Eye on Travel

Peter Greenberg Worldwide—The Inn on Mt. Ada, Catalina Island, California—March 5, 2016

Locations in this article:  Buffalo, NY Chicago, IL Los Angeles, CA

mtada2This week, the Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio Show broadcasts from California’s offshore gem, Catalina Island, at The Inn on Mt Ada, the former Wrigley Mansion. The Mansion—and the island—were formerly owned by the chewing gum magnate and are now protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy. The mansion has been lovingly restored and maintained as a six-bedroom B&B with some of the best views.

I’ve been going there for nearly 40 years, and my mother, a Los Angeles native and big band singer, used to perform at the famed Avalon Casino with the bands of Benny Goodman and Perry Como. It is an emotional homecoming for me every time I return. Joining the show this week is Michele Bestudik, Catalina Island Historian, shares her special history of the island, including its glamorous Hollywood past. Sean McAlpin, Bartender at the Avalon Grille, talks about the history of the Chicago Cubs on the island (spring training was there when Wrigley owned the team), then gives us his favorite seasonal cocktails, and one of them involves bacon!

Arnie Weissmann, Editor-in-Chief of Travel Weekly, interprets the long term impact of global travel uncertainties, including the Zika Virus and recent terrorist attacks. Then, there’s some good news: Scott McCartney, Travel Editor of The Wall Street Journal, discusses what could be the best frequent flyer program in the business, and the perks will surprise you. Catalina boasts great hiking trails (one is 37 miles long), and Janet Flathers tells us about the special routes to take. If you’re hungry, Avalon’s fire chief Mike Krug tells us the best places to eat on the island, including where to find the best buffalo burgers. There’s all of that and more, when the Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio Show broadcasts from the Inn on Mt. Ada at Catalina Island.

Have a travel question? Ask Peter. Call 888-88-PETER (888-88-383), email him at peter@petergreenberg.com, or tweet your questions to @PeterSGreenberg (include #AskPeter).

Check out this week’s guest list, listen to the latest all-local podcast, and stream the full show below.

podcast

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