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Balboa Island is a festive
place where residents enjoy celebrating throughout the year. Lawn
chairs are sprawled on small patios and grass or sand lawns, as revelers
watch a host of daily activities.
Boats pass by the channels of the Newport
Harbor day and night, and a parade of tourists and locals wander by,
enjoying the lifestyle of this island that was once a sand pit. If someone
tried to sell you a piece of oceanfront land when it was first developed in
the early 1900's, in fact, you'd probably scoff at the ludicrous scheme. But
for those who invested a couple hundred bucks, they got the last laugh.
Today this oceanfront lifestyle is afforded to those who have some cool
change (over a $1 million and up), to drop on a little Balboa Island prop.
The events that the island celebrates
include patriotism, decorations and fun. From the annual
Balboa Island Parade held in June on Marine
Avenue, the main shopping thoroughfare, to the 4th of July celebration,
garage sale, and holiday lights that twinkle in the village on winter nights
(winters temps seldom drop below 50 degrees), you'll find the traffic a
challenge (best to take the Balboa Island Ferry and walk), but the color,
the sounds and sights of these special events are pure delight.
Among the restaurants and food you may
want to check out are the Original Frozen Banana confections, Amelia's for
great seafood, Wilma's Kitchen serving hearty sandwiches, soups, and
breakfasts, Picante Martin's with a tasty Chicken Mole, and of course you'll
find Starbucks Coffee, a modern day staple.
Marine Avenue and surrounding streets
are filled with more than 70 gift shops, galleries and restaurants.
Unique items seen on house fronts and sold locally are known as "cottage
plates". Customized circular and oval ceramic designs are available in
numerous styles and can be shipped home as souvenir remembrances of your
island visit. From beachwear and fine clothing to
specialty boutiques, you can spend several hours shopping or browsing.
Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society
has a goal of preserving Island history and restoring the Old Balboa Fire
Station to its original glory. Efforts are underway to acquire the
historic building which you can see on Marine Avenue, not far from the
base of the bridge which leads to mainland Newport Beach and Pacific Coast
Highway. Information: 949-675-9019.
Balboa Island Parade is one of
California’s most charming seaside events. Balboa Island draws more
than 5,000 residents, merchants and community neighbors during its annual
parade down Marine Avenue. Shop in the quaint shops and unique boutiques in
the morning, then find a spot to watch the spirited procession of
star-spangled floats, festooned tricycles, live marching bands, antique cars
full of dignitaries, fire trucks, decked-out golf carts, be-dazzled dogs and
more!
There are many fun activities going on
throughout the year on Balboa Island. For those seeking fun under the sun in
a small community atmosphere, take a trip to Balboa Island to enjoy a Balboa
frozen chocolate covered banana, some outrageously delicious seafood at
Amelia's restaurant or even great Chinese that will satisfy your hunger.
The
magnificent Christmas Boat Parade celebrated each year in December began
in 1908. Ceremoniously sailing around the bay, a gondolier named John Scarpa
organized eight canoes and his own gondola, all lighted with Japanese lanterns.
Nearly 100 years later, the tradition continues with residents lighting
their sailboats and yachts and parading them up and down the waterways.
Errol Flynn, Humphrey Bogart, Dick Powell, Shirley Temple, James Cagney,
Mae West and John Wayne are few of the famous celebrities who once owned
yachts in the Newport Harbor.
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