Letter From The Editor

Ilove to travel.

Taking a weekend to get away, whether with family or friends, is such a fun way to explore our world.

When I started school at Auburn University I was blessed to find a friend who enjoyed travel and hiking as much as me. We’ve taken a lot of free weekends over the years to find all of our hiking and camping spots.

We started local. One of my first weekends in Auburn, I hiked in Chewacla. Together we’ve hiked Providence Canyon (page 81), backpacked in Mt. Cheaha and explored cities we could get to within driving distance (Charleston, Savannah, Jekyll Island, Simmons Island, Nashville, Birmingham and even recently made a 13-hour drive to D.C..)

This magazine is divided into two sections: Lee County *as* a travel destination and travel *from* Lee County.

In this first section, we highlight the ways our county, and the cities of Auburn and Opelika, serve as a travel destination to those who may not live here. For instance, I think we can all agree that a game day in Auburn brings people from all over the south, and a few northerners too.

We wrote about an Air BnB just a short drive from Auburn that’s perfect for those game-day weekends. We shared photos that highlight just what it’s like to have a day on the Plains when the players take the field.

The Lee County Flea Market (page 27) is a destination spot for ‘pickers,’ just as the Opelika Songwriter’s Fest (page 34) is a destination for musicians.

But there’s so much to see and do just a short drive from our county too. There’s hiking — the Smiths Fire Tower in Tallapoosa County (page 87) and the breathtaking views at Providence Canyon (page 81).

There are weekend getaways to Chattanooga (page 50) or Hills and Dales (page 63).

I encourage you to read through this magazine and find somewhere new to explore this fall. God has given us so much beauty right in our backyard if we just take the time to discover it.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter From The Editor ............. ..............................5

Explore An Auburn Game Day! ............................10 Go Climb A Tree ...................................................20

Flea Market Is Family Business .............................27 Songwriter’s Fest...................................................34 Experience Lee County Year-Round .....................40 Discover Chattanooga ..........................................50 Paradise On Earth ................................................59 The Splendor of Hills and Dales Estate ..................62 Get Wild ................................................................69

A Hidden Beauty ...................................................73 An Island of Goats ................................................78

The Little Grand Canyon ......................................82 Quite A Climb .......................................................87 Explore Your World ...............................................92 Advertiser Index ..................................................97

of LIVE Lee in your mailbox by subscribing to the Opelika Observer at opelikaobserver.com/ subscribe-today/.

Beauregard Drugs - sponsored by SouthState Bank Butcher Paper BBQ - sponsored by Wadkins Metal Hardees Exit 60 - sponsored by Cosmic Connexion Krispy Kreme - sponsored by Zach Alsobrook Rob’s Ribs -Auburn - sponsored by Trinity Christian School Sam’s Club - sponsored by Harvest Thrift T Terry’s Grocery - sponsored by Smiths Station Rx Terry’s Marathon - sponsored by Price’s Small Engine Toomers Drug Store - sponsored by Gorees Winn Dixie - Opelika - sponsored by Hippie Street

EXPLORE LEE COUNTY...