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Old 04-25-2016, 10:56 AM
 
2 posts, read 1,331 times
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Stayed in Fairbanks 2 years ago. The drive to Denali from there wasn't bad (day trip). We were also able to visit hot springs (worth it!) go to the North Pole (it was mostly closed down because we went out of season. Reindeer still there, great decor, well done wall mural & selfies there will convince any kids/grandkids that you really did go to Santa's place. The gift shop was awesome. You can have things be sent from "Santa" at the north pole, with the right postmark! It was a relatively short drive to go to the sign that shows where the arctic circle begins (photo op). We weren't interested and didn't try it. As far as I know, having never been to Texas, there is no cold there. If you are otherwise in need of cold attire, you'll find the best in Alaska. We're from WI and picked up things for winter that aren't available here- not that they aren't needed. (Much warmer hats and accessories, heavily lined clothing, etc). If you are planning to return with souvenirs/gifts, then there are 2 places to try out- one would be Meijer (yes, the grocery store, where you could get King Crab to go over your campfire, if you were camping, heh). They have all sorts of tourist things and many of them will fit into your luggage nicely (i.e. baseball caps suitably embroidered, shot glasses, salmon jerky, honey straw sets with an impressive variety of flavors, little Alaskan dolls so cute if you know any girl who would like them then resistance is futile). There was a completely different variety at the Trading Post shops just outside of Denali. I was able to get higher-end jewelry for adults, and useful (OK, camping useful, though you can make other choices) trinkets for others. If you are into photography, you won't be disappointed. Oh, one neat surprise was a small museum that we stopped into- it was built into a rest stop. There was a small, neat exhibit, and yet the true gems were the two older gentlemen who were tending the place. They knew so much information! They allowed us to look around and didn't push, yet as soon as it was clear that we wanted to know more, they were excited to tell people with actual interest. Great guys! Have fun in Alaska, we found the people to be remarkably jovial, and given the initial difficulty in connecting with strangers when all you know about them is "where are you from?" If you get any ribbing about Texas then your response might cleverly include Palin, in a way that will have you all "in the same boat" at the mercy of political nonsense (Yes, they know that she is a joke, so, i.e. Ah, yeah, that's a problem in TX all right, pretty bad one, too. We were thinking maybe we should consult with Palin. Do you think she'd advise us, because if so then all we need to do is the opposite of what she says and maybe it'll be the right direction)? Watch body language, & be artful in getting past the politics on everyone's minds these days. After a delicate retort designed by you to be a quick "draw," you'll be chuckling together as fast friends; just move on to other topics of conversation. That is, unless it turns out that you're speaking with a top-rated mycologist who really can clean up beaches with fungi, or other such amazing folks. Marijuana is legal in Alaska, so watch yourself on the road, drive defensively. If you are interested in indoor farming, then you could try contacting places like Alaska Natural Organics. ANO is indoors and hydroponic, using vertical growing. Neat stuff. Enjoy your trip, hit your highlights. My husband and I enjoyed our time there, though since there are so many places to go, a bucket list is never finished, so we doubt that we'd return given the long journey- complete your "must do" list the first time. There are fond memories of that 25th Anniversary trip, though. Have a great time!
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Old 04-25-2016, 11:27 AM
 
Location: Wasilla, AK
2,792 posts, read 5,565,978 times
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Originally Posted by Music_Man View Post
What is there in Whittier for a tourist?
Portage Pass hike. Prince William Sound glacier cruise. Fishing charter. Catch the ferry to Valdez.
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Old 04-25-2016, 11:49 AM
 
Location: Seattle
7,497 posts, read 17,098,186 times
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Marijuana is legal in Alaska, so watch yourself on the road, drive defensively.
lol. Anyone driving high is gonna do that whether or not weed is legal. Welcome to reality.
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Old 04-25-2016, 02:22 PM
 
Location: Anchorage
1,004 posts, read 1,173,155 times
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Originally Posted by AKStafford View Post
Portage Pass hike. Prince William Sound glacier cruise. Fishing charter. Catch the ferry to Valdez.
I was talking about the town, not the surrounding area.
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Old 04-25-2016, 02:51 PM
 
Location: interior Alaska
6,895 posts, read 5,792,091 times
Reputation: 23410
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Originally Posted by AKStafford View Post
Portage Pass hike. Prince William Sound glacier cruise. Fishing charter. Catch the ferry to Valdez.
So...things that take you away from Whittier? lol
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Old 04-25-2016, 03:14 PM
 
Location: Wasilla, AK
2,792 posts, read 5,565,978 times
Reputation: 2528
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Originally Posted by Music_Man View Post
I was talking about the town, not the surrounding area.
There's not much in the town. The Begich Building. A few restaurants. The harbor. A few shops.
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Old 04-25-2016, 06:48 PM
 
2,025 posts, read 4,138,878 times
Reputation: 2534
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Originally Posted by Frostnip View Post
So...things that take you away from Whittier? lol

Exactly. There really isn't anything that can be done on Whittier that can't be done elsewhere. Except for fish and chips at the Swiftwater.

And the other places like Seward or Homer don't cost $12 per car to go through the tunnel.

I still think they could let you drive to Whittier for free and then you'd willing pay more than $12 to get back out again.
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Old 04-25-2016, 06:56 PM
 
Location: Anchorage
1,004 posts, read 1,173,155 times
Reputation: 1375
Quote:
Originally Posted by GnomadAK View Post
Exactly. There really isn't anything that can be done on Whittier that can't be done elsewhere. Except for fish and chips at the Swiftwater.

And the other places like Seward or Homer don't cost $12 per car to go through the tunnel.

I still think they could let you drive to Whittier for free and then you'd willing pay more than $12 to get back out again.
Don't give them any ideas, they might just do it!
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