You’re Only an Hour Away From This

The Opening Line

Good Morning! On a recent drive toward Mobile, I realized I’ve never properly explored Fairhope. After a little research (and a few recommendations), I mapped out what I think makes for a great day trip.

Let us know if you go — and what we should add to the list.

In today’s line:

The Digest - A day trip plan for visiting Fairhope, Alabama
Around Town - Events and happenings across the area
Find Your People - Highlighting two local clubs or groups to get connected
The Music Line - Who’s playing and where

If you own a local business and want to reach engaged readers in the Pensacola area, we offer section sponsorships. Just hit reply or reach us at [email protected]

- The Bay Line Crew

The Digest

The Pensacola area is a great home base for day trips or quick weekend getaways. This week we focus on Fairhope, Alabama. Being just an hour away makes it an easy trip and you don’t feel like you are in the car for long. This is our guide to a great day in Fairhope.

The Drive - If you are leaving Pensacola we recommend you take Scenic Highway 98. This gives you coastal views and live oak canopies as to you head to Fairhope. If you are closer to I-10 consider taking the morning drive down 98 and the afternoon back on 10.

Coffee or Breakfast Early in the Drive -The Drowsy Poet at Navy - 1023 Navy Blvd - It is a Pensacola staple and will get you coffee as soon as you get on 98. R’Reileigh’s Daybreak Cafe - 34921 US-98, Lillian, AL - Just over the bridge on 98, it is a laid back local family restaurant with lots to look at on the walls and a good breakfast menu (all day).

Coffee or Breakfast After the Drive - The Coffee Loft - 503 N Section St., Fairhope, AL - an eclectic and bohemian “hole in the wall” vibe. Has coffee, smoothies, and baked good options. Julwin’s Restaurant - 411 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL - Classic southern breakfast spot with all the usuals, get a hot and big breakfast in (you may need a later lunch).

The Storybook Castles - 457 Oak Ave - Drive by the Sheldon, Boom, and Mosher Castles - These are private residences (Airbnb now) that were built with whimsical, fairytale architecture.

Eastern Shore Art Center - 401 Oak Ave - Five galleries featuring local ceramics and driftwood art. It is free admission to walk around and look. They do have workshops and classes as well.

Downtown Shopping - Head west on Fairhope Ave, to get to the Fairhope French Quarter area where you will find local shops. While you are in the French Quarter area, check out the free Fairhope Museum of History.

Lunch Option 1 - Panini Pete’s - 41 S Section St. - considered an iconic Fairhope lunch spot, you can enjoy a New Orleans-style sandwich and beignets (expect a lunch rush at peak times).

Panini Pete’s

Lunch Option 2 - Dragonfly Foodbar - This is a trendy, high-energy spot that is know for its fusion concepts like asian fusion tacos.

Fairhope Municipal Pier - Walk the quarter-mile pier, or walk the south and north beach parks.

Afternoon Shopping - You can head back to the downtown area “golden triangle” that is formed by Fairhope Ave, Section St, and De La Mare Ave or head over towards 98 in Fairhope for stores in the shopping centers like Southern Antiques and Accents.

Sunset / Dinner Option 1 - The Grand Hotel and Bucky’s Lounge - Drive south to Point Clear for sunset. Check out Bucky’s Lounge at the Grand Hotel. If you aren’t ready to settle in you can explore the public space or walk The Boardwalk that goes southeast along the homes to Zundel Rd. At Bucky’s they have outdoor fire pits and you can enjoy the sunset on Mobile bay. They host sunset celebration from 2-6pm with live music. You can reserve a spot at a fire pit from their website. If you stop at the hotel in the morning you can get duck food from the front desk and feed the ducks at their lagoon (this is if you stop by in the morning only).

Dinner Option 2 - Walking around the Grand Hotel and The Boardwalk is still a great stop but if you need a different dinner option try this. Drive north of the pier and you can grab dinner at the Sunset Point at Fly Creek Marina. This is a good option if you are thinking of taking I-10 back after your day.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something’s sponsored.

Around Town

Santa Rosa Beekeepers Association - Meeting - February 19
All beekeepers—and those curious about beekeeping—are welcome to this monthly meeting featuring a potluck dinner from 6:00–7:00 PM. A mini newbie beekeeping class runs from 6:00–6:30 PM, followed by a discussion on swarms, including trap building, hardware, and essential hiveware. A great chance to learn, connect, and share with the local beekeeping community.

