The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1917-01-11
TRIP TO FLORIDA AND CUBA.
Recent Visitor Describes Charming
Visit to Land of Flowers.

us CQl6I attribute duu SiuAiSS w W.
through the golden sunshine. This
with the fragrance of tropical bioom'
is the charm which annually beckons
the thousands of visitors back to
bask in it's all-engrossing friendh-
ness.
In the beginning, l will admit that
1 am a convert and speak with some
degree of familiarity, this being my
second visit to Cuba and the east
coast. Our party this time number
ed 40, under the competent guidance
of Mr.. and Mrs C. H. Gattis, of Ra-
leigh, N. C. A more congenial and
agreeable party would be hard to ind:
The little party from Bamberg con-
sisted of Mrs. w. E. Spann, Mrs. IL.
F. Spann and little daughter, Miss
Pearle Counts, and the writer.
The fame of Florida's wonderful
east coast resorts and hotels with
their unrivaled service and equip
ment, the diversity and unlimited ia
cilities provided for the enjoyment Of
outdoor life and sports, makes this
one of the most sought for and the
favorite winter playground in the
world. The east coast, beginning at
Jacksonville, and extending through
St, Augustine and including. the Flori-
da east coast railways famous 'ex-
tension that carries full sized rail-
road 155 miles over the sea.
Our first stop was at the metropo-.
lis city of the southeast, Jackson
Vile, where we lunched at the New
Mason Hotel" one Of the city's best
hostelries. Then for a tour Of. the
city, including the, ostrich and alli-
gator farms. Riverside is beautiful
suburban section of elegant resi-
dences, surrounded by beautifuI
lawns, tropical flowers and foliage.
St. Augustine is quaint in its pic
turesque beauty, which is mingled
with it's modern gorgeousness IN an
enchanting manner. Its great tourist
hotels, the Ponce De Leon and the
Alcazar, are famed among the noted
resort hotels Of the world in archi-
lecture and magnificence. In the, rich
ness of their decoration and coloring
they are palatial. In service and ap-
pointments, they represent every
thing for which the Florida East
Coast Hotel Co. is noted.
The surrounding grounds are beau
tiful with flowers, tropical trees and
plants. Palm Beach is said by globe
trotters to be one Of the most beau-
tiful seaside resorts in the world.
The island on which the great hotels
stand is separated from the mainland
by Lake Worth. On the other ide is
the ocean.
The Breakers, at which we were en-
tertained, is large, perfectly ap-
pointed hotel,, and its position, With
reference to the sea, attracts many
patrons. The climate is such that one
is always ready for active out-of-door
sports, and boating bsthing, golf and
tennis are freely inddfged in.
Miami, attractiyely situated on
Biscayne Bay, is not only beautifut
and picturesque, but it's remarkable
growth has caused it to be called the
y"Magic CITY," 1 was told from early
in the fall until late in the spring, the
city is overfowing with people from
all sections of the country. The, nat
ural wealth of subtropical fora, COM
bined with the magnificent water
front, makes this an ideal selection
for the accommodation, pleasure, and
happiness of the pleasure seeker.
Key West is the terminus OF the
wonderful oversee extension OF the
Florida East Coast railway, where
steamers connect for Havana. The
nine hours boat trip and the entrance
to Havana harbor was especially IN
teresting. Havana is most charm
ing city, enchantingly tropical, Is
unique and incompatible as a winter
resort. 1t is difficult to describe Ha-
vana, since, from the first glimpse OF
the city to the later close contempia-
ton, one feels an indednable some
thing that battles description. In
short, there is that about Havana that
fingers in ones thoughts, like q
vision. almost mystical fascination.
If you want to have the best time,
see much that is interesting and
worth while remembering, l would
advise visit to Cuba. In conclusion,
would suggest to those who contem-
plate taking the trip (having made it
at both seasons) that no time is bet
ter than the holiday season. Then
YOU get the undivided attention. La