 Catalina Island is located 22 miles/35 kilometers off the coast of Southern California, but it feels like a world away. The name alone conjures up images of the charming seaside village of Avalon, as well as picture-perfect harbors and sandy beaches. Visitors frequently compare Avalon, the island's compact town, to Amalfi, Italy, or a resort town on France's Cote d'Azur. Perhaps the rocky palisades rising from the sea hint at a Mediterranean setting. Perhaps it's the tiled fountain, charming storefronts, and Moorish-style casino. Foreign visitors have been known to inquire whether local merchants accept US currency. Avalon There are two sides to the island with the most visited being the island’s only city, Avalon. For most visitors, going to Catalina means a trip to Avalon, the island’s only city. This vibrant seaside village, with its Mediterranean vibe, features numerous restaurant options, and charming shops offers a unique destination for fun and entertainment. If you want a bustling vibe with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and activity options, then Avalon is the place to be. Two Harbors If you love the outdoors, your paradise awaits you on the west end of the island. The rustic, tiny village of Two Harbors is also known as the “Isthmus” because it separates Isthmus Cove and Catalina Harbor. This is the quieter side of Catalina and a favorite place for those who may want It's a dream for outdoor lovers, who can engage in everything from hiking and mountain biking to snorkeling, diving, and boating. Those eager to experience Two Harbors can take the passenger ferry from San Pedro directly there, or they can take the Cyclone powerboat from Avalon.  Things to See and Do Catalina Island, which has a Mediterranean climate all year which makes it perfect for outdoor activities. Scuba Diving If you enjoy scuba diving, Catalina is the place to be. Scuba Diving Magazine named it the "World's Healthiest Marine Environment," and you should experience it for yourself. Divers of all levels are welcome to dive from Two Harbors, which is the most popular spot. Snorkeling If you don't want to scuba dive but still want to enjoy water sports, this next activity in Catalina is perfect for you. Take advantage of Catalina Island's excellent snorkeling in the turquoise waters and swim with the iconic orange Garibaldi fish. Paddling around will allow you to see what's beneath the turquoise waters. Kayaking Head to Descanso Beach, where you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards by the hour, paddle and float around the harbor while basking in the sun, looking for the bright orange Garibaldi fish hanging out in the turquoise waters! If you're feeling adventurous, you can kayak around the island for a while, but make sure you save enough energy to get back! Boating Tours Catalina Island offers a variety of boat tours, including a glass-bottom boat and an under-the-sea submersible boat. There are even seasonal nighttime flying fish boat tours where you can literally see fish soar through the sky towards the light for a memorable experience. Hiking Hiking is easily one of the best things to do on Catalina Island because it allows you to take in all of the breathtaking views. There are easy one-hour hikes as well as multi-day hikes along the Trans Catalina Trail, also known as the TCT. We’ll help you book a tour where they will help you carry the load and set up camp while you focus on hiking and enjoying the views. Descanso Beach This next thing in Catalina is for you if you're looking for the best place to sunbathe and relax on the beach! The Descanso Beach Club is the best place to relax on the beach in Avalon. Bring a towel and find a spot on the sand, or take your beach day to the next level by renting a private cabana or chaise lounge wby renting a private cabana or chaise lounge with an umbrella for shade, your own personal beach butler, and other Descanso Beach Club perks. After you've worked up an appetite, you can order a meal and a drink at the Descanso Beach Club! Wrigley Botanical Gardens Another beautiful thing to do in Catalina is to visit the Botanical Gardens. The inland Catalina Island Conservancy and botanical garden, as well as a memorial to William Wrigley Jr., is a truly breathtaking place to walk 1.5 miles inland on Avalon Canyon Rd. You can walk, bike, rent a golf cart, or take the local shuttle up to the entrance, where you will be greeted by endemic island plants. These one-of-a-kind discoveries will also include rare and endangered plant species. The Twilight Casino Tour The Twilight at the Casino tour will take you back to the days of Big Bands and ballroom dancing. Your guide will have you twirling in no time on the famed hardwood of the Casino’s world-famous ballroom. Then you'll toast twilight views of Avalon with complimentary wine and cheese on the Romance Promenade. Dining There are over 200 restaurants on the island, so there’s sure to be something that pleases even the most discerning palate. Enjoy a romantic dinner with harbor views at Avalon Grille, and receive tickets to a first-run movie at historic Avalon Theatre, the first grand movie palace in America designed and built to show talking motion pictures. On the bayside deck, Bluewater Grill serves delicious seafood with stunning views of Avalon Bay. Steamed mussels and clams, grilled artichoke with pesto aioli, and San Francisco-style cioppino are among the standout dishes (clams, mussels, crab, shrimp, scallops, and fish in spicy marinara sauce). The Pancake Cottage This casual restaurant, formerly known as the Pancake Cottage, is a great place to carb-load up on pancakes and waffles (with plenty of warm maple syrup on the side) before hitting the beaches. Ready to get started on your journey? Contact us and let us personalize your luxury vacation to this beautiful island. Written by Kimberly ThomasKimberly is a mother, freelance writer, and traveler currently living abroad in Mexico with her daughter.
