You’re driving down Rabbit Run Road in Fairhope, Alabama, and you’re expecting a typical hotel. Or maybe a busy restaurant with a neon sign. But that’s the thing about Bellas by the Bay—people constantly confuse it with a bistro or a pizza joint. Honestly, if you show up looking for a table for four and a pepperoni slice, you’re going to be disappointed.
It isn't a restaurant. It’s a 5-star country house rental that feels more like a secret you’ve stumbled upon than a commercial lodging.
Located at 7560 Rabbit Run Road, this spot is tucked away in that serene, horse-pasture part of Fairhope that tourists usually miss because they’re too busy fighting for parking near the pier. It’s a three-bedroom getaway that basically functions as a home base for people who want the Gulf Coast experience without the high-rise noise of Gulf Shores.
The Identity Crisis of "Bella"
Why the confusion? Well, there used to be a Bella’s on the Bay restaurant in Fortescue, New Jersey. It was a local legend for breakfast and lunch overlooking the Delaware Bay, but it’s permanently closed now. Then you’ve got Bella’s in Clayton, NY, which is a bakery and bistro. If you're searching for "Bella's on the Bay" in 2026, you're likely either chasing a ghost of a New Jersey meal or you're looking for this specific Fairhope country house.
Fairhope is a vibe. It's moss-covered oaks and writers. Bellas by the Bay fits that mold perfectly. It’s a 5-star rated property on the major booking sites, and for good reason—it doesn't feel like a sterile Airbnb managed by a corporation.
What Living Like a Local Actually Looks Like
Most people stay in downtown Fairhope. That’s fine if you want to walk to the French Quarter for a crepe. But Bellas by the Bay is for the person who wants to wake up, grab a coffee, and watch actual horses in the pasture next door.
The property is roughly 23 miles from the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and about 24 miles from the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. You're central. You’re close enough to hit the beaches, but far enough away that you don't hear the traffic.
Why the Location Matters
- The Serenity Factor: You’re in the countryside, not a strip mall.
- The Amenities: We’re talking a full kitchen, an outdoor fireplace, and a pergola for watching the sunset.
- The Space: Three bedrooms. You aren't cramped in a hotel room with a noisy AC unit.
It’s funny, people always ask about the "menu" because of the name. There is no menu. You’re the chef. There’s a barbecue grill and a full kitchen. You go to the local market—maybe Market by the Bay in Fairhope for some fresh seafood—and you bring it back to the house.
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The "Quiet Hours" Reality Check
If you’re looking to throw a massive bachelor party, keep moving. The owners are strict. Quiet hours are between 10:00 PM and 9:00 AM. They aren't trying to be "un-fun," they’re just protecting the peace of the neighborhood.
This is a place for a girls' trip where you actually want to talk, or a family retreat where you want to light the chiminea and look at the stars. It’s about the "slow life" that Fairhope is famous for.
Navigating the Booking Maze
Booking a stay here in 2026 usually requires a bit of planning. Since it’s a single private residence and not a hotel with 200 rooms, it fills up fast, especially during the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival or the lighting of the trees.
One thing most guests mention is the host’s responsiveness. Even if they’re working out of town, they’re usually available via text. It’s that Southern hospitality that hasn't been automated yet. You get a code, you walk in, and there’s usually some wine or chocolates waiting.
Making the Most of a Stay at Bellas by the Bay
If you're staying here, don't just sit in the house. Rent a bike. Fairhope is one of the most bike-friendly towns in the South.
You can pedal down to the bay, watch the sunset, and then head back to the house to sit under the pergola. It’s a specific kind of luxury. It’s not "gold-plated faucets" luxury; it’s "I haven't heard a car horn in three days" luxury.
Basically, stop looking for the "Bella's on the Bay" restaurant in Alabama. It doesn't exist. Instead, embrace the fact that you found a high-end country house that gives you a much better story to tell.
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To get the best experience, verify your dates at least three months in advance, especially for spring or autumn stays. Check the local Fairhope event calendar before you book—staying during a "Jubilee" event on the bay is a once-in-a-lifetime fluke of nature you don't want to miss. Pack a light jacket for the evenings, even in summer; the breeze off the pastures can get surprisingly cool once the sun drops below the treeline.