Page 13 - NBY-Nov2020

On the Go...... Avalon Winter Getaway
On the Go...
On the Go......
On the Go
On the Go

Fall and Winter Getaway to Avalon Springs, Hayden brought two of his chefs
BY Jill Weinlein from the desert to the sea to prepare
beach favorites, including ahi poke
nachos, lobster sushi rolls, grill fish tacos
The newest hotel in the Mediterranean- and a cioppino filled with treasures from
style city of Avalon, is the Bellanca Hotel. the sea.
It’s one of Eat, Drink, Sleep Hospitality The hotel offers complimentary beach
Group’s newest acquisitions renovating cruisers for guests to take a spin up to the
the former 1940’s Scari’s Hotel, that later The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical
became the Hotel Villa Portofino. The Garden, Lovers Cove, Pebbly Beach and
multi-million dollar renovation included Descanso Beach Club.
four new guest rooms offering a peek at For those who really want to getaway
the Avalon Harbor and Pacific Ocean while on the island, the Catalina Express
beyond. and a bright yellow open-air Cyclone
The easiest way to get to Catalina boat, take visitors to Two Harbors for the
Island is onboard the Catalina Express. day. The 40 minute scenic boat ride
They offer a fare discount to seniors 55+ arrives at Catalina Island’s west end. It’s
cruising from the ports of Dana Point, named Two Harbors due to it’s half-mile
Long Beach and San Pedro. land isthmus separating the leeward side
During the pandemic, the boats are Isthmus Cove and Catalina Harbor on the
sailing with only 40% capacity, and the windward side. It’s a charming village
captain and crew are taking extra safety with one small hotel, the Banning House
precautions based on the guidance of the built in the early 1900s, and one
County of Los Angeles, CDC and other restaurant, The Harbor Reef.
local health departments. Masks or face This area has become a popular outing
coverings are required when entering the during the pandemic for day-trippers and
cruise terminal, waiting to board the outdoor enthusiasts. Once off the boat, the
boat, and while cruising on the vessel. Dive & Recreation Center on the pier
Once in Avalon, face covering and rents kayaks, bicycles, and paddle-boards.
masks are also required in public areas. There are flat groomed paths to explore
The island has only had a handful of the area for a short walk or hike up the
Covid-19 cases since February. The first hill for sensational views.
case was traced to a passenger from one Stories have been told that Spanish
of the large cruise ships that visited the explorers named the island - Santa
island in the beginning of 2020. Since Catalina in honor of Saint Catherine.
cruise ships are no longer visiting the Pirates stored smuggled treasures in the
port of Avalon, the infection rate has nearby coves and fur traders used to visit.
remained low and the island wants to Guests enjoying lunch or dinner at the
keep it that way. Harbor Reef Restaurant can kick off their
The Bellanca’s is a short taxi ride or shoes and dine while wiggling their toes
walk from the cruise terminal. Stepping in the sand. The open-air restaurant is
into the new light wood and white tiled known for its coconut milk cocktail,
lobby, it’s modern and clean open air also stuffed quesadillas, salads and burgers.
features a new bar and lounge. Visitors can reserve a cabana for the
Staying in one of the spacious new day and receive a bucket of waters and
guest rooms, we found the marine blue food service or for $30 they can reserve
and green accent colors appealing. The two lounge chairs and towels on the soft
cloud-like comfortable mattress and imported sand.
luxury bed linens provide a good night’s Around 4:15 p.m., the Cyclone boat
sleep, and the new modern bathroom has cruises back to the Green Pier in Avalon, Photos: Bellanca Hotel For more information contact: https://
an extra large tiled shower, vanity and just in time for dinner at The Bellanca www.bellancahotel.com or call (310) 510-0555.
separate commode area. Hotel or one of the restaurants providing
Three of the four new rooms have a outdoor tables on the sand. third night free when staying two nights.
sliding glass door leading to a small Catalina Island offers pleasant The discount is applied as 33% off each To make a Catalina Express boat
balcony. For better views, guests have temperatures year round with the average night on Sunday-Thursday stays. Or reservation, go to https://
privileges to the rooftop terrace in the mid-60s. It’s an ideal Southern mention and show your AARP or AAA www.catalinaexpress.com/schedule-
overlooking the boats in the harbor. California get-away for a change of card and receive a $10 discount. fares.html or call (800) 995-4386.
During the day and at sunset, guests scenery and pace.
bring up beverages from the bar and Right now the Bellanca Hotel is California Department of Fish and Wildlife
relax in white wicker style chairs, under offering a ‘Go & Play Winter Getaway’
shade umbrellas, while enjoying the fresh special from Nov. 8, 2020 to March 5, 2021. Saving Species
marine air. You will receive a round-trip ticket Together, SavingSpeciesTogether.org a joint have come together to help some of
Another popular spot at the boutique aboard Catalina Express from Long Beach California’s vulnerable species. A half-
hotel is the new onsite restaurant, the or San Pedro, a bottle of sparkling wine, project between the California Department of hour program compiled from the
naughty FOX. The small open-air dining and guest room at the Bellanca Hotel. The Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the U.S. Fish and videos will be airing on PBS starting in
patio and innovative menu by Executive rate is for double occupancy. Valid for Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and November as well.It includes the
Chef Russell Hayden is popular with arrival Sunday-Thursday and departure Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) videos, information about the featured
hotel guests and locals. Known for his Monday-Friday. Another special, The Fisheries, illustrates how resource agencies, species, information on what private
creative fare at the Ace Hotel in Palm ‘Love Catalina Island Midweek’ includes a private landowners, non-profits and citizens landowners and the public can do.

November 2020 13