Name: John Emerald Distilling Company
Address: 706 North Railroad Avenue, Opelika, AL, 36801

John Emerald Distilling Company in historic downtown Opelika is a family-owned, small-batch distillery crafting premium spirits rooted in Southern heritage. Founded by father and son John and Jimmy Sharp, it’s best known for John’s Alabama Single Malt Whiskey—the first legally distilled whiskey in Alabama since Prohibition. Visitors can tour the facility, enjoy tastings, or sip cocktails in a relaxed, welcoming space. The distillery’s lineup includes Hugh Wesley’s Gin made with local juniper, Elizabeth Vodka, and bold rums like Spurgeon’s Barrel Aged and Gene’s Spiced Rum. Each spirit reflects local character and careful craftsmanship, making John Emerald a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Alabama.

John Emerald Distilling Company

Things to Do in Auburn-Opelika

Explore the beauty and excitement of the Auburn-Opelika area, where there is something for everyone. Visit the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art to appreciate world-class art exhibits. Experience the natural beauty of Chewacla State Park with its hiking trails and waterfalls. Take a stroll through historic downtown Opelika and enjoy its unique boutiques and vibrant dining scene. For sports enthusiasts, catch an Auburn Tigers game at Auburn University, known for its spirited football, basketball, and baseball games. Don't miss the Opelika Pickleball Facility, with 24 individually fenced, covered, and lighted courts, perfect for year-round play.

Local Highlights
Auburn University: Known for its beautiful campus and sporting events, Auburn University is a hub of activity and culture.

Downtown Opelika: Enjoy the charm of a historic downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Chewacla State Park: A natural retreat offering hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping.
Opelika Pickleball Facility: One of the best pickleball facilities in the Southeast, providing year-round play on 24 lighted courts.

Dining and Accommodations
With a wide range of dining options from casual eateries to fine dining, the Auburn-Opelika area caters to all tastes. Notable mentions include The Hound for its hearty Southern fare and Café 123 for a fine dining experience in a historic setting. Accommodations range from the luxurious Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National to charming bed-and-breakfasts.

Plan your visit to Auburn-Opelika today and discover why it is a prime destination for sports, culture, and Southern hospitality! For more information, visit Auburn-Opelika Tourism.

Auburn-Opelika Tourism

Tart & Tartan Bakery is a charming, locally owned bakery in Opelika, AL, known for its selection of sweet and savory treats. From cinnamon rolls sold by the pan to chocolate chip cookies, poppyseed chicken, and cheese straws. Tart & Tartan offers a delightful variety of baked goods that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it the ideal spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry while relaxing or catching up with friends. Whether you're craving a sweet indulgence or a savory snack, Tart & Tartan Bakery brings a little taste of luxury to your day with every bite.

Tart & Tartan

10,000 Hz Records, located in the heart of downtown Opelika, is a premier destination for vinyl enthusiasts. This independent record store offers a carefully curated selection of new releases, timeless classics, and rare finds, making it a must-visit for music lovers. Specializing in high-quality pressings across various genres—including indie rock, jazz, and limited-edition collections—the shop continuously refreshes its inventory to provide fresh discoveries with every visit. Beyond its extensive vinyl selection, 10,000 Hz Records carries turntables, speakers, and audio accessories to enhance any listening experience. The shop is also a hub for the local music community, regularly hosting listening parties, live performances, and exclusive release events. Whether searching for a rare album or starting a vinyl collection, 10,000 Hz Records offers an inviting space to explore the world of analog music. Visit the store in downtown Opelika or check out the website for event updates and the latest arrivals.

10,000 Hz Records

Sneak & Dawdle is a cocktail bar in downtown Opelika known for its creative drinks, vintage-inspired interior, and relaxed atmosphere. The menu features a mix of house originals, timeless classics, and seasonal specials, all made with quality spirits and fresh ingredients. Whether you're meeting friends or looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a well-crafted drink, Sneak & Dawdle offers a setting that’s both welcoming and distinctive. With a focus on flavor and presentation, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors seeking a memorable cocktail experience in Opelika.

