SOARING SUMMER PLANS AT AUBURN/OPELIKA MARRIOTT
Opelika, AL – While poolside games, family dining and golf are typical during a stay at the Auburn/Opelika Marriott, guests this summer are in for a real adventure. Camp Soaring Summer will return for its second year and offer a variety of free experiences for hotel guests and diners at the Marriott plus National Village residents.
“Where else can families enjoy a day by the pool, see magnificent eagles from the Southeastern Raptor Center, learn to play pickleball and end the evening with gourmet S’mores fireside,” said Kevin Cross, general manager of the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel and Conference Center at Grand National. Having worked at Alabama’s Grand Hotel in Pt. Clear, the Grove Park Inn in North Carolina and other hotels, Cross brings a great deal of resort experience to his new position in Opelika. “Camp Soaring Summer celebrates strong Auburn/Opelika traditions and has something for everyone from toddlers to seniors,” said Cross. The free program starts May 15 and runs through August. 30, 2015.
From weekly shows at the hotel with the Southeastern Raptor Program to pool games, tennis, campfires and live music, Camp Soaring Summer at the Marriott offers free adventures that change each month. “With visitors coming from around the region and nationally, we try to highlight the wonderful things from this area,” said Cross. “Most of our guests have seen the spectacular eagles fly on television before Auburn football games and now they can see them in person on Thursday afternoons. For those over 21, we will have adult beverage tastings featuring locally produced favorites from John Emerald Distilling, High Ridge Spirits and Red Clay Brewing,” said Cross.
The adult beverage tastings and other Camp Soaring Summer activities will rotate each month to offer different guest experiences, but Southeastern Raptor Center show will remain a constant each Thursday afternoon at 4. Dive-in movies in the pool area will be shown each Friday and Saturday night. “Playing golf at RTJ Grand National is an extra expense, but gives our guests the chance to experience PGA-quality courses was we prepare for the Barbasol Championship on the PGA TOUR in July,” said Cross.
Today’s savvy hotel guests are looking for fun experiences to share as a family or as a couple. “Camp Soaring Summer showcases different amenities that are appealing to couples or children and also partners with Auburn University and local businesses,” said Cross. “The concept of providing a variety of new activity options is a growing trend in the hospitality industry and we are leading the way in Central Alabama. Through combining world-class golf, tennis, pools and other amenities, Camp Soaring Summer will reconnect families and bring new visitors to the area.”
The Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau is thrilled that our summer visitors will have even more activities to enjoy now in the beautiful Marriott setting, according to John Wild, president. “ It’s a great benefit to our community to have a destination like this where guests can enjoy everything from a tropical pool to pickle ball to interacting with rare birds of prey,” said Wild “We are proud to be a partner in promoting the variety of recreational opportunities they have to offer.”
Camp Soaring Summer activities will appeal to guests at the resort for meetings, those with them and traditional leisure travelers. The schedule of activities for hotel guests will be updated weekly. Activities do not require advance reservations. Camp Soaring Summer activities are led by local experts and members of the Auburn/Opelika Marriott team. To make Camp Soaring Summer reservations, visit www.marriottgrandnational.com or call 334.741.9292.
