Discovering the Airport in the Sky: Catalina Island’s Unique Terminal
Nestled atop Catalina Island is the quaint Airport in the Sky, a one-story adobe terminal adorned with classic red tiles. This small airport serves as a gateway for adventurous souls looking to explore the island, where small planes frequently touch down. It’s not uncommon for visitors to land, spend just a few minutes savoring a famous cookie for $2.50, and then board their Cessna for a quick trip back to bustling Los Angeles or Las Vegas.
First Impressions: Arrival at Catalina Island
Arriving at Catalina Island typically means catching an early ferry from Long Beach. As the sun begins to rise, it casts a serene light on the quiet streets of Avalon, contrasting starkly with the raucous crowds I remembered from my high school days in the 1980s. The tranquility is palpable; roughly 42,000 of the island’s nearly 48,000 acres remain untouched and wild, thanks to the efforts of the Wrigley family and the Catalina Island Conservancy.
To reach the Airport in the Sky, one can opt for a scenic mountain hike or hop on a prepaid van shuttle provided by the conservancy. I chose the latter for a leisurely ride through the island’s breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes, a half-hour journey filled with gentle curves and stunning views.
The Airport Experience
Upon arriving, the Airport in the Sky greets visitors with its charming diner, aptly named the Airport in the Sky Restaurant. I approached the airport tower, where a friendly traffic controller cooked up some pork chops nearby. “Have a pork chop!” he called, though I politely declined in favor of the renowned delectable treats waiting inside.
The ambiance inside the airport is wonderfully peaceful, evoking a sense of nostalgia. With its rustic charm, adorned with taxidermy and an inviting fireplace, it feels like a hidden retreat. This is the kind of place where time seems to slow down—a perfect spot to unwind, read, or simply take in the surroundings.
Culinary Delights: More than Just Cookies
While the cookies are certainly the star of the show, there’s a menu full of savory options including burgers, burritos, sandwiches, and salads. However, as I soon learned, local opinions unanimously point towards the cookies. After hearing whispers about these magical cookies throughout my journey, I was compelled to sample the culinary offerings.
I indulged in a breakfast burrito, filled with eggs, avocado, and hash browns, followed by a bison burger—a nod to the bison that reportedly roam the island, descendants of beasts brought for filming an old Western. Intriguingly, though, the bison I feasted on was not a local; it was shipped in on a barge from the mainland. And yes, I couldn’t resist ordering an oatmeal raisin cookie as well.
Interactions and Observations
Seated at the counter in the cozy dining room, I noticed the whimsical sign outside stating, “Do Not Feed Foxes.” While some diners might call ahead to request cookie recipes—only to be told that the secret is a closely-guarded treasure—others come from afar, eager to refuel mid-adventure. I chatted with a hiker named Carmen Rao, who was traversing the Trans-Catalina Trail. “They say hunger’s the best sauce,” he quipped, sharing the simple truth about the joy of good food amidst the beauty of nature.
Engaging with Nature
As I explored, I discovered an exhibit detailing the local flora and fauna, featuring fun facts about the Catalina Island shrew—an elusive creature that weighs less than a penny and has an astonishing heart rate. Such fascinating tidbits made the experience all the richer, blending outdoor adventure with culinary delight.
A Slice of Paradise
The Airport in the Sky truly embodies a unique slice of island life. Whether you arrive by plane or van, indulge in the tantalizing cookies or gaze at bison roaming freely, this charming airport is much more than a transit point. It’s a gateway to the adventurous spirit of Catalina Island, offering travelers a peaceful escape and a taste of its natural beauty and local flavor.
