grammyc from fairhope

**grammyc** · 06-27-2008, 08:15 AM

Hello All--I just love these type boards, so when we rented a place for summer vacation, it sounded like a way to enhance the experience! I alway say, antisipation is a huge part of a sucessful trip! We're doing a week at Seagrove at a place called Sugar Dunes. Its a birthday week for me, and I'm aready antisipating the PRINCESS routine!

Diane

**Franny** · 06-27-2008, 08:56 AM

Diane. We love to visit your area too!! Sugar Dunes are grayt condo's...have funn and happy to be birthday/

**kurt** · 06-27-2008, 08:59 AM

A week-long birthday at the beach is a wonderful thing.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-27-2008, 09:02 AM

I love Sugar Dunes! No matter what floor you are on, you have stairs to the beach from your balcony. Also, big, spacious units. They are an older condo, but well kept. Happy Birthday .....have a blast!!!

**grammyc** · 06-27-2008, 09:07 AM

Franny-- thanks for the best wishes! How odd that I thought Sugar Dunes was in Seagrove. I guess its because it's posted that way on VBRO.com, but as yet, since its a recent rental, we don't have direct information on how to get there yet. Doesn't matter, the whole area is wonderful, we've visited for 30 yrs. Would live there except for family. Still, we love Fairhope too! Do you know it also, or just Gulf Shores?

**kloli** · 06-27-2008, 09:47 AM

I loved living in Fairhope. We lived in a small cottage two blocks from the bay where we could easily walk to the shops and restaurants....and work. I often think about moving back.

**ThirtyAGal** · 06-27-2008, 09:54 AM

Welcome GrammyC. You live in a beautiful city, which I was fortunate enough to visit one time. You will LOVE SoWal. By the way, I am also a Grammy!

cp · 06-27-2008, 10:46 AM

I love Fairhope also! Gulf Shores was the first beach I ever went to . Lots of folks around here go there every year. Its 100 miles closer than sowal.
Last june I was there for a week in my niece's sil's condo.
I started a thread a few weeks ago about your area . I'll try to find it.

**grammyc** · 06-27-2008, 03:39 PM

Thanks everyone! We love our town too! Both DH and I born in Mobile, retired in Fairhope. Or ONE of us did anyway

. DH hard at work putting back the new Gulf Shores State Pk. 1600 ft. fishing pier. BUT!!! we LOVE SOWAL too! You all are so friendly. Its going to be great fun reading this board while getting ready for the BIG Birthday! I won't be having anymore after this one

! Its one of those BIG NUMBERS, so I'm actually going to blow out the candles and WISH to be 59 forever

! Might work, I'll let you know, Diane

cp · 06-27-2008, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by grammyc

Thanks everyone! We love our town too! Both DH and I born in Mobile, retired in Fairhope. Or ONE of us did anyway

. DH hard at work putting back the new Gulf Shores State Pk. 1600 ft. fishing pier. BUT!!! we LOVE SOWAL too! You all are so friendly. Its going to be great fun reading this board while getting ready for the BIG Birthday! I won't be having anymore after this one

! Its one of those BIG NUMBERS, so I'm actually going to blow out the candles and WISH to be 59 forever

! Might work, I'll let you know, Diane

I

that park,stayed in a cabin in the woods in May 03. Last year I drove by the new ones on the lake they look really good also.

**Franny** · 06-27-2008, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by grammyc

Franny-- thanks for the best wishes! How odd that I thought Sugar Dunes was in Seagrove. I guess its because it's posted that way on VBRO.com, but as yet, since its a recent rental, we don't have direct information on how to get there yet. Doesn't matter, the whole area is wonderful, we've visited for 30 yrs. Would live there except for family. Still, we love Fairhope too! Do you know it also, or just Gulf Shores?

We visited Fairhope a couple of years ago and loved the area, so pretty and the downtown was very charming. Sugar Dunes would be considered Seagrove, so you are right on track. Be sure and check out Eastern Lake to the west of Sugar Dunes, but most of all....

!!

**njackie** · 06-27-2008, 10:43 PM

We love Fairhope too, we used to visit a second hand store right in the center of town. We stayed at Marriott's Point Clear, until one day our little car ventured just a bit further into Florida and we fell in love with the Panhandle. Have a wonderful time, you will have a short drive. Sometimes I think about recreating our days at that grande ole place.

DD · 06-27-2008, 10:46 PM

and Happy Birthday!

