Editor:

Recently celebrating 40 years of marriage with a family trip to the beach, we decided to get off the beaten path and take the Scenic Route to visit your lovely Fairhope community.

Of course we were wanting rest and refreshment and possibly a stroll of the shops of your lovely town. Descriptions flowed thru my mind — pleasant, quaint, Carmel by the Sea, Martha’s Vineyard — none fit this special town. We parked and picked our little cafe.

As soon as we ordered, I asked. “where is your bathroom?”

I was directed about four and a half blocks to the Welcome Center. Pain and agony suddenly entered the descriptions. As we went along, we noticed signs in most of the windows that read “No public restrooms.” We hurried to the Welcome Center, returned to eat our previously ordered lunch, then cancelled our leisurely stroll of town shopping.

Never in Europe or the U.S. have we been denied a bathroom when we have purchased lunch or dinner. We have never complained of the condition of such bathroom just grateful for the rest it provided.

Small thing maybe, not if you are not prepared. Everyone is invited to come to Arkansas for some real hospitality, and I hope kindness. You most likely would not even have to purchase anything to be treated to such.

My advice to others would be: “yes do visit the town but be sure you don’t need a bathroom upon arrival, or seek out the Welcome Center first, as it is the only welcoming place in town.”

Beware all Fairhope dining places, as you’re courting a pending embarrassment for you and your customers. You should consider posting warning signs on the way into town: Go to the Welcome Center first — No public Bathrooms.”

You have a pretty town but not traveler friendly.

Little Rock, Ark.