Fun in Fairhope

Having unsuccessfully attempted to visit Fairhope, Alabama on New Years Day, we decided to head back for another attempt. Everyone loved the beignets at Panini Pete's in Mobile, so we were excited to go to the original location in Fairhope & score more beignets!

It was a beautiful sunny day, and we were all starving! As we arrived in Fairhope, it became obvious that something was going on because there was crazy traffic! Parking was an issue & we were getting worried about being able to execute our plan. Turns out there was a big Mardis Gras celebration, with a dog parade happening as we arrived and another huge parade scheduled for the evening!

These two beauties enjoyed their burgers. Dad was the only one who actually ordered Panini at Panini Pete's

It was a long drive, so we determined to make it work. Steve found parking on a side street & we walked through the dog parade traffic & found Panini Pete's. Although there was a pretty big line, it was moving fast. We managed to get seated & ordered...only to discover that this particular location doesn't guarantee beignets after 10 a.m. Seriously??? Oh well, the burgers were great, and everyone ate happily.

After lunch, we decided to wander around the shops. Steve bravely entered the Wild Olive, a shop with specialty olive oils and vinegars. You could sample everything, so sample we did. And, we did not break anything! Aren't you impressed? ;) Actually, I was super impressed with the people who ran the store, because they did not seem bothered at all that we were in there with all 5 children! Their products were amazing, and their attitudes towards us were fantastic, so they scored our business. :)  I highly recommend them!

We all enjoyed hanging at this eclectic art/furniture gallery.

We wandered out of the Wild Olive & down the street. Steve found this unique artsy place, with lots of cool outdoor stuff.  Steve was chatting with the owner, an art teacher. We wandered around her place, & the kids discovered a bathroom at the back of the place & took advantage of it. Before leaving, I decided I should take Jake, so off we went. In the front of the store, there were colored glass marbles & floral stones on the ground as decoration, & the owner told the kids they could each choose one.  Jake, of course, managed to drop his in the toilet...and so I had the pleasure of digging it out of the toilet.  My favorite...  And, there was no lock on the bathroom door, so after he went, I gave him strict instructions on where to stand while I went. Of course, no sooner than I had my pants down, he leaned against the bathroom door & it popped open, and of course, there were other customers giggling at my predicament.  And? When I admonished him to grab the door & close it, he just stood there...whilst my pants were down. Sooo...I had to yank my pants up & grab the door closed myself. Haha...making memories!

Steve had given the kids each $5 to spend on whatever they chose during our time here (not to be saved & used at a later date), so of course, it became a challenge to find something that they could buy for just $5, no easy task!  Finally, we found a bookstore that provided what we needed. Genna chose a Frozen coloring book, Jake got a dinosaur sticker play kit, and Shanan found a Nick Vujicic book that came with a free t-shirt. Of course, the Nick Vujicic book cost more than $5 dollars, but we paid the difference because she can share the book with us. ;) Alyssa, on the other hand, held out & didn't find anything worthy of her $5. ;)

They had Yuengling on tap (center), so Steve asked for some, and they obliged. Free beer? Why yes please!

As we continued to wander, Steve found a couple art galleries that we browsed. I don't know if I had ever browsed through art galleries before I met Steve, but that's something we've always done together when we come across them.  And? I certainly would have probably never chosen to take our littles through art galleries because well, littles are so unpredictable, and art is so expensive. But, Steve has never hesitated, and I'm actually grateful. It's helped our kids develop an appreciation for art, and it has helped them to learn how to keep their hands to themselves & show respect for property. It's been a really good thing. I was super impressed by the people working at the art galleries here because again, they didn't seem bothered by our kids. And? We happened upon one art gallery that had free beer on tap! Wow! What a neat concept! And yes, we took advantage of it...and had to explain to Jake that no, he could not taste the "beerd."

We realized that shops were closing early in preparation for the big Mardis Gras parade, so we hastened to make our way back to the van. However, Alyssa still hadn't spent her $5. As we were leaving the shops area, we saw a chocolate shop still open, so we decided to check it out.  Her $5 bought her 4 gourmet chocolates, and she was happy! :) Although our day in Fairhope didn't turn out quite like we anticipated, we had a great time & would definitely go back!

Loved these watercolors

The pictures don't do justice on these paintings