My hubby and I spent our honeymoon on Catalina Island in April 2011. At the time it was just a cheap man's Hawaii, close enough for a weekend trip and $79 per night special at the Zane Grey Pueblo couldn't be beat. The ferry was both fun and cheap compared to airfare anywhere else. I didn't know much about the island at the time. 
I decided to read about the author Zane Grey and his vacation home on the Island since we were staying there, the history of the pueblo and my love for books and writing called to me. Others would have been bothered by the lack of luxury but I loved the authenticity, the seclusion on the hill, incredible view and zero electronics of any kind. Today the Zane Grey is closed for renovations, I hope they keep its authenticity, it is definitely a historical landmark. It's also right next to the iconic and charming Chime Towers, another historical landmark, delighting the residence with it's bell sounds to this day.
I had visited the island as a teenager, camping with my family but had never stayed in Avalon so was very excited for the new adventure. It was on that first stay in Avalon 5 years ago that I decided I wanted to celebrate our anniversary there every year. I was in love. Not only with my new husband but with the enchanting island and couldn't imagine anything more fun then celebrating these two loves every year.
We committed to each other and the island...at first we thought we'd always stay at the Zane Grey but after two years there we decided we'd try a new place on the island each year to get a varied experience, a decision we've really enjoyed and look forward to in the future. The history on the island is extensive and intriguing, the multi-colored tiles, green pier and railings, clear water and harbor of boats, colorful vintage homes, and Spanish architecture are all aesthetically delightful. Of course, the quaint little shops and many restaurants are just a plus.
The fact that you don't have a car (there are a some on the island for a few that live there) because the city is so small and they want to limit vehicles is another unique characteristic. You can rent a golf cart and in less then two hours tour the entire city of Avalon, this intimacy with an island doesn't exist in very many places...especially affordable ones. Most of the island is a natural land conservancy (thank you Mr. Wrigley!) that you need a permit to hike or tour on jeeps.
The island's history ranges from William Wrigley, Jr. of Wrigley's gum fame and his Chicago Cubs baseball team (and an incredible home on the hill he built for his wife Ada in the 1920's where you can tour when you make a lunch reservation) to Hollywood movies and a Casino that is not a place to gamble at all...it gets its name from the Italians where casino means a gathering place, and a grand one it is! Huge galas, entertainers, movie stars...this island has seen the best of them.
Then in 1941 World War II turned Catalina Island into a Federal Military Zone, instead of parties and movies, it was all about training spies and other military personnel. Hotels became barracks and the marina, yacht club and spring training ballpark transformed into simulated war zones. Pretty crazy history, huh?
It may be boring or lack the luxury of other grand destinations but to me it is an enchanting getaway that carries with it a colorful history much like the tapestry of a life. What better way to celebrate the colorful history and tapestry of a marriage over the years?
A new museum will open this year about the history on the island, not early enough for us to visit on this trip, but I look forward to visiting next year and learning just a little more about this enchanting place that has become our annual celebration of love and romance (and maybe a few battles too)...I couldn't have picked a better spot for it!
I even bought myself a little anniversary necklace to remember The Joy of Catalina Island:
Year 1 and 2: Zane Grey Pueblo
Year 3: Catlina Canyon Resort & Spa
Year 4: Hotel Catalina
Year 5: Pavilion Hotel
