I would like to extend a thank you to the people of Auburn, for being such gracious hosts.

My wife and I traveled to Auburn from Florida for a wedding on Memorial Day weekend. As Southerners, we traveled north to New York with some reservations regarding how friendly the people would be. Although Auburn is far from New York City, images of New York City come to mind immediately for Southerners when thinking of New York (and whether fair or not - the stereotype of being cold to visitors.)

I made the unthinkable choice of asking a New York toll plaza attendant directions as we approached Auburn. He couldn't have been more kind or helpful. Noticing we were overdressed for the tavern side of a restaurant we were entering for the rehearsal dinner, some Auburn locals graciously led us to the side entrance where the dinner was occurring. Finally, an Auburn local on her front porch offered to let us park in her driveway for the wedding reception, when we questioned whether it was OK to park in the street.

These are but a few examples of the hospitality we received during our Memorial Day weekend stay in Auburn. We hope to be able to return to your beautiful and friendly city again to visit -- this time, with no reservations about friendliness.

David and Emily Opdycke

Palm Coast, Fla.