^th. More information and a chance to register for a ticket can be found on their website: aub.ie/gpaclive. Make sure to check back throughout the semester to see if additional virtual performances are added.

Cook Together

Cooking together is a family favorite in our household, and we wanted to try and give the same opportunity. We’ve worked with local restaurants in the Auburn community to provide recipes that you and your family can create together. If you’re in town we’ve provided the information about how to visit and enjoy more of their delicious food.

Acre: David Bancroft's Charred Sweet Corn Cobbler

This sweet, cornbread-like cobbler is packed with fresh corn flavor. It can also be baked in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet at the same temperature until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. You get the recipe by clicking here: aub.ie/cobbler

This comes courtesy to us from our friend at Acre. Acre is open for dining in and carrying out. They are located at 210 East Glenn Avenue Auburn, AL 34830. Their phone number is 334.246.3663 and more information can be found on their website: https://www.acreauburn.com

Bow & Arrow: Mrs. Barbara's Cinnamon Rolls

Our friends at Bow & Arrow have provided this recipe to share with Auburn parents and families.

Though not exactly “night” cooking, these cinnamon rolls were too good not to share. A great way to start the day, midday pick me up, or evening sweet craving. Let’s be honest, you can make these whenever and they’ll be delicious at any time during the day! You get the recipe by clicking here: aub.ie/cinnamonrolls

Bow & Arrow is open for dining in and carrying out. They are located at 1977 East Samford Avenue Auburn AL, 36830. Their phone number is 334.246.2546 and their email is info@bowandarrowbbq.com. More information can be found on their website: https://www.bowandarrowbbq.com

Things to do in Auburn:

We’re highlighting activities in the community that allow for physical distancing and current public health guidance. Many of the places are outside. If you do choose to visit Auburn, be mindful that there is a statewide mandatory mask policy in effect till at least Oct. 3, 2020 for all interior spaces. A mask is required on campus, regardless of interior/exterior.

Campus and the Auburn Community

Take a trip to Toomer's Corner

There is a lot of history around Toomer’s Corner and downtown Auburn. It is tradition to visit Toomer’s Drugs when families come into town and while you’re there, try their lemonade! You won’t be disappointed. Their ice cream is great too. Grab a family selfie photo in front of this popular venue. Learn more about Toomer’s Drugs and the corner by visiting their website: aub.ie/toomers.

Walk through the Donald E. Davis Arboretum

The Donald E. Davis Arboretum is a 13.5-acre botanic garden facility located in the heart of Auburn. The arboretum has three water features, miles of walking trails, and places to rest in a natural setting. You can learn more about the arboretum by visiting their website: aub.ie/arboretum.

Take a self-guided tour of campus

Auburn’s campus is a beautiful place for the family to explore and there is a map that families can follow that will take them throughout campus. While you’re walking, read about the history included in the guide about each stop on the tour: aub.ie/selfguidetour.

Participate in the Parent Run

Traditionally, the parent runs have taken place during Camp War Eagle, however we want to continue the tradition any way we can. Parents and families can learn more about the run, the course, and the history behind the run by visiting this website: aub.ie/cweparentrun.

Get familiar with the community

Auburn is a close, small community but there are many opportunities to learn more about the town through the local restaurants, shops, and other businesses that make up the town. Families can learn about these businesses and opportunities by visiting the Auburn Chamber of Commerce website: aub.ie/auburnchamber or the AO Tourism Bureau website: aub.ie/aotourism.

Visit the Jule Collins Smith Art Museum

The Jule Collins Museum of Fine Art is located less than five minutes from campus and reopened for visitors on August 11^th. Learn more about the reopening and new exhibits here: aub.ie/museumreopening.

Get Active in Auburn

Visit the parks in town

There are several open-air parks in the Auburn community that are perfect for an afternoon stroll or picnic. Town Creek Park is less than ten minutes from the university and contains trails to walk or bike on. Is your family traveling with a dog? Keisel Park is located less than fifteen minutes from the university and contains an off-leashed dog park for the pups to stretch their legs. For the full list of parks in Auburn and the surrounding areas, please visit this website: aub.ie/auburnparks.

