Handmade jewelry is one of our favorite ways to bring home local art after visiting a new location. It’s a great way to commemorate an unforgettable trip, and fits in a carry-on bag without too much trouble (or even on your person, if you’re a stylish traveler). When you’re looking for a gift to take…
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One of the best ways to creatively showcase local ingredients is to incorporate them into a food item that’s already familiar, comfortable and well loved. Alaskans love their ice cream, and in recent years the dessert has become the perfect vessel to show off locally roasted coffee, locally brewed cider and locally grown products of…
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If a visit to Denali National Park has been on your bucket list for a while now (if it hasn’t, go write it in immediately), we’re here to tell you that 2017 is the year to finally cross it off. We can’t think of a better time to visit one of the most beautiful places…
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Fur Rendezvous has been one of Anchorage’s favorite traditions for 82 years. This 10-day festival is jam-packed with events for all ages, and most of the action is conveniently located just blocks away from our Westmark Anchorage Hotel. This means you can head back and forth to your home base to warm up, grab a…
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In Alaska, one of our favorite winter pastimes is a day on the ice rink. Our Westmark Anchorage Hotel is conveniently located close to Westchester Lagoon, one of Anchorage’s favored and most accessible outdoor ice rinks. Of course, we know that an afternoon of skating is the perfect winter vacation photo-op, so here are a…
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Let’s face it – traveling, sightseeing and exploring can get a bit exhausting. And we get it, after a day of hiking sometimes all you want is a nice foot rub. Just because Alaska is rugged doesn’t mean you have to be, too! Here are some of our favorite spas around Alaska and Yukon, each…
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You’ve decided to spend one of your Alaska winter days cross-country skiing. Great choice! You’ve secured some gear (skis, poles, boots) and selected a trail to explore. Before you chart out on your adventure, check this packing guide of cross-country essentials and make sure you’ve got everything you need to not just get through the…
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The winter season transforms Alaska — and your vacation experience. While summer is all about fishing, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing, winter brings a totally different set of outdoor activities. With snow already blanketing much of the state, it’s time to start thinking about the experiences that should be on your bucket list this season.…
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As Alaska’s fishing season winds down, anglers from across the state are enjoying the last few weeks of bounty. One big perk of fishing in the fall is that it’s a beautiful time of year to get outside and enjoy Alaska. The air is crisp and the trees have turned a vibrant yellow. There’s a…
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If you grew up outside of Alaska, you may have some memories as a child in art class when your teacher taught you how to make a totem pole out of an oatmeal canister, brown craft paper, paint and glue. It was fun, sure, but how much do you really remember about the totem pole…
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