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 andget 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!