Southern Comfort is what you will find in the charming bayside village of Fairhope, Alabama. Conveniently located just miles from the Gulf of Mexico and a couple of hours from New Orleans, this is the perfect destination to kick off your shoes and unwind. From golf, shopping, fishing, exceptional seafood, local events and much, much more, there is something for everyone here. This is the perfect spot for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.
Southern Comfort is what you will find in the charming bayside village of Fairhope, Alabama. Photo Credit: Caroline Knowles
Fairhope, Alabama has been named “Best Small Southern Town” by Southern Living Magazine; one of the “Top 25 Places to Retire” by CNN Money; and one of “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns” in 2016 by Coastal Living.
As a long-term resident of Fairhope, Alabama, and a mom who often travels, I’m excited to have this opportunity to share my travel tips from a resident’s point of view. Here are my five reasons why you should come and visit this charming place I call home.
1. DOWNTOWN FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA
Downtown Fairhope is one of the prettiest places I have ever seen! Everywhere you turn, there are flowers, and more flowers, hanging baskets, flower beds, and even flowers on top of garbage cans. There is also a breathtaking rose garden located at the pier.
Fairhope Rose Garden. Photo Credit: Chelsea Francis
Downtown Fairhope, Alabama, is a mecca for boutique shoppers. Pack your comfortable shoes (you know, your Disney shoes), so you can shop ‘til you drop! Whether you are looking for the latest fashions, something shiny and expensive, a piece of one-of-a-kind art, an update to your antique collection, or something uniquely Fairhope, you can find it all here!
Photo Credit: Jake Pose and Chelsea Francis
Make sure to stop in and say hello to Gene at Mr. Gene’s Beans (one of my favorite places in town) and get his famous Fairhope Float. This concoction of ice cream and coffee is to die for. I can be found here often, sitting on the front deck with my children enjoying an ice cream cone.
Across the street at The Fairhope Store, you will find the best souvenirs in town. Local artist, Lisette Normann, has designed a signature Fairhope logo that can be purchased on all sorts of items. On a recent visit to Walt Disney World I spotted two different people sporting the signature Fairhope logo.
2. THE BEACH
Mobile Bay is one of two locations in the world (along with Tokyo Bay, Japan) where the jubilee phenomenon occurs. A jubilee is when the oxygen in the water is temporarily depleted, causing the fish to rise to the surface in search of oxygenated water. When this occurs shrimp, crab, flounder, eels, and other sea life are literally at the water’s edge.
This is a fisherman’s dream.
Many times in the middle of the night, I have received the call to rush to the bay as a jubilee was taking place. I recall one instance when I waded through the water and became distracted when my shoelaces continued to wrap around my ankles.
Upon further inspection, I learned that what I thought to be shoelaces were actually eels! EEK! Note: Participating in a jubilee is not for the squeamish.
Plan a visit to Fairhope during the summer months (particularly August and September) and you may be able to experience this phenomenon firsthand.
Helpful tip – bring a pair of water shoes with you. Stepping on flounder, crabs and stingrays is not something you want to experience, trust me!
Fairhope Beach.Photo Credit: Jane Tucker Photography by Chelsea Francis
Nestled on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, the Fairhope Pier is often referred to as “town square.” This is where I like to sit on benches and listen to the seagulls, watch the sailboats go by, and talk to the local fishermen who love to show off their daily catch. I often get my daily exercise by walking on the pier and have become fast friends with “LuLu” the pelican (we named him). This friendly fellow hangs out on the pier and socializes with passersby.
LuLu the Pelican. Photo Credit: Leigh Smith Hadley
If you like fresh Gulf seafood, I recommend you plan your visit to the pier around lunch or dinner so you can dine at Shux on the Pier. Whether you are looking for flame-grilled oysters, fried green tomatoes, royal red shrimp, or a fried seafood basket, you simply will not be disappointed. My favorite thing on the menu is the crab cakes with fried green tomatoes. Delicious!
