Published: April 28, 2009 10:45 pm      

Relaxation Awaits

A picturesque trip less than 3 hours away

The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear, Ala. — a place where majestic live oaks meet white sandy beaches, where southern charm meets 5-star luxury and, in short, dreams meet reality.

Think that's a little much?

You haven't stayed at the Grand Hotel in the scenic shores of South Alabama's Eastern Shore. From the moment you enter the gates, the warm staff of the Grand make you feel like royalty. They are truly at your service.

And the grounds of the The Grand, from the lush gardens to the sandy beaches, create an ambiance of relaxation.

The Grand Hotel in Point Clear is a place that sucks you in ... if you plan to stay one night, you may end up staying two or three. It's the kind of place that's hard to leave.

From Meridian, your journey begins with a scenic view of pine trees and farmland along Highway 45 and ends about 2 1/2 hours later under the shade of oak trees stretching over Scenic 98 near Fairhope, Ala. Point Clear and the Grand Hotel is less than five minutes from downtown Fairhope. It's the perfect weekend getaway to begin after work on a Friday.

Two places you may want to grab a bite to eat before you get to Point Clear:

• Cousin Vinny's, 1709 Main Street, Daphne, Ala., (251) 626-6082. This little eatery/bar off Scenic 98 is in the heart of Olde Towne Daphne and is the perfect spot to unwind after the drive from Meridian. They offer a great selection of beverages, appetizers and meals. My advice: pick a seat outside and start out with a tasty appetizer of bruschetta (some of the best you'll find). Then order a spinach salad, with mushrooms, red onions, roasted walnuts, bacon, gorgonzola, and an herb vinaigrette. And for the main course, order one of the best sandwiches you'll find: the grilled yellow fin tuna — loaded fresh avocados and sprouts, mozzarella and smoked provolone and asiago vinaigrette. And another treat: the roasted red potatoes that come on the side.

• Mateer's On Church Street, 14 N Church St., Fairhope, Ala., (251) 928-1714 (call ahead for reservations on a Friday or Saturday night). This is your pick for a bit more up-scale dining experience. They have a great menu, featuring specialty drinks and small dishes. It's hard to choose a favorite but you can't go wrong with their sushi or one of their specialty wraps. And for the person who doesn't have to drive the remainder of the 3 or so miles to Point Clear, be sure and sample a glass of wine or one of their martini's. Another tip: after you finish your meal, take a stroll through downtown Fairhope or, if you're able to eat in time, catch the sunset from a spot about a mile from the restaurant from a bluff overlooking the bay.

If you prefer, you can also wait until you get to the Grand, which offers a few options on site — from Bucky's Birdcage Lounge to the Saltwater Grill, both excellent choices. You can even unwind in front of a fire pit with the bay as your backdrop. And if you prefer the firepit at Bucky's, be sure and walk over to the putting green and work on your golf game while you're at it.

After you eat and get everything into your room, be sure and take a stroll through the well-lit grounds and enjoy the atmosphere. Sit in one of the many bayside swings and listen to the ocean; walk around the garden and pond and listen to the sound of one of the many water fountains; sit in the sand and enjoy a beachside bonfire (courtesy of the staff and maintained by them); or grab a drink and relax by the marina. The lush landscaping and the oaks are breathtaking.

But that's only the beginning to what you'll find when daylight breaks the next day.

A few of your options:

• Enjoy the elaborate outdoor pool under the shade of the oaks. The pool has five separate areas and includes waterfalls, a winding waterslide, a heated area with a cascading waterfall, and a calm, adult pool area. There, you'll also find a poolside grill and bar — complete with misters to keep you cool as you munch on sandwiches and burgers — and sandcastle playground area. Oh to be a kid again. The tree houses and waterslide make it a child's dream ... not to mention the other shallow areas of the pool that include water features and waterfalls.

• Take in the beach ... literally a few steps away from the oak tress. The beaches offer everything from complimentary non-motorized rentals, such as kayaks, Hobie-craft and bikes, to a sandy area to swim or relax by the water.

• Play a round of golf at one of two courses of the Robert Trent Jones courses on site. The Dogwood and Azalea courses were renovated in 2005 and have become true RTJ treasures. And it's one of the cheapest RTJ golf you'll find on the Trail.

• If you really want a treat, indulge in the spa services, where you can get everything from a body wrap to a message with an expert and professional staff.

At sunset, the best place to eat is the Saltwater Grill. The best spot to sit: outside as the sun sets over Mobile Bay. You can enjoy the scenery and the food. Then, quickly head back to the room to throw on your swim suit and walk to the pool for what they like to call a "Dive-in" movie. When the weather's right, this is a great end to a perfect and fun-filled day.

The next morning, order breakfast in bed and make one last leisurely stroll around the gorgeous grounds. And be sure and snap lots of photos. It's a place you won't want to forget.

But keep in mind: photos will barely do it justice.