Fairhope

Fairhope was recently named as one of the "Top 10 Cool Small Markets" by Southern Business & Development Magazine. Fairhope was chosen for its combination of aesthetic beauty and business acumen. Fairhope's downtown has been described as an Old World Village, where even the trash receptacles double as planters. Art Galleries, cafes, and boutiques located in the downtown section make Fairhope, Al not only attractive but a great place to live, retire or raise a family. * The Baldwin County Industrial Board has been working with individuals to help businesses get started by giving them tax credits to bring new jobs into the area.*

Take a drive to the downtown area of Fairhope, Alabama and enjoy the wide variety of shops and speciality gourmet restaurants. In my street side photo to the right on an early Sunday morning residents are enjoying a morning bike ride enjoying the cool early morning air. Fairhope is known as the county's cultural center, combining the charm of the past with the progressiveness of the future. Located on Mobile Bay, the city is enhanced by its village atmosphere, beach and public pier. Fairhope is the only single tax colony in the U.S. and Fairhope's economy is studied by economists worldwide.

Driving down Scenic 98 you will see Fly Creek Marina with its boats docked and fishermen checking out their bait and equipment for their day out on the calm waters of Mobile Bay. They arrive just after daylight to get an early start. The waters in Mobile Bay are teeming with many different species of salt water fish, red snapper, grouper, trigger, flounder and other species.

The Fairhope Pier is one of my favorite places to relax and recharge my batteries. Young and old alike enjoy coming to this wonderful park for relaxation. It is a great place to picnic, jog, ride bicycles, roller blade or just to hang out. The picture to the right was shot just after daybreak and people are already arriving at the pier to enjoy the pier and beach. The annual fireworks on the 4th of July are so spectacular that year after year huge crowds come to see the sky light up in celebration of America's birth. The pier along with may parks and "Green Areas" are protected by Fairhope's single tax colony and will never change.

Another view of Fairhope Park and Pier taking in the flag. The American flag blows in the wind, signifying the freedom we have to enjoy such a beautiful place. Parents and grandparents are moving down the pier with young children, for a delightful day to wet a hook or just to gaze out over the beautiful waters of Mobile Bay and enjoy a beautiful day! The weather in Fairhope is mild year around, making it a favorite for our friends from colder climates during the winter. This is also a great place to view spectacular sunsets late in the day.