SeeCalifornia.com

For those who think the world is moving too fast, there’s a tucked away place where things hardly change. Head “26 miles across the sea” to Santa Catalina’s Casino Building. On Dec. 31 each year ladies in their finest dress and gents with their top hats and tuxedos pour into the  spectacular Avalon ballroom to dine, drink and dance the night away, ushering in the New Year with a balloon drop and cheer. The Casino is surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and towers approx. 12 stories tall with views of the moonlight, stars and the harbor lights at night.

This Art Deco structure with its gleaming facade was built in 1929 as an entertainment venue. Guests came by steamship and they danced the night away to the music of Glen Miller, Benny Goodman and Harry James. At this year’s 41st annual New Year’s Party they will dance to the sounds of Xceptional Music Company. If you can still get tickets, they cost $195 person (catalinachamber.com).  The casino & ballroom retain original lavish medley of rose-hued walls, Art Deco reliefs, and an arching fifty-foot ceiling with five Tiffany chandelier. The outdoor balcony that encircles the ballroom overlooks the protected cove of Avalon Bay and Descanso Beach. For those who wish they could roll back the hands of time, head for Catalina where the locals live on something called “island time. “