I can’t remember the last time I was here. It was a long time ago.
It was a port stop on one of those horrible weekend party cruises from LA to Ensenada. I don’t remember being impressed with Catalina. Quite likely my impression was tarnished by the shoddy cruise experience.
Or maybe it has changed in 20(ish) years! (Imagine that!) I suspect the latter. In fact, we were told that there’s been a huge investment in the last decade to raise the standard on the island. But let me start at the beginning….
I was invited by my industry association, SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) for a weekday outing with my colleagues to check out the island for potential group business. It turned into a girls’ outing – as Howard and Gabriel held down the fort at the office.
Whitney and Ellen planned our agenda to get to the harbor area early enough so we wouldn’t miss the boat (as is my reputation). Dining options for lunch in the port area of Long Beach are predictably touristy, so we went “all in” for tacky and dined at Hooters! (Yes, you read that right!) I must say that I have only one complaint: the guys that work there should wear tight orange short, shorts, too.
If I were a guy, I’d be protesting this unequal opportunity employer!
Whitney and Ellen were hard at work, doing a site inspection of Hooters . . .
Meanwhile, the boys – back at the office . . . [image recorded by security camera. image posted to relevant personnel files.]
Cruising by the new and the old . . . the Carnival something and the historic Queen Mary.
Once on the island, our hosts from the Catalina Island Company pulled out all the stops to impress us. It worked. First stop was the old Wrigley Mansion – now a gorgeous 6-room inn, complete with resident cat. Wrigley bought the controlling shares of the company (and became owner of the island) in 1919. His Chicago Cubs did their spring training here for 30 years.
I could live here! The living room of the Wrigley Mansion – now the lovely Inn at Mt Ada – with the best view on the island.
The big, 6-toed cat doesn’t mind living here, either!
Next, we jumped in a big Hummer for the transfer to the Country Club – built by Wrigley and a gorgeous venue for weddings or parties. The bar features a lot of island memorabilia, including many photos of celebrities from the 20s and 30s who vacationed here, performed at the Casino (which was never a gambling venue) or had something to do with the Chicago Cubs.
The way it was . . .
Then we stopped at the Catalina Island Spa for some downtime (since we were working soooo hard!)
Working hard (though some might say “hardly working…”) – but they’d be wrong!
Our final stop was a beach party on Descanso Beach. Food, more drink – including an island specialty called Buffalo Milk – and a great cover band, capped off a delightful day’s work!
Yummy “Buffalo Milk” drinks – and gorgeous views to end a perfect workday!
I have to say, that every time I visit a European island – in Italy, Croatia, Greece, or Spain – I’m always a bit embarrassed about the comparatively uninteresting island just 26 miles from the coast of southern California. After yesterday, I can recommend it highly. I’m planning to go back and stay awhile. It’s worth a visit!
Have you been to Catalina Island recently?
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8 Comments
Rita Connor June 16, 2017 at 11:43am
Thanks so much for this great review, Marilyn! We loved having you and your team join us yesterday! Catalina Island is definitely my “happy place”! Warmest regards, Rita
Marilyn June 16, 2017 at 1:15pm
We truly had a blast! Very informative and well-organized. Now, we just need to see the hotel products!
Jack Daly June 16, 2017 at 11:55am
20 years ago? I think I was on that cruise trip with you…was our first travel experience with you. Despite the crappy cruise ship, followed by a much better one for the higher performers in the Carribean, I fell in love with you and your WOW work! Been a fan ever since…and forever.
BAM,
Jack
Marilyn June 16, 2017 at 1:14pm
Aaaawww…Jack – was THAT our first travel experience together? Well – there was no way to go but up! Thanks for reminding me. Love you, too!
JIM Gerwick June 16, 2017 at 2:17pm
Patti and I spent a great weekend at the Wrigly Mansion in
1987 after the October market crash. Loved every minute
of it! (We needed some R&R)
Suzy Kay June 16, 2017 at 2:41pm
Sounds like it was an incredible day yesterday. I’m sorry I missed it! Looks like so much fun and perfect weather!
brenda winter June 16, 2017 at 3:10pm
Thanks for the info. I Wish I were there with you. Please think about a tour for us the same way with maybe a one or two night stay.
As always, your ideas and plans are the best. Love XOXO
Gary Warning June 16, 2017 at 3:32pm
I went a couple of years ago and had a great time. It was over an MLK 3-day weekend and the weather was unseasonably warm. I was impressed with the Pavilion Hotel. They have a great wine and cheese happy 2 hours starting at 4 PM. And there’s nothing like Luau Larry’s next door for exotic umbrella drinks. The back-island tour was also pretty interesting. The ride up to the airport is a throwback in time.