"We had the best time staying at Away at the Bay, and I wanted you to know what a lovely spot you have. When my children start back to school, I intend to come back with my shopping buddies and spend a few nights with you. Sam was so pleased that we had fun because, as I told you, he thinks so highly of you and your husband. Thank you."

• Sandy Crosby

Azalea and Camellia Villas:

The Azalea and Camellia Villas are a home away from home, but better. The décor sets the mood for a relaxing southern style vacation. Open the windows and enjoy bay breezes or watch one of our breathless sunsets. There is even an extra bedroom for the children to ensure privacy.

• No pets
• Microwave
• Satellite TV
• Dishwasher
• Ceiling fans
• Canopy bed
• 2 bedrooms
• No smoking
• Fresh linens
• 2 bathrooms
• Coffee maker
• Wind surfing
• Washer & dryer
• Queen size beds
• Hobie cat sailing
• Private telephone
• Full size appliances
• Balcony with bay view
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Central heating & air individual to each villa

Fairhopian Villa:

The Fairhopian Villa brings to mind elegant southern living. For a romantic getaway with all the comforts of home, plan to stay here and rediscover yourself.

• No pets
• Microwave
• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Satellite TV
• No smoking
• Fresh linens
• Coffee maker
• Wind Surfing
• King size bed
• Hobie cat sailing
• Private telephone
• Full size appliances
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Queen size sofa bed in living room
• Central heating & air individual to each apartment

Magnolia Villa:

The Magnolia Villa will surpass your expectations. If you're just visiting for a short stay or to visit with family, the Magnolia will provide an excellent home base for entertaining or relaxing after a full day of activity.

• No pets
• Microwave
• 1 bedroom
• Satellite TV
• 1 bathroom
• Dishwasher
• Ceiling fans
• Fresh linens
• No smoking
• Wind surfing
• Coffee maker
• King size bed
• Washer & dryer
• Hobie cat sailing
• Private telephone
• Full size appliances
• Balcony with bay view
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Brass trundle bed in living room
• Central heating & air individual to each Villa

The Courtyard:

All of our guests have free access to our custom designed New Orleans style courtyard. Meet with friends, enjoy the water fountain, feed the gold fish, or just relax under our wonderful southern sunshine. Make yourself a mint julep with fresh mint from the courtyard and our traditional recipe.

Come and enjoy our private beach and beautiful picnic area. Go swimming, work on your tan or watch our famous sunsets.

About Our Area:

It's best known for its romantic, sweeping views of Mobile Bay and the storybook charm of its shops and flowers. But its captivating beauty doesn't just lie on the surface. When you explore what's at the heart of the town, you can more fully appreciate its true character.

It was 1894. A group of mid-westerners wanted to try an economic theory - a model community based on common ownership of land. They arrived on the pristine shores of Mobile Bay in covered wagons. Nineteen adults and nine children. And Fairhope was begun as a single-tax colony, so named for the leasehold fee that was to be the sole tax citizens paid.

The early colonists set aside the waterfront and other park-lands as a common area for all to enjoy. And because of their wisdom and vision, today we have a mile of public waterfront park - one of our founders' greatest legacy.

Fairhope's history as a resort community began during the bay boat era when wealthy Mobilians would arrive by boat at the municipal pier and vacation in the small bay cottages and hotels along the bluff-top. Vacationers came to Fairhope in the early days for many of the same reasons they do today: pleasant climate, peaceful surroundings, and inspiring scenery.

Throughout the century the town has attracted cultivated and free - thinking people. And over the years artists, writers, and craftsmen have found the town of Fairhope to be an inspiring haven for their work. These have made Fairhope what it is. Individuals, working together as a community, striving for quality of life.

Sightseeing:

To explore Fairhope as well as the surrounding area called the Eastern Shore, you must consider the season. The discoveries awaiting you have everything to do with that time of year.

Spring:

Fairhope is at its prettiest during the spring season. Cascading hanging flower baskets, street corner bedding areas and sidewalk flower boxes. It is also the best time of year to ride through shady lanes in old Fairhope neighborhoods and get a real glimpse of the Southern lifestyle. Bay cottages framed with dogwoods and azaleas. Front porch swings and rockers. Picket fences and ivy trellises . . .

Our biggest annual event takes place the third weekend in March - the Arts and Crafts Festival, one of the oldest in the South. Pottery. Watercolors. Woodcarvings. Jewelry. Wearable art. Remember - this is Fairhope. Expect to find the finest! And the nation's largest one-day sailing regatta takes place the third weekend in April on Mobile Bay - the Dauphin Island Regatta. It's a wonderful, water-full weekend.

Summer:

Yes. It's hot in Fairhope in the summer. But not as hot as you would expect. That's one advantage of being by the water. How nicely those bay breezes can feel. The Southern sun has its up side - it allows us to have an award-winning rose garden encircling the fountain at the Municipal Pier. Seeing all the exotic varieties is only half the experience. You must get out of your air-conditioned car and go "smell the roses." It's worth it.

The big event for Fairhope every summer is the 4th of July fireworks display at the waterfront. In the true American tradition, we have cookouts, go to the water front, and enjoy the show. Care to join us?

Autumn:

In the North they have the changing of the leaves. In Fairhope we have the changing of the sky at sunset. The days can be crystal clear with deep blues overhead - then at sunset the western sky above the bay creates a drama you can hardly believe. Reds blazing bright as fire. Oranges as deep as a glowing jack-a-lantern. And purples as royal as amethyst. Could it be the same palette from which the Northern leaves are painted? What a sight to behold.

Polo - it's the sport of royalty. And our answer to England's Ascot is Polo At The Point in neighboring Point Clear. An October tradition complete with thoroughbred ponies, chic ladies and GQ gentlemen. All in their finest attire, on the sideline, waiting to do their part - stomping those divots back into place. You too can be a spectator.

Don't unarch your high brows yet. There's another elegant October event in Point Clear. Art lovers - this one's for you. The Grand Festival of Art on the lagoon at the Grand Hotel is a gracious affair. Painters, jewelers, weavers, potters, and other artisans display their talents under the canopied oaks. And while you're there, you must have a look around the hotel. It's the queen of Southern resorts.

Winter:

If you're lucky you'll get to visit Fairhope during the winter months when there's nothing in particular you have to do. It's a pleasure just to linger here, unrushed, and breathe in the ambiance that goes with being on the bay.

An early winter morning in Fairhope is like a setting out of a Southern mystery novel - especially if fog is hanging heavy over the water. Take a stroll out on the Municipal Pier and watch seasoned fishermen cast their nets.

Or journey through the park on South Mobile Street. The smell of the bay is rich and wonderful. Seagulls squawking and waves gently lapping against the sandy beach. Is this sightseeing? You bet.

And during the winter holidays, `tis the season of lights in downtown Fairhope as over one million lights that illuminate the town. Sparkling. Exciting. Magical. Wonderful.

If you're here in February, you'll find the town in high spirits for our three Mardi Gras parades. Colorful, whimsical floats, masked riders, sequined ball gowns, and Moon Pies - get ready to catch those beads and doubloons!