Fairhope Pier.Photo Credit: Jane Tucker Photography by Chelsea Francis
The City of Fairhope has a private beach for residents that you can visit for $8.00 per car, or $3.00 per walk-in. The beach offers picnic tables, playground equipment, volleyball nets, and a covered pavilion. Many times we have taken our charcoal grill down to the beach and fired up hamburgers and hotdogs at sunset. This is the perfect spot to kick off your shoes and relax. Located at the end of the beach area there is a pond where the kiddos can feed the local ducks and geese.
3. THE FOOD
My son’s favorite restaurant, Locals, located in downtown Fairhope, is home to the best burger in town! Their slogan “Local Flavor from your Neighbor” says it all. All of the items on their menu are from local area farmers and the bread is baked fresh daily. My son is incredibly picky so his stamp of approval goes a long way.
Sunset Pointe located at the Fly Creek Marina serves up the best sunsets in town! This waterfront eatery offers a family friendly atmosphere with phenomenal food. Now open for lunch and dinner you will not be disappointed.
You have to visit Warehouse Bakery & Donuts where you will find the most delicious pastries and donuts around! Make sure to arrive early as lines start forming around the building when the doors open at 6:00 a.m. Yes, they are that good! Serving breakfast and lunch 6 days a week, this is a must-do experience!
Down the street, the Fairhope Brewing Company is home to the only local craft brewery in LA (Lower Alabama). Stop in and try out the Fairhope 51, I Drink Therefore I Amber, or any of the other fabulous craft beers.
Fairhope Brewing Co. Photo Credit: Caroline Knowles
4. FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS
One of the best things about living here is all of the family friendly events offered by the City. There are so many events taking place in Fairhope there really isn’t a bad time to visit. The first Friday of every month you can participate in First Friday Art Walk.
During the winter months, Mardi Gras takes over the area. Did you know that Mobile, Alabama is home to the very first Mardi Gras? While New Orleans holds notoriety for the event, it actually started in Alabama. Fairhope has three mom-approved parades each season that my family always attends. As a former masquerader, my best tip is to make sure you bring a bag to the parade as you are sure to walk away with loot!
In the spring, Fairhope hosts an annual Arts & Crafts festival where exhibitors from all over the country come to display their work. The three-day festival takes place every March.
During the summer the Fairhope Farmer’s Market is open on Thursday evenings behind the library. This is the place to be for everything local. Whether I am in the mood for some locally grown silver king corn or simply need a bouquet of fresh sunflowers, a visit to the Farmer’s Market is always on my agenda.
Fairhope Farmer’s Market. Photo Credit: Caroline Knowles
My favorite event of the year is the annual Lighting of the Trees held in mid-November. Everyone gathers in the streets in anticipation of hundreds of thousands of white Christmas lights lighting up the trees in downtown. The city does an amazing job transforming downtown into a magical wonderland! The lights stay up through the Arts and Crafts festival in March so there are plenty of opportunities to see them.
Fairhope in Lights.Photo Credit: Jake Pose
5. THE GRAND
A visit to Fairhope, Alabama, isn’t complete without staying at Marriott’s Grand Hotel & Spa located in Point Clear (a little over three miles south of the Fairhope Pier). This luxury golf and beach resort has not one, but two golf courses. Send your husband to the course while pampering yourself in their European-style spa. What do we do with the littles? Why, you send them to Grand Camp. The Grand offers a two sessions every day where the children can go and play while mom and dad relax. Now that’s a win-win in my book!
If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, THIS is a great place to visit. There’s a glass of sweet tea waiting for you in Fairhope, Alabama.
Love Fairhope! Great article showcasing so many of the amazing things the city offers. Can’t wait to go back again!
Thanks for reminding me of all the reasons I need to get back to Fairhope!
Thanks for reminding me how much I loved Fairhope. Can’t wait to return soon.
Awesome write up great shout outs!!!! Btw Sunset Pointe is opens LUNCH & DINNER 7 days a week. No reservations! Come see us!
“Panini” Pete
Great article! I never knew that there was so much to see and do in Fairhope.
Tons of great information…putting Fairhope on my travel list!
Love your article! My favorite burger is the B&B at The Bone and Barrel, 311 Fairhope Ave. 🙂
Love Fairhope!!
