Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2017/2018 28 conservancy land, it became a great location to shoot movies. In fact, 500 movies, docu- mentaries, films and TV shows have been filmed here—more than anywhere else in the world. Some include The Ten Command- ments (1923), Captain Blood (1935), Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), and more recently, Falling in Love with the Girl Next Door (2006). In 1943, an unhappily married, 17-year- old Norma Jean Baker resided here with her military husband, James Dougherty, who was stationed on the island. Later, she briefly returned as Marilyn Monroe to recover from a plastic surgery treatment. Other regular visitors included John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Johnny Weissmuler, Errol Flynn, Lauren Bacall, Zane Grey and Charlie Chaplin. But stars and starlets weren't the only ones to visit these shores. The Wrigleys brought the Chicago Cubs here for spring training between 1921 and 1951 and gave then-journalist Ronald Reagan his big break when he was hired to announce the spring- training games and introduce the big bands performing at the Casino. DELIGHTFUL EXPERIENCES Day-caught fish and seafood are the norm here so we indulged at the Bluewater Avalon, housed in what was the previous steamship terminal and part of The Fish House group, also owned by the Wrigley family. More morsels from the sea found their way to our plates at the Avalon Grille where we sampled fresh scallops, clams, black cod, ahi tartare and octopus. A superb way to explore Catalina's food culture and learn more about the island's history is on a Taste of Catalina Tour. Our noontime walking culinary adventure took us to Steve's Steakhouse, CC Gallagher, Mr. Ning's Chinese Garden, Bluewater Avalon, Maggie's Blue Rose Restaurant & Bar and the Catalina Coffee & Cookie Company. The tour company also offers Happy Hour and UFO-themed excursions. When it comes to accommodation, advance bookings are highly recommended. At the beautiful Portofino Hotel, just a nine- minute walk from the ferry terminal, our spacious living quarters featured a separate bedroom and overlooked the Pacific. Adja- cent to it is the Island Spa Catalina where I experienced a magical massage. The spa also features a pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms as well as a dining menu for guests who wish to spend the day here. Needless to say, we left Catalina Island wishing we had more time to venture beyond Avalon. This island may be small, but it makes a huge impression. DS T R A V E L P L A N N E R Operating year-round with a fleet of high-speed ferries departing from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point, Catalina Express offers up to 30 daily departures to the picturesque town of Avalon or the rustic village of Two Harbors. Two classes of service are available: gen- eral seating and the Commodore Lounge. For schedules, fares, special promotions and reservations, visit catalinaexpress.com. More ideas on all there is to see and do on Catalina Island are found at visitcatalinaisland.com. If you overnight in Long Beach before boarding the Catalina Express, the Queen Mary Hotel (queenmary.com), moored at the Long Beach Port, offers a one-of-a-kind experience. We definitely recommend dining at either restaurant on board. Note: Actually, Santa Catalina is 22 miles from Long Beach. The songwriter is from Newport Beach, 26 miles from the island. ABOVE: Clear waters and beautiful reefs off Catalina Island attract divers. Joe Belanger/Shutterstock BELOW: The iconic Casino on Catalina Island has never been a gambling venue. Brodie Stephens Photos/Shutterstock BOTTOM: Catalina Express offers service to Catalina Island from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Sheila Fitzgerald/Shutterstock

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