Steve GannSpreading The Secret Of Fairhope
April 23rd 2009 03:59
I try to find the hidden jewels; the destinations that can satisfy both my need for relaxation and my sense of adventure.
I believe I may have found that place in a small quaint community on Mobile Bay in Alabama. I wish I could be the first to claim this bay side paradise as a great place to travel and to reside, but many who make this little community home know that keeping the secret of Fairhope may be essential to their town's survival. That may be why New York Times bestselling author Neal Boortz called Fairhope “a great surprise” when he visited the town on a book tour in 2006. He would also mention on his blog that he was begged by some locals to not let the secret of their community out. I can see where the residents of Fairhope might be concerned as I'm sure more than one great destination has been ruined by over commercialization. Fannie Flagg, of Fried Green Tomatoes fame speaks of how she fell madly in love with Fairhope from the first time she saw it and Forrest Gump author, Winston Groom, calls it “A Wish, a Dream, a State of Mind.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution even went as far as suggesting that Fairhope could be called the “Norman Rockwell town of the South.”
So how does such a small community earn such hefty adulations? I hope I can supply some answers to that question, but first a little history of how Fairhope came into being.
If you are to explore the beginnings of Fairhope you have to travel back to Iowa in 1894. A group that followed the teachings of writer/economist Henry George's book Progress and Poverty was looking for a place to practice their societal ideas. This idea of a “Utopian society” was based on the implementation of a Single Tax economy. This belief in “cooperative individualism” suggested that land should be for the benefit of society and have a common tax on unimproved property with the individual owning only what they have created on the land. The name for the new town was taken from the belief that this sort of experiment had a “fair hope of success.” The first residents arrived in Fairhope in November, 1894. There were a total of twenty-eight residents in this first group, including nine children.
To show their belief in the single tax system, the residents set aside the premium locations as parklands that would benefit the whole community.
Today there are 4,500 acres under the control of the Fairhope Single Tax Corporation. The cornerstone of this land being the Fairhope Pier also known as the “Town Square.” It serves as the main gathering spot for the town. The pier is part of a park that contains a restaurant, a large fountain, a marina, a beach area, and walking trails complete with a bridge and duck pond.
Of course the big draw here is the Bay that eventually empties into the Gulf of Mexico. To me the idea of living along the bay would be exhilarating. Just the idea that your destinations are practically endless if you have the desire for adventure and a big enough boat.
On the water the laws of man seem nonexistent compared to the laws of nature. My love for the water was born in Mark Twain's recollections of his riverboat days, bred by bay area born Jimmy Buffet's sailing songs. and finally cultivated by learning from the greatest fisherman that I have ever known, my father. All of these men may have made their livings by other means, but I would argue that their true passions somehow included being on the water somewhere. After all what defines us as a person, the things we do to provide ourselves with food and shelter or our inner passions that keep our dreams alive on a daily basis? I could list several things that could be considered as “careers” on my resume; writer, professor, pharmacy but down deep I know exactly what my occupation is, Steven Gann closet pirate.
Even us sailor types have to come to shore eventually to restock our ships and keep up with the latest fashions, so what would a destination spot be without some great shopping? Fairhope has many specialty shops in its French Quarter that offer hundreds of choices all within walking distance of each other. These are original and quaint owner operated stores as opposed to the neon lighted brand name nightmares like the “three t-shirts for ten dollars” mega stores that seem to be everywhere in tourist areas. The phrase “If you can't find it here then you probably don't need it” could be the motto for the store owner's association. Of course just in case you forgot to pack a toothbrush or sunscreen there are brand name stores like Walmart or Walgreens to help you out twenty-four-seven and plenty of outlet shopping to the north in Spanish Fort and to the east in Foley.
When I am planning my vacations, I try to seek out experiences that I can't do in my city and the area around Fairhope has many options..
First the food there is amazing. Don't miss out on The Biscuit King's world famous “Ugly Biscuits” for a fun and unforgettable breakfast. Guy's Gumbo Shack and Panini Pete's have both been featured on The Food Network and would be great lunch choices. For dinner I would suggest taking the short drive along the causeway for fresh seafood directly on the bay at the Original Oyster House or Felix's Fish Camp. If you are seeking a more formal setting, you can't miss with the dinner choices at The Fairhope Inn or The Grand Hotel in nearby Point Clear. While in Point Clear you should definitely stop by The Punta Clara Kitchen. They have been turning out great desserts for over fifty years
Depending on the time of year that you visit there are events that should not be missed. The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival in March not only attracts some of the most talented artists in the Eastern Shore area but also many from the rest of the country. The Point Clear Polo Classic that takes place in October has not only become a huge success for its charities but also showcases some fantastic polo.
If seeing the polo matches piques your interest in horses check out nearby Oak Hollow Farm. They have over three hundred well maintained acres featuring a fishing pond, trails, and horse riding. The friendly owners can also host your wedding, corporate event, or family reunion with second to none catering dishes that have been listed in the 100 Dishes To Eat In Alabama Before You Die.
The beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are less than an hour away and make great summer day trips. in the spring and summer a visit to Waterville USA or The Track will keep even the teenagers happy for hours.
A good idea for any vacation itinery is to include a rainy day plan. This plan for the bay area could mean a thirty minute drive to Mobile's art museums or the Gulf Coast Exploreum for the kids.
For the history buff Battleship Park and Fort Conde in Mobile do great jobs of preserving our past. Fort Morgan, near Gulf Shores, was utilized for over one hundred years and has withstood four wars. The Fort Morgan area also hosts the biannual migration from dozens of Neo-Tropical birds each spring and fall. I took advantage of this special opportunity during my latest trip. I wanted desperately to test my new camera's shutter speed with a photo of the elusive hummingbird, something I have yet to accomplish in my life. It was with a child's enthusiasm that I waited for the volunteers to check the nets, hoping to catch sight of the tiny bird. Even though the group had spotted some earlier in the season, there were none caught on the day of my visit. I would be less than honest to say that I wasn't a little disappointed, but I did get to see some beautiful birds and meet some wonderful people who have dedicated their lives to protecting these important habitats . I will return again hoping to mark “spotting a Ruby-throated Hummingbird” off my “to do” list and hopefully explore more of this “secret” Utopia.
I hope you decide to take my advice and visit this beautiful part of the country and meet the wonderful people who call it home.
Happy Traveling,
Steven Gann
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And, when I find a nice, quiet hideaway, I like it to stay stay nice and quiet!
I would enjoy that Arts and Crafts Festival !!