Hit the greens

If anyone in the family enjoys golf, there are several public courses around town the family can take advantage of. The Greens at Auburn is a nine-hole golf course that is located less than fifteen minutes from campus. Indian Pines, also located less than fifteen minutes from campus, is an eighteen-hole course. Grand National, a part of the Robert Trent Jones golf trail, is located in Opelika and features fifty-four holes of golf. More information about the courses available can be found here: aub.ie/augolf.

Visit Chewacla State Park

Chewacla is the local state park and less than ten minutes from Auburn University at 124 Shell Toomer Parkway. Visitors are able to walk, hike, bike, rent cabins, and more. Enjoy the scenic hiking trails and be sure to grab a family picture at the waterfall. More information about Chewacla can be found on their website, including park features and how to make reservations: aub.ie/chewacla.

Walk/Run along the paths and trails

There are several paths and walking trails for visitors to explore in Auburn and on campus. These trails range from .25 of a mile up to 2.25 miles and are spread out through the city. The location of these trails and their length can be found on their website: aub.ie/walkingtrails. Additionally, here is the website for the trails on campus: aub.ie/campustrails.

We hope that you’ll keep coming back and looking for more activities. If you have suggestions for inclusion always feel free to let us know at parent@auburn.edu or 334.844.1493

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Fall Family Activities, 2020 PDF

Fall Family Activities 2020, PDF

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Fall Family Activities 2020, Word

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the cost of the ticket cover?

We will not be selling tickets for this year’s Fall Family Weekend, due to substantive alterations to the programming.

What is the menu for the tailgate?

There will not be a provided meal, due to program changes due to COVID-19.

Do I receive a physical copy of my ticket in the mail?

Tickets of any sort will not be issued for this year.

Where should I stay?

There will not be a formal schedule of events for Fall Family Weekend 2020. We encourage our parents and families to avoid travel to minimize spread of COVID-19. However, if you must visit campus you are welcome to stay in Auburn/Opelika area hotels, and should those be full, we recommend the following areas to expand your search:
Phenix City, AL (34.0 miles)
Columbus, GA (36.2 miles)
Lake Martin/Alexander City, AL (38.9 miles)
LaGrange, GA (43.3 miles)

Where should I park?

There will be no formal Fall Family Weekend events to attend this year. Parking will not be provided.

I am planning on bringing an elderly grandparent. Are there special accommodations?

There will be no formal programming. Elder populations are considered to be in a higher risk category for COVID-19, and we would not suggest their travel to campus due to increased chances of exposure to COVID-19.

Can my student’s younger sibling attend?

There will be no formal programming for Fall Family Weekend 2020.

Should I purchase my student a football ticket?

We will not be offering a block of seats for any athletic events this cycle. Auburn Athletics will make additional announcements as it relates to university athletic processes and procedures.

It is also my students’ fraternity/sorority family weekend. Can I attend both?

Parent & Family Programs will not host formal Fall Family Weekend activities or events this year. Programming provided by greek organizations are conducted independently of Parent & Family Programs, and those organizations will have answers regarding their provision of events.

Is there a refund policy?

Parent & Family Programs will not be providing tickets of any sort, so there will not be any opportunities for an individual to receive a refund. Parent & Family Programs is unable to provide refunds for hotel/travel accommodations.

Tickets for Fall Family Weekend 2020 were orignally scheduled to go on sale July 31, 2020.

Does cancelling Fall Family Weekend mean that decisions about athletics have been made?

Parent & Family Programs has made the decision to not host Fall Family Weekend programming in consultation with public health, medical experts, and university administrators independently of decisions made by Auburn Athletics. In the event of changes to athletics operations/procedure Auburn athletics will make those announcements directly.

Last modified: September 18, 2020