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Experiences Designed for Coming Together

Group stays at The Hotel at Auburn University extend beyond the room. From campus centered gatherings and culinary moments to walkable traditions, gameday energy, and shared celebrations, every experience is thoughtfully designed to connect guests to Auburn’s spirit—creating meaningful moments before, between, and after the reason you’ve come together.

Aroma Wheel Adventure

Explore wine in a way that awakens curiosity and confidence. Guided by an expert sommelier, guests use an aroma wheel to identify key scents, textures, and characteristics while tasting a curated selection of wines. Designed to spark conversation and discovery, this interactive experience transforms wine education into a shared, approachable journey.

a group of people drinking wine
a group of people standing around a bar

Wine Blending Experience

Step into the role of winemaker during this handson blending session. Guests sample individual varietals, experiment with balance and structure, and develop a personalized red blend. Equal parts collaborative and creative, this experience invites guests to engage their senses, trust their palate, and leave with a blend uniquely their own.

a man pouring wine into glasses
a group of women standing around a table with wine glasses and bottles

Distilled Spirits Tasting

A sensory exploration that reaches beyond the glass. Guests engage with an aroma kit to better understand ingredients and distillation techniques, followed by a guided tasting led by industry professionals. Thoughtful, tactile, and refined, this experience offers an elevated alternative to traditional tastings for guests drawn to depth and detail.

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liquor flight
a group of people drinking from a metal mug

Mixology Experience

Shake, stir, and sip your way through an energetic mixology class designed for connection and creativity. Guests learn foundational cocktail techniques while crafting signature drinks under expert guidance. With equal emphasis on skill and celebration, this interactive experience is ideal for group gatherings, team events, and memorable evenings together.

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Cake Decoration Experience

Led by our Pastry Chef, this handson experience invites guests to explore the art of cake decoration and presentation. Learn essential techniques, experiment with design, and personalize your own creation. Playful yet polished, this visually engaging class is perfect for celebrations, teambuilding moments, and sweet shared memories.

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1856 – Culinary Residence

A short walk away, 1856 – Culinary Residence offers a rare tasting‑menu experience where fine dining and education intersect. Recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, each course tells a story of craft, curiosity, and Auburn’s elevated culinary future.

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Art of the Chef’s Knife

Build confidence in the kitchen with a practical lesson focused on essential knife skills. Guests learn proper grip, cutting techniques, and efficient vegetable preparation while gaining insight into safety and precision. Approachable and empowering, this experience sharpens everyday skills and offers a deeper appreciation for professional culinary technique.

a plate of spaghetti with clams

From Sea to Plate | A Chef’s Guide to Fish Preparation

An insider’s look at professional fish preparation, guided by our culinary team. Guests learn proper breakdown, seasoning, and pansearing techniques while exploring timing, temperature, and texture. Thoughtfully paced and techniquedriven, this experience highlights craftsmanship and offers a handson connection to refined cooking practices.

a group of men in aprons making pasta

Art of Handmade Pasta

Gather around the table for a warm, handson exploration of fresh pasta making. Guests learn foundational techniques, from mixing and kneading dough to rolling and shaping by hand. Rooted in tradition and shared experience, this approachable class celebrates craftsmanship, conversation, and the joy of creating something together.

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Culinary Theater Experience

Dinner becomes the performance during this live, chefled dining experience. Enjoy a seasonal appetizer, entrée, and petite fours prepared before you, paired with sparkling wine and curated selections. Storytelling, technique, and elevated cuisine unfold in real time, creating an immersive evening that engages every sense.

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espresso extraction into cups

Art of Coffee Tasting

An engaging journey into the world of coffee, guided by experts at Thrive. Guests explore origins, processing methods, and brewing techniques through pourover demonstrations and guided tastings. A handson cupping session sharpens the palate while deepening understanding, offering coffee lovers a richer connection to every cup.

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Yoga on the Rooftop

Begin the day with intention during a private yoga session set high above campus in the rooftop gardens. Surrounded by fresh air and sweeping views of Auburn, this grounding experience blends movement and mindfulness, creating a restorative pause that feels both energizing and deeply connected to place.

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Roots of the Rane Center with Auburn University Horticulture

Meet the Auburn University Horticulture team on the rooftop for an intimate introduction to the gardens above the Rane Center. Continue to campus to explore vertical gardens and raised beds, learning how seasonally grown plants are integrated throughout the building and culinary experiences below.

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Curated Scavenger Hunt

Designed for exploration and connection, this guided scavenger hunt invites groups to discover the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center in a playful, immersive way. Through collaboration and friendly competition, guests engage with the space and one another, creating shared moments that feel both interactive and energizing.

A woman in a blue dress handles a majestic eagle outdoors, showcasing wildlife training.

Raptor Center Experience

Step beyond campus for a private visit to the Auburn University Raptor Center, where conservation and Auburn tradition unite. Guests enjoy upclose encounters with birds of prey while learning about rehabilitation, flight training, and preservation efforts. This meaningful experience offers education, storytelling, and a powerful connection to Auburn spirit.

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