Day 173 Fairhope

The weather didn't turn crappy as predicted so we had a very enjoyable day in the village of Fairhope. Got to know Julie and Stu from Meander and John and Kathy from Serenity. Julie, Kathy and I had a "girl day" snooping in shops in Fairhope and the guys putzed around the boats. Fairhope is one of the best small towns we have cruised to. The old downtown is completely revitalized and filled with shops, businesses and restaurants. No chains or big box stores. - all homegrown local. It was enchanting. The people at the marina are so accommodating - we monopolized the courtesy van all day.  It was Kathy's birthday so later we went for a special dinner at the Grande Hotel. The waterside resort has been rebuilt by Marriott, but it's roots date back to 1820. The hotel was used as a hospital during the Civil War. 300 Confederate soldiers are buried on the grounds. The interior is elegant rustic and the food was superb. John had jambalaya and I had a crab burger. Serenity ordered gator bites as an appetizer and they were the best I've ever had.  The other two boats are moving on tomorrow, but we are staying one more day before traveling towards the panhandle.