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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The 80th annual Alaska State Fair, now in full swing until Sept. 5, is a longtime favorite among locals and visitors alike. Located in the beautiful Matanuska Valley and surrounded by farmland and stunning mountains, the fair features carnival rides, delectable food, live entertainment, farm animals, record-breaking produce and more. If the fair coincides with…
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There’s no better way to learn the history and the culture of a destination than exploring on foot. Visitors to Alaska and the Yukon can look forward to doing just that on the many walking tours throughout the region. Grab your camera, your walking shoes and stretch your legs (instead of your wallet) while enjoying…
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With its lack of sales tax and unique products, shopping in the Last Frontier can be a dream come true—if you know where to go. At Westmark, we love to shop small and support our neighbors, so next time you’re in town, take a stroll around and check out some of our favorite northern boutiques.…
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Regional slang is everywhere, and losing things in translation can result in situations that are everything from confusing to humorous. Alaska, being thousands of miles away from the closest neighboring state, has more than just a few words unique to the area. We’ve rounded up a selection of our favorites for your studying pleasure before…
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When you’re looking for a quick and easy meal on the go, there are many must-visit stops in towns across the Yukon and Alaska. Sometimes that hole-in-the-wall eatery or off-the-beaten-path food truck is the best way to get a taste of the local flavor while traveling. We’ve hand picked a selection of stops that should…
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Famous for being the home of the Klondike Gold Rush, the Yukon Territory is full of picturesque trails perfect for hiking in summer months. Guests staying at Westmark Hotels in Skagway, Alaska, or Dawson City and Whitehorse in the Yukon have many options when it comes to finding the right path to explore nature. The…
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You’ve spent the day panning for gold, exploring scenic rivers and getting to know sled dogs. You’re famished. In this next installment of our series on traditional and modern food in Alaska, we’re sharing with you our favorite spots to find the foods of Alaska in Fairbanks. Northern Latitudes Restaurant This easy-to-find restaurant (it’s in…
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When the first Copper River salmon arrives in Alaska, it’s a big deal. The fish gets star treatment – flown on an Alaska Airlines jet and met with cheers and camera flashes as it’s paraded out on a red carpet. This fish, and the entire occasion, marks the beginning of Alaska’s Copper River fishing season.…
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If you’re in the process of planning out your Alaska summer vacation, it’s well worth your time to look into some of the state’s top summer festivals. From celebrating summer solstice to all things bluegrass music to a good, old-fashioned state fair, there are an assortment of festivals and summer happenings that are sure to…
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