It’s the f-ing Catalina Wine Mixer.
Brennan Huff
During the first year of COVID, we didn’t get on a plane and only stayed in a hotel once. Being back in the US and not traveling was such a drastic change from our lifestyle for the past 4 years. The one little get-away that we managed was a couple nights’ stay on Catalina Island. We had just moved to California when the pandemic hit so didn’t have time to explore at all before the lockdowns started. When restrictions began to ease a bit late in the summer, we decided that a trip to Catalina Island seemed pretty safe because all activities were outdoors and we could get there with a short car ride followed by an open-air ferry.
Pulling into the port city of Avalon by ferry is a wonderful way to arrive with the sparkling blue waters splashing on the side of the boat, the wind in your hair, and great views of the island. Our first order of business was to head straight to the beach for the afternoon. We had reserved two lounge chairs at the Descanso Beach Club, which was at the edge of town nestled in a little cove under rugged coastline.
We enjoyed lunch and cocktails from our lounge chairs with gorgeous views of the ocean and the iconic Catalina Casino. We also took a quick dip to cool off, but man, that Pacific Ocean is chilly, even in summer.
Day 2 started off with breakfast overlooking the promenade and harbor of Avalon.
After fueling up, our big activity for the day was a hike to the island summit. We strolled for about 30 minutes through the backstreets of town before we made it to the trailhead.
The first half of the hike was over an hour of all ups and no downs in pretty grueling heat, and in our usual style, we didn’t pack enough water or snacks as we underestimated the length of the hike. But, the views were worth it.
We were super jealous of the family that we passed at the top who had a marvelous picnic feast and plenty of water. But, we persevered and didn’t tackle any small children for their juice boxes.
The contrast in the weather from one side of the island to the other was pretty crazy going from bright and sunny to big, billowy cloud coverage. Luckily, the descent back to town went much quicker, and we were rewarded toward the end of the hike with the unique Spanish-style Wrigley Memorial. The towering 80-foot monument honors William Wrigley, Jr. famed for creating Wrigley Chewing Gum and owning the Chicago Cubs/Wrigley field.
The memorial was commissioned by his wife after his death and constructed between 1933-1934. The red roof tile and the other decorative tiles were manufactured on the island at the Catalina Pottery plant with the goal to retain the early California Spanish-influenced look.
Thanks to COVID, indoor dining was banned, but we actually benefitted by our dinner being served on the beach. Every night, all the restaurants on the main strip transformed the beach to a beautiful waterfront dining experience. Nothing beats toes in the sand and a drink in hand as the sun sets.
Our last morning on the island started off strong with a waterfront brunch complete with mimosas and a great view of the historic Catalina Casino.
After brunch, we wandered the promenade soaking in the quaint village feeling and the warm ocean breeze.
We wrapped up our little get-away with a couple’s massage (in an open-air tent, of course, thanks COVID for another upgrade) and a glass bottom boat tour to check out the sea life and enjoy some city and island views from the water.
The trip may have been a quick one, but it was just what the doctor ordered after almost five months of barely even leaving our home.
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