A short distance from Mobile lies Fairhope on Alabama’s eastern shore. The contrast between the two cities couldn’t be greater. Mobile is large, busy, cosmopolitan, and international in scope. Fairhope is small, quiet, charming and brimming with local flavor. Three areas of Fairhope are especially inviting to visitors.
Fairhope pier
The pier is Fairhope’s recreational center. Fishing, strolling, observing birds, flowers, action in the bay and other people are the principal activities. You will be greeted on arrival by a large circular fountain, a masterpiece of design. I spent time scanning the waters for birds and watching the anglers tend their rods and throw out nets for baitfish. Whether fishing or not, walk the quarter-mile pier to see the goings-on.
Downtown Fairhope
A short walk from the pier leads to the compact downtown, squeaky clean and adorned with flowers. Well worth a visit is the ecologically oriented Windmill open air market. Power comes from the namesake windmill and rainwater, collected in large tanks, is used to irrigate the plants. Here, you can buy, among other items, groceries, a rabbit, artworks, furniture and compost (not necessarily in that order). On weekends, there may be additional vendors and entertainment by local musicians.
Another unusual downtown venue is the painted wall of the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF). The foundation is devoted to providing educational enrichment for local public school students, largely through a system of grants. Stop by to admire the fish on the wall and learn more about the foundation’s mission.
Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel, now a Marriott property, is a venerable luxury oasis at Point Clear, just south of downtown Fairhope. It features a large spa, golf course, tennis courts and a variety of water-related activities. The views across the bay from the promenade along the water’s edge are fantastic. I enjoyed strolling the well-manicured grounds and visiting the chef’s garden, but I was blown away by Sunday brunch. The variety, the quality, the appearance, the preparation! Outstanding!