Fairhope, Alabama is a coastal city on the southern end of Mobile Bay, Alabama. The city is known for its beautiful scenery, ports, waterways, and shoreline. The city has seen growth over the years and is considered a regional tourist destination. Population growth over the last decade has resulted in a population that is much older than the national average. The number of residents over the age of sixty-four constitutes nearly twenty percent of the total population.
Known as a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, Fairhope Alabama has enjoyed a port since the late nineteenth century. Today, the Port of Fairhope serves a variety of businesses and homeowners seeking a convenient location to explore Gulf waters or fish the ocean for blue fish and other seafood species. A wide variety of restaurants and shops offer a diverse collection of offerings from local restaurants to larger regional chains.
Situated on the southern end of Mobile Bay, Fairhope Beach is one of the most popular local shopping destinations in the area. In addition to traditional local shops, there are two large strip malls that contain a variety of fine department stores, specialty food shops, and several popular tanning salons. One of the largest beach stores in Fairhope Alabama, Bareboat Cruises, also operates out of one of these large malls. This company specializes in container vessel charters and yacht charters.
In addition to a rich selection of fine dining establishments, a Fairhope Alabama home owner can experience Fairhope's unique culture and shopping offerings. The city is home to one of the largest Afro-American populations in the nation. This population has made Fairhope one of the most culturally diverse cities in the Southeast region. In addition to several popular traditional African-American style restaurants and groceries, Fairhope residents also enjoy one of the region's largest afro stores, Jack's Place, where they can enjoy specialty food items such as shrimp gumbo and collard greens.
If you are planning a day trip to Fairhope Alabama, you may be wondering what kinds of things visitors can do while they are here. A day trip to the area will allow you to experience Fairhope's unique culture, which can be explored by simply taking a walk through the streets or taking a ride along the shores. For shoppers, a day trip to the various flea markets and small shops that line the coastal areas of Fairhope will offer something for everyone. The shops are operated by individuals who use Fairhope as a way to earn an income and even purchase their own home - giving shoppers an up close and personal look at the everyday life of Fairhope residents.
Fairhope Alabama is also one place that is noted for its beaches. Oceanfront properties are abundant on the island and one popular beach is the aptly named Seven Mile Beach, known for its year-round water activities. There is also the aptly named Surf City Water Park, where visitors can indulge in activities like swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, or just relaxing on the beach. Other beaches include Tuscaloosa Bay Beach, South Beach, Holmes Beach, and Bay Beach. No matter how you choose to spend your time on Fairhope, visitors are sure to experience the beauty and charm that this Alabama town possesses.