Name: Syrup Sopping Day at Pioneer Park
Start: 2026-10-31
End: 2026-10-31

Historic homes and the Lee County Historical Society Museum are located in the district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Their mission is to share the heritage and traditions of Lee County and preserve them for future generations to appreciate and understand. Home of the annual Syrup Sopping Day every October.

Loachapoka Historic District

Wilton's Catering is a full service caterer for all occasions focusing on excellent food quality and customer service. We look forward to exceeding your expectations!

Wilton's Catering

Pioneer Park serves as a historical destination that offers many great exhibits, events, and displays. The museum is currently made up of nine structures: the Old Trade Center, the Ruth Purdy Speake Cabin, the Taylor Whatley Building, the Blacksmith Shop, Doctor McLain’s Office, the Loachapoka Gin Office, the Cook House, and a reconstruction of the Loachapoka Jail. A band stand is used for outdoor concerts, entertainment, and classes. Recently, several gardens have been added to Pioneer Park to complement living history activities. The most recent addition is the Barnard-Newell Log House along with its Native American Garden.

Pioneer Park

Obsidian Dining & Catering specializes in full-service culinary experiences for private events, home dining, and tailored catering. With over 25 years of combined industry expertise, the team brings elevated cuisine directly to clients, offering fresh-ingredient menus, chef-driven preparation, and a focus on custom event service. Whether it’s a drop-off buffet or an immersive in-home dining experience, Obsidian covers event planning details, tablescapes, and service-style delivery for any group size and occasion.

Obsidian Catering

Kiesel Park is Auburn’s largest park, covering 124 acres of scenic beauty and offering something for everyone. Nature lovers and walkers can enjoy picturesque trails walking through the landscape, while history enthusiasts can visit the historic Nunn-Winston House, an example of antebellum Greek Revival architecture from the 1850s. The park also features a fenced off-leash dog area, a pavilion, garden, pond, and walking trails, making it an ideal destination for families, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts. Restrooms and handicap accessibility ensure comfort and convenience for all visitors. Kiesel Park hosts the city's biggest event each year, Auburn CityFest. It is also the location for the Fall Sundown Concert Series and The Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kiesel Park is open from sunup to sundown. For more information about this park, or to reserve it for a special function, please contact the Auburn Parks and Recreation department's administrative office at (334) 501-2930.

Kiesel Park

Kiesel Park is Auburn’s largest park, covering 124 acres of scenic beauty and offering something for everyone. Nature lovers and walkers can enjoy picturesque trails walking through the landscape, while history enthusiasts can visit the historic Nunn-Winston House, an example of antebellum Greek Revival architecture from the 1850s. The park also features a fenced off-leash dog park, pavilion, garden, meeting rooms, pond, and walking trails, making it an ideal destination for families, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts. Restrooms and handicap accessibility ensure comfort and convenience for all visitors. Kiesel Park hosts the city's biggest event each year, Auburn CityFest. It is also the location for the Fall Sundown Concert Series and The Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kiesel Park is open from sunup to sundown. For more information about this park, or to reserve it for a special function, please contact the Auburn Parks and Recreation department's administrative office at (334) 501-2930.

Fat Daddy’s is a lively late-night bar in Auburn known for its casual, energetic atmosphere and welcoming crowd. With multiple pool tables, arcade games, karaoke nights, and frequent live music performances, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to unwind or keep the night going. The friendly staff and vibrant setting ensure both fun and comfort for patrons. From pool tournaments to daily drink specials, Fat Daddy’s keeps the energy high every evening. A small annual membership grants access to its full range of offerings for guests 21 and up. Whether you’re shooting pool with friends, belting out karaoke, or soaking in the live entertainment, Fat Daddy’s delivers a relaxed, exciting nightlife experience away from downtown Auburn.

Fat Daddy's

The Auburn University Raptor Center is committed to raptor rehabilitation, education, and conservation, with plans for expanded outreach and a new facility for its resident raptors. Over five decades, the center has rehabilitated and released thousands of injured raptors, becoming a key part of Auburn’s legacy. Its iconic pregame eagle flights raise awareness for conservation and are recognized as one of college sports' top traditions. Support from a dedicated team and generous donors drives the center’s mission and growth.

Auburn University Raptor Center

Auburn Board and Box offers a fun and creative experience perfect for group activities in Auburn-Opelika. Gather your friends, family, or coworkers to design custom charcuterie boards with hands-on guidance from experts. Whether for team-building events, parties, or casual get-togethers, Auburn Board and Box provides everything you need to craft the perfect spread. It’s a unique way to connect and enjoy great food while learning the art of charcuterie!

Auburn Board and Box

Sheila C's Burger Barn is a beloved hole-in-the-wall burger joint in Auburn, offering a casual, no-frills atmosphere where the focus is on serving up delicious, freshly made burgers and Southern comfort food. Known for its friendly service and generous portions, Sheila C's stands out as a go-to spot for both locals and visitors looking for a quick, hearty meal. The laid-back setting creates a welcoming dining experience that's unique to the area. The menu features a variety of classic burgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries, with fan-favorite options like the double cheeseburger and crispy chicken sandwich. Sheila C's also offers hand-cut fries and onion rings, which are a must-try. While Sheila C's doesn't host events or offer seasonal specials, the consistent quality and satisfying menu keep customers coming back for more. Whether you're craving a classic burger or looking for a quick Southern-style meal, Sheila C's Burger Barn is the perfect spot to grab a bite. Stop by for lunch or dinner, and check out their menu for your next visit!

Sheila C's Burger Barn

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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

For the past 50+ years, during October, the small town of Loachapoka, Alabama, welcomes approximately 10,000 visitors to the annual Syrup Sopping Festival at Pioneer Park on the grounds of the Lee County Historical Society. This year, Syrup Sopping Day will be on October 25, from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, October 26. Admission is free!

On this day, visitors take a step back in time to the late 1800s – early 1900s as they tour historical buildings while taking in historical displays and reenactments and observe numerous historical demonstrations such as sugar cane milling, syrup making, quilting, and blacksmithing. In addition, the event features live music, great food, and over a hundred arts and crafts and other types of vendors spread throughout the town park and the museum grounds for visitors’ enjoyment.

The festival officially starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday and lasts until about 3 p.m., but many people arrive early to be among the first in line to purchase one of our famous sweet potato and sausage biscuits for breakfast. As the morning progresses, other festival food favorites are available at the cookhouse, such as sweet potato fritters rolled in cinnamon and sugar, open-fire cooked camp stew, collard greens, pinto beans, and corn muffins. And of course, you can make this fall day in the south complete by purchasing some boiled peanuts!

In addition to the food sold at the museum cookhouse, there will also be other food vendors selling everything from barbecue, polish sausages, hot dogs, ice cream, kettle corn, fried pies, and many other tasty treats. And speaking of vendors and finding that perfect item that you really need (or don’t need), visitors will want to walk around the festival grounds and checkout the arts and crafts and other vendors. This is a great place to find a perfect piece of hand-made pottery, an original painting or photograph, basket, jewelry, wood craft, leather craft, candles, soaps, and numerous other items. There are also vendors available that provide other services such as home improvements, self-help, health information and many other things.

Syrup Sopping Day at Pioneer Park

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