DATE IDEAS IN FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA

by: Savannah Perkins

Ah, Fairhope. A picturesque city situated on Mobile Bay, full of delicious restaurants,
friendly folks, and beautiful scenery. It’s easy to see why so many people fall in love!
Fairhope is even better when you have someone special to share it with, so if you’re
looking for some romantic date ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s check out
some restaurants and activities that will help you make the most of your time with bae on
the Bay!

Restaurants

Thyme on Section

This cozy restaurant is situated in the beautiful downtown area. Their
menu changes regularly to represent what’s in season, but the staples (like their truffle fries
and bistro steak) are fresh and delicious. They also offer decadent desserts and an
abundant wine and cocktail list. All of this paired with the dim lighting and soft music
makes Thyme on Section a great date night spot!

Fairhope Inn & Restaurant

The Fairhope Inn & Restaurant has been in the downtown
area for almost 25 years. Located inside a renovated historic home, it boasts a beautiful
brick courtyard as well as a glassed-in wraparound porch. This is a unique date option
because you can experience a spectacular dinner (the crab cakes are a must try!) before
staying in one of their beautifully decorated rooms and enjoying their incredible breakfast
the next morning. It is a fine dining atmosphere with the comfort of a friendly hometown
restaurant, and it’s perfect for a romantic getaway!

The Hope Farm

The first thing that you notice about Hope Farm is the beautiful setting.
Inside and out, the building has been designed in a way that feels luxurious and
welcoming. The menu is the same way. Whether out in the lovely brick courtyard or inside
at a cozy table, you and your better half can enjoy things like a well-balanced charcuterie
board, a lavish chateaubriand, or a sumptuous dessert. Each dish and drink is made even
more special when you realize that the fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms were grown on
their farm!

Wash House Restaurant

This restaurant is a hidden gem. Tucked onto Scenic 98 in
Fairhope, from the outside, you may underestimate this restaurant, but as soon as you
walk in, you’re enchanted. It has a rustic atmosphere, but their food and cocktails are
indicative of their fine dining prowess. Their scrumptious menu offers Gulf Coast classics
like oysters and shrimp and grits, but it also has unique options like the beef spring rolls or
the chateaubriand. The lovely lighting and feeling of privacy off the scenic highway give
Wash House a great date night vibe.

Provision

Provision ofers the perfect atmosphere for a date night. Known as “Fairhope’s
living room,” Provision has an inviting atmosphere, complete with a huge chandelier,
armchairs, and rugs. You and your sweetheart can grab a glass of wine and a charcuterie
board and curl up on a couch to enjoy the eclectic art on the walls and the modern music
lightly playing in the background.

Camellia Café

If you’re looking for a date place that is a mix of fun and romantic,
Camellia Café is the place for you. As soon as you walk in, you can feel the buzz of
conversation and hear upbeat music. When you reach the table, the small candles and
fresh flowers add an atmosphere of romance. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious
dishes that change on occasion. They keep many staples, though, like their filet of beef
which is grilled to tender perfection and served with truffle mashed potatoes, or any of
their homemade cheesecakes, drizzled with something devilishly delicious like salted
caramel and sautéed apples.

Locals Fairhope

If you were walking along and suddenly found yourself in this little alley,
you may think that you had walked through a magical gate to a European city street. The
lights, the walls, the flowers, the whole atmosphere (except for the hospitality) feels like
you have le# Alabama. Arguably one of the most romantic spots in the downtown area,
Locals restaurant certainly lives up to its name with their use of fresh, local ingredients.
Whether you’re craving a bowl of pasta in a rich, sumptuous sauce or an extravagant,
customized burger, Locals is a great place to grab a bite with your loved one.

Activities

Spending time with that special someone doesn’t have to be done at a restaurant. There
are several beautiful spots and fun activities where you can enjoy each others’ company!

Nature Walks

Even though Fairhope is more associated with its lively downtown atmosphere, there is
still plenty of nature to be experienced here! There are multiple parks and trails where you
and your date can stroll together, take in some beautiful scenery, and even have a picnic.
In the downtown area, on the Coastal Alabama Community College campus, there is a
botanical garden and trail where you can appreciate the beautiful seasonal flowers before
taking a walk on the tree trail.

Fairhope Municipal Pier

Another park in the downtown area is the Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park. The park
itself offers a rose garden, picnic tables, and even a duck pond. You and your love can have
a picnic, feed the ducks, and stop and smell the roses before walking to the pier to share a
romantic sunset over the water.

Taste of Fairhope Food Tour

Are you and your signifcant other foodies? If you want to experience several of Fairhope’s
best restaurants while also learning about the beautiful bayside city, a walking food tour
with Taste of Fairhope is the ideal outing for you to join! The tour company offers weekly guided
tours through the streets of Fairhope, complete with refreshing cocktails, delicious bites,
and historical trivia.

Spa Day

If you’re looking for something a bit more laid back, there are several spas in the area that
offer couples’ massages and treatments. Treat yourself and your companion to a relaxing
afternoon of romance and pampering at any one of our local spas. Each of these spas
offers a couples’ package at a different price point so that you can have a luxurious
experience at whatever price meets your budget. Some of the most popular choices are
Mountain Massage & Day Spa, Delatorre Day Spa, and The Spa at the Grand Hotel.

First Friday

Lastly, a wonderful date night activity for you and your special someone is Fairhope’s First
Friday. On the first Friday of each month, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., several of the shops and
art galleries in the downtown area stay open past their normal hours. People get a chance
to stroll down the charmingly lit streets of downtown Fairhope, enjoy live music, look at
unique local art, and even grab a free glass of wine offered to people while browsing.
Local art, live music, free wine, and romantic lighting – how could a date get any better!

Grab your loved one, and get out on the town!