Tourist traps needed! (Haines: travel, lease, local)

[reciprocity]

I'm writing in hopes that you all will assist me in falling heavily into those tourist trap activities.

I've decided today that my mother and I will travel to Juneau for a week in July.

After aforementioned touristtrap.com, I've found these activities:

whale/bear/seal/alaskan men watching
salmon spawning
fishing
ferry riding
hiking
backpacking
Juneau 1st friday
Gold Rush days
4th of July
Methodist Camp Damp Dance? hmm..
Helicopter and Dog Sled Tour!!! (can anyone elaborate a bit on this? The rate is about $450 per person. I'm sure this isn't the only hosting facility, are there cheaper tours available? any insight provided would be appreciated!)

& now I want you to deter me from those tourist trap restaurants. We take our food seriously around here.


I see a Mexican restaurant listed (Olivias) PanAsian (Zen) & Di Sopras (Italian) What are all these Taku Smokeries listed everywhere? and FINALLY! I've found a site that lists 'The Gold Room' as authentic Alaskan cuisine. Regardless, I've never been to Alaska and already know this not to be true. What do you suggest for the best, just off the boat freshest hole in the wall hut, newspaper wrapped seafood, you know, those places where the true bred locals creep out like zombies at 11pm while all the tourists are fast asleep? A sort of underground society, etc. etc. I promise we'll go through initiation.

Thanks!

[reciprocity]

I do realize these posts are redundant, if not wanting to reply it can be understood.. but please, if for anyone, share the wealth of information for my mother.

[greydog]

Now, it's been a few years since I spent a summer in Juneau. But I really remember Rick's as a good little sandwich place. I also liked a place called the Hangar (awesome nachos).

[Rance]

I've only landed at the airport. But it looks like you've got a week's worth already.

[mal_flisk]

The helo tours of Mendenhall glacier are supposed to be awesome. I've seen as many as 7 helos headed out at the same time. Otherwise, the best trip you could make would be as simple as a ferry ride to Haines and back.