Skip Europe This Summer: This Town in Alabama Is Just as Picturesque as Coastal Italy

Are you dreaming of a European getaway this summer? A casual stroll down flower-lined streets, ducking into a local coffee shop, or browsing boutiques sounds like a delightful break from the hum-drum routine. European getaways are costly, however, not to mention the jet lag and extensive travel time. A quaint, waterfront city in Alabama has many of the best parts of an Italian coastal city without the time and money of overseas travel. Consider skipping Europe this summer and traveling to the beautiful town of Fairhope, Alabama, instead.

Fairhope, Alabama, is a charming city of about 25,000 residents tucked along the eastern side of Mobile Bay. Its downtown area is so much like a relaxed European town that you'll wonder if you really are still in America. Fairhope's designers planned for a European vibe, and it shows! There are cobblestone walking paths, bountiful flowers, and local shops and cafes. Soaring, sturdy oak trees provide ample shade and natural beauty. There are so many things to do in Fairhope. Some of downtown's best spots are the Old Bay Mercantile, a local gift shop, and 7 South, a clothing boutique. Downtown also has two must-visit bookstores: The Book Inn and Page & Palette, where you can spend hours exploring and shopping. The Fairhope Farmers Market is a must-visit seasonal shopping opportunity for plants, produce, homemade soaps, and more.

No Italian getaway is complete without delicious, leisurely meals at lovely cafes. Have no fear; Fairhope has plenty of charming cafes where you can sit, indulge in mouthwatering food, and watch the world go by. Panini Pete's Cafe & Market on South Section Street has an idyllic atmosphere with stunning green spaces adorned with fountains, mature trees, and wrought-iron benches. The food is even better with dishes like hand-cut fries, burgers, and, of course, paninis made from high-quality ingredients. The real-life Panini Pete is Chef Pete Blohme, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City and was featured on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Guy's Grocery Games, and Guy's Big Bites. 

Two Sisters Bakery and Deli on Scenic Highway 98 in Fairhope is another welcoming cafe serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Its menu features delicious sandwiches like the Fairhope, with turkey, pepper jack cheese, green bell peppers, and pesto, and the Henpecked, with chicken, havarti cheese, spinach, mango chutney, and hot pickled peppers. It also serves wraps, salads, and fresh bakery items. 

Much like European coastal cities, Fairhope has a picturesque waterfront promenade. The Fairhope Municipal Pier and Park on North Beach Road is the perfect place to stroll. There are benches, picnic tables, a rose garden, a sandy beach, and a fountain. The 1,448-foot-long pier, which was decimated by Hurricane Katrina and rebuilt in 2006, stretches into the water. Spending a relaxed morning perusing the rose garden and enjoying the magnificent water views sounds positively enchanting. I can't think of anything more European than embracing a slower pace and simple joys. 

Fairhope offers superb accommodations, ideal for a short few-day stay, an extended getaway, and everything in between. The Fairhope Bay Room is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment just as charming as anything you'll find in Europe. Guests can enjoy an expansive front porch with rocking chairs and a garden. The Key West Inn, with an outdoor pool and continental breakfast, is also an excellent place to stay in Fairhope.