Orange County lies so close to the glitz and glam of Los Angeles that it isn’t any wonder that its regional airport is named after a celebrity.

John Wayne Airport is located in the county seat of Santa Ana. The legendary actor lived in Newport Beach, which is located in the county, and the airport was named after him once he died in 1979. A large statue at the airport of John Wayne stands in the Thomas F. Riley terminal.

But long before then, the airport was nothing more than an airstrip. This was back in 1923 when an airstrip was constructed on the grounds where the airport stands by Eddie Martin, who owned a flying school.

The county bought the land in 1939 and still owns it to this day. During World War II, the area was used as a military base and was only returned to the county with the stipulation that it be open to all kinds of aviation use.

By the 1950s, the airport served as a place where residents of Southern California could go to fly between Los Angeles and Phoenix via San Diego. A decade later, Bonanza jets started flying out of Orange County to Phoenix and Las Vegas.

In 1967, Air California started nonstop flights to San Francisco using Electras. That was the same year that the Eddie Martin Terminal was constructed to accommodate the 400,000 passengers that came through the airport every year.

This 22,000 square foot terminal was remodeled just a few years later and created two passenger holdings areas, a baggage claim area, and terminal annex.

As the size of the airport increased, so did the number of nonstop flights. Passengers could fly out of John Wayne Airport and go to Salt Lake City, Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, and New York.

Today, the airport is larger than ever before and services more than eight million passengers every year. These passengers can fly to any number of cities including international destinations like Vancouver, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The airport services major airlines like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, United Airlines, United Express, US Airways, and WestJet.

John Wayne Airport is also equipped to handle private jet charter. Two full-serve fixed base operators also service private aviation customers and offer everything these passengers could possibly want.

This is especially beneficial for fans of nearby Balboa Island. Visitors from all over the country, and globe for that matter, can fly into John Wayne Airport and travel into nearby Balboa Island.

Thanksgiving played out on Balboa Island much like it did around the country, with friends and family gathering around tables filled with great eats, followed by naps and some football. Here, some took a walk around the island to work off calories and take a look at paradise. That last part of course is considered normal for islanders and nearby Newport Beach residents.

Others come from all over the country to celebrate Thanksgiving on Balboa, typically under the roof of a select vacation home. One person we spoke with last week makes the sometimes short drive down from Los Angles each year to escape the hassles of the big city, while another family had just flown in from Chicago where it is of course already very cold.

No matter where you came from….down the road or across the country…we would like to hear about your Balboa Island Thanksgiving experience. Are you a local? Was this your first visit or is this a long standing tradition? Share as much or as little as you want by posting comments below!

If memories of nostalgia and happy moments of yesteryear include ice cream treats and carousel rides on the Balboa Peninsula, then you’d better hurry back for one last… quick fix… hurrah of days gone by.

Since the 1930s, the carousel ride has been a prominent attraction at the Balboa Fun Zone. But a change in ownership is forcing the Balboa Fun Zone to remove its iconic merry-go-round by Sept. 30.

The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum bought the land that Fun Zone occupies in 2006 and decided not to renew the amusement’s lease.  According to Fun Zone manager Patrick Moore, the ride must be removed by Sept. 30 but it will likely stop running Sept. 25, the day after the Fun Zone marks its 75th anniversary.

Moore said news of the carousel’s closure will put a “very dark spin” on the Newport Beach landmark’s 75th anniversary celebration. Moore hopes to figure out a way to keep, relocate or sell the attraction.

Although the ferris wheel and other attractions will remain, Moore said the surrounding businesses are worried about the disappearance of the carousel.  “We’re all afraid of it being an empty patio next year,” Moore said. “Many people are concerned about being in business next summer … I’m concerned it’s going to have a negative impact on the whole area.”

The carousel was built in 1951 and was at Santa’s Village in Scotts Valley, north of Santa Cruz, until being restored and placed in the Balboa Fun Zone in 1985. The new landlords plan to use the patio where the carousel is located for community events and educational programs, said museum President Rita Stenlund. The full plans for the soon-to-be-vacant space will be unveiled at a Newport Harbor Nautical Museum event Oct. 22.

Stenlund said she sees the change as part of a revitalization of Balboa Village. “Our commitment is keeping the fun in the Fun Zone,” she said. “The plans for our new project, ExplorOcean, will demonstrate that and we want so much for the community to see those plans … I believe it will tell the story of our changes and show our commitment to creating a place where new memories will be created.”

The bumper cars and Scary Dark ride closed in September 2006 as part of a gradual plan to phase in the museum.  According to Daily Pilot archives, preliminary expansion plans released by the museum last year included a parking garage, theater, weather station, cafe and gift shop.

Gay Wassall-Kelly, a longtime resident and representative member for Balboa Village on the city’s Economic Development Committee, said her friends and neighbors were shocked when they heard of the carousel’s closing. “I don’t see why it doesn’t fit with the museum,” she said. “I think they need to keep the Fun Zone with it or the draw is completely gone.”

