Fairhope was a dream and vision of a man, and still is a dream and vision to those who seek it. The man with this vision was named Henry George. George envisioned a single- tax colony, which means no taxes except on land. George searched the South and Midwest to find a place for his utopia. He finally came upon with the breathtaking place of Fairhope located in Alabama on Mobile Bay in 1894. The place was named by an onlooker, who said this place had a fair hope, thus the name was born. In 1908, the city of Fairhope was officially established with 500 hundred residents. Today, Fairhope has well over 12,000 residents. If Fairhope’s natural beauties are not enough, then turn to the architecture and landscape qualities of the town.

In the early days, Fairhope was considered a resort town. People would travel across the Mobile Bay to spend their summer in the town’s tranquil atmosphere. Fairhope has maintained its resort atmosphere and attracts people from around the world. The town has served as an inspiration to artists, writers, photographers, and craftsmen. In the spring, Fairhope holds an annual arts and crafts fair, which brings artist of all sorts. The fair displays the amazing talent of artists in all venues from sculptures to Native America art. This is a great way to enjoy many different art forms at once.

At the end of May, Fairhope has their annual air show, which is a lot of fun for the entire family. Not only are there spectacular shows in the air, but also fascinating planes on the ground. Visitors even have the opportunity to view military aircrafts, and talk to men and women who have served in the armed forces.

The town is a vision out of a fairytale at Christmas time. The town decorates not only their shops, but also their landscaping. Poinsettias are planted and the trees are decorated in Christmas lights. There is the annual Lighting of the Trees, the Thursday before Thanksgiving, with carolers, entrainment, and hot cider. What a festive way to begin the holiday season.

These are some of the annual events that happen in Fairhope; however, there is always something to do no matter what time of year you decide to go.

All the shops and restaurants in Fairhope are locally owned. For kids there is Fantasy Island Toys and a fabulous ice cream parlor called Mr. Genes and Beans. No one should leave Mr. Genes and Beans without trying the shop’s own specialty drink, a Fairhope Float; it is a combination of whip cream, frozen yogurt, and a coffee mixture.

For teens there are many delightful shops such as: Private Gallery, Adrenaline Skate and Surf, OOOO LaLa, and Prissy Pokidots.

There are many shops in town and each have there own individual personality, but one thing is certain all the shops have helpful, pleasant people working in them.

When you are in town you must eat at these four restaurants: The Fairhope Inn Restaurant, Sandra’s Place, Burris’s Fruit Market, and Mary-Ann’s.

Where is there to stay? There are a few inns located right in the heart of downtown Fairhope. However, a few miles up road is a Marriott resort, The Grand Hotel. The resort has an ambiance that is not found any where else in the world. The grounds have oak trees that are hundreds of years old and display the hotel’s history dating back to the Civil War. In addition, the hotel has marvelous waterfront views of the Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The hotel houses a spa, restaurants, fabulous pools, a beach, water sports, and work-out facility.

Fairhope will be the most outstanding vacation you’ll ever take; you’ll even desire to live there. The town makes it easy to fall in love with. It has amazing weather, calming scenery, beautiful landscaping, the memorizing water, and unforgettable charm. The character of town will be cherished in your memory because it will fulfill everything you hoped for and more.