Spring Prep Class - February 21 - 10:00 am- Plant Care Tips and Tricks - Pinelands Nursery Co. - 8365 Highway 90, Milton - Free class about preparing soil, pruning, early spring planting, and mistakes to avoid.

Doodles Day Out - February 21 - 1-5 pm - Coastal County Brewing Co. - 3041 East Olive Road, Pensacola - Bring out your doodle to meet new dog friends (and human friends). There will be an enclosed dog park, frisbees and toys. Bounce house and play area for your human kids.

A Taste of Ireland – Saenger Theatre - February 21 - 7:30 pm
This high-energy Irish music and dance sensation returns with world-class performers from Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Expect a lively mix of traditional and modern Irish dance, live music, storytelling, and a touch of Irish wit—all wrapped into an unforgettable stage production.

Up Close Magic with Nathan Nickerson - February 20 - Magic at the Gordon - Join magician Nathan Nickerson at the card table and witness unforgettable sleight of hand and impossible moments happening in your own hands, just inches away. This is not a stage show — it’s an intimate, adults-only magic experience where every seat is part of the performance.

Pensacola Youth Rugby Camp - February 28 - 11am-2pm - Hosted by the Pensacola Aviators Rugby Club and Fat Alberts Rugby. This is a free introduction to rugby for boys and girls age 10-18. This will be non-contact. Ensley Park - 555 E Nine Mile Rd, Pensacola. Registration begins at 10:30 am.

Gulf Coast Renaissance Fair - February 28-March 1, and March 7-8- At Five Points Speedway. We have not been to this event but it looks like they are trying to have something for everyone with the standard renaissance fair, Wild West round up, and Pirate Fest. It is a ticketed event. Looks like $20 (or $35 for the weekend) for adults and $10 (or $15 for the weekend) for kids.

Pensacon- February 20-22 - Pensacola Bay Center and additional venues - Pensacon is the Gulf Coast’s premier pop culture convention celebrating the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, horror, comic books, cosplay, animation, video games, books and much more. The three-day event draws tens of thousands to downtown Pensacola and takes place across multiple venues.

Pensacola Ice Flyers - Dino Race Night - February 27, 7pm. If you haven't been this season this could be a great night to go.

West Florida Fire and Nature Festival - March 7, 9am-3pm - Family-friendly event at UWF nature trail that is designed to help kids and adults learn how prescribed fire helps protect forests, wildlife, and communities.

Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma - March 13 and 15 - Saenger Theatre - Dance back in time to the American wild west with Oklahoma!–a classic, feel-good musical that follows the blossoming love story between farm girl Laurey and charming cowboy Curly as they navigate rival suitors and the challenges of frontier life.

Arts, Crafts and Culture Festival - March 14, 9am-4:30pm - 4750 Willard Norris Rd, Milton, FL - arts & crafts vendors, food trucks, tours of Native American Cultural Center and Native American Roundhouse and traditional Creek stomp Dancing.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something’s sponsored.

Find Your People - Clubs and Groups

Each week we rotate this section to spotlight different topics and ways to connect locally. Today, we’re featuring two organizations that bring people together in very different ways. If you would like to see this feature rotate in each month let us know in the poll below.

Option 1 - Junior League of Pensacola

What it is - A women’s volunteer organization focused on community impact, nonprofit support, leadership development, and fundraising. It has been active in Pensacola for decades and quietly influences a lot of local nonprofit work.

Who it is for - Women who: want to give back in a structured way, are comfortable with committees and planning, like being around motivated, civic minded women, may be looking to grow leadership skills.

Commitment level - Moderate. There are meetings, committee assignments, and volunteer requirements. This is not a drop in once a year situation.

Cost - There are membership dues.

Why it matters locally - Junior League members often sit on nonprofit boards, shape fundraising efforts, and help launch community initiatives. It is a pipeline for local leadership.

Who this is not for - If you hate meetings, do not enjoy organized structure, or are already overwhelmed with obligations, this may feel like too much.

Option 2 - Pensacola Runners Association

What it is
A long standing local running club that hosts races, group runs, and training support for all levels.

Who it is for - Men and Women who: want accountability to move their bodies, are training for something or thinking about it, want casual connection without forced small talk, prefer activity based friendships. Many join in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Some are competitive. Many are not.

Commitment level - Flexible. Show up when you want. Train when you want. Race when you want.

Cost - Annual membership fee if you join formally, but many events and runs are accessible without heavy obligation.

Why it matters locally - The association supports local races, health initiatives, and community fitness culture. It keeps people active and social.

Who this is not for - If you truly dislike sweating, early mornings, or being outside in humidity, this will not magically change that.