Name: Author Visit: Chrsitina Baker Kline
Start: 2026-10-14
End: 2026-10-14

O Town Ice Cream is a beloved, locally owned ice cream shop located in downtown Opelika, AL, offering a fun and inviting atmosphere for all ages. Known for its fresh, hand-dipped ice cream and wide variety of flavors, the shop is a popular stop for families, students, and anyone looking for a cool treat. With options for sundaes, milkshakes, and floats, O Town Ice Cream has something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Open daily from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the shop offers a rotating selection of classic and seasonal flavors, including favorites like Butter Pecan, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, and Strawberry. Convenient parking is available nearby, and O Town Ice Cream also provides catering for special events, making it a great option for birthdays, weddings, and corporate gatherings. Whether you're taking a break while exploring downtown Opelika or celebrating a special occasion, O Town Ice Cream is the perfect spot for a delicious treat.

O Town Ice Cream

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

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

​Viva La Vida Mexican Cuisine, located at 870 N Railroad Ave in Opelika, Alabama, offers an authentic Mexican dining experience in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant provides both indoor and outdoor seating options, catering to various dining preferences. Known for its diverse menu, patrons can enjoy a range of traditional Mexican dishes, including the highly recommended steak street tacos. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or a light snack, Viva La Vida ensures a satisfying culinary experience. ​ Viva La Vida operates Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. For added convenience, the restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery services within a 5-mile radius, accommodating various dining preferences. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch, a festive dinner, or a quick bite on the go, Viva La Vida Mexican Cuisine stands as a go-to destination in Opelika for flavorful dishes and exceptional service.

Viva La Vida

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

Whistle Stop Bottle and Brew, located in Downtown Opelika, is the go-to spot for craft beer enthusiasts, homebrewers, and winemakers in the Auburn-Opelika area. With over 26 taps offering a rotating selection of craft beers, cider, wine, wine cocktails, and mead, this unique venue blends the charm of a coffee shop with the vibe of a friendly neighborhood pub. They also offer non-alcoholic options like kombucha, tea, and soda, making it a welcoming spot for all. Open Monday through Sunday, Whistle Stop is downtown Opelika’s only craft beer sports pub, offering a laid-back atmosphere with TVs tuned to sports—but muted to allow for great conversation. While they don’t have a kitchen, customers are encouraged to bring in food from nearby restaurants or order takeout directly to the venue. Pet- and kid-friendly, Whistle Stop also offers a variety of games to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re stopping in for a drink or need supplies for your next homebrewing adventure, Whistle Stop Bottle and Brew has you covered. Drop by and experience the relaxed atmosphere for yourself, or grab a drink while exploring Downtown Opelika. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy great company!

Whistle Stop Bottle and Brew

Whistle Stop Bottle & Brew in Opelika is a craft beer taproom offering more than 26 rotating taps of beer, cider, wine, wine cocktails, and mead. The space is pet and kid friendly, with games and open seating that make it easy to settle in with friends or family. Guests are encouraged to bring food or order from nearby downtown restaurants, and a selection of beer and wine is also available to take home. Whether you are trying new drinks, meeting up for game night, or enjoying a casual evening out, Whistle Stop offers a relaxed and welcoming place to explore Opelika’s beverage scene.

Whistle Stop Bottle and Brew in downtown Opelika offers a unique mix of bottle shop, brewing supply store, and laid-back gathering space. Guests can explore a curated selection of craft beer, wine, and homebrewing essentials, along with non-alcoholic options like kombucha, tea, soda, and water. The space is welcoming and relaxed, with sports quietly playing in the background and plenty of room for conversation. Whether you're picking up supplies, enjoying a drink, or just stopping by to hang out, Whistle Stop brings something different to Opelika’s beverage scene.

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

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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

The Opelika Book Festival welcomes bestselling author Christina Baker Kline on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 6:30 p.m. for a conversation about her newest novel, “The Foursome,” with fellow author Patti Callahan Henry.

Kline is the author of 10 novels, including the No. 1 New York Times bestseller “Orphan Train.” Her latest novel, “The Foursome,” reimagines the true story of two sisters in 19th-century North Carolina who married Eng and Chang Bunker, the world-famous conjoined twins from Siam.

Tickets are $35 and include admission and a signed copy of “The Foursome.” Following the program, Kline and Henry will be available to personalize books and take photos with guests.

[Tickets go on sale Sept. 14. A limited number of free admission-only tickets will be available beginning Oct. 7.](https://auburnoilbooksellers.com/event/auburn-author-festival/)

Author Visit: Chrsitina Baker Kline

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