Where to Shop in Fairhope, Alabama — A Short, Growing Local Guide

Our friend Alba found a jumpsuit covered in little blue fish — a nod to Portugal, where the sardine is something close to a national treasure, and a country she loves to visit. She wore it downtown, stood under an American flag in red, white, and blue, and Fairhope drew its own conclusions. People stopped her in the shops. People stopped her on the sidewalk. Drivers slowed to honk, wave, and bellow compliments out their windows. It was, honestly, extraordinary. Everyone approved. Almost nobody noticed the fish.

That is Fairhope for you. Warm first, details later. It’s a town full of artists and people with an eye for the creative, so a Portuguese sardine suit fit right in. Which, naturally, brings us to the shopping.

Here are a few of the places we love.

They’re all wonderful and the owners are the friendly kind, so consider this the tip of the iceberg.

The Copper Column — One of our favorites. An eclectic treasure trove on De La Mare: antiques, original art, and home goods wrapped around a courtyard, plus a great selection of linen clothing — summer survival gear in the South. Easy to lose an hour here.

Page & Palette — A fourth-generation bookstore that’s been on Section Street since 1968, with a coffee shop (Latte Da) tucked inside. Books, cards, gifts, and staff picks you can actually trust.

Utopia — A downtown boutique that’s perfectly named for the town. Trendy apparel, jewelry, and the sort of dress you’ll reach for at the next porch gathering.

Bay Break— On Church Street, on the site of the old Monk Green’s (a Fairhope landmark since the ’30s), reimagined by Andrew and Tori Austin. Fishing gear, bait and tackle, swim and sun essentials — and some genuinely cute coastal clothes. A little bit of everything Mobile Bay life asks for.

Sadie’s of Fairhope — On-trend and right in the heart of downtown, with sundresses for the days you want to look like you belong here. You do.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, stop at Mr. Gene’s Beans for ice cream. It’s been the local sweet spot since 1993, and a Fairhope Float is the correct move.

There’s more — much more. From A to Z, antiques to a Zephyr off the bay, Fairhope has it. We’ll keep adding to this list.
All of these locations are close to Group Retreat Fairhope!