Sneak & Dawdle

Sneak and Dawdle offers a refined escape in Historic Downtown Opelika, blending classic lounge elements with a touch of intrigue. Guests enter through the double doors marked by a bear, stepping into a space where well-crafted cocktails and meaningful conversation take the lead. The drink menu highlights quality over flash, featuring a selection of spirits, wines, and craft beers designed for sipping. With its smooth atmosphere and thoughtful details, Sneak and Dawdle stands out as a place to slow the pace and enjoy the art of a great drink.

Authentic East-Coast-style pizzas, crispy wings, and tasty bites, served up with hometown energy in historic downtown Opelika. From build-your-own pies to specialty favorites, share big flavors and good vibes with family and friends!

Karvelas Pizza Co.

Resting Pulse Brewing Company offers a relaxed and community-centered experience in downtown Opelika. Founded by health care professionals who turned their passion for brewing into a gathering place, Resting Pulse is designed for conversation, connection, and quality craft beer. The brewery serves a variety of full-flavored signature beers along with seasonal and small-batch releases that highlight creativity and balance. Visitors can enjoy a casual setting that feels just as welcoming to regulars as it does to first-timers. Resting Pulse Brewing Company invites you to slow down, stay a while, and enjoy what’s pouring.

Resting Pulse Brewing Company

Resting Pulse Brewing Company is a local favorite in Opelika, known for its creative, small-batch beers brewed right on site. From bold IPAs to rich stouts and seasonal specials, the rotating tap list offers something for every kind of beer drinker. The taproom features a casual, welcoming vibe with plenty of space to gather with friends, listen to live music, or enjoy a bite from one of the visiting food trucks. Whether you're exploring Alabama’s craft beer scene or just looking for a great place to unwind, Resting Pulse combines quality brews with a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Step into the excitement of wedding planning with Bella’s Bridal & Formal. With a carefully curated collection of over 1,000 stunning designer gowns and dedicated stylists in private suites, this boutique offers a personalized, joyful experience that celebrates every bride’s unique vision. From timeless classics to modern fashion-forward designs, Bella’s is where confidence, beauty, and celebration come together, making dream weddings start right here in the heart of our community.

Bella's Bridal

Located in Opelika, AL, Designer’s Warehouse is more than just a furniture and home décor store—it’s a design partner for clients looking to create personalized, beautiful spaces. The team at Designer’s Warehouse works closely with customers to simplify the design process, assisting with decisions on colors, window treatments, finishes, furnishings, and accessories. Whether you’re starting with a blank canvas or refining an existing space, Designer’s Warehouse brings a professional touch to ensure that each project reflects the client’s unique style. Open Monday through Saturday, Designer’s Warehouse offers a curated selection of high-quality furniture and home accents. The focus is on helping clients create a cohesive and inspired look for their home, with one-on-one consultations that leave customers feeling confident in their design direction. From selecting the right finishes to finding the perfect statement pieces, Designer’s Warehouse is committed to delivering a seamless design experience. If you’re looking to transform your space with professional guidance and high-end furnishings, Designer’s Warehouse is the place to start. Visit the store to explore their offerings, or schedule a consultation to begin your design journey.

Designer's Warehouse

Studio 3:19, located in historic downtown Opelika, is a trendy boutique offering a carefully curated selection of women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Known for its focus on fashion-forward pieces, Studio 3:19 stands out for offering a range of styles that blend everyday wear with on-trend elegance. Whether you’re looking for something casual or chic, Studio 3:19 provides an engaging shopping experience for fashion-savvy customers. Open Monday through Saturday, the boutique offers a variety of products, including seasonal clothing collections, stylish footwear, and carefully selected accessories. The store frequently updates its inventory, making it easy for shoppers to find the latest trends. With its convenient downtown location and stylish ambiance, Studio 3:19 makes fashion accessible for women of all tastes. For those looking to stay ahead of fashion trends or discover a fresh look, Studio 3:19 is the perfect destination. Visit the store to explore their latest arrivals or check their website for more information on upcoming collections and events.

