Nearly a century ago, chewing gum entrepreneur William Wrigley Jr. boarded a steamship with his wife Ada and their son Philip to get a first look at the island he had purchased shares in just two weeks earlier. As they neared Catalina, the fog that had obscured their view suddenly lifted, prompting…
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Catalina Island is just an hour off the coast, but it’s a world away from the mainland grind. Studies show that taking an unscheduled day off on Catalina will make you a healthier happier, more productive worker. Okay…so there are no studies. But you have to agree that the idea of playing hooky on a…
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Catalina Island's Bird Park Catalina Island’s Bird Park opened in 1929 and was a popular attraction in Avalon for over 35 years. Admission to the park was free. It was considered the world’s largest bird park at the time, covering almost seven and a half acres in Avalon Canyon, across from the…
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Those familiar with the Step Brothers movie will immediately recognize the reference to the Catalina Wine Mixer. The loveable (and cult-favorite) movie follows Dale and Brennan, played by John C Reilly and Will Ferrell, become stepbrothers in their 40's after their parents get married. The movie…
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Brown Berets Invade Avalon On August 30, 1972, the Los Angeles Times headline read “Brown Berets Invade Santa Catalina Island.” The Brown Berets were a pro-Chicano group formed in the late 1960’s to address the issues of farm workers’ rights, educational reform, anti-war activities, police brutality…
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The weather in Avalon on Catalina Island is usually spectacular. But for those occasional days when the rain does fall, here are some fun things you can enjoy until the sun comes out again. 1. Take a walking tour of Catalina Casino. The Discover the Casino tour lasts about 45 minutes and gives you…
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Assuring the Future of the Catalina Chimes Tower First time visitors to Avalon are often deeply moved by the sights and sounds of this beautiful seaside hamlet. The iconic Catalina Casino is invariably the first sight most see as they approach the harbor, and often the first sound they hear once…
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