Travel Experiences with Jeff and Cindy Barganier
A Grand Getaway The first Grand Hotel at Point Clear, Alabama was built in 1847 as a rambling two-story building with 40 rooms. Since the resort’s inception, www.grand1847.com it has survived numerous fires and storms— landed in hurricanes like Fredrick in ‘79 and Katrina Shangriin ’05 closed the Grand down only to see la before it revived bigger and better. In 1882, room shipping rates were about $2 per day, and you out to hot could stay at the Grand a whole month spots like for 40 bucks! Today, the 405-room resort Iwo Jima remains a top-tier venue with a nightly aboard rate below $400. The Grand stands out big ships. when compared to similar resorts like the Even High Hampton in Cashiers, North Carolina so, long that raised its rates into the stratosphere following a recent multi-million-dollar renovation. Following its own 3-year facelift of the entire resort, the Grand has been rebranded as the “Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa” and is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. I’ve stayed at the Grand Hotel many times over the years but have never really focused on this resilient Alabama resort property’s remarkable history. The WWIIera barracks I experienced at Fort Dix, New Jersey in the early 70’s didn’t hold
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January 2022
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as home to the Confederate State’s 21st Alabama Regiment and as a base hospital
a candle to the Grand’s attractive guest rooms used as WWII training barracks. Those guys must have thought they’d
before WWII, this “Queen of Southern Resorts” served
during the War Between the States. Confederate soldiers who died at that hospital following the Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1863 are buried in Confederate Rest Cemetery near the resort. Each day at 3:45 PM, the Grand’s unique history is highlighted. A procession commences by the Main Lobby fireplace and culminates with a Civil War-replica cannon firing on the edge of Mobile Bay at Cannon Park. It’s a grand tradition whereby the resort pays tribute to our
military with a resounding salute to US veterans and their families, honoring them for the great sacrifices they’ve made for our nation. History alone makes the Grand worth visiting. But there’s so much more. We enjoyed walking among the 141 live oaks on the grounds. These majestic oaks covered in Spanish moss and “resurrection” ferns enhance the resort’s
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