Catalina from A to Z: Marvelous mermaids

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!

Mermaids! What could be more romantic than spotting a mythological creature who’s half fish, half naked, and 100% awesome?

If you’re artist John Gabriel Beckman, who designed the Casino’s mermaid mural (pictured below), the answer is obvious. What could compare to this aquatic beauty?

If you’re a mermaid lover, Catalina Island is a great place to spot these elusive creatures. In addition to the Casino’s mural maiden, you can also find them in Hollywood productions shot on the island like The Sea Maiden (1913) and Sirens of the Sea (1917), not to mention The Glass Bottom Boat (1966). The Catalina Island Museum also harbors some mermaid memorabilia of the Esther Williams variety, thanks to her swimming skills and 1947 win in the Ironing Board Derby – swimming 44 miles between Catalina and Long Beach.

Still thirsty for more? Check out these mermaid-friendly locations:

• Abe’s Liquor Store: the store’s sign includes a mermaid hoisting a cocktail while riding a flying fish
• La Casa Sirena: two island rental properties with ocean/mermaid themed decor
• Project Mermaids: offers mermaid-lovers a chance to transform themselves into a mermaid for a day with a private Catalina Island photo shoot
• Catalina Mermaid: hire this professional mermaid to perform at your next event!

Eager to learn more about Catalina?

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