Catalina from A to Z: Alluring Avalon
Hello, and welcome to the Blogging A to Z Challenge! This year my theme is Catalina from A to Z, featuring posts about the Southern California island of Catalina. With a focus on the island’s romantic side, I’ll be sharing info about where to go, what to see and do, plus a few sneak peeks from my novel in progress, Wife For A Weekend, which is set on the island!
Avalon is Catalina Island’s main city and the place where most visitors focus their stay. Named after King Arthur’s legendary quest for the mysterious Avalon (particularly as described in Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem, “Idylls of the King”), the town’s moniker was chosen by Etta Whittney in 1887. Avalon was later incorporated as a city in 1913.
Some quick facts about Avalon and Catalina Island:
- Catalina Island is located 22 miles off the coast of California, and Avalon is situated on the eastern side of the island.
- The city is about 2.8 square miles, out of the total 76 square miles that make up the island.
- Approximately 4,000 residents live in Avalon year-round, while over 1 million people visit the island each year.
- The main two ways of reaching Catalina are by boat (ferry or private yacht) or helicopter.
- The city operates Avalon Transit, a bus system with 16 stops, which enables locals and visitors to explore the island without renting a golf cart (the island’s most common mode of transportation).
- Avalon’s current mayor is Ann Marshall, whose tenure runs through 2022.
- You may have heard of Catalina Island if you’ve ever seen the 2008 movie Step Brothers, which featured the “Catalina Wine Mixer” – which is now a real annual event due to the comedy’s popularity!
Finally, here is a wonderful view of the city of Avalon via boat:
Eager to learn more about Catalina?
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8 Comments
JazzFeathers
Looks like a gorgeous place.
Any clue why the name Avalon was chosen?
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter – The Great War
Laura Roberts
I think Avalon was an island in the King Arthur legend, and since Catalina is also an island, it seems logical? :D
Iain Kelly
This looks like an amazing place. Alluring indeed. And a great way to introduce your novel. Look forward to more.
https://iainkellywriting.com/2021/04/01/the-state-trilogy-a-z-guide-a/
Linda Curry
As we can’t fly to the USA from Australia anytime soon I will just have to visit Avalon in my imagination. It looks lovely.
JR Vincente
Beautiful picture and interesting facts!
Stopping by from A to Z!
– Jayden Vincente
Erotic fiction author
https://jrvincente.com/a-to-z-2021/
Mrs Fever
I remember Doris Day in the movie <i The Glass-Bottom Boat; parts of that movie were filmed on (or in the waters around) Catalina Island. :)
Arlee Bird
IN my 30 years of living in Los Angeles I’ve yet to go to Catalina. Maybe someday. Because my oldest daughter’s name is Ada, her husband took her to Mt Ada on Catalina to propose to her. They’ve been married for 11 years now with 3 beautiful kids.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Laura Roberts
Wow, what a beautiful place for a marriage proposal! Thanks for sharing this story, Arlee. :D