Studio 3:19

Dough Pizzeria in Opelika is a local favorite known for its handcrafted, wood-fired pizzas made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. What sets Dough apart is its authentic wood-fired oven, which gives their pizzas a perfectly crisp crust and rich, smoky flavor. Whether you're stopping in for a casual meal or enjoying a night out with friends or family, Dough provides a cozy and relaxed dining experience that pizza lovers won’t want to miss. The menu features a variety of Neapolitan-style pizzas, including popular options like the Margherita and the Carnivore, as well as fresh salads and appetizers. There’s convenient parking available, and the restaurant is fully accessible, making it easy to visit for lunch or dinner. Dough also offers seasonal specials and rotating chef-inspired pizzas, ensuring there's always something new to try. For anyone seeking a top-notch pizza experience, Dough Pizzeria in Opelika is a must-visit. Stop by for a meal or check out their website to view the full menu and place an order for takeout or delivery.

Dough Pizzeria

Limitbreaker Lockdown will take place October 2-4 at Lake Wilmore Park Recreational Center in Auburn. This gymnastics meet will feature athletes competing in Levels 1-5, Xcel, and HUGS, with participants, coaches, families, and spectators expected throughout the weekend. Local residents are welcome to come out and watch the competition and support the athletes. Visit the event organizer’s website for meet details, schedules, and spectator information.

Limit Breakers Lockdown Gymnastics Meet

The 2026 Powerball Alabama State Championship, presented by Carvana PPA Tour and Southern Pickleball, will take place October 2-4 at the Opelika Pickleball Complex. The tournament will feature singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and junior divisions for a wide range of age groups and skill levels, with play beginning as early as 8 a.m. each day. Spectators are welcome to come out and watch the competition throughout the weekend, and players can register beginning June 1. Visit the tournament page for registration details, division information, event fees, and the full schedule.

2026 Powerball ALABAMA State Championship presented by Carvana PPA Tour & Southern Pickleball

The Southern Pickleball Association is dedicated to growing the sport of pickleball across the United States by offering affordable, professionally managed amateur events and supporting local pickleball communities. Since our inception in 2021, we have proudly become a cornerstone of community, camaraderie, and competition in the southeast, setting a new standard for what it means to run pickleball tournaments.

With nearly 200 tournaments hosted and over 30,000 players on our courts over the past 4 years, Southern Pickleball continues to bring people together through the joy of the game, fostering connections both on and off the court. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or new to the sport, we strive to create opportunities for everyone to experience the excitement and spirit of pickleball.

Southern Pickleball Association

Welcome to the Alabama Bass Federation Open Challenge, taking place Saturday, October 3, 2026, on Lake Harding in the Valley–Auburn area. This one-day tournament will launch from Po Boys Boat Ramp and bring competitive anglers together for a full day of bass fishing on one of the region’s premier lakes. Participants and spectators will find dining options nearby in Valley, Opelika, and Auburn, with convenient stops for breakfast before launch and meals following weigh-in. View the “Hotels” tab for live and discounted rates, and reach out to Auburn-Opelika Tourism with any destination-related questions. We look forward to welcoming anglers for a well-organized and successful tournament weekend on Lake Harding.

Alabama Bass Federation Open Challenge 

The 2026 ITA DI Men's Southern Regional Championship is a collegiate tennis tournament hosted at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, from October 8–12, 2026. Designed for NCAA Division I men's players, the competition is limited to up to 32 players and features Men's Open singles and doubles events. Organized through the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), the tournament gives eligible college athletes an opportunity to compete in a regional championship format.

John Emerald Distilling Company

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