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 Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the country and perfect for an adult-only or couples getaway. With famous vineyards in the Willamette Valley, mountains, lakes, coastal destinations, and who could forget Portland? Here are three reasons why we think you need to make plans to visit the beautiful state of Oregon. PORTLAND Famed for its “Keep Portland Weird” vibe, Portland is one of the USA’s most unique, open-minded, and exciting cities. Spend a day exploring the downtown area, including the stylish Pearl District where you’ll find chic shops, restaurants( like the Oven and Shaker which showcases the talents of six-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Cathy Whims), and galleries. Drop into Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore, and be sure to grab donuts from the world-famous Voodo Donut. Did you know Portland is called the City of Roses? Washington Park, which includes the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden (home to over 10,000 roses), both of which have stunning views of the city. Take a leisurely, romantic stroll through the Lan Su Chinese Garden (don’t forget to visit the teahouse)which takes up an entire city block and is one of the country's only authentic Chinese gardens. Don’t forget to take photos at the Keep Portland Weird mural and at the iconic Portland stag sign! If you're up for a hike, visit one of the Columbia River Gorge's many spectacular waterfalls just outside of the city. This set of waterfalls includes the beautiful Multnomah Falls, and are some of the best waterfalls in Portland. Visit Pittock Mansion for hiking trails as well one of the most spectacular views in town. Pittock Mansion's viewpoint, nestled high in the West Hills, offers a 1,000-foot-high view of Portland's skyline. Enjoy views of five Cascade Mountains on a clear day: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount Jefferson.  Wine Country A visit to Oregon wine country is a must for anyone who enjoys food, wine, nature, and scenic views. With its lush rolling hills and gorgeous scenery, Willamette Valley offers visitors a "taste of France." You'll have a trip to remember with over 500 wineries, world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, a growing restaurant scene, unforgettable views, and charming historic downtown districts. The valley features a thriving culinary scene with a diverse selection of restaurants, a luxury resort, a high-end inn, and quaint B&Bs. Spend the day exploring the picturesque countryside and indulge in a personalized sommelier curated private wine experience with Dirty Radish. While wineries are the main attraction for wine tourists, there are also other things to see and do, such as visiting an art gallery, biking, hiking, or floating above wine country in a hot air balloon.  Oregon Coast A drive along the coast here is simply one of the must-see scenic drives in the United States. Seaside resort towns, rugged cliffs high above the crashing surf, and spectacular views of the open ocean are all highlights. Cannon Beach is consistently ranked as a top romantic getaway destination and was named one of America's ten most romantic coastal destinations by USA Today. Take long walks on the beach as you watch the sunset over the ocean and afterward, settle down to a roaring fire. Be sure to bring a bottle of wine and supplies for making S’mores. Kimberly ThomasWriter, mother and travel lover currently enjoying life in Mexico. When you go to Greece, it's really a must to hit the Greek islands. Not only is it what the country is famous for. Each of the Greek islands has something unique, and each of them has its own, good reason to go to it. Here are a few to consider:  Milos: Have you ever been to a beach with sand that's so white it looks like snow? That's Milos – an unreal, un-crowded Greek island that's like something out of a movie – or maybe an alien planet. From beach relaxation to cliff jumping for the adrenaline junkies, Milos has it all! Mykonos: Here’s the classic Greek party island. Overrun and overcrowded? Maybe. But there's a reason. Mykonos is the place to be in the Aegean. Nightlife galore. Food to die for. Pristine white buildings that feel like a movie set. This island has it all, and well earns its crowds! However, unlike some of the smaller, laid-back Greek islands, you can’t just show up here and expect to find a decent accommodation. For the best hotels, book with 3-6 months of anticipation. Naxos: This is one of the more picturesque islands in the Aegean. Here you can drive (or hike!) up into the hills and catch a spectacular view of a delightful, quaint town across the valley. Perfect for families, this is an island where you can bring your kids to relax – or run all around, if that’s what the kids prefer doing! Paros: This island is the ideal place to take a break from all the running around to ancient ruins. And just chill. Where else can you stand on a stone dock on the shores of the Mediterranean, and gaze at the pile of vibrant white houses on the hill beyond, topped by a two-spited white cathedral? A less touristy island than many, the locals here are fantastic. And the food – often straight from the sea – is, if possible, even better. A must-see in this stunning country. Antiparos: Does this name resemble any other island we’ve talked about? Paros, maybe? Well, as you might suppose, Antiparos is located right next to Paros – a mere five minute ferry ride away. But in terms of tranquility, it’ll feel like you stepped into Heaven. Not that Paros is a bustling metropolis, but Antiparos is even more tranquil – and the water is, somehow, even more translucent and blue! Sifnos: If you’ve never tried Greek cooking, you’re going to want to, on Sifnos. This island’s most famous inhabitant is Nicholas Tselementes, who – in 1910 – wrote the first Greek cookbook. And on this island, a feast is just a matter of course. It’s not just moussaka; it’s stewed capers and chickpea croquettes and stewed capers are taverna staples, and potteries that produce the casseroles used for revitháda (baked chickpeas) and mastello (lamb with red wine and dill).  |
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April 2022
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