Name: The Ballad of Fiddling Tom Freeman with Joyce Cauthen at Pebble Hill
Start: 2026-11-11
End: 2026-11-11

Built in 1847, Pebble Hill is an antebellum cottage that was once the home of Colonel Nathaniel J. Scott. Today, it is home of the Auburn University Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities, which hosts periodic programs on art, history, literature and more. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a monument of history and culture for the Auburn-Opelika area.

Pebble Hill

Terra Cotta catering has been featured in Southern Living Magazine and has been a part of countless catered events across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and beyond. Billy and his staff of professionals make every gathering special. With over 100 years of experience between them, Bill Lee and his team bring exquisite taste and style to all manner of events, from weddings and receptions to university events, corporate gatherings, rehearsal dinners, and cocktail parties. Terra Cotta catering sets the standard for sophisticated menus, decadent southern recipes, and unparalleled service.

Terra Cotta Catering

lifeSTYLED Work+Shop is a boutique interior design studio located in Auburn, Alabama. The studio works with clients and builders on new construction selections, renovations, furniture, and accessory sourcing to create spaces that inspire the way people live and work. Serving Auburn, Opelika, the greater East Alabama area, and Lake Martin, lifeSTYLED Work+Shop also offers real estate styling and model home design. Their Style Crew helps transform spaces into happy places that are cozy, comfortable, stylish, and uniquely personal.

lifeSTYLED Work+Shop

How do we roll at GoodTimes Bowling in Auburn? By watching our favorite bands on massive video walls, sinking into plush loungers, and cooling off with a tall, refreshing drink. We feast on oversized eats with one hand while throwing strikes with the other! Whether you're here to bowl, relax, or enjoy great food and music, GoodTimes Bowling is Auburn's go-to spot for fun. Come see why we’re more than just a bowling alley — we’re a full entertainment experience!

Goodtimes

Pho Lee offers a genuine taste of Vietnamese cuisine with a menu full of flavorful pho, banh mi sandwiches, and other traditional dishes. Known for using fresh herbs, quality meats, and homemade broths, this restaurant provides an authentic Vietnamese dining experience. The cozy, casual atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a night out with friends. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Pho Lee serves a variety of dishes, including its signature pho in beef, chicken, and tofu options. Customers can also enjoy other favorites such as crispy spring rolls, flavorful rice dishes, and the beloved Banh Mi sandwich, filled with savory meats and fresh vegetables. With both dine-in and takeout options available, it's easy to enjoy a delicious meal at your convenience. Parking is plentiful, and the friendly service enhances the overall experience. Check in for daily specials or seasonal offerings that add even more variety to the menu. The vibrant yet relaxed ambiance at Pho Lee makes it the perfect place to enjoy traditional Vietnamese comfort food. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a regular, the welcoming atmosphere and flavorful dishes ensure a satisfying meal every time. With its focus on quality and authenticity, Pho Lee brings the best of Vietnamese cuisine to Auburn, AL.

Pho Lee

The Bike Shop, located in the Auburn-Opelika area, is a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts, offering a wide selection of bikes, accessories, and gear. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, The Bike Shop provides everything you need for your cycling journey. With a focus on quality and service, the shop offers a range of bicycles, from mountain and road bikes to casual cruisers, all from trusted brands. What sets The Bike Shop apart is its dedication to customer service and expert advice, making it a go-to spot for cyclists in the area. Open Monday through Saturday, The Bike Shop offers bike sales, repairs, and maintenance services. The knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the perfect bike or keep your current one in top shape. The shop also stocks a variety of cycling accessories, including helmets, apparel, and parts, ensuring that you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable ride. Whether you're looking to purchase a new bike or get a tune-up, The Bike Shop is here to help. Visit the store to explore their latest bikes and gear, or check their website for more information on services and products.

The Bike Shop

Chappy’s Deli Auburn brings the best of Southern hospitality with authentic New York flavor to the Auburn-Opelika area. Enjoy hearty sandwiches, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere that combines the charm of the South with the bold taste of New York!

