Your guide to the perfect day in downtown Fairhope (on a budget)

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Fairhope French Quarter is a beautiful place to shop, eat and sit in the shade. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Taking a trip to Fairhope and on a tight budget? We’ve put together a guide of the best places to visit downtown that won’t break the bank.

Keep reading to find out our favorite spots in this charming Southern town.

Grab a drink at Coffee Loft

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The Coffee Loft’s Avalanche Iced Coffee is the perfect option for coffee-lovers with a sweet tooth. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Located on North Section Street, Coffee Loft is the perfect place to fulfill your coffee fix on the way to downtown Fairhope.

The interior is brimming with work from local artists and their extensive menu features specialty coffees, fruit smoothies, tasty snacks and more. For the coffee-lover, we recommend trying the Avalanche: a sweet coffee made with Irish cream, hazelnut + white mocha.

  • Where: 503 N Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532
  • Hours: Mon-Fri, 5:20AM-7PM | Sat, 6AM-7PM | Sun, 6:30AM-7PM
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Bargain vinyls at Dr. Music Records

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Dr. Music Records sits on South Section Street in the center of downtown Fairhope (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Dr. Music Records has been Fairhope’s supply of vinyls, new and old, since 1996. For those “balling on a budget,” check out their bargain bin near the door.

  • Where: 35 S Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532
  • Hours: Mon-Sat, 10AM-5PM | Sun, 12PM-5PM
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Add to your TBR at Page & Palette

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Page & Palette’s bookstore has gifts as well as a large selection of books. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Step out of the sun and enter the pages of a good book at this bookstore, coffee shop and bar! Make sure to keep an eye out for their staff reviewed books for the latest recommendations.

  • Where: 32 S Section St, Fairhope, AL 36532
  • Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:30AM-5PM | Sat, 8:30AM-5PM | Sun, 9AM-4PM
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Acquire a sweet treat at Mr. Gene’s Beans

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Mr. Gene’s Beans’ Fairhope Float is the perfect way to cool off this summer. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

This old school ice cream and coffee shop has the sweetest treats and staff. In addition to their freshly popped popcorn, their Fairhope Float is a must-try, with whipped cream atop a mixture of iced mochaccino, french vanilla and frozen yogurt.

  • Where: 302 De La Mare Ave, Fairhope, AL 36532
  • Hours: Mon-Thurs, 10AM-9PM | Fri-Sat, 10AM-10PM | Sun, 12PM-8PM
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Watch the sunset at The Bluff

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Henry George Bluff Park is the prime place for Fairhope picnics. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Henry George Bluff Park, nicknamed The Bluff, is the best shady spot to set up a hammock or lay out a picnic blanket. It also has multiple benches that are perfect for watching the sunset over Mobile Bay.

For an even closer view of the water, head to the Fairhope Municipal Pier just a short walk away—you’re likely to see a fisherman’s catch of the day, or if you’re lucky, meet the resident pelican.

  • Where: Co Rd 98, Fairhope, AL 36532
  • Hours: Open 24 hours
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Ella Walton
Ella Walton
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