A trip to Alabama's Gulf Coast would not be complete without excursions to the quaint community of Fairhope. During our recent weekend at The Grand, I spent a leisurely afternoon shopping with Carson and Mary Ashley.
We enjoyed strolling the downtown streets in search of mementos of our family vacation.
This charming statue caught our eye outside the city's welcome center.
A number of merchants make their home here. Find a complete list of clothiers, antiques shops and specialty stores here. Here are a few of our favorite finds.
All this pink caught my eye at M&F Casuals.
Deja Vu was brimming with feminine, bohemian style.
This clever dress form arrayed in fabric flowers drew me in for a closer look.
Unfortunately, we happened upon Sew Unique Monogramming and Gifts after it closed, but window shopping here was a treat. Nearby, we found tees for the boys at The Fairhope Store.
For classic home decor, Ole Bay Mercantile does not disappoint.
Blue-and-white vignettes offered plenty of inspiration.
When we travel, we like to find a blown-glass ornament to commemorate each destination, and Christmas Round the Corner offered several possibilities. Ultimately, we chose a shimmering canoe to remind us of kayaking in the Gulf.
Relaxing with Carson and Mary Ashley was great fun -- especially in the beautiful setting of Fairhope!
"Every man who possibly can should force himself to a holiday of a full month in a year, whether he feels like taking it or not." ~ William Jones