Chappy's Deli

Foosackly’s is known for serving some of the best chicken and house-made sauces in the world. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, this fan-favorite spot offers crispy, hand-breaded chicken tenders, golden fries, and a variety of signature dipping sauces made from scratch. Whether dining in or grabbing a meal on the go, Foosackly’s delivers fast, flavorful food with a commitment to quality and Southern hospitality.

Foosackly's

Acre celebrates Southern hospitality and the fresh harvest provided by the local community. With sophisticated charm, repurposed architectural details, and a menu of stylishly modern food with roots deep in Southern soil, it's a delightful anachronism. Acre is good traditions for good people, a neighborhood place perfect for relaxing with friends, making memories with family, or conducting business. Acre is located in historic downtown Auburn, just three blocks from Toomer's Corner, the heart of the community. Chef David Bancroft and his team bring classic favorites to the table with fresh, innovative flavors and artistic presentations. "Our goal is to interpret the complex, traditional tastes of the Deep South in a totally fresh and modern way." - Chef David Bancroft Highlighting new Alabama cuisine inspired by Southern heritage, the food is responsibly grown, harvested, sourced, and then prepared by a team that enjoys the extra dedication and labor required by this type of food. The menu moves with the rhythms of the seasons and the unpredictability of the harvest. Acre's food and service are casual but clean and focused. Full bar available. Reservations recommended. Serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

Acre

Bitty and Beau's Coffee is a heartwarming coffee shop located in Auburn, dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience while promoting inclusivity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This unique venue stands out not only for its delicious coffee and treats but also for its mission to create meaningful employment opportunities, fostering a sense of community and belonging for all. Visitors can enjoy a variety of high-quality beverages, including expertly brewed coffees, teas, and specialty drinks, along with an assortment of baked goods. The shop’s inviting ambiance makes it a perfect spot for meeting friends, studying, or simply enjoying a cozy cup of coffee. Bitty and Beau's often features seasonal specials and events that celebrate community and inclusivity, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. With its commitment to quality service and community engagement, Bitty and Beau's Coffee is the ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious drink while supporting a meaningful cause. Visitors are encouraged to stop by today to experience the warmth and positivity that this local gem has to offer, or visit their website for more information on their offerings and upcoming events!

Bitty & Beau's Coffee

Byron’s Smokehouse has been serving up authentic Southern barbecue in Auburn since 1989. The menu features pit-cooked pork, smoked chicken, sausage, and fall-off-the-bone ribs, along with hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and classic home-cooked sides. Breakfast is a standout, known locally for generous portions and bold Southern flavors. With its no-frills charm and long-standing reputation, Byron’s remains a favorite for anyone craving true Alabama barbecue.

Byron's Smokehouse

Olivine is a rooftop Italian-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar located in downtown Auburn. Situated atop the AC Hotel, the restaurant offers a menu centered on house-made pastas, wood-fired dishes, seasonal plates, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. Olivine offers a modern rooftop setting with both indoor and open-air seating overlooking downtown Auburn.

Olivine

Scout

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

Presented by the OLLI at Auburn Brown Bag Series and the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities, stop by Pebble Hill for The Ballad of Fiddling Tom Freeman with Joyce Cauthen on Nov. 11 from 11:30-1 p.m.

"The Ballad of Fiddling Tom Freeman: Music, Moonshine, and Murder in Bug Tussle, Alabama" is a riveting portrait of a forgotten America, drawn from the handwritten memoirs of a bootlegger, fiddler, and chronicler of life in Bug Tussle, Alabama.

Joyce H. Cauthen served as director of the Alabama Folklife Association from 2000 to 2010. An expert on folk music traditions in Alabama, she is the author of "With Fiddle and Well-Rosined Bow: A History of Old-Time Fiddling In Alabama," "Out of Whole Cloth: The Life of Bettye Kimbrell," and "Benjamin Lloyd’s Hymn Book."

The Ballad of Fiddling Tom Freeman with Joyce Cauthen at Pebble Hill

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.

The Ballad of Fiddling Tom Freeman with Joyce Cauthen at Pebble Hill

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