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The New Southern Hospitality

Auburn's charm extends beyond the gridiron, weaving through the historic roots of Southern hospitality and into a progressive, evolving food scene. With a history of culinary tradition and a forward-thinking approach led by Auburn University's 1856 – Culinary Residence, Auburn is fast becoming a must-visit destination for food lovers.

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The Elegant Restaurant Where Auburn Culinary Students Earn Their Stripes

At the Laurel Hotel’s 1856–Culinary Residence, the next generation of hospitality pros get real-world training

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Southern Living names this Alabama restaurant one of the best new restaurants in the South

The Auburn University fine-dining restaurant 1856 – Culinary Residence has been named the best new restaurant in Alabama in Southern Living magazine’s list of The Best New Restaurant in Every Southern State 2024.

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Garden & Gun

We’re excited to share the story on The Laurel Hotel and 1856 from the new August/September issue of Garden & Gun. The print version of G&G has a circulation of 413,311. The story will eventually be online as well, and we’ll share that link once it’s live.

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13 Instagrammable Hotel Pools in the South

Atop rooftops, beside vineyards, and within dreamy European-style courtyards, these Instagrammable hotel pools across the South are ready for their close-ups.

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10 Newest Five Diamond Hotels In The US

The Laurel Hotel & Spa, situated on the Auburn University campus, has made history by becoming the first AAA Five-Diamond property in Alabama. As a luxury teaching hotel, it not only indulges guests but also plays a vital role in shaping the future of hospitality professionals.

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The Laurel Hotel and Spa Awarded the First and Only AAA Five Diamond Designation in Alabama

The Laurel Hotel and Spa in Auburn, Alabama, earned AAA's exclusive Five Diamond Designation, a rare feat in the state. General Manager Josh Head credits the accolade to exceptional staff and Auburn University students, marking it among the nation's top-tier hospitality establishments.

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The 7 Best Boutique Hotels for a Relaxing Babymoon

Opened in 2022, this stunning property on the campus of Auburn University in Alabama is also a teaching hotel, employing hospitality students across all areas of the hotel and spa.

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Alabama Hotel Becomes First AAA Five Diamond Property in the State

The Laurel Hotel & Spa in Auburn, Alabama has become the first property in the state to receive the prestigious AAA Five Diamond designation.

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10 Latest and Greatest Wine Restaurants for 2023

Offering impressive culinary and wine experiences, these dining spots are new to their communities and to Wine Spectator's Restaurant Awards program

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Savor the tasty side of Auburn

Long established as a historic college town, Auburn sits on the eastern edge of central Alabama, just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta. Along with its neighbor, Opelika, it is Alabama’s fastest-growing metropolitan area, with a population of just over ...

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The South’s Best New Luxury Hotel Also Trains The Next Generation In Hospitality

Auburn, Alabama probably isn’t the first place you’d think to discover a stunning five-star styled luxury hotel, but The Laurel Hotel & Spa is all about defying and elevating our expectations...

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Tour Alabama Like A Billionaire: ‘Yella Fella’ Jimmy Rane’s Favorite Cotton State Spots

If you’re planning a tour of Alabama, there’s no better guide than Jimmy Rane, the 76-year-old founder and CEO of lumber treater Great Southern Wood Preserving–and the Cotton State’s only billionaire.

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The Local Palate’s New Restaurants - Featuring 1856

When classes began for 2022’s fall semester, students in Auburn University’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management got their first taste of the state-of-the-art education now being served at the new Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, a $110-million facility that’s changing the culinary school game not just in Alabama but also across the country.

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hey day market restaurants with lots of dining tables.

Spring Travel: Savor the flavors of regional cuisines

At Auburn University's new Rane Culinary Science Center, students learn about the hospitality industry and the culinary arts in a real-world setting open to the public. There's a commercial component to the complex where guests can enjoy a stay in luxury accommodations at The Laurel Hotel and Spa and dine at the teaching restaurant and food hall helmed by professionals and staffed with students...

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2023 Top New or Renovated Award Winner

After hundreds of nominations and an editorial review, this is our elite list of the top 52 new or renovated meeting sites and destinations in the South.

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How to plan a perfect weekend getaway at Auburn’s Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Just two hours southeast of Birmingham lies Auburn—“The Loveliest Village On The Plains”. Already regarded as a foodie destination (and for good reason) Auburn is now home to the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center—a bustling academic building with a state-of-the-art restaurant, five-star hotel, delectable food hall and so much more.

