Fairhope Alabama

“I think we have a fair hope of success.” Supposedly that’s the quote from one of the founders of Fairhope Alabama, a picturesque little town on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. It’s a quiet little spot with a couple of hotels, some boutique-type shops and a nice walk to the town pier. The big surprise for us was the flowers blooming everywhere and the “see our new spring arrivals” signs in the store windows. It’s mid January! There’s still snow on the ground and more coming back home.

   

Somehow we find these types of exhibits often! Who knew there were so many successful writers living in little towns. Guess that’s where they found their inspiration. Fairhope is home to Winston Groom, the author of Forest Gump.

Fairhope apparently was founded on a political principle called “single tax.” The idea was that a single land use tax should be sufficient to raise all the funds needed for the town. The “Single Tax Corporation” is still around and gets credit for all the flowers around town.

Mardis Gras displays are everywhere. We learned something new on this trip. Turns out Mobile Al is the home to Mardis Gras. New Orleans gets all the press because it’s a big city. But Mobile and the surrounding small towns have a succession of parades and celebrations throughout the month of Feb.

Flowers everywhere!

 

Nice little town marina. Looks to be a bit shallow based on the type of boats docked here.

We love murals! Not sure why more towns don’t decorate with them.

Not sure about the need for a railroad. It was a very pleasant walk down to the dock and back.

 

But if not…