A Long Weekend in Alaska

Our Alaskan adventure began with our arrival in Anchorage, the largest city in the Last Frontier. We checked into the Sheraton Four Points, a comfortable and convenient base for our explorations. However, upon reflection, the Hilton Downtown might have offered a bit more of that urban charm we were craving. The choice is yours, but either way, Anchorage has its own unique vibe.

For dinner, we headed to Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse. If you're looking for a lively spot with local flavor, this place is perfect. The seafood was fresh and the ambiance was exactly what you’d expect from an Alaskan eatery—casual and welcoming.

The drive from Anchorage to Denali National Park was nothing short of breathtaking. As we cruised along the scenic route, the first glimpses of Mt. McKinley (now officially known as Denali) were absolutely stunning. The park itself offers a range of activities, but just seeing the mountain from a distance was worth the trip. If you’re up for it, consider a guided tour for a more immersive experience.

We took to the skies with Ravn Airlines, flying from Anchorage to Homer, a charming town nestled on the Kachemak Bay. Upon arrival, we checked into the Land's End Resort, which offered spectacular views right on the edge of the bay.

Dinner was at Harbor Grill on the Spit—a delightful spot where the fresh seafood was as good as the view. Afterward, we ventured to the Salty Dawg Saloon for drinks. This iconic spot is a must-visit for its quirky décor and lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the local color.

Our plans for the day were ambitious: We were set to explore Brooks Falls with Alaskan Bear Adventures. Unfortunately, the fog was dense enough to prevent the seaplane from landing. Disappointed but undeterred, we made a pit stop at a nearby lake to refuel, where we were fortunate enough to spot three bears from a safe distance.

Returning to Homer, we decided to revisit the Salty Dawg for a second round of drinks and then opted for takeout from Finn’s Pizza—an unexpected delight that rounded out our day perfectly.

Alaskan Bear Adventures were kind enough to reschedule our bear-watching trip to Chitina Bay. Despite it being the end of the season, we were treated to an incredible sight—four bears in their natural habitat, including one that walked by at an exhilarating 20 feet away. The flight back to Homer was equally spectacular, offering stunning views of the region’s volcanoes.
Our journey concluded with a red-eye flight back to the lower 48, our minds and cameras filled with the unforgettable sights of Alaska. If you’re planning a trip to this wild and beautiful part of the world, prepare for an adventure that will leave you in awe and longing to return.