Have 3 days to explore area from New Orleans to Pensacola and back in a couple of weeks. Any suggestions for places to visit or spend the night and any restaurants would be greatly appreciated. I understand that Gulf Shores is still recovering from the hurricane or is it just some condos. Thanks in advance for nay help. Marcia S in Kirkland, WA

After you leave NO on I-10 and you are in Miss. ,take the exit for Bay St Louis. Downtown is quaint with restaurants and shops. Leave there on US 90E. About 10 minutes away is Pas Christian with a couple of Antique Shops and the best meal you can have. Eat at the Harborview Cafe right on 90. Have the fried shrimp salad or po'boy sandwich.You can continue 90E to Ocean Springs- several rest. and the Walter Anderson Museum and a shop where ther sell his works. I know you haven't heard of him- a recluse who did his work out on one of the islands--long dead. Along the way is Gulfport where there is a ferry to a National Seashore Park and then Biloxi where there are Las Vegas type casinos and hotels. I like the Beau Rivage-naturally the most expensve!!. Mary Mahonys(sp)across (almost) the street is excellent
Come up to I-10 at Ocean Springs and come to Fairhope Al-across the bay from Mobile We have b&b or upscale Marriot Grand Hotel-an historic hotel with a new building and spa. On to Pensacola on I-10 where my favorites are the Fish House and its companion restaurant Acme Oyster House but there are many others!!
Post here and I'll answer what I can!

MarciaS, I agree with Fairhope that Fish House is great. Unfortunately, unless it just opened, it's still closed from the hurricane. Acme, next door, is open. Most things in Pensacola are fine but Pensacola Beach (the main attraction) is in ruins. The only hotel that's open is the Hilton Garden Inn. If you like history, there is a very good museum in Pensacola at the Naval Air Station. It also has an IMAX theater and an old fort nearby. If you need more help with Pensacola, let me know.

If this is your first driving trip to FL, make sure to stop in the FL border welcome centers and get your free orange juice and look at all the hospitality brochures. Something entirely new may strike your fancy.

Fairhope - how about some info on your town of Fairhope? We plan on staying for 3 nights @ the Point Clear Marriott and would appreciate information on nearby restaurants. Also, is there any significant damage or construction going on at the resort?

Sorry for the delay. We left town for Mardi Gras!
Ok --I hope you have rooms in the new spa bldg--the reports on it are good. The old section needs updating!!. I don't know of any construction except for one of the golf courses but I'll drive through tomorrow and look.
I always tell folks the best kept secret in Fairhope is to walk south of the Grand (left) at its beach and go in front of the old houses for about a mile. It is a public walkway.
Restaurants - Gambino's for "italian" meaning the usual sauces etc--the prime rib is excellent--the service is always good--no reservations --filled at 6
Mateers on Church for eclectic menu, what I consider bad seating, again good service. Known for martinis. busy sometimes.
Fairhope Inn -limited menu over $20
Renaissance -good rep
I enjoyed The Wash House--nice atmosphere
Another Italian favoite -- Trattoria-I like the hot scallop salad. These are all downtown except the Wash House which is near the Grand.
Lunches at Maryann's or Sandras.
I will not recommend the Old Bay Steamer for anything
My favorite funky ones were blown away!

http://www.cofairhope.com/ city site
I'll watch here for questions