I’m back at it again with another collaborative wanderlust post for you guys!!
When you’re looking for places to go on vacation, it’s easy to gravitate toward the most popular places. The big cities or the most favored beaches, mountains and resorts are often easy to reach, and there’s plenty to do. However, sometimes it’s worth thinking outside the box and discovering something a little different. The city of Fairhope, Alabama offers a charming gem loved by people who are looking for a laid-back location. If you prefer a quaint pier to sandy, white beaches, Fairhope could be just the place for you if you’re considering a vacation on the Gulf Coast.
Explore the Area’s History
One of the reasons many people love Fairhope is that it’s brimming with history to explore. It was established in 1894, so it doesn’t have an incredibly long history, but it’s still an interesting one. Predating the founding of the city, you can find the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa just outside of Fairhope, which was a confederate hospital during the Civil War. If you want to explore the history of the city, you can visit the Fairhope Museum of History downtown, or the Marietta Johnson Museum – named after the founder of the School for Organic Education – on the Faulkner State Community College campus.
Eat Well
Good places to eat and drink are often top priorities for travelers. If they’re high up on your list of necessities, you won’t be disappointed in Fairhope. You can find everything from small cafes to restaurants with beautiful views. Try Panini Pete’s for a sandwich or something sweet or have a relaxed meal at the Sunset Pointe Restaurant, especially if you love fresh seafood. Or if you want somewhere even more relaxed, the Bluegill Restaurant is another excellent choice, with live music and flaming oysters on the menu.
Enjoy Nature
Vacationing on the Gulf Coast is pretty much guaranteed to offer you the chance to enjoy some stunning scenery and natural sights. Half an hour from Fairhope, you can find the Mobile Tensaw Delta, an incredible place to go looking for birds, as well as other wildlife, like turtles and alligators. You might want to enjoy the outdoors in and around Fairhope by taking a horseback riding tour, or perhaps by hiring a boat, kayak, or stand up paddleboard. Fishing trips are popular too and are a great option if you want a relaxing way to experience nature.
Take in Culture
If you’re looking for a cultural vacation, Fairhope has a range of fun and interesting things to do. The Fairhope Municipal Pier has a rose garden, while Windmill Market is just the place to go for food, shopping, and more. Try the Eastern Shore Art Center for exhibits across five galleries, as well as classes for both adults and children. There’s also the Christine Linson Gallery if you’re an art lover and maybe looking for something you can take home.
Try somewhere different and enjoy a laid-back time in Fairhope, AL for your next vacation. It’s ideal if you have a love for slow travel.
This post was a collaborative effort – please check out my disclosure policy page for more details.