At the top of our day trip list sits Fairhope, Alabama. The ever-charming, Hallmark movie-worthy, oh-so-darling bayfront town. Head to Fairhope and you’ll find a foodie’s dream, a wine lover’s heaven, and an art enthusiast’s delight. It’s an array of family-friendly goodness, and did we mention the shopping? Oh, the shopping!
Where to Begin
To get the full story of this distinctive city, start your day by visiting the Fairhope Museum of History, which exists to tell the unique story of Fairhope. From the Native American Indians who once inhabited the land to the Single Tax settlers looking to create their own utopia, Fairhope has a rich history. This always-free museum is located on Section Street and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Art, Shopping, & More
If you’re thinking Fairhope is nothing more than a sleepy bayfront town, think again. Fairhope is vibrant, full of arts, culture, and lots of shopping. Its stores range from antique shops filled with treasures from days gone by to funky boutiques, high end clothiers, and eclectic gift shops. Let’s talk logistics…
Where to start? Park in the parking lot on Church Street near the Fairhopers Community Park. From there, you’ll be able to stroll the nearby restaurants, boutiques, and flower-lined streets of downtown. As you wander, you’ll discover upscale brands, one-of-a-kind gifts, all-things-Christmas, children’s clothes that would make the Royal Family jealous, jewelry shops, wine stores, and beautiful art ranging from paintings to woodworking. Coffee by the bag, wine by the bottle, hand-poured soaps, and gourmet olive oils and vinegars are all lining the shelves, too.
Where to go shop ‘til you drop? Be sure to check out De La Mare Avenue, Fairhope Avenue, Section Street, and Church Street. For even more antique stores, high-end consignment shops, and gift shops, take Mobile Street (also known as Scenic Highway 98). On this road, you’ll be able to get a gorgeous view of Mobile Bay on the east side of the street and an abundance of shops and restaurants to the west. Also, hello beautiful bayfront homes, inns, & hotels!
Seriously Good Eats & Drinks
It’s not only shops that grace the streets of Fairhope. On the menus of local restaurants, diners will find gourmet tacos, hand-crafted burgers, fresh-out-of-the-oven pizzas, fresh baked desserts and pastries, locally-sourced produce, and everything in between. There’s fine French food, traditional Lebanese dishes, authentic Indian cuisine, fresh Mexican fare, and plenty of Southern favorites.
Did we mention there’s also Fairhope brewed beer, locally roasted coffee, expertly mixed craft cocktails, and carefully selected wines? The list goes on and on! If you like your breakfast, lunch, and dinner passionately created with love and served with a sincere smile, then dining in Fairhope is absolutely for you.
Take a Break with the Little Ones
If the little ones are in town on your Alabama beach vacation, then there’s plenty for them to take part in when it comes to a Fairhope day trip!
The kid-friendly dining options are aplenty and they’ll love visiting ice cream shops and toy stores, but be sure to let them get their wiggles out at Fairhopers Community Park. Situated in the heart of downtown, they will love both the park as well as the splash pad.
If your visit is during the summertime, be sure to check out the Glow in the Park Summer Movie Series, which features a family-friendly movie plus lots of glow-in-the-dark items. Check out the calendar at FairhopeAL.gov for details of what movie is playing during your visit.
Can’t Miss Events & Festivals
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Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival Facebook
Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival
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City of Fairhope Facebook
Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival
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City of Fairhope Facebook
Lighting of the Trees
Throughout the Alabama Gulf Coast, visitors will find that our seasons aren’t so much defined by the weather, but the events that are happening throughout the year.
Mardi Gras may be the pinnacle event to summarize the vivacity that defines Fairhope. It’s the time of year where true celebration meets family-friendly fun. Revelers line the streets to watch as the colorful floats make their way through downtown with masked riders throwing beads, Moon Pies, candy, and all sorts of trinkets! For a full list of parade times and dates, check the events calendar of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce.
Another famed Fairhope event is the annual Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival. For more than 70 years, each spring hundreds of vendors line the streets of downtown to share their wares of photography, paintings, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, and so much more! Thousands of festival goers gather in the streets for shopping arts & crafts, exploring the shops of downtown, and dining on festival food. There are plenty of fun kids’ activities, plus live music!
Fairhope is also known for its First Friday ArtWalk. On the first Friday of every month, start at the Eastern Shore Art Center to view the current collection of local art, then mosey through the shops, restaurants, and bars of downtown for live music, festive snacks, and First Friday special hours of operation.
Film buffs and movie-lovers enjoy The Fairhope Film Festival which is held each year in November. Over a four-day period, participants get the opportunity to see world-class and award-winning films in various venues throughout the city.
Though both local traditions and nationally recognized events abound throughout the year, one of the most-loved pastimes of Fairhope is the lighting of the trees. To kick off the Christmas season, the tree-lined streets are strung with twinkling lights. Each November, families gather in the streets to sip hot chocolate and watch the snow fall as the lights are turned on in what can only be described as a magical start to the holiday season! Ok, ok, it’s fake snow but it’s still pretty magical.
Bucket List Worthy Stops in Fairhope
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City of Fairhope Facebook
Fairhope Bluff
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The City of Fairhope
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City of Fairhope Facebook
Dogwood Trail Maids
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The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
Want even more ideas for things to do during your day trip to Fairhope? See how many of these items you can check off of our must-see list!
- Gather under the oak trees dripping in Spanish moss to watch the sun slowly set over Mobile Bay.
- Drive through the famed Fruit and Nut district to see beautiful homes.
- Take an Instagram-worthy picture in front of the mural at the corner of Fairhope Avenue & Church Street.
- Look for the Dogwood Trail Maids during the Fairhope Arts & Crafts festival in their colorful antebellum dresses.
- Enjoy a picnic on the Bluff (located on South Mobile Street). Be sure to look for the art including the Marietta Johnson and Veteran’s Memorials.
- Grab your clubs and play through at one of the golf courses in Fairhope or Point Clear.
- Head to the Fairhope Outdoor Farmers Market on Thursdays from 3:00 – 6:00 pm for fresh produce, meat, baked goods, and more. Pro Tip: The Fairhope Public Library often has activities for the kids during the market times.
- Go horseback riding through the live oaks of a Fairhope farm.
- Rent a bike and ride along the Eastern Shore Trail and stop to swim, fish, picnic, or enjoy nature trails at several points along the trail's route.
The charming town that defines both the Southern hospitality and the coastal perfection of the region is a must-see during your next Alabama Gulf Coast vacation. Peel yourself away from the beach for a day to discover Fairhope! For more information about visiting, head to FairhopeAL.gov.