Top 15 Things to Experience in Fairhope, Alabama

Summary

Fairhope Municipal Pier
Fairhope Avenue
Fairhope Museum of History
Weeks Bay Reserve
Eastern Shore Art Center
Tolstoy Park
Fairhope Brewing Company
Gator Alley Boardwalk
Gambino’s Italian Grill
Marietta Johnson Museum
Village Point Park Preserve
Rock Creek Golf Club
Gulf State Park
Orange Beach
Meaher State Park

Nestled along the shoreline of Mobile Bay is the charming city of Fairhope, Alabama. Founded in 1894, Fairhope emerged as a model colony emphasizing equality, cooperation, and the absence of private monopolies.

In contemporary times, the city functions as a boutique seaside resort and a prominent affluent suburb of Mobile city, situated across the bay.

Fairhope is renowned for its “jubilee,” a natural occurrence along the shores when flounder, crabs, and shrimp congregate in high numbers in the shallow bay. This notable event provides fishermen with an ample catch and attracts tourists from afar.

Guests to Fairhope are privileged to experience exceptional shopping, fine dining, and nature preserves, as well as abundant beautiful beaches to explore.

Having roots in Alabama and having visited Fairhope numerous times, I consider it a delightful holiday destination filled with activities. Below is a curated selection of the finest attractions in Fairhope:

1. Fairhope Municipal Pier

Offering breathtaking views over Mobile Bay, Fairhope Municipal Pier is among the city’s most favored attractions.

Whether you wish to stroll through the park to admire the well-maintained rose gardens, cycle along the promenade, or picnic by the waterfront, all options are available here.

You can relax by the fountain or bring along your binoculars to observe herons and rare sea birds.

If you visit the pier just before sunset, you will gain spectacular photography opportunities, or you may enjoy a romantic waterfront stroll prior to dinner.

2. Fairhope Avenue

Fairhope Avenue serves as the nucleus of the city. Featuring a plethora of independent shops, art galleries, and boutiques, it is an excellent locale for acquiring handicrafts, antiques, or a memento from your Alabama visit.

This quaint city embodies a laid-back atmosphere, with locals extending warm Southern hospitality.

Exceptional restaurants offer a mix of international and local cuisine, where visitors can relish a light lunch or a sophisticated dinner with family and friends. Notably, I recently dined at Pearl Restaurant, which I highly endorse, especially for seafood aficionados.

A particularly enchanting time to meander along Fairhope Avenue is during the holiday season, when the street is adorned with countless lights and decorations to elevate the festive spirit.

3. Fairhope Museum of History

The Fairhope Museum of History narrates the captivating history of the city, commencing with Native American settlers, transitioning through the reformists who sought a single tax utopia, and extending to the present day.

The museum features a collection of artifacts ranging from early clay pottery to exhibits pertaining to the Civil War and Mobile Bay boats.

Housed in a historic Spanish Mission-style building dating back to 1928, the museum operates five days a week.

For those who appreciate the exploration of local history, this educational facility in Downtown Fairhope should not be missed.

4. Weeks Bay Reserve

Located 11 miles southeast of Fairhope where the rivers converge with the sea, Weeks Bay Reserve serves as one of the 25 reserves in the area, dedicated to preserving shorelines and estuarine waters of Mobile Bay for educational and research purposes.

The nearby visitor center features displays on local fauna and flora, offering visitors the opportunity to embark on a self-guided nature trail through wetlands, forests, and marshes.

This makes for an ideal excursion for those interested in uncovering the diverse ecosystems and local wildlife of Alabama.

5. Eastern Shore Art Center

Established in 1954 by local artists, the Eastern Shore Art Center has evolved from a modest one-room gallery into a facility featuring five exhibition galleries and four teaching studios.

With a diverse array of monthly exhibits, art classes for both adults and children, and regular organized art walks, it serves as an excellent venue to learn about art and explore your own creative potential.

The center also boasts a sculpture trail, gift shop, and galleries showcasing art, ceramics, and woodworking from Alabama artists.

6. Tolstoy Park

Tolstoy Park features the Henry Stuart House, constructed by an English emigrant who settled in America.

Due to a health condition, Henry relocated from Idaho to a warmer climate, acquiring land near Fairhope, which he designated as Tolstoy Park.

This site served as his residence for nearly 20 years, where he built the so-called ‘Hermit House,’ cultivated his own food, and employed a loom for rug weaving in his leisure time.

The domed dwelling, where Henry Stuart lived, is approximately 14 feet in diameter and possesses two skylights in its rounded roof.

Designated as a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, a novel inspired by Henry Stuart’s life titled ‘The Poet of Tolstoy Park’ was published in 2005. This park presents an intriguing visit for those seeking to learn more about local personalities, architectural styles, and history.

7. Fairhope Brewing Company

Established by a collective of craft beer enthusiasts in December 2012, the Fairhope Brewing Company commenced operations with merely two beers on tap—the Everyday Ale and Section Street Wheat.

Currently, this trendy brewery in central Fairhope boasts 14 craft beers and a cider on tap, offering a diverse array of flavors to satisfy every palate.

