Things To Do
Rent a Golf Cart
Fancy getting around in a golf cart in Fairhope? You're in luck - golf carts are allowed on the roads in downtown Fairhope! Feel free to rent one from Cartiology, or one of the other providers in Fairhope. Visit https://cartiologysales.com/golf-cart-rentals/
The Fairhope Pier
Fairhope’s “town square on the water,” the 1,448‑ft municipal pier was first built in 1895, rebuilt in concrete in 1968, and—after damage from Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina—reopened in 2006. It’s framed by a rose garden, fountain, duck pond, and the Beach Park Tree Trail (nearly 500 species), making golden hour strolls delightfully photogenic. Locals settle on benches to watch pelicans skim the surface as the bay turns copper— take a walk along the footpath, or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant attached to the pier!
Fairhope Museum of History
Learn about Fairhope’s unique utopian roots and local legends. Admission is free!
Eastern Shore Art Center
A hub for local art and rotating exhibits.
Panini Pete's
Michael and Elise love to visit Panini Pete's when they visit Fairhope! We recommend trying their homemade beignets with some lemon juice drizzled on top (get there before 11am so you don't miss out)! Or for lunch, the chicken rosemary or tomato mozzarella paninis with fresh chips are also winners!
Mr Gene's Beans
A local ice cream shop that Elise grew up going to - try a Fairhope Float (if you like coffee and ice cream)!
The Coffee Loft
Melburnians love their coffee, so Michael and Elise recommend this Fairhope staple to all their guests. You won't find an Australian 'flat white' here, but you might fall in love with a signature 'white silk' hot coffee!
Bouch's Premium Cigars, Accessories, & More
Need a night cap or cigar? We recommend Bouch's in downtown Fairhope.
Fairhope Brewing Company
Fairhope's local brewery - check their website for local events and Mardi Gras fun!
Bucky's Lounge
An elegant sunset perch with outdoor fire pits, a piano bar inside, and a storied cocktail culture—named in honor of longtime Grand Hotel bartender Aura J. “Bucky” Miller, famed for his mint juleps (there’s even a bronze statue in his memory). Time your visit around the resort’s daily military tribute and cannon firing (begins around 3:45 pm, cannon fires 4 pm) before settling in at Bucky’s for bayside twilight. It’s a signature Eastern Shore ritual. About: Opened in 1847 on the shores of Mobile Bay, the Grand Hotel has been a coastal landmark for nearly two centuries, welcoming generations of travelers to Point Clear. During the Civil War, the hotel served as a hospital, a role that foreshadowed its continued ties to the U.S. military. In World War II, the property was repurposed by the U.S. Army Air Corps as a training site associated with Operation Ivory Soap, reflecting the Eastern Shore’s strategic location and the hotel’s capacity to support national service.
Mardi Gras on the Eastern Shore
Eastern Shore Mardi Gras Parades (Feb 13–17) If you arrive early, catch colorful parades in Fairhope and Daphne leading up to Fat Tuesday. Friday, February 6 6:45 p.m. - Apollo's Mystic Ladies (Daphne) Saturday, February 7 6:30 p.m. - Knights of Ecor Rouge (Fairhope) Friday, February 13 6:45 p.m. - Maids of Jubilee (Fairhope) Saturday, February 14 2 p.m. - Krewe of Mullet Mates (Fairhope) 6:45 p.m. - The Shadow Barons (Daphne) Sunday, February 15 (Joe Cain Day) 2:29 p.m. - Loyal Order of the Fire Truck (Daphne) Monday, February 16 (Lundi Gras) 6:45 p.m. - Order of Mystic Magnolias (Fairhope) Tuesday, February 17 (Fat Tuesday) 10 a.m. - Gulf Shores Parade (Gulf Shores) 2 p.m. - Orange Beach Parade (Orange Beach) LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULET! & Happy Mardi Gras
Mobile
For the city of Mobile's 2026 parade schedule and route map visit: https://mobilemask.com/mobile-mardi-gras/parade-schedule-routes/ Quick planning tips: Arrive 45–60 minutes early for downtown parades (streets close and garages fill). Check the PDF route letters (A/B/C/D/E/F/H) to pick your viewing corner and avoid blocked intersections. Many night parades roll 6:30–7:30 pm; day parades often start midday–afternoon. Bring a soft tote for throws (Mobile’s signature MoonPies!)
USS Alabama Battleship
Walk the WWII battleship USS Alabama (“The Lucky A”) and the USS Drum submarine; both are National Historic Landmarks. The park opened Jan 9, 1965 after a statewide “Save the Battleship” effort (Alabama schoolchildren raised ~$100,000 in nickels and dimes). Plan 2–3 hours.
Mobile Carnival Museum
Perfect orientation to America’s oldest Carnival—14 galleries of crowns, scepters, robes, float design, and parade videos dating to the 1880s. Opens most Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat 9‑4; check the site for holiday closures.
Bellingrath Gardens
(short drive) A 65‑acre riverfront garden built by Coca‑Cola bottler Walter Bellingrath; open since 1932. In February, expect camellias, daffodils, tulips, and early azaleas beginning to pop—beautiful photo ops ahead of spring peak.
New Orleans
There will be Mardi Gras parades citywide, running through Fat Tuesday (Feb 17, 2026)—check route/schedule. Top Foods to Try: 1. Beignets: Fried dough squares dusted with powdered sugar, often paired with chicory coffee 2. Gumbo: A rich stew made with a dark roux, seafood or chicken, sausage, and okra, served over rice 3. Po-Boys: A classic sandwich on French bread, stuffed with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef 4. Muffuletta: A Sicilian-inspired sandwich layered with cured meats, cheese, and olive salad. Visit: Central Grocery – Home of the original muffuletta 5. Crawfish Étouffée: Crawfish smothered in a buttery, roux-based sauce served over rice. Visit: Commander’s Palace 6. Oysters Rockefeller: Baked oysters topped with a rich herb-butter sauce. Visit: Antoine’s – Invented here in 1899 7. Bananas Foster: Bananas flambéed in rum and brown sugar, served over vanilla ice cream. Visit: Brennan’s – The birthplace of this iconic dessert 8. Pralines: Sweet pecan candy
Pat O'Brien's Courtyard Restaurant
You must try the famous Hurricane drink!
The Carousel Bar & Lounge
The city’s only rotating bar, located inside the historic Hotel Monteleone. Opened in 1949, this whimsical bar spins slowly every 15 minutes while you sip world-class cocktails. Tip: Arrive early for a seat at the carousel
The Sazerac Bar
Elegant Art Deco setting with gilded murals and plush banquettes. Famous for the Sazerac cocktail, a New Orleans classic made with rye whiskey and absinthe. Perfect For: Pre-dinner drinks or a sophisticated nightcap. Must try: Sazerac Cocktail at The Sazerac Bar in The Roosevelt Hotel.
French Quarter
Visit the iconic French Quarter filled with sites like Jackson Square, Royal Street galleries, and the French Market.
Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall: Intimate nightly traditional jazz (reserve tickets).
Café Du Monde
Café du Monde: Classic beignets + chicory coffee.
The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum: One of the country’s top museums.
Abita Brew Pub
Abita Brewing Company (about 45 minutes north of New Orleans). Abita is one of Louisiana’s most iconic craft breweries, known for its Purple Haze, Amber, and seasonal brews.
Arnaud's New Orleans
Arnaud’s French 75 Bar Historic French Quarter bar with a tiled floor and custom-built late-1800s bar. Known for its award-winning French 75 cocktail (cognac, champagne, lemon).