**jensieblue** · 06-28-2008, 06:58 AM

.
I truly love Fairhope. My brother, a sailor, lives there and we visit often. I wonder what ever happened to the gentleman that would put out the sign advertising his fresh doughnuts or muffins. He wasn't there last time. Also we could not find the coffee shop that sold the iced coffee Fairhope Float. We are planning another trip with lots of extened family at the Grand in ealy Fall. Have you ever witnessed a Jubilee? My family and I just bounce back and forth between Fairhope and Gryton. Have a Happy, Happy birthday...

**grammyc** · 06-28-2008, 10:04 AM

jensieblue--Yes! We have witnessed a jubilee! It was a real thrill, to say the least. Mostly crabs and flounders that night, and it wasn't even since we've lived here. It was many years ago when we (sailors also) sailed from Mobile Bay across to Fairhope. When we arrived the action started up just like they were waiting for us. It was unbeleivable. We had a few coolers on board and many canvas bags, so just anchored and used gloves and feet to capture the treats. It was well into the morn. next day arriving back to Mobile Yacht Club to end the trip. Have not seen one since, but they are always happening in late summer, due to the oxigen levels in the water and some phenominon to do with the gulf stream. Glad you asked, takes me back! Diane

**cowboys_fans** · 06-28-2008, 10:05 AM

GrammyC - we are coming to SoWal in early August, but are thinking about staying in Fairhope on our way in. Can you give me any recommendations for hotels, inns, etc in that area? Thanks!

**kloli** · 06-28-2008, 11:21 AM

Hi cowboys fan! I am a big fan myself....in fact, I was thinking about using that exact avatar. I went with a starfish instead...thought it would satisfy my obsession enough. Now I'm jealous.

I lived in Fairhope for awhile and I would highly recommend the Grand Hotel Marriott, directly on the bay, and Fairhope Inn, a quaint B&B and wonderful restaurant located in the center of downtown Fairhope. For a less expensive stay, there is the Holiday Inn Express located out on the main Road (Greeno Rd...I think). It's quick and easy...and very nice. Have a good time!

**cowboys_fans** · 06-28-2008, 03:04 PM

Thank you very much for your help...I will check it out. Have a great weekend!

**jensieblue** · 06-28-2008, 06:55 PM

I have never witnessed a jubilee but I hope to see this one day. You have a fabulous birthday. May I suggest you treat yourself to the wonderful breakfast at the Hibiscus B & B in Grayton beach. It is a short drive from Seacrest and well worth the effort. Turn off 30A the Grayton Beach sign. This is beyond the Grayton State Park sign. After turning off 30 A the Hibiscus will be on your left. The breakfast and the ambiance are wonderful. If you ever come back in the Fall, we come down every Thanksgiving....Look for the Birmingham and Tennessee tags...

**grammyc** · 06-29-2008, 10:34 AM

Cowboy-Fans--ditto on the already mentioned spots, and since you mentioned shopping, we have a newish I-10 Shopping complex at the Malbis exit or exit 34. the exit before that is open too with more shopping(Bass pro shop etc.(Ithink) but anyway, lots of new hotel chains going up daily. Hope you find something to your liking. Whatever you do, try to get done to Fairhope proper atleast one day, you will really enjoy it! Enjoy, Diane

cp · 06-29-2008, 03:48 PM

what is the name of the big veggie market when you take the Gulf Shores exit?? I stop there when going to Jacksonville. Their apple dumpling is to die for!

**ThirtyAGal** · 06-30-2008, 08:24 AM

Diane - Does Jimmy Buffett's sister, Lulu, still have a restaurant in that area? I believe that I heard she closed it.

**grammyc** · 06-30-2008, 10:40 AM

ThirtyAGal - Yes she does. Its at a different location on the intercoastal waterway in Gulf Shores under the canal bridge, complete with world class marina where you can sit at two different bars or most all tables and see these huge yacht go in and out or just pull your small (lol) yacht up to the dock, tie up and come in for one of those world famous buffett burgers. Fried green tomatoes and crab claws are still my favorites, but all the food is good. It just has one drawback. At the old location (very small and laidback) very close to my house, you might just show up on any given night and find Jimmy there playing for the locals. It was great! Most times it was for someones birthday, usually MOM, but shes gone now and the new place is atleast 10 times larger and security would be a nightmare. It's definitely a great place to go, and THEY DO,all year, so I generally pick late fall and just before spring break to visit a lot. She has a website that's fun, just can't remember what its called.

**grammyc** · 06-30-2008, 10:48 AM

CP--I'm guessing that market would be The BURRIS Market in robertsdale just off I-10. I know its still there, but haven't been that way lately. Its an OLD family outfit that's pretty famous. All the produce locally is really good this year because of the rain, try the white sweet corn It's to die for. Diane