🔑 10 Hidden Gems on the Eastern Shore You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Magnolia Springs, or Silverhill, Alabama — the Eastern Shore is full of little-known spots that locals quietly love. Here are 10 of my favorite hidden gems, from secret boardwalks to unforgettable food stops.

1. The Hope Farm – Fairhope

🌿 A wine bar, greenhouse, and garden-to-table restaurant all rolled into one.
Located just off Section Street, The Hope Farm feels like an escape into Napa Valley, but with deep Alabama roots. They grow many ingredients onsite, serve up creative cocktails, and offer seasonal menus in a dreamy outdoor setting. See the full story.

2. Big Daddy’s Grill – Fish River

🎶 Riverside eats, local beer, and gator sightings? Yes, please.
Big Daddy’s Grill is a true hidden-away treasure along Fish River. Think casual dockside dining, killer burgers and po’boys, and live music on the weekends. Come by boat or by car — either way, it’s worth the detour. See more.

3. French Quarter Courtyard – Downtown Fairhope

🎨 Art, wine, and live music hidden behind the main street.
Tucked behind Fairhope Avenue, the French Quarter Courtyard is a small, charming enclave of shops and art galleries, with twinkle lights and weekend music performances. Most visitors walk right past it — don’t be one of them. See more.

4. Old Spanish Trail Markers – Daphne & Spanish Fort

🗺️ A fascinating glimpse of early 20th-century travel.
Scattered throughout Baldwin County are stone markers from the Old Spanish Trail, a 2,700-mile road built in the 1920s stretching from St. Augustine to San Diego. Several of the original markers still stand today — including one near the Spanish Fort Town Hall. See more.

5. Gator Boardwalk – Daphne

🐊 Yes, there are alligators. And yes, it’s free to visit.
The Daphne Gator Boardwalk is a peaceful, elevated walkway through wetlands right near I-10. Locals know it’s a great spot for spotting wildlife — especially the occasional sunbathing gator. See more.

6. Magnolia Springs’ Oak-Lined Canopy Drive

🌳 A Southern gothic dreamscape just minutes from Highway 98.
Driving down Oak Street in Magnolia Springs feels like entering a movie set. Towering live oaks, thick with Spanish moss, create a tunnel of green over the road. It’s easily one of the most photogenic streets in the South — and still somehow under the radar. Be sure to stop at Jesse’s.

7. Market by the Bay – Daphne & Fairhope

🍤 Seafood takeout so good, locals don’t want to share the secret.
Market by the Bay might look like a no-frills seafood shack — but the gumbo, fried shrimp, and hush puppies are legendary. Call ahead for takeout or enjoy a quick bite inside. It’s quick, delicious, and incredibly local. See more.

8. Tolstoy Park – “The Hermit’s House” (Fairhope)

🏠 A tiny round house. A Russian mystic. A truly weird and wonderful story.
The Henry Stuart House, aka Tolstoy Park, is a historic oddity tucked behind a law office. The round, hand-built hut belonged to a philosophical hermit who made Fairhope his final home. Quirky, cool, and deeply Fairhope. More of the story here.

9. Weeks Bay Pitcher Plant Bog

🌱 One of Alabama’s rarest ecosystems — and it’s open to the public.
At the Weeks Bay Reserve, you’ll find a boardwalk that winds through a stunning pitcher plant bog — home to rare, carnivorous plants that digest insects! It’s peaceful, educational, and a little otherworldly. Full story here.

10. Silverhill’s Seasonal Corner Market

🧼 A small-town market full of handmade soaps, local jams, and neighborly charm.
While not open year-round, Silverhill’s local market (often near Town Hall or at community events) features vendors selling homemade candles, baked goods, and seasonal produce. Follow the Silverhill Town Page on Facebook to catch the next one.