Nice write up about wonderful Fairhope. Update– Sunset Pointe is ope 7 days a week for lunch beginning at 11 a.m. Going through the evening for dinner til 9. No reservations either.
I definitely need to visit Fairhope soon! My parents have a condo in Gulf Shores that we travel to frequently. We need to add Fairhope to our day trip list when we are down there! Jubilee sounds so cool, my husband and kids would LOVE it! Wonderful article!
Love Faithope snd gone as often as I can! Your article is almost spot on, but the number 1 place for food has to be R Bistro! We also can’t miss the chocolatier in the mini French Quarter or the nightlife at the Bone And Barrel! Cant wait come back!
Too good to be true—but it is! I have the privilege of two visits to charming Fairhope, Alabama. Thank you for this delightful story.
Thanks for the Shux Shoutout!!!
I am lucky enough to live near Fairhope and enjoy the many restaurants the town has to offer.
I am not a big fan of Shux, food so so and service is iffy. On the other hand, their other restaurant, Gambino’s, is a must if you are looking for good Italian food.
If you are looking for something different and spicy, you must try Dragonfly. Best tacos, bowls and salads around.
I completely agree with Melissa, R Bistro has wonderful food, pastries and is a great place for that special lunch or dinner.
We retired to the Gulf Coast six years ago. We lived in Gulf Shores for four years and loved it but the summer traffic got so bad we bought a home in Fairhope. We now have the best of both worlds, 40 minutes from the beach and living in a beautiful small town!
My grandparents lived in Fairhope… It was the first place I lived at 6 weeks. My father got out of the Air Force and they left Washinton, D.C. and got me South! Eventually we landed in Atlanta. My father was a pilot w/Eastern, so I’d fly down at holidays and as soon as school was out. My first friends were/are in Fairhope. We came down twice last year, first time since 2001. First trip was to renew or vows at Lulu’s and then Mardi Gras in Fairhope. Friends came with us and fell in love with this town. Fairhope has changed so much, but in a good way… It’s still “home” and I still have roots there! I miss it…
Thanks for the great article on Fairhope. I was fortunate enough to grow up in this beautiful little town by the bay. My father actually owned and operated a shoe repair shop for thirty five years in the building where the restaurant ‘Locals’ in now located. I only live a few miles away now so I try to get to town to shop, have lunch with friends and of course drive down to the pier and just soak up the beauty of Mobile Bay and the gorgeous rose garden. Everyone should make a special effort to visit this lovely, picturesque town and don’t forget to stop at my favorite ‘The Fairhope Store’. You won’t be disappointed!
Hi,
Thanks for all the information on Fairhope. I came across Fairhope while looking for a small quaint town that has water views as I am relocating back to the USA from Western Australia with my son and daughter and we live right by the beach at the moment.
We will be arriving in April 2017 and will be looking for a home to rent in the Fairhope area so if you can recommend any property rental agencies please do. I love walking so any suburbs in Fairhope that are safe to walk and has sidewalks would be great!
I can’t wait to try the Mexican restaurants as I love that type of food and my son misses Sonic’s slushes so much…no Sonics in Australia unfortunately.
Thanks again for the great article. It just reinforces my belief that Fairhope will be a terrific place for us to live and eventually purchase a home there. 🙂
Hi Barbara! Great news! We have a Sonic in Fairhope! I think you picked a great place for relocating back to the US! I would recommend contacting Bob Mannich Real Estate if you are looking for rental properties. Whenever you are ready to actually purchase a home, I would call Brooke Butler with Jason Will Real Estate (251) 232-9901. In the event you are unable to find property directly in Fairhope, consider looking at the neighboring towns of Point Clear, Daphne and Spanish Fort. Each of these locations have the same amount of southern charm! Best of luck to you. Perhaps I will see you around town sometime soon!
After visiting Fairhope nearly every year while camping at Gulf Shores, the decision was made last September that it was time to BE in Fairhope. We decided to build a house in Hawthorne Glen (just east of Hwy 98), which is supposed to be finished mid February, so hope to be in the house by the end of the month. Looking forward to taking advantage of all the Fairhope culture has to offer.