Spouse/Guest Activities

Listed by Southern Living as one of The South’s Best Small Towns, Fairhope is filled with a rich history and undeniable charm. Explore the flower-lined streets, unique shops and local eateries. Take a stroll under the canopies of moss-covered oak trees. Discover why people keep coming back to visit Fairhope, Alabama.

We anticipate that various local shops will offer discounts to SASHTO spouses/guests. More information on this exciting perk will be distributed via email closer to the conference.

Participants may check in at the spouse hospitality room beginning at 8:30 am. We will depart from the Riverview Plaza Hotel at 9am to travel to Fairhope (approx. 30 min. drive) and board the bus in Fairhope to return to Mobile at 2pm.

Chef Jule, owner and executive chef of Fairhope Chocolate, shares her passion for chocolate through her created line of in-house made confections and storefront, Fairhope Chocolate, which offers pecan caramel patties (Delights), dipped caramels, caramel apples, southern pralines, peanut brittle, toffee, barks, dipped marshmallows, and many other items.

For this activity, Chef Jule will provide a fun and tasty experience for participants to learn all about truffles! What is the difference between European & American Truffles? How do you make & flavor them? Each participant will go home with a box of truffles and get to try samples during the class as well.

Participants will meet at Fairhope Chocolate, located in downtown Fairhope, 10 minutes prior to the beginning of each class.

Interested in checking out what goes on behind the scenes at Fairhope Brewing Company? Then sign up for a private tour being offered just for SASHTO spouses/guests. The tour is limited to 25 people per tour, and will include a tour of the brewing company's facilities and a logo pint glass of beer. As a part of your tour, you will get an inside look at how the brewery got off the ground and an up-close-and-personal look at Fairhope Brewing Company's 60-barrel brewing system and canning line.

Tours will be offered at 11:00 am and 12:45 pm. Participants will meet at the drop-off location in downtown Fairhope at 10:50 am and 12:35 pm for the short bus ride over to the brewery.

Join other SASHTO spouses/guests on this guided bus tour to learn about the rich history of the original home of Mardi Gras! Get a behind the scenes view of how this cherished and authentic-in-its-own-right celebration comes together. Points of interest will include the Mardi Gras park, carnival museum, the Order Of Myths den, the independent strikers den and special access to a Mardi Gras float barn for an up close view of what mardi gras float making is like.

There will be short stops at the Mardi Gras park and float barn, where participants will walk around with the tour guide. However, the majority of the tour will be a seated bus tour. Participants may check in at the spouse hospitality room beginning at 9 am. We will depart from the Riverview Plaza Hotel at 9:30 am and the tour will conclude at 11:30 am.

Get ready for a mouth-watering afternoon filled with iconic Gulf Coast dishes that will delight your tastebuds. The LoDa Stroll takes you on a culinary journey through downtown Mobile’s Lower Dauphin Street Historic District. Sample delectable treats from 7 of the area’s favorite restaurants and shops, including Gulf Coast staples that will make you feel like a true Mobilian. With more than enough tastings for a full meal, you’ll be satisfied and delighted.

This tour will meet in the lobby of the Battle House Hotel and depart at 12pm. For those attending the morning Masks and Moonpies bus tour, you will be dropped off at the Battle House Hotel to begin the tour. The walking tour will conclude by 3 pm at the Riverview Plaza Hotel. Food allergies can be accommodated, just make sure to indicate them below.

Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking.

• This is a walking tour- the total distance for the tour is approximately 1 mile.
• The tour will take place rain or shine. Ponchos will be provided if necessary.
• Bring your phone, camera, and lots of smiles to make some memories!