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🌱 What Fairhope’s aging population means for new hospital care and jobs
Fairhope, Alabama Patch AM: a 5 min readWhat's up Fairhope! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What Fairhope’s aging population means for new hospital care and jobs
- Why Fairhope’s “suspiciously pretty” downtown just made a national list
- How Fairhope’s castles and Tolstoy Park became Southern fairy-tale landmarks
Also on today's calendar: Associate Council Meeting and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What has hands but isn’t able to clap? 🤔 (Answer below!)
☑️ Important voting information: The Nov. 3 general election is coming up. Official Alabama election resources: Find your polling place | Register to vote | Check your registration | Absentee, mail and early voting.
- Wednesday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 78 and low of 47 degrees.
- Thursday: Sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 79, low: 52.
- Friday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 79 and low of 52 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Baldwin County Has The 4 Oldest Population Cities In The State (gulfshoresnews.com) — Fairhope now ranks among Alabama’s oldest cities, with a median age of 48.2, and that aging population is driving major upgrades at Thomas Hospital, including a new patient tower and the county’s only open-heart surgery program. Alongside expansions in Foley, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach, Baldwin County is rapidly building out medical, industrial, and school infrastructure that will shape local care, jobs, and demographics for years. 
2. ‘Suspiciously pretty' Alabama town earns spot among best downtowns in the South (al.com) — Fairhope just earned national praise from World Atlas as one of the South’s 12 best downtowns, spotlighting its walkable streets, French Quarter, and sunset views from the pier. The piece highlights local favorites like Panini Pete’s, Fairhope Brewing Company, and the Eastern Shore Art Center, reinforcing why downtown Fairhope’s charm and scenery draw visitors year-round.
3. 9 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In The Southern United States (worldatlas.com) — Fairhope gets a glowing spotlight as a storybook small town, from its quirky hand-built castles tucked near Mobile Bay to Tolstoy Park, a tiny historic round house soon moving to the new Flying Creek Nature Preserve. The piece frames Fairhope as a one-of-a-kind Southern getaway, blending artistic architecture, literary history, and walkable charm that locals may take for granted but visitors travel far to experience.
4. Golden Apple winner shares surprise moment with her family (wkrg.com) — A Mobile County Training School science teacher was honored with the Golden Apple award during a surprise ceremony in Fairhope, where her family and friends gathered to celebrate. Those closest to her praised her tireless support for students, from tailoring lessons to attending their activities, underscoring how her dedication is shaping young people well beyond the classroom.
5. Baldwin County deputies investigate shooting in Foley (wkrg.com) — Fairhope residents may notice increased law enforcement activity after Baldwin County deputies and Fairhope Police canvassed local bars while investigating a Foley bar shooting that left a 35-year-old man seriously wounded. The victim drove himself to Baldwin Health Hospital and was later airlifted to Pensacola; he is expected to recover, and investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office.
📸 Around Fairhope
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🗓
Upcoming Events in
Fairhope
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
-
2026 Parade of Homes Street Party →
Location NORTH HILLS at FAIRHOPE 517 Gallimore Lane Fairhope, AL 517 Gallimore Lane Fairhope AL 36532, 517 Gallimore Lane, Fairhope
Thursday October 22
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
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Associate Council Meeting →
Location BCHBA Office 916 Plantation Blvd. Fairhope, AL 36532 916 Plantation Blvd Fairhope AL 36532, 916 Plantation Blvd, Fairhope -
BCMG Greenhouse - CACC →
Coastal Alabama Community College Fairhope Campus, 450 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope
8:30 am -
Brewery Tour →
Fairhope Brewing Company, 914 Nichols Avenue, Fairhope
12:00 pm -
How to Create a Thoughtful, Organized Plan for Your Family's Future →
The Reserve at Fairhope, 604 Reserve Loop, Fairhope
12:00 pm -
The Art of Middle Eastern Dance for Beginners →
9 North Church Street, Fairhope
6:00 pm -
''Blithe Spirit'' - presented by Theatre 98
Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope
7:30 pm -
Sammy Kershaw →
Halstead Amphitheater, 450 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope
5:00 pm -
''Blithe Spirit'' - presented by Theatre 98
Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope
7:30 pm -
Comedy, Magic & Impressions! Brandon Styles VARIETY SHOW
Brandon Styles Theater, 1501 South OWA Blvd., Foley
7:00 pm -
''Blithe Spirit'' - presented by Theatre 98
Theatre 98, 350 Morphy Avenue, Fairhope
7:30 pm -
BCMG Greenhouse - CACC →
Coastal Alabama Community College Fairhope Campus, 450 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope
8:30 am
Thursday October 22
Friday October 23
Saturday October 24
Monday October 26
📣 Fairhope Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- We're ready for trick-or-treaters!
Everything's decorated for the big night, doors open ahead of the crowd this year, and treats keep coming late into the evening. #TreatMap (Nextdoor Fairhope) - Does anyone know what these wooden triangles with orange tape are for?
There is one at the end of our drive, in the middle of the median on 181, in the middle of our field (no we didn’t give permission) and several… (Nextdoor Hollowbrook)
- Chick-fil-A posted a job opening for Front of House Team Member in Fairhope. Apply here.
- Pizza Hut posted a job opening for Team Member in Fairhope. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Fairhope here.
Ok Fairhope! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has hands but isn’t able to clap?" — A clock! (Thank you Lois R. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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