CAKEAPOTAMUS

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Auburn-Opelika Party Guide

I don't want to claim I'm the birthday party expert. I mean... I hosted scores of parties at the bakery when we had a storefront. And I've made cakes for parties at just about every party venue in town. And my own kids have had or attended a ton of parties in this town. But I don't know everything! So if you know about a place I don't, please let me know! I always want to support local small businesses!

Since we're no longer offering parties at Cakeapotamus, I feel like I should put some info out there about other party venues- especially party venues where you can celebrate indoors in the winter. Here are my recommendations:  (p.s. we offer free delivery of birthday cakes to any of the venues listed below)

CyberZone (grade schoolers-spry grandmas)
CZ is owned by Simon and Elaine. They're super nice people who are into geeky stuff like we are! A CyberZone birthday party is laser tag, video games, and pizza. The trifecta of early adolescence... and mid-life crises.
My family has had several adventures at CyberZone... but that's a story for another time.



Premier Spirit Academy (toddlers-grade schoolers and older kids interested in gymnastics)
Mr. Frank is the nicest man, you guys. Call him up and schedule a tumbling party. I think I had one or two parties here for my kids when they were little. Super fun, indoors, and the kids get to run around and wear themselves out.


Escape Zones (older kids-grandmas)
We we here for MY birthday, y'all. Where do you take the person who plans birthdays for a living? Escape Zones. The owners are super nice and are actually around during events. I love it when the owner knows what's going on, ya know?
We went with a mixed group of adults and kids and everyone had a blast. And no, it's not scary.

Bounce Zone (littles)
Bounce Zone is in the same place at CyberZone. Same owners, same great service. This is better for littler kids though- it's the indoor inflatables playground. Another good place to let the kids run themselves ragged. 


O Town Ice Cream (littles-grandmas)
I know it probably sounds like I'm only mentioning places where I am friends with the owners, but there are a whole lot of really awesome people in the Auburn/Opelika area who own small businesses. Love the owners of this place! It's got fancy ice cream flavors and traditional favorites. They have a really colorful party room where you can celebrate with your friends. This is a good venue for parties with the Snow Queen and her sister, by the way. 

Once Upon a Whimsy
Those characters who came to parties at the bakery? The princesses, the pirates, the mad scientist, the super heroes? They're here. You guys know that I was VERY particular about who I let perform at the bakery. These are the good ones, both in costume and out. You can book your favorite character to come to your event at any of these venues!

The Skate Center (kids of all ages)
Because everything old is new again... it's a roller skating party! Music, weird light, 4 wheels, and some snack bar food- you'll feel like it's 1985 all over again. But better... because remember that hair? Yeesh. This is another good, active, indoor one for the kids.

Auburn Mixed Martial Arts (kids of all ages)
I've only delivered cakes here, never stayed for a party, so I know it's indoors, active, and the people are really nice.

Auburn Academy of Martial Arts (kids of all ages)
Same. Never stayed for a party, just delivered cakes. But it's indoors, active, and the people are nice.
Other places that have parties but I've never been there so I don't know how they are:

My Gym (littles)
I think this is like a toddler gym? I hear a lot of good things about it.

Spirited Art (older kids- grandmas)
I think this is like Sips 'n' Strokes used to be? I haven't been, but I've heard it's tons of fun, especially for adults.

The Bowling Alley (kids-grandmas)
I think... I think... we went bowling here before we were married. It's been a while- and now I'm a pansy about doing things that make my hands tired. I know. But this is a pretty popular venue these days- totally worth checking out.

New Year, New Blog Name, New Kitchen, Same Me

Lets just call it like it is. I'm a procrasti-baker. When I'm writing here, it's usually because I have a cake I'm supposed to be working on. Maybe I should be making icing... maybe I should be making sugar flowers... maybe I should be cleaning something. But I'm here, spreading my joy and whimsy to the interwebs.

You're welcome.

At this exact moment, I'm not actually procrastibaking. I'm writing while things are in the oven.

I would be so much more creative if I were avoiding work. Huh.

Business is good. I'm limiting my orders so I don't burn out. I've got some classes and travel in the works... so far, everything looks good! Yay for moving the bakery!