History, Tea, & Watertaxi to Fairhope (#81)

We timed our trip across the bay to the afternoon when the winds were calmer. We still had some chop, but were able to get across easier. We followed the navigation Dog River channel coming and going following our Navionics which guided us correctly.

We had originally planned to spend Thanksgiving in Fairhope. Because we were ahead of scheduled we decided to move forward with our buddy boat Dream Looper to Orange Beach. This meant we would only be spending 3 days in Fairhope.

Our slip was a covered slip which wasn't our first preference because of Starlink. Since it was tall and our stern wasn't covered as much we did get limited access. Even though they were fixed docks, they were high and we were able to get on and off easily without our ladder from the side.

The first night was rolly in the marina. There wasn't a breakwall so we could feel a lot of movement. Other loopers shared that the night before the waves were so bad that people broke dishes. Laura felt a little seasick from the smaller waves possibly also because we have been on calm waters for over a month. She took some dramamine and felt better.

The marina did not have a courtesy car, so getting into town required about a 3 mile walk or a dinghy ride across to the other side which was 1 mile from town. Ted and Ben scouted out a place to tie up the dinghy for us to take a trip into town the next day. Ted shuttled us over in two rounds with the girls first.

We left the dinghy and walked up the hill for the 1 mile walk to Fairhope.

Laura and Julie stopped for a healthy tea and chocolate croissant as we waited for the boys.

We went throughout the Fairhope Museum and saw a talk on the Tennsaw river. We learned about indian mounds that were very near our Tennsaw anchorage. We learned that Fairhope was a single tax entitty owned by one corporation. Originated 114 years ago, Fairhope is one of the only Utopia styled city/corporations still in existence. The financial structure allows the town to help small businesses thrive and maintain a very nice downtown.

Walkint from the town you can see the town pier.

There is a place where we could have taken our dinghy to tie up to the pier and restaurant.

We stayed for the movie night showing of The Grinch.

Since it was cold and we wanted a taxi back we left early.

The next day we went to the Fairhope Tea Plantation and learned the story and history of tea.

Apparently ALL tea comes from this plant. The different types of tea is from where the tea leaves are cut and mainly how they are processed.

He lays sheets on the ground when the sun is just right to dry the tea in matter of hours here. The design is based on information he gathered from going to china to learn artisan tea making techniques.

We were able to purchase some artisan tea from the owner.

Our next trip to Lulu's was a short 30 mile day. We left early in the morning to take advantage of our next short 1 day stay.

The transient slip is at the entrance and can be even more rolly than our slip. This is where some boats had dishes break with a windy night. Right in front is Mobile bay.

Stay: 3 nights

Fairhope City Docks Marina

Pros: Cute town, helpful staff, free laundry, close bathrooms

Cons: Not protected and can feel waves, no courtesy car

4 star