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Celebrate Easter weekend at the Grand Hotel in Fairhope al, April 6th – April 8th,  with a vast array of activities that are fun for all ages. For some, Easter weekend marks the home stretch of the school year, and a  nice break from the books. For others it’s a reminder to change wardrobes and break out the white shoes. For all of those people, and many, many more, Easter is also a great time to spend at the Grand Hotel. The weekend begins on friday when children take their first chance at the jelly bean guess and decorate their own Easter baskets. There’s a family movie and perhaps even a tuck in by Peter Cottontail himself.  Spend your weekend dyeing eggs, decorating baskets, hunting for Easter eggs, cooling off at the ice cream social and dining at an extraordinary Easter buffet of culinary specialties with local flavor. With all the amenities the Grand has to offer, it will be an Easter to remember.  Make sure to have a professional Easter portrait done by Renaissance Portrait Studio, the baby bunnies can’t wait to tickle your nose and give you a little Bunny Love. Make your plans today and don’t forget your special Easter basket for your Easter portrait. Reservations are not required to have portraits done and there is a minimal purchases. Times are limited so start early and have “rump roarin’, candy filled, Easter weekend”.  And, don’t forget to  make your room or Easter buffet reservations today by calling (251) 928-9201. Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa: 1 Grand Blvd., Point Clear, AL 36564; www.marriottgrand.com, (251) 928-9201, or 1-800-544-9933.

Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa
One of the best ways to enjoy Bellingrath Gardens is to stay at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama, which rests regally on the other side of Mobile Bay. This venerable lodging, having recently undergone a $50-million renovation after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina’s storm surge, offers a special package that includes accommodations, breakfast buffet, and two tickets to Bellingrath. Still, that’s not the only reason to stay at this fabulous spotHotels have stood sentry on this point of land by the Mobile Bay since the 1800s, but they were nothing like today’s grand resort that offers almost every amenity imaginable to its lucky guests. A fabulous spa, redesigned golf courses, beautiful pool complex (complete with waterfall, two whirlpools, and a slide), and an inviting beach area keep guests relaxed and entertained. The more active pursuits include sailing on the bay, fishing from the pier, and bicycling the shady paths on the property.

Four restaurants offer taste-tempting regional cuisine; you can partake of a complimentary tea each afternoon. Younger guests find plenty to occupy them as well. A Kid’s Camp features pint-sized activities such as croquet, games, and crafts. A resort fee includes high-speed Internet access, morning coffee in the Coffee Shoppe, tours of the property, driving range golf balls, daily arts and crafts, water aerobics, the use of kayaks and sailboats, bicycles, tennis courts, horseshoes and croquet equipment, and two daily shuttles to Fairhope for shopping. As you enjoy these activities, don’t miss some recent arrivals to the property: 500 new roses; 2,000 azaleas; an herb garden; and 50 trees planted since Katrina.

Fairhope
Take the free shuttle into nearby Fairhope for a shopper’s delight and another chance to see the bay area in bloom. Charming boutiques line the flower-adorned sidewalks. You’ll find delightful one-of-a-kind gifts at such stops as Metal Benders, which features handcrafted jewelry by 25 different artists, and Clementine, offering French table linens. Refuel for more shopping with a stop at Mary Ann’s Deli for a turkey-cranberry sandwich..

Read more in Southern Livings article Spring Getaway on Mobile Bay