Fairhope, AL

Yesterday was another day of sightseeing, and we spent it on the eastern side of Mobile Bay. Fairhope, AL, was founded in 1894 as a utopian experiment and remains an attractive, affluent seaside town, full of artists, intellectuals, natural and man-made beauty. We began our day at the municipal pier, where we strolled around the local outdoor craft market, then along the lovely beach. We’re still getting used to seeing flowers blooming in mid-December, and also came across a fun dragonfly teeter-totter.

We explored the main town, admiring the gardens and architecture, then took a drive along the coast, timing our return for sunset. Dinner was at McSharry’s Irish Pub, where Kathleen had scouted out a traditional music session. After our meal of shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, Magners cider and Guiness, she broke out her fiddle, joined the group, and blew them away with her skill and repertoire depth.