A couple of weeks ago, Chris and I took a little trip down to Fairhope, AL to celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary. Yes, we’ve been at this a while. And it’s even getting to the point where we finish each other’s sentences … yea gads! 😀
I think only 36 years of living together could have the two of us finishing each other’s sentences since we are so totally opposite. But that’s one thing I’ve noticed about people who are married … they usually marry someone that’s opposite of themselves and that’s what makes their marriage work. Most of the time, two of the same just doesn’t work. Yin and yang.
Destination: Fairhope, AL
As we travel around, I try to keep my camera ready to shoot, but I can’t tell you how many great shots I’ve missed. I’ll realize it once we’ve passed and Chris is not one to turn around to give me a second chance. But on this trip, you’ll see where he did just that, because I may or may not have used guilt to get him to do so. (“You know Chip would turn around for Joanna and she wouldn’t even have to ask.” 😉 ) But wait till you see why he turned around. It was so worth it! I think he even thought so. Love you, Chris!!!!
Downtown Mobile
Tunnel that runs under Mobile Bay
Where to Stay
We’ve made the trip to Fairhope before, so we had an idea of where to stay and what to do. The first time we visited it was also on our anniversary and the weather was perfect. I fell in love with the town on that first trip. I’d never been to a town where there were tulips, and every color of other flower I couldn’t name, growing on every street corner and seemingly every where you looked. They were beautiful! And Fairhope is a small town bursting with small shops and restaurants within easy walking distance where you’re not overrun with heavy traffic. The town’s people, as well as the shopowners, are friendly and inviting. And the beautiful homes they have there to look at are a joy. It’s close enough that you can easily go to visit, shop or do day trips to Mobile, Spanish Fort, Daphne, Foley, Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. And if you want to make it a spectacular visit, you can always plan on staying close by at the Grand Hotel Point Clear Resort & Spa. So I was eagerly looking forward to going back to Fairhope for a return visit this year.
On both trips we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express out on the highway. It’s in a good location to get in and out of traffic, and this year especially, I was impressed with our room. For a few dollars more we got a suite and it afforded us a lot of room. Very spacious with three windows. I loved that there was no carpet. Nice staff. We weren’t impressed with the breakfast, but seems that’s been the norm for the last couple of places we’ve stayed. Maybe it’s just us.
You can tell Chris has arrived … the TV is on!
Fairhope
town clock
Since this was our second trip to Fairhope, I of course, had to check out Pinterest to see if there was anything there I was missing. Of course there was! The Chuch Mouse was a shop that I’d missed on my first trip so I made sure to look it up first this trip. The shop owner was a very sweet lady who took a few minutes to talk with me about what they carried in the store and even about blogging and such.
This tiny little bowl/cup is one of the treasures I saw at the Chuch Mouse. Something I’d not seen before. I have both a demitasse and a teacup collection and I’d never seen one like this. It is so tiny and delicate with it’s two handles.
After leaving the Church Mouse, we had lunch at Old Bay Steamer, a place we’d eaten the last time we were in Fairhope.
I got a sandwich that’s called something like Build a Stack. You decide exactly how/what goes on your sandwich. I got flatbread, goat cheese, remoulade sauce, grilled shrimp and lettuce. I did not get the side. It was DELICIOUS! The flatbread was the best! Wish I had another one now!
After lunch I went across the street to peek into The Kitchen Shop. They were just opening and had actually only opened the day before. But even in the midst of their getting set up, they took the time to stop what they were doing to chat and assist me with my purchases. And if you want to get some good deals on this and that, go by and see them.
Next, I went up to Ole Bay Mercantile. I love this shop. It was a favorite my last trip and it’s where I got my Easter Bunny for my front porch. This trip I tried to restrain myself and I only purchased 4 clear scoops. I’d been wanting some scoops to use in my flour and sugar canisters and they will be perfect. OBM had several sizes to choose from and they were well priced.
They also had these bunny plates that were VERY hard to walk away from. They looked like paper plates but actually were not. I would have loved to have had them for my Easter table, but I splurged on those green salad plates last year from Pier 1, so I didn’t feel like I should just yet.
Isn’t that wheelbarrow darling?
Across the street from OBM is this building which I think is a restaurant. It’s my favorite building in Fairhope. I love the stained doors against the brick. It has that New Orleans vibe.
Fairhope also has their own little section of town called the French Quarter you’ll want to check out.
Fairhope Municipal Pier
This is about half way down the very long pier.
Even at night, the town is beautiful. It’s lit with millions of white twinkle lights.
This picture of a park on the bay was taken on the way out of town as we headed to Gulf Shores.
Gulf Shores, AL
On the way home …
I’d been trying to photograph a silo and I finally got my chance … times two, and what a beautiful shot it was. We were on our way back home, it was warm and the sun was shining. A perfect day to photograph some white fluffy clouds, some cows, some Mississippi rolling hills and a couple of silos. Too bad it had to be done at 70 mph! 😀
And lastly, this is what we saw going, that Chris looked for on the return trip and made sure we stopped so that I could take all the pictures I wanted. (Thank you, Chip … I mean, Chris! 😀 ) I was so excited about seeing this, because even with all our travels through the mountains I’d never seen anything like these barn quilts, although I’d heard of them. So what a treasure to actually find them on a MS barn!
I think we saw these traveling East on Hwy 98 between Hattiesburg and Lucedale. You have to look carefully, they’re easy to miss.
Glad you came along. Leave a comment. Visit Fairhope and Gulf Shores. Definitely eat a flatbread sandwich at Old Bay Steamer and look for those barn quilts on your way down Hwy 98 if you’re going that way. Otherwise, just enjoy some white puffy clouds, sunshine and maybe some cows. 🙂
Such beautiful colors in your photos! As always, great job on your blogging. Looks and sounds like a wonderful place to visit! One question: where’s the photo of that sandwich?! :p
Thanks, Michelle! I actually learned a new trick to help enhance the colors in the photos. And I do have a photo of that sandwich, but it’s on my phone. I have to find it and get it onto the blog if it turned out well. Thanks again for reading!
Now I’d love to see Fairhope. Too bad it is so far from MN!
Oh, Sandy, put it on your bucket list maybe for a special occasion in the spring! I need to add to the post that Fairhope is also very close to the Grand Hotel Point Clear Resort & Spa. Gorgeous! Take a look at the link and don’t miss clicking on PHOTOS at the top. Definitely a spot for a special occasion or a spectacular vacation from MN! Come on down. The South is waiting on you! 😀
http://www.marriottgrand.com