Avalon on Catalina Island and the Catalina Casino

June 9, 6:22 PMOffbeat Places ExaminerNeala Schwartzberg

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Actually, there’s a case to made that all of Catalina Island is an offbeat place. With its houses terraced up the side of the mountain, and the Mediterranean-flavored architectural touches – such as painted tile accents on fountains and walkways, and the calm waters of the harbor --  it feels like a place outside of time. A ferry ride away from southern California, it is a charming weekend or even day trip destination.

And the Catalina Casino is almost iconic of the island’s history.

Avalon was founded in 1887 as a resort but as early as 1911 the island  was a popular location for movies, documentaries and even commercials. In 1919 William Wrigley (of chewing gum fame) bought a controlling interest in the corporation that owned the island, effectively taking over.

The low key skyline of the town is dominated by the Catalina Casino, built by Wrigley in 1928. The Moorish and Art Deco building is primarily a movie theater but has a museum and art gallery in the lower level and a completely restored ballroom atop the building.

Inside the theater are Art Deco murals by John Gabriel Beckman, and a classic 1929 pipe organ. You can take one of the tours, but you can also simply pay the admission and enjoy a movie at the Avalon Theatre.

Today the island is no longer privately owned, although the Catalina Island Conservancy has purchased over 88% of the land to protect and restore the land  and inhabitants, including a colony of bald eagles. Despite the murky origins, there’s also a herd of bison that have made the island home since 1924. They also have some suggestions for offbeat experiences.

Yes, the whole island is an Offbeat Place. Visit Catalina Island via ferry and helicopter from Long Beach and San Pedro.

For more information visit:CatalinaChamber.com

Follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/offbeattravel

(c) Neala Schwartzberg, all rights reserved

Enjoy the historic postcards and The Four Preps singing "26 Miles"...