2 weeks in Alaska 6/2 - 6/16
Feb 1st, 2004, 10:50 AM
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2 weeks in Alaska 6/2 - 6/16
We need suggestions on what to see, where to stay, etc. Thinking days - (3)Seward, (2) Glenallen/Valdez, (1) Fairbanks, (3)Denali area, (1) Takeetna, (4) Anchorage area.Stay at B&B or? Also, best place to rent car. Grandpa, Grandma and 15 year old grandson.
Feb 1st, 2004, 06:24 PM
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We went to Alaska last May and had a wonderful time. In my opinion, I would take Fairbanks and add a day or two in Homer.This is a wonderful area and I think you'd enjoy it. For Seward, our choice of lodging was the Harborview Inn. Their main hotel seemed nice, but we chose their 2 bedroom off-property duplexes. These were right across from the water and were very lovely.
In the Glenallen area, we stayed at the Copper River Wilderness Lodge in Copper Center. This was a lovely place and far from Wilderness lodging. This is owned by Princess Cruise Lines.
We did not go to Denali or Takeenta, so I can't help you there. In Anchorage we stayed at the Springhill Suites and were very satisfied. Also, in Seward, you can take day cruises of all different lengths and excursions. You can book these in advance or just go to the boardwalk and pick your cruise from there. I wouldn't miss this opportunity, but make sure to bring coats and gloves. Even on the warmest day it is COLD out on the water. Your grandson would also enjoy the Sealife Center. Make sure to also go to Exit Glacier. This is a very easy 1/2 mile walk to get up close and personal with a glacier. Hope you have a wonderful time.
In the Glenallen area, we stayed at the Copper River Wilderness Lodge in Copper Center. This was a lovely place and far from Wilderness lodging. This is owned by Princess Cruise Lines.
We did not go to Denali or Takeenta, so I can't help you there. In Anchorage we stayed at the Springhill Suites and were very satisfied. Also, in Seward, you can take day cruises of all different lengths and excursions. You can book these in advance or just go to the boardwalk and pick your cruise from there. I wouldn't miss this opportunity, but make sure to bring coats and gloves. Even on the warmest day it is COLD out on the water. Your grandson would also enjoy the Sealife Center. Make sure to also go to Exit Glacier. This is a very easy 1/2 mile walk to get up close and personal with a glacier. Hope you have a wonderful time.
Feb 1st, 2004, 06:27 PM
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Sorry, me again. I meant to say take OFF Fairbanks and add Homer.
Also, do yourself a very big favor, and purchase The Milepost. This runs about $25.00 and will be the best investment you'll make for the trip.
Thanks to many kind Fodorians who gave us the same advise, the book made all the difference in our trip. You can purchase it online or from any major bookstore. They can order it for you if it's not in stock.
Also, do yourself a very big favor, and purchase The Milepost. This runs about $25.00 and will be the best investment you'll make for the trip.
Thanks to many kind Fodorians who gave us the same advise, the book made all the difference in our trip. You can purchase it online or from any major bookstore. They can order it for you if it's not in stock.
Feb 2nd, 2004, 03:05 AM
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Anchorage is a huge city, spectacularly beautiful but a city nonetheless. I would plan activities there for the beginning and/or end of the trip when you will have to be there for flights. Maybe add an extra day to your northern trip. We enjoyed the trolley tour for an overview of Anchorage/Lake Hood/Earthquake Park. I loved the Saturday market, a good combination of food, music and crafts. Bring several pairs of binoculars. Unless someone recommends a good place for lunch on the road to Seward, I would carry a picnic lunch and spend some time enjoying the view. In early August the silvers were running up Bird Creek so we stopped to watch the fishermen. If the tide is high there a chance of seeing whales. There is always a chance of seeing mountain sheep. Everyone ought to enjoy the tram ride up Mt Alyeska.
