Don’t know if you made it to Opelika the last several nights, but the town was a hopping.  Christmas in a Railroad town had record crowds from my perspective. Friday Night the streets were blocked and filled with families enjoying the activities and doing some shopping as well.  Weather was cold, but not the bitter cold we’ll see the next few days. The Front Porch Tour also had big crowds early and got some first view of several new displays at home along the way.  Some of those crowds packed into local pubs to catch the announcement of Cam Newton winning the Heisman and stayed to hang with friends.   Several top hatted Victorian era citizens wander down for some Irish Coffee before the night was done.  The rain did come in and hard, but waited for the festival to finish on the north-side.

About the photo.  I was looking for some downtown picture I’d not used before and came across this on on George Thomas’ flick account.  The original is pretty cool and there are a few other Opelika pictures you may enjoy.

Well, another beautiful weekend weather wise. Got the camper setup at West Point Lake and letting some friends use it Saturday and Sunday night to celebrate a birthday. Probably spend the night up there on Monday before binging the camper back home for a few weeks. Apparently, the place to see folks in Opelika is the irish Bred Pub. At least one City Councilman made it thru after the Auburn game today. And there were other celibs too, but they have asked me to be silent on their outings, for now. More, later, the weekend is still young and we have another football game and race to finish.

Well, apparently it a weekend for research.  My Saturday mornings are not the same with the departure of Red Door June.  I wish the best to Rick and Karen, hoping they realize how much many of us appreciate their efforts with the shop.  I’m probably feeling the same loss that the gentlemen that would hold court at Tyler’s each morning felt on its closure.  I actually had to make coffee, which I put in a travel mug, grabbed my computer, ran by Burger King for a breakfast sandwich and met Redman at Sid’s outdoor courtyard for breakfast.  That was about 9:30 and “no”, Sid’s wasn’t open.  I almost have to get out of the house every other Saturday, as I can’t stand to see Christine (aka cleaning lady and friend) throw away all of those precious cans and bottles collected from the previous 14 days. 

With that being said, I just hung around Sid’s and surfed the internet for several hours.  Thinking it was  time to just go home  (to a clean home) and there’s Redman calling “A group was gathering at the Pub for Alabama Football”.  The game watching is pretty good there, so we made it thru the game and several trains that came by.  Can you say “Train Shot?”

After heading back to the house, my reporters notebook was out of paper, and a quick shower and change of clothes, it was back to IBP for the Auburn first half.  It seemed a bit cooler, so the return visit was on foot.  Second half at Eighth and Rail, then some Blues of John Bull before calling it a very long day of research.   Short of this post, I’m probably finished the weekend investigation. Some Nascar at  home and a nap (normally at the same time) is on today’s schedule.

Opelika Friday Night was sure different last night compared to a few years ago. In the interest of research for the readers of the site, I ventured out to a few downtown restaurants and pubs to see what might be happening on an Auburn Game Weekend.  Of course, Opelika High was playing, so I’m sure after the game, some of those fans headed downtown after the loss to Prattville. Friend Mona joined me at Sid’s and treated me with a Sid’s Burger.  Redman and a few other regulars were hanging there. Then, off to the Irish Bred Pub to add some points to that VIP Card.  One person came up to me and said “Hey Camper Jerry” and another said “You’re Opelika Daily News, right?” Met some folks over from Brunswick for the game and some tailgating.  He had lived in Savannah and moved the year I moved there.  Shared a few stories.  Let’s see, one of the bartenders from BW3 was hanging with a friend at the downstairs bar.  The place was “Packed”.  I ended the research at Richards Eighth & Rail. Neighbor Hiro was doing the door duties and pulled me in, as I’ve been absent from the Rail lately.  Wow, Four New Big Screen TV’s, new lighting going on the stage, great live music.  I was also pretty happy to find Pabst Blue Ribbon Tall Boy Cans for just $2.  Since I’d not had a beer yet, I had a few to end the evening.  I didn’t make it by, but the Event Center had live music as well.  In fact their band was at Sid’s for supper (or dinner) earlier in the evening.  So, if you’re a resident, live close by, or come into town for a Game Day Weekend, there’s plenty to do in Opelika, most nights of the week.

Saturday Night games seem to suck the life out of restaurant and bar business in Opelika.  But don’t give up on us,  Sid’s,  Eighth & Rail and the Irish Bred Pub will have plenty of TV’s with the game.  So many TVs and so little time.

Gosh, didn’t we watch college football on Monday and now Auburn takes the field and apparently the big screen.  This note from Lisa at the Event Center Downtown.

Thursday, Sept 9th it’s Auburn vs. Mississippi State Tailgate.  Jimmy’s Restaurant of downtown Opelika will be serving tailgate fare. The game will be broadcast live on our HUGE 14 ft wide screen TV so you and your friends can watch and have good eats too.  Also Gus of Fine Wine & Beer by Gus will be talking about craft beers (35+ craft beers available to choose from) to help wash down jambalaya, boiled shrimp, assorted sliders, chicken tenders, potato salad, steamed veggies and more. Of course wine and other beverages will be available. Cost is $10 per person and includes Jimmy’s fare. Doors open 2 hours before game time at 4:30pm. Let Jimmy’s cook and clean so you can enjoy the game and leave the rest to us.

Then, the 13 TV’s at the new Irish Bred Pub will be cracking with the game too. Here’s an event link to their Facebook page!

And for Alabama Fans on Saturday at the Event Center Downtown… Saturday, Sept 11th. Alabama vs. Penn State game will be broadcast on our HUGE 14 ft wide screen. BBQ and other tasty eats will be available for purchase. No entry fee.  Doors open 4:30pm.  Game starts at 6:00pm

With the first ever BBQ & Brewfest at the Event Center Downtown, and the Friends and Family opening of the Irish Bred Pub and live music at Eighth and Rail.  Railroad Avenue looked like South College on Game Day.  I know there were some good pictures for all, and when someone post some, I’ll bring them over here too.

From Irish Bred Pub Today on Facebook: Official Opening Tomorrow – Monday August 30th — Come for Lunch, Dinner or Late night (Texas Hold ‘em starts!!) Limited Menu (to get all the chinks out) for two weeks –There will be Specials of Rick’s Delicious Food each day..We welcome ALL — Families, Business people, Young/old — For a True Pub provides something for Everyone– A local gathering place for Good Food, Good Times, Sports, Entertainment…

I would add something about the beer.  Twelve Beers on Tap. There’s a house beer that changes out, and last night it had Natural Light.  Guinness was at the other end of the flavor line.  With the exception of Sid’s 8th Street Cafe, these could also be the best prices in the area.  My Sam Oktoberfest was just $2.78 if I remember it right.