Fairhope, the Fairest City of All

Yesterday I mentioned that if I couldn't live beachside, I might chose to live in Fairhope. Think I am not serious? I have already picked out my house and preparing for the next jubilee by pouring over seafood cookbooks. Yes, I am serious! This place is a Mayberry of sorts, only better!
I am back today with my second in a series of post in which I am taking you on a seaside excursion to some of my favorite places-all while staying on a budget! Yes, my friends! You can manage to save some dough while on vacation if you know where to shop, and can enjoy taking in the sights.
Buckle up and let me take you on a ride to a little town I know called Fairhope. Fairhope is located in Alabama in the nook of Mobile Bay. You can actually see the city of Mobile across the bay, but you will quickly find that Fairhope is a city in and of itself. Fairhope is a bustling, vibrant and livable Southern city that began over a hundred years ago when an adventurous group of people sought their personal utopia. And it still is just that, a utopia of charm and southern grace, where one will find that one of the best modes of transportation is a bicycle, dogs are welcome almost anywhere and where friendships are easily forged.
Speak to any of Fairhope's residents and you will quickly find out why people say they instantly felt at home in this city of 12,000 residents.
Fairhope has long been known for its lovely parks, rich with moss-draped live oaks, its sweeping panoramic views of Mobile Bay, and its charming and vital downtown where visitors and locals alike find reasons to shop, stroll, and dine.

Time it right and you just might be a part of one of the greatest Mardi Gras parades you will find. I love Mardi Gras in Fairhope because is it's family friendly celebration. No flashing in this town...except the smiles. But you might have to fight for a moonpie.

In the picturesque downtown, just up the hill from the bay, you'll find shops, boutiques, cafes, art galleries and gift shops galore. The flower-filled downtown (where even the trash receptacles double as planters!), is reminiscent of an Old World village, with its refined upscale atmosphere and its something for everyone composition.


If you're looking for that special gift or a treasured antique, you'll find the perfect shop in downtown Fairhope, but you will also find great shops selling almost anything else you might need, including children's toys, clothing for the whole family, pet supplies, books, art supplies, and gourmet foods, even hardware and everyday groceries.

One of my favorite shops to stop into when I am in town is Hertha's Consignment Shop. It is an upscale consignment boutique featuring Citizens of Humanity, Michael Stars, BCBG & Ellen Tracy. For very little you can look like a million on someone else's million! I found some great buys while there. For forty bucks I purchased a brand new pair of Sperry's, some heels, a skirt, and four tops.
Another must see store is A Fairhope Find. Inside you will find some beautiful antiques, but also fun quirky little finds that are very affordable. I've bought something here on almost all of my visits to Fairhope. This visit was no different, I purchased a watercolor print of St Augustine, another sentimental place to my heart. For the framed print I spent $6.00. I really considered buying some antique floral frogs to hold old postcards and photographs. I didn't but at $3.00-$10.00 each, I thought a good price.

My favorite Fairhope store, which I like to think is the heart of Fairhope is Page and Palette Bookstore.

Page & Palette is not only the Eastern Shore's home for author signings, but the most unique bookstore in town. In the heart of downtown Fairhope for over 35 years, this family owned and operated bookstore offers stationery, greeting cards, gifts, collectibles, tons of new and classic children's books and much much more.

Let me just stop right her and boast the children's department, who do an amazing job on children's programs. They do it up right. A couple years ago I took my resident pirate to a treasure hunt, that he still talks about.

Page and Palette also offers a sit down and read environment at their neighboring cafe "Latte' Da".

The employees of Page and Palette are ever helpful in helping you find that perfect beach read, many of which are autographed copies.
In speaking to one of the employees, I found out that one of my favorite authors, Jill Conner Browne, THE Queen of all Sweet Potato's, recently stopped by for a book signing.
It was funny because I was milling around the bookstore trying on some glasses and showing them to my mother, trying to decide which pair to get.
He looked at me and said, "You look like a Sweet Potato Queen!". I said, "Why thank you my darlin! I Would love to just be a BEE in her society!" And he went on to share that his best friend is married to the Queen, Jill herself.
I know, I am getting a bit sidetracked here, but let me tell you, this is the place to hang out. To see and be seen. It's a Must stop! LOVE the P&P!! Search the discount shelves for some great books. I found two forty dollar books at 40% off! I now have some of my mother's Day shopping done.

The favorite local cuisine is fresh seafood brought in from the surrounding Gulf waters to neighboring fishing villages. Oysters, shrimp and crab are the delicacies most frequently ordered in the small cafes and restaurants in the area, often complemented by delicious fresh vegetables grown on Baldwin County's lush farmlands. At the right time, you just might find yourself lucky to get into a jubilee!

One last stop on our Fairhope tour is B&B Pecan's. The owner told me that is the "Flag is blowing, they're open!" You should hope for some wind, because this place is the place for a real treat.

If you are lucky you will get to meet resident welcome waggoner, Annie, the Jack Russel Terrier.

Annie is real good to point out her recommended favorites, though she mostly favored her stuffed toy. The staff at B&B are great to answer any questions, should Annie become preoccupied.

My mother and I made it our business to seek out the best pecans and treats that we could find.
While my mother stocked up on shelled pecans..

I made it my mission to sample some of the best homemade goodies this side of momma's own kitchen.

This for blogger posting purposes only. Ah, the things I do to get a story. With loot in hand, I made the determination that the best of the best is the Pecan Praline. I am still missing that sweet love of a confection.
A close runner up was the Cheese Straws, I am from the south, ya know. The peanut brittle is also good. I bought Big Daddy some divinity, he really seemed to enjoy. If you come to Fairhope, you MUST make a pecan stop at the B&B. You will not be sorry.
If you like discovering the quaint and distinctive, then you will enjoy Fairhope, the perfect place to visit or to call home. You just might find me there one of these days....in my little house on Pecan Street. See you there, neighbor!

Fairhope Web Cam
Don't Miss:
Hertha's Second Edition
Address: 330 Fairhope Ave,36532, Fairhope,AL,
Telephone: (251) 928-4866Fax: (251) 990-7404
A Fairhope Find (Antique Store)
Address:52 S. Section Street,36532, Fairhope,AL,
Contact:Telephone: (251) 929-2928
Julwins Restaurant (listed on the 100 places to eat before you die-and I have mind you)
A great little meat and three-Lunches are very reasonably priced.
Telephone: 251-928-9372
Andrees Wine, Cheese & Things ( you should know by now I seek these kinds of places out!)
Telephone: 251.928.8863
Old Bay Steamer (Recommended by Southern Living magazine.)
Address:105 S. Section Street,36532, Fairhope,AL,
Contact:Telephone: 251-928-5714
B & B Pecan Co
www.pecangifts.com
16151 Greeno RdFairhope, AL 36532(251) 928-9031