Since its founding in 1904 as a utopian single-tax colony, Fairhope, Alabama, has intrigued visitors and attracted artists, writers, and musicians. Situated on the shore of Mobile Bay, its municipal pier reaches into the water for beautiful leisurely strolls by couples and families.

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In the early 20th century, the Bay Boat would bring dozens of Mobilians to the town for vacation, where they would fill the small rental cottages and hotels, attracted by beautiful sunsets and a cool breeze not found in Mobile.

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Today, the town has a dozen or so blocks lined with flowerbeds of gorgeous blooms, unique shops, upscale clothing stores, and gourmet restaurants. It’s a popular town for visitors. In 2018, Southern Living’s readers ranked it fifth among the top 10 best small towns in America.

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The town’s art community is huge. On Oak Street, across from the library, is the Eastern Shore Art Center. There’s a kiln studio and gallery on Church Street, and the Fairhope Artists Gallery on South Section Street. Throughout the town are 17 works of outdoor sculptures by various artists. Early each April, the town hosts the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Fair, a competitive show of some of the finest artists and craftsmen in the country.

Numerous writers live in Fairhope, which supports a well-stocked and well-managed book store, Page & Palette on South Section Street, which recently incorporated a full-service bar. What’s better than a bourbon or glass of wine to go with a great book?

 

Winston Groom lives near Fairhope, as does Sonny Brewer and, at one time or the other, W.E.B. Griffiin, Fannie Flagg, Jimmy Buffet, and Rick Bragg. And there’s a Fairhope Center for the Writing Arts. Sonny Brewer once said there are more writers per capita in Fairhope than anywhere in the world.

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And if you’re into antiques, there are eight stores for you, including a unique BF Architectural and Garden Antiques.

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Take a turn down into the French Quarter for a collection of restaurants, including Panini Pete’s, and shops.

Another place to imbibe an alcoholic beverage is Bone & Barrel, a bar and Mexican restaurant.

 

But if you want a gourmet meal, I’d recommend R Bistro, a French place with excellent décor and even better food and wine. I had the Maison Salade with balsamic vinaigrette and a Croque Monsieur, an open-faced French ham sandwich covered in melted gruyere cheese. I added a glass of LaQuercia Montegpulciano from Italy that was superb and had a chocolate roulade for dessert. The restaurant is also known for its signature crayfish gravy over a buttermilk biscuit and its crawfish beignet.  And they have a delicious looking list of signature cocktails.

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Other restaurants to consider are The Dragonfly, a cocktail boutique; Sage, a Lebanese Restaurant; Gambino’s Italian Grill, which serves dinner only; Big Daddy’s Grill, which specializes in seafood; and Sunset Pointe Pub and Grill.

 

A couple of miles south of Fairhope, there is Point Clear, a tiny town with a couple restaurants and gift shops, but is more prominently known for its Marriott Resort.