Year: 1866

To those who are now about selecting RIaces
for summer resort, it will be interesting anfwel-
come intelligence to learn of the existence Of one
fronting directly upon the Gulf of Mexico, and
atiOrding all the advantages of surf bathing. We
refer TO the Grand Isle Hotel, situated upon the
Isle Of that name, directly opposite the mouth of
Bayou Barataria. Although distant some seventy
five miles from New Orleans, thanks to the enter.
prise of Mr.. Harvey, a direct line Of bi-weekly
communication has been opened with that place,
through Harvey's canal and Bayou Conception,
by commodious and elegant little steamboat, the
St. Nicholas, that renders the trip as safe and
pleasant as could possibly be desired.


Il The St. Nicholas leaves the head of the canal
opposite the Washington avenue ferry, every Tues
day and Saturday morning at O'Clock. She is
provided with ample stateroom accommodations
and officered by men who are untiring in their
exertons to minister to the comforts of their guests
After sail Of some eight hours, through one Of
the most interesting portions of our State passing
by Fort Livingston, which commands the entrance
TO Grand Pass we land at Grand Isle, situated be.
tween Caminada Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
On viewing the great advantages as a water
ing place afforded by this locality over those
SO generally resorted to, it becomes a matter
of wonderment that it was not long ago de-
voted to that purpose; but since the necessary
steps have been taken by Mr. Margot Jolly,
the proprietor Of the recently established Hotel it
does not require the eye Of prophet to foresee
that its rise into public favor is destined to be
rapid.


The island has hard sand beach, unsurpassed
by that of either Newport or Cape May, and as
| thOppu Ohlv doF4 4ba 5riFf
| beautiful drive of some eight or ten miles in ex.
tent, while the surf rolls in with quite as much
force as at the Northern watering places above
alluded to; the more gradual shelling of the
beaches renders it far safer for bathing than either
of them. In addition to this the island is heavily
wooded with beautiful groves of live oaks and
other trees, giving it all the additional charms of
country residence. Mr.. Margot Jolly is now hare
at work putting the numerous houses upon his
plantation in order for the reception of guests has
built large central dining hall, bar room, etc.
ETC., and in ten days more will be fully prepared
to entertain them. They who may honor him witt
their presence will never be at loss for healthfu
and exciting amusement. No more beautifu
sheet of water for sailing or rowing than Camin
ada Bay is to be found anywhere, while the fshins


is superb and of every description, from bobbins
with cork for the small fry, spearing founder
by torchlight, deep sea fishing for pompano
sheephead and the groupa up to hauling in shoal
of the tinny tribe with the unspOrtsmahke seine
To this may be added turtle hunting on the beach
with dogs trained for that purpose. The oyster
are both plenty and delicious, and continue ST
throughout the summer. Besides>this, the gunne
is also well provided with victims; field arks
snipe, papabottes and curlews are plenty, but u
to the present time have enjoyed almost entir


immunity frem destruction.


The hotel is amply provided with all creatur
comforts and iuXuries, and nothing is now wanting
but the additional charms of merry crowds an
bright eyes to render it the (without exception
most attractive place ever opened to relieve tn
heated term of our tropic city.


If only for the trip, we would recommend ou
friends in search of novelty to visit Grand Isle
DISMAL.