Whether you prefer a fruit-forward ale, a crisp lager, or a stout, this establishment caters to your preferences. Personally, I sampled several beers and was particularly fond of ‘La Vida Loca,’ a sour ale.

Live music and trivia nights are hosted here, providing a social atmosphere to mingle with locals, while children are welcomed, allowing families to enjoy the experience together.

8. Gator Alley Boardwalk

Should you believe that alligators are only found in Mobile Bay, think again! The Gator Alley Boardwalk, located 9 miles north of Fairhope, allows you to observe these magnificent reptiles up close.

The boardwalk is situated adjacent to residential complexes and commercial buildings, and if fortune is on your side, you may spot alligators swimming beneath the boardwalk, roaming the shore, or resting stealthily in the surrounding wetlands.

Information boards line the pathway, but you may need to remain patient to catch a glimpse of the gators, as they often conceal themselves.

It serves as a delightful way to spend a few hours; however, it may be advisable to leave your pets at home.

9. Gambino’s Italian Grill

One of the most favored dining establishments in Fairhope is Gambino’s Italian Grill.

Situated on Laurel Avenue near the picturesque Mobile Bay waterfront, this family-owned and operated restaurant has been serving patrons since 1975. Offering a wide range of traditional Italian dishes and locally sourced seafood, guests can enjoy freshly made pasta with a variety of sauces or choose from numerous chicken and steak options.

For a special treat, consider the Shrimp Scampiano, expertly pan-fried in Blue-Fox butter and complemented by fresh tomatoes, or savor the Gulf Triggerfish fillet or delectable vegetarian offerings.

Several evenings each week, this elegant establishment features a live pianist to enhance the dining experience, and the space is available for private functions and gatherings.

10. Marietta Johnson Museum

Marietta Johnson was a trailblazer in organic education.

In 1907, she established a school in Fairhope with a commitment to teaching children to learn in their individual styles without the constraints of standardized testing.

This innovative educational approach includes yoga, encouraging children to connect with themselves, express creativity, and most importantly, relish playtime! The museum, situated within the school, showcases a collection of artifacts, exhibits, photographs, and videos that chronicle the story of organic education and its lasting impact from 1907 to today.

11. Village Point Park Preserve

For those yearning for a connection with nature, I recommend heading north to the city of Daphne and visiting Village Point Park Preserve.

With picturesque walking trails, the winding paths lead you through forests and marshlands to Mobile Bay.

Bring a picnic and take a moment to enjoy the beach before heading back to spot local wildlife, flowers, and trees indigenous to the area.

12. Rock Creek Golf Club

Located off the eastern shores of Mobile Bay is the highly regarded Rock Creek Golf Club.

This course, designed by seasoned architect Earl Stone, is one of the finest golf venues in Southern Alabama.

It accommodates players of all skill levels, featuring 18 challenging holes spanning over 6,900 yards.

With well-manicured fairways bordered by trees, pristine greens, and an award-winning clubhouse restaurant, it offers an exceptional way to enjoy a leisurely day near Fairhope.

13. Gulf State Park

Located merely 30 miles southeast of Fairhope is the stunning Gulf State Park.

With two miles of pristine white sandy beaches, piers ideal for stunning sunset views, and 25 miles of backcountry trails perfect for hiking and cycling, there is something to engage everyone.

Whether you wish to hire a kayak, embark on a Segway tour, or even experience parasailing, opportunities abound here.

This park serves as a perfect day-trip destination, and with various retail and dining options available, visitors can enjoy an entire day of fun!

14. Orange Beach

Orange Beach, Alabama, is internationally recognized as one of the finest beaches.

Adjacent to Gulf State Park, it offers an array of sun-worship experiences, water sports, and a variety of exciting activities. Boasting powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and a selection of upscale hotels and oceanfront dining establishments, one may be tempted to linger.

Guests can embark on a cruise into the Gulf of Mexico to observe dolphins or acquire new skills such as scuba diving or snorkeling.

Alternatively, engage in kayaking or jet skiing to explore the unspoiled Orange Beach Islands, home to avian species, marine mammals, and native plant life.

As the sun sets, waterfront eateries serve delectable dishes featuring fresh seafood and Southern grill fare, enriched with Cajun and Creole flavors that cater to varied tastes and budgets.

15. Meaher State Park

If you prefer to remain in close proximity to Fairhope, Meaher State Park is situated merely 13 miles to the north.

This 1,327-acre park located in the Mobile Bay wetlands is a favored destination for walking, picnicking, and fishing.

Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk to admire the natural beauty of the delta or hike along self-guided trails to uncover the region’s flora and fauna.

I visited the nearby 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, which provides valuable insights for those interested in learning about delta ecosystems. Spanning over 250,000 acres of scenic waterways, wetlands, and woodlands, the educational center and exhibit hall impart knowledge pertaining to the Mobile Delta.

For those wishing to venture out onto the water for a unique perspective of the shoreline, kayak rentals and boat tours are available at this location.

Spread the love