Everyday Living

Small Town America: Down By The Bay

~ Travel

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope”
Romans 15:13

For most of us, when we think of the Gulf Coast, we think: “beach”!  Places like Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Destin, and even Panama City may come to mind.  We do have some of the whitest sand and most beautiful shorelines imaginable, but let’s come back north a few miles to the bay area.   There are two little gems that Katy and I visited this past weekend that some of you may know-Magnolia Springs and Fairhope, AL. It was a weekend full of shopping in cute stores, eating good food, and taking in beautiful scenery!  Come along with us on this little get away to true small town America!   Magnolia Springs is truly a small town with a population of less than 800  The Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast was an enjoyable stay with friendly innkeepers!  The home was built in 1897!  I love a secret garden and path!   Magnolia Springs is nestled within the curves of the Magnolia River!  A majestic canopy of giant oak trees line the streets as well as camellias, azaleas, and of course magnolias! The Magnolia River remains the only river route mail delivery in the continental U.S.! Who doesn’t love a garden gate with a basket of flowers!   Jesse’s Restaurant with a glassed-in porch and fine dining with a casual atmosphere!  An appetizer of fried green tomatoes with goat cheese, gulf shrimp and creole remoulade!  Fresh redfish with succotash! Excellent and so fresh!  The boats at The Grand Hotel.  This photo was taken from inside their covered walking bridge! Love this nautical gate as seen on the drive to Fairhope!  Fairhope is such an artsy town!  Flowers lined the streets, all color coordinated!   Old Glory flying over the bay! A team of Tanzanian dancers were just in front of the Fairhope pier.  They were filming for a gospel video and we got a little sneak peak!  With the ray of sunshine coming down and their hands raised to the heavens, I am reminded…
“Let them praise his name with dancing…”
Psalm 149:3-4
 This salvia was right at the overlook spot for the bay.  There were many walkers, runners, and people just out enjoying their day!   There were some gorgeous church buildings! This little chapel with its red door sat right off the road, and of course we had to stop for photos! Notice the windows! This was taken walking down the walkway towards the chapel. We had dinner at Pinzone’s, an Italian restaurant in downtown Fairhope-alfresco style!  This restaurant “breathes Italian heritage with old world architecture, cobblestone walks, and Italian inspired food!” Fresh pears complemented with gorgonzola cheese on Tuscan flatbread.  The hint of cinnamon that you see sprinkled on top added excellent flavor! Everything about this town is cute and quaint-even the Welcome Center! The Fairhope Flower Clock sits at a very busy intersection, so please imagine trying to get photos of it!  It was quite the sight!   We had to take a break from all of the shopping for a Heath Ice Rage from Page and Pallette Bookstore!   Notice the matching baskets hanging in front of the downtown clock! A beautiful gazebo that caught my eye as we drove past! This fountain was next to the gazebo pictured above-the landscaping was beautiful! Ended our day in Fairhope with a beautiful view of the sunset and dinner at Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina! And look at this public library in another small town just north of Fairhope, in Loxley, AL…isn’t it the cutest?!

What about you?  Do you have any favorite small towns that you’ve visited?

pam closing

Linking with Pieced Pastimes, It’s Overflowing, Be Different Act Normal, Silver Pennies, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Pink When, Mod Vintage Life, Coastal Charm, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, The Dedicated House, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Style Sisters, The Charm of Home, The Winthrop Chronicles, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Craftberry Bush, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, My Romantic Home, Chic On A Shoestring Decorating, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, The Enchanting Rose, Alabama Women Bloggers, 21 Rosemary Lane, Northern Nesting, Oh My Heartsie Girl,  Cozy Little House, Rattlebridge Farm, The Turquoise Home

Comments

  1. I am ready to return to Fairhope! I love the antique shops – especially Aubergine! I also highly recommend the chocolate creme brulee at The Grand Hotel. Thanks for sharing your lovely photos.

    Reply

  6. So quite and calm . Perfect place to relax. The row of trees and the seafront the small lane everything looks so romantic. Lovely to see this post. It takes you to a different world. Thank you for the share. Today i have shared a post on Nap on the Porch about a small village(Southern India) and a temple built there in 12th century. you will like it. Thank you. Warm regards Sujatha:)

    Reply

  7. Oh my, I want to pack my bags and move there. That has got to be one of the most amazing little town. I absolutely love the first photo, incredible!

    Reply

  9. I love visiting places like this! The flowers on the gate, the red door church, and the gazebo; what’s not to love? Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    Reply

  10. The food looks delish! Is there anything more beautiful than a street lined with live oaks…just beautiful!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply

  13. Each photo is more beautiful than the next! You can almost feel the relaxed vibe coming through the pictures. I love the outdoor area of that Italian restaurant – so quaint. The canopy of oaks trees is stunning! Thanks again for sharing and happy 4th to you!
    Shelley

    Reply

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