The first time I visited Auburn the trees were healthy.
Small bits of toliet paper were hanging from their limbs, a sure sign Auburn had won the day before.
The second time I visited Auburn the trees were dying, poisoned by an Alabama fan in 2010, much to the dismay of Auburn and Alabama fans. See the story here
Today the trees and soil have been replaced.As bitter as the rivalry between Auburn and Alabama is, in February 2011 Alabama fans came together with Tide For Toomer’s, to raise money to help save the trees.
Just a few months later, in April 2011 after devastating tornados ripped through Tuscaloosa, Toomer’s for Tuscaloosa was formed by Auburn fans to raise money to aid victims of the storms.
Now the good news. Auburn is “The Loveliest Village on the Plains”.
Toomer’s Corner is the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue, where the town of Auburn and Auburn University meet. Toomer’s Drugs is the “corner drugstore”, famous for its fresh squeezed lemonade.
On a trip to Toomer’s with my good friends Joanne Astor and Pam Hope, we bought a lemonade from the cutest young lady. She was busy squeezing lemons through a very commercial looking squeezer.
I asked for the secret recipe and she just smiled. I guessed a simple syrup with fresh squeezed lemon juice. Again she just smiled.
Most Auburn fans will understand the inclusion of lemons and lemonade in my “Tailgating At Toomer’s Corner” painting.
Notice the hint of toliet paper in the oak tree. Many Auburn friends wish I had been more realistic with the trees covered in white! I always defend myself by reminding fans this is a tailgating painting, which means “before” the game.
Samford Hall is the most recognizable building on campus. The clock tower plays the Auburn fight song, “War Eagle” everyday at noon.
Jordan-Hare Stadium is the site of many Saturday football victories.
Remember my Button Lady story? My friend Robin and her Go Vols Go button? Well she also has an Auburn Mom button.
Her daughter Erin was raised a Tennessee fan, but graduated from Auburn University. Brother Rob also graduated from Auburn. Another house divided.
When Joanne and I visited Auburn, we were hosted by Pam and Jim Hope. Pam owns the lovely Southern Crossing in the quaint downtown Opelika, not far from Auburn.
She suggested a great restaurant for lunch, Crepe Myrtle at Blooming Colors
They serve very unique, wonderful crepes. Each crepe is served with a stuffed baby squash. The display case next to the cash register held very large “Pigs N’ A Blanket.” I asked the server about their large size. She said, “Yes they are large. My dad calls them “Hogs N’ A Quilt”!
I laughed all the way to Pam’s house. She said they use the famous Conecuh Sausage from Evergreen, Alabama, Conecuh County (kuh-ney-kuh).
That night Pam served us up some great Conecuh Sausage.
Thank you Pam for your wonderful hospitality and recipes. You can enjoy a few of Pam’ s recipes on my website under Auburn Signature Recipes. Bon Appetit!
Watch for upcoming stories from my tailgating travels. I welcome your comments, recipes and any inside information on your favorite tailgating spots.
Come celebrate with me. I’ll save you a seat at the table.
6 Comments
Kathy, I am enjoying your blog. This one makes me want a glass of lemonade!
What a great time we had! After living in Auburn for ten years, it was a pleasure to show Kathy the quaint town of Auburn. My friend Pam went out of her way to give Kathy a real “Auburn welcome”. Kathy was able to have a tour of the Auburn/ Opelika area through the eyes of a true Auburn fan as well as a town retail merchant. We left Auburn with some wonderful memories to take home.
These are so enjoyable. Michigan fan my entire life, but more importantly a college football fan. Have never been to Auburn, but your guiding through some of the highlights brings it to life. Wonderful job.
Ellen Diamond:I finally understand all the elements that had to be in this painting. I see why it had to be lemons and not oranges. Maybe someday I will even become an Auburn fan. But first I have to read more blogs, they are lots of fun!!!
Thank you Ellen! You are such an inspiration. I think you are on your way to becoming an SEC fan.
Charlie, I think a tailgating trip to Ann Arbor is in order. I have always wanted to visit the largest stadium in the world…Michigan! As a Tennessee fan we have always enjoyed the going back and forth between stadium additions. We “UT” are now in third place.