Maritime / nautical theme area near AL coast? (Mobile, Daphne: relocation, real estate)

[mrs1885]

My husband and I - when we lived in Florida - went to Key West several times a year. We've since moved to TN and are looking for that type of area somewhat closer.

We want to be close to the Gulf. We like history - pirates, maritime history, Civil War history. We're not very active (hubby's disabled) so just a relaxing place, not too many people, really a laid back town we can destress in.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[Keeper]

Baldwin county would fit your needs. Close to the water and history. Mobile is full of history. There are 2 forts on each side of the bay. Fairhope is laid back on Mobile Bay, many retirees and very safe. There are other little towns from Foley to Loxely to Daphne to Silverhill.

You won't find the bars in Fairhope like in Key West, but there are a lot of little shops in town. Close to Gulf Shores too. Houses are more expensive in Fairhope proper than in some of the smaller towns.

Go down for a visit to LA (lower AL) and check it out. Don't forget to try the seafood, I guarantee it is the best you have eaten.

[mrs1885]

You won't find the bars in Fairhope like in Key West

LOL! That's the thing we don't like about Key West! Sounds like it fits the bill. I'll do some internet surfing on it and maybe we'll swing down one weekend. Any suggestions on accomodations? We usually stay in the B&Bs in Key West. Nothing like a century old mansion that's been converted - they're just gorgeous!

[southernnaturelover]

Check out this link

Fairhope, Alabama Bed and Breakfast - Fairhope B&B from Pamela Lanier

[mrs1885]

Oh thank you! That second one looks nice - I'm going to check out their website!

[Keeper]

In March and April the azeales will be in bloom and the dogwoods too. I know they have art shows downtown too.
Check out this link for pictures of the area
Fairhope, Alabama (AL) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders

[mrs1885]

Wow! Those are gorgeous photos Keeper. Thank you! And that's right outside the Mobile area?

[southernnaturelover]

Mobile is about a 30 minute drive from Fairhope (in normal traffic). With the new shopping center in Spanish Fort, you really wouldn't have a need to go into Mobile very often, other than maybe sight seeing.

[mrs1885]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

Mobile is about a 30 minute drive from Fairhope (in normal traffic). With the new shopping center in Spanish Fort, you really wouldn't have a need to go into Mobile very often, other than maybe sight seeing.

Oh, ok. I'm sure we'd spend a day there, just so we can say we've been. But Fairhope looks gorgeous!

[Keeper]

Fairhope is a very laid back town. Many ppl still don't lock their doors, although if you are like me after living in FL. that is something you are just trained to do. I love going into Julwins restaurant and listening to the locals chat over breakfast and coffee.

Mobile has a lot of history and beautful old homes especially on Gov't street. Jimmy Buffet wrote several songs about his hometown including one about the library on Gov't street. He still visits the area and I am told he is seen at a pizza place in Daphne (next to Fairhope) when in town.
You have to go to the Dew Drop Inn if you go to Mobile, famous for the their hot dogs and po-boy sandwiches.