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Auburn’s Rane culinary center a win-win for students, tourism

The state-of-the-art facility complete with a teaching hotel and restaurant, a food hall and culinary lab spaces opened in August 2022 and occupies a street corner across from Samford Hall, Auburn University’s administration headquarters and a stately landmark that denotes where the campus ends and the rest of Auburn begins...

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Auburn’s New Rane Center to Host Epicurean Experience

Hosted by The Laurel Hotel & Spa and 1856 – Culinary Residence at Auburn University’s new Rane Center, the second installment of the incredible Epicurean Experience returns Jan. 20 to 22. The weekend will feature visiting Atlanta guest chefs Ford Fry and Bob Ryan, as well as four Master Sommeliers.

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Auburn University’s Rane Center launching all-inclusive culinary weekends

Tickets cover all meals, pairings, cooking demonstrations, and tastings. A two-day hotel stay at the Laurel is required but not included in the event ticket. Register for the Epicurean Experience when booking the room; the ticket charge will be added to the bill.

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Auburn University’s Rane Center launching all-inclusive culinary weekends

Located on the Auburn campus, it is both a teaching center and an ongoing operation that includes The Laurel Hotel and Spa, restaurants, a food court and other food and beverage businesses. Organizers bill the Epicurean Experience as a luxurious immersion into food, wine, and mixology. This is the second event in the series.

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chefs posing for a picture with the master sommelier

Auburn University’s Rane Center launching all-inclusive culinary weekends

Auburn University’s new Rane Center is cooking up an exclusive, food-focused getaway called the Epicurean Experience, bringing in guest chefs and sommeliers, and capping the weekend with a special nine-course dinner at the center’s 1856 Restaurant.

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Our Favorite Country Bach Party Destinations Down South

The Laurel Hotel & Spa, new in summer 2022, brought a new level of luxury to Alabama, with 26 beautifully appointed rooms and suites right in the heart of campus and downtown. Perks for bachelorette parties...

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Alabama The Beautiful

Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center at Auburn University… I’m so excited to share this incredible place with you it’s such an amazing opportunity for students who aspire to work in hospitality

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Thomas Price is Teaching a New Generation of Sommeliers

Thomas Price is back in a restaurant after eight years away, but in an exciting new role. In 2012, Price became the 190th American Master Sommelier, the first Black American to achieve the certification. It was the culmination of an amazing 34 years in restaurants.

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rooftop pool at night

The Best Places To Stay In The South's College Towns

College towns are near and dear to our Southern hearts. Maybe it's the deep rooted traditions associated with each school, or perhaps it's the ornate architecture that calls to us. In the fall, it's likely a day of tailgating, camaraderie, and good old fashioned rivalry. Sometimes, it's the deluge of inspiring museums, top tier restaurants, and imaginative arts.

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We’re Calling It: This AL Hotel Concept Is the Next Big Thing

An ultra-luxe boutique hotel just opened quietly in Auburn, Alabama, with a rooftop garden and pool, a fine-dining restaurant, and so much more. Here's your first look at The Laurel Hotel & Spa, the teaching hotel you just MUST visit.

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Hotels to Book for a Trip to Alabama

Alabama has a rich culture, deep history, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, but it’s never been known for its destination-worthy hotels. Until now, that is.

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10 New Things in Auburn-Opelika Since Last Football Season

Can’t wait until the white tents are up on campus and Jordan-Hare is thundering with cheers? Well, the Auburn Family isn’t just welcoming a new first-string quarterback to the Plains. Take a look at the top new things to do in Auburn-Opelika this football season.

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A look inside Auburn’s new $110M Culinary Science Center set to open this month

The new Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center (RCSC) will finally open its doors August 15 as students return to Auburn’s campus for the fall semester. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

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'Going to eat it up': Rane Culinary Science Center will offer dining and lodging for community as well as training for students

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is scheduled to open as Auburn students return for the fall semester on Aug. 16.

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A chef overlooking the work of a culinary student in the kitchen. The student is cutting apart a chicken

Auburn selects chef and sommelier for new 1856 restaurant

The soon-to-open teaching restaurant at Auburn University’s state-of-the-art Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center now has a chef-in-residence and a Master Sommelier on its team.

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Exciting Changes for The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center

Ithaka Hospitality Partners is proud to announce its designation as the management company for the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center opening at Auburn University later this year.

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Partnership Offer Hands-On Learning for Future Hoteliers

Auburn University is opening a world-class concierge-level teaching hotel with the support of Ithaka Hospitality Partners, the property’s operating manager, and Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud Service.

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