In 1919, William Wrigley Jr., of chewing gum fame, purchased Catalina Island as a gift for his wife Ada Wrigley. Since then, the Catalina Island Company has undergone continuous enhancements by various Wrigley family members. Today, the company is managed by descendants like Alison Wrigley-Rusack and her spouse Geoffrey C. Rusack, overseeing hotels, dining venues, tours, and activities on the island.
The Hotel Atwater, a historic establishment named after Alison’s great grandmother, has recently undergone renovations to modernize guest rooms and amenities. The hotel provides a food and beverage credit and is conveniently situated one block from Avalon’s beach.
Tourists can now experience the newly restored Flxible Touring Bus, affectionately known as ‘Betsy’, which offers trips to El Rancho Escondido, a ranch refurbished by the Wrigley-Rusack family. The ranch features Arabian and American Quarter Horses, vineyards, and stunning vistas of Catalina Island.
A standout feature of the ranch is the breathtaking ‘Bishop’s Chapel’ overlooking the sea, where visitors can immerse themselves in the chapel’s history while taking in the picturesque scenery. Additionally, the ranch grows grapes for Rusack Vineyards, allowing visitors to sample their Santa Catalina Island wines.
Other activities on Catalina Island include renting electric bicycles to explore Avalon, dining at restaurants such as Avalon Grille that serve Rusack wines, and visiting the Flx Biergarten – the island’s inaugural beer garden.
For a luxurious experience, visitors can choose the Commodore Lounge on the Catalina Express, providing priority boarding, comfortable seating, and complimentary snacks and beverages. Throughout the year, the island hosts a wide range of events that attract tourists from all corners of the globe. For further details and trip planning, visit the Catalina Island Company website.
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