We headed out to Catalina Island to celebrate Chris’ birthday today.  It was a beautiful day, perfect for sightseeing.

Catalina island is a tourist destination made famous thanks to William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate, beginning in the 1920.   Wrigley brought the Chicago Cubs, which he also owned, to the island for spring training from 1921 – 1951.

First stop was at Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden

The idea for a garden came from Ada Wrigley, wife of Mr. Wrigley, originally consisted of 38 acres.  In the garden is the Wrigley Memorial Monument, which pays tribute to William Wrigley, who loved Catalina Island.

The house called “Mt. Ada” was built to overlook Avalon and named for Wrigley’s wife, Ada, so he could oversee his work on the island and later the practice sessions of his baseball team.  The home that Wrigley build is now a bed and breakfast and is open for lunch.