Saturday, April 2, 2011

The Pier - Fairhope Alabama

Fairhope Pier Fountain
The pier in Fairhope Alabama may actually seem like something that would be fairly boring and not really all that exciting to see. Well you would be right, sorta. If you are looking for just a quiet and calm walk then walking down the pier can be exactly what you need. Or you can take a walk along the shore and enjoy the waves crashing aganist the wall. I personally prefer to walk along the shore, because if you choose to walk down the pier then you have to deal with people fishing and the smell that can come with it. If you don't mind the smell or simply just want to walk to end of the pier then it's actually quiet nice, and its not so long that you get tired. Also on the pier is the restuarant, its a very nice restaurant but is not open all year so make sure that you check the hours.


Baby Ducks Swim in the Duck Pond
 You will notice if you visit here that when you are driving in to the right there is a drive that leads somewhere else. This is my favorite part of the pier. This drive will lead to a picnic area and a park that is actually quite long and very peaceful, this is also the area in which you are allowed to swim. At the end of the road there is a pond that will have ducks and geese. If you head down here its work it to go and get a loaf of bread to feed to the ducks. They are actually friendly and many of them will actually come right up to you and take it out of your hand, but don't forget to feed the squirrels as well. There is only one thing that you need to remember about the duck pond, at certain times of the year the ducks will lay eggs so during this time be very careful of where you step and go. But once this time is over if you are lucky you will be able to see the baby ducks after they hatch. This area is free to everyone during the cooler months but once the summer hits then there is a small fee if you are not a Baldwin Country resident.

If you choose to visit this area at a busier timeframe, there are always different festivals and activites that go on down here. Every fourth of July the city holds a fireworks display and almost like a little carnival that is at the pier. Sometimes music festivals and even art festivals can be found by the pier. There is always something going on, so its a good to check in advance.