Home is Where the Island Is

Are you still sporting that futon you had in college? You know the one with the Del Taco hot sauce stains and the lingering odor of Budweiser and sweaty socks. Well then – here is your interior design intervention.

Balboa Island is just the place to spend the day rehabilitating your home with some class, style and island chic.

Don’t think it’s all nautical niceties in this part of town. Balboa Island of course has your token seashells to display on your entryway console, but also has mid-century modern furniture, French-inspired accent pieces and whimsical knick-knacks.

Ornate

If Palm Springs and Palm Beach were to have a baby (hey! It could happen), it would look something like Ornate, a rather new and colorful home boutique. Upon entry you are surprised at how small it is, but mostly how colorful and interesting the store is. Their furniture and accessories are inspired by the 1950s and 60s – with geometrical prints, and pops of orange and turquoise throughout. Although the store is small in size, customers can browse through a large catalog of goodies that can be special ordered. For those interior design buffs, it is like a mini version of Room Service and Jonathan Adler in Fashion Island.

Shirley’s Heart

This store has two front entrances, and rightfully so, they have too much to display for just one. Shirley’s Heart is an island paradise of tea towels, candles, wall art, novelty napkins and any other compactable accessory you can fit in your home. The boutique offers items for the home that give it the finishing touch – that USC napkin for under your martini or the “Where doggy goes, nothing grows” sign for your garden. Shirley’s is a great place to get custom throw pillows for your beachside cottage. You can find them here with maps of Balboa Island embroidered on them.

Island Home

One of the most iconic home stores on Balboa Island, Island Home is the epitome of fine island living. Many of the accessories you’ll find also at Roger’s Gardens, so you know their home selection is top notch. There is a wide array of design styles at Island Home. In addition to the usual island décor, you can find French-inspired accessories, Americana like rooster themed plates and plenty of holiday themed decorations. It’s not all serious at Island Home though. A humorous tea towel that reads “This home is protected by Killer Dust Bunnies” is an unexpected, yet perfectly hilarious addition to your home.

Oftentimes, when photographers commit to a photo session, they immediately want to know where the location will be. Finding out this detail ahead of time prepares them for the kind of photographs they can expect to take. The more interesting the location the more creative photographers can be with the elements of good composition.

If you’re looking for a location that’s simply irresistible to the lenses, head over to Balboa Island. This tiny community is home to some of the most photogenic spots in Orange County. Needless to say, it’s almost impossible to take a bad picture of this place.

What makes Balboa Island a haven for photographers, visitors and locals alike?

At Balboa Island, photographers are treated to a visual repertoire of backgrounds ideal for almost any type of photography. This location offers so many different options for photographers to achieve depth, color, texture, pattern, and personality in their shots. Then there’s the presence of ocean water, sand, and sky surrounded by Southern California architecture that photographers can always count on to tell a story.

Outlined below are some ideas for photo sessions in which Balboa Island would naturally stand out as a location of choice.

Pre- Nuptial Photo Shoots

Gone are the days of blasé engagement photos that never make their way outside of a dusty leather album in the living room. Modern couples are more intent than ever to show off their pre-nuptial photos to the rest of the world by arranging hip and trendy photo shoots complete with props, costume and-you’re right-the perfect venue!

Fun-loving couples with a carnival-themed engagement session in mind can head over to the Balboa Fun Zone where they can frolic in a Ferris wheel, bumper car rides, or the carousel as the photographer captures the moments. Play at the arcades or a share romantic kiss on the oceanfront boardwalk while people in the background pretend not to notice. For an after-dark effect, wait for the beautiful evening lights reflecting across the water from the Balboa Pavilion and the Fun Zone to appear and enjoy.

Post- Nuptial Photo Shoots

Maybe a couple didn’t have enough time on their wedding day to indulge in a longer photo session. They can always visit St. John Vianney Chapel for traditional post-nuptial shots that are guaranteed to be timeless. When the sky is clear and turns a deep blue, the colorful mosaic on the chapel’s façade will serve as a dramatic accent as they pose in their wedding garb.

Summer Photo Shoots

A quick glance at the beaches on Balboa Island and one might forget all about Malibu. Wide stretches of sand lined with quaint beach homes make way for a great many angles for photographers to play with. Notice how the seagulls the background and sand plants add texture and life to the photos. Right beyond G Street and Ocean Front is a beautiful spot to catch the best lighting on the beach. Did we mention the sunny weather?

Portraiture

Background texture can make or break a portrait. Wooden doors, Mediterranean homes, and outdoor abstract decors are some of the most striking background textures that can be found at Balboa Island.

Travel

Balboa Island openly welcomes travel photographers. There are so many areas that capture the essence of the island. From the charming harbors filled with luxury yachts and the Balboa Pier at the peninsula frequented by tourists.

TIP: The best time to arrange a photo session at Balboa Island is during the week when it’s not so crowded. This way finding parking and navigating the area from one location to another won’t be too time-consuming.

So snap away and remember to bring extra memory cards. There are endless views to stumble upon at Balboa Island.

Do you have some great photos of Balboa Island? Share them with us by clicking here.