We're planning a trip (in & out of Anchorage)in late September (15 -25) and would appreciate ideas/suggestions - as many places seem to close mid-Sept. We've been to Alaska 2x & loved it: Homer, Seward, Valdez, Denali, Fairbanks. Would like to visit Halibut Cove for a few days. Considering: 1) Glen Allen/Paxson area, 2) Fairbanks/Chena - to possibly see the Northern Lights/Aurora (do you have to be that far north ???) 3)Hatcher Pass 4) Kenai/Cooper Landing area. Have read some great advice & suggestions here - would like comments for Sept. visit; event suggestions. Thanks in advance.

Hello MiaHatt, others here have made the same suggestion to posters and have sometimes upset people but I will assume you will accept my suggestion in the spirit that I intend it - to help you get a lot of answers to your question.

The Title of your thread gives no clue as to a September visit to where. It could be anywhere.

Consequently it is possible a lot of people that have a good deal of knowledge about Alaska will never click on your thread and read your question.

I suggest that you repost your questions with a new Title such as "Questions about Alaska in Late September".

I hope you accept my suggestion in the manner that it is given - and that is to help you receive the answers you are seeking. Best wishes for a wonderful trip to Alaska.

Hi Loveitaly,

I hope things in your life have calmed down. Please don't respond, we don't want to hijack this thread Just know you and yours are in my thoughts.

Your post was very well said but when MiaHatt reposts (which is wonderful advice) I also suggest that she checks back to this thread because you know that there will be posts here that will give advice.

MiaHatt, please don't be discouraged! There are so many posters who can give you wonderful advice. They just need to be encouraged to click on your post.

If you want to see northern lights, I suggest you make your Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs visit at the end and factor in several days, if a priority to see them. Check the Fairbanks U Geophysical web site daily for predictions. It will pay to have lodging that has full views, otherwise you will have to get in your car and drive out of Fairbanks. My opinion only, yes you need Fairbanks for superior aurora. Chena Hot Springs isn't what it used to be in my opinion, when under a different management. Yes plenty of tourist attractions are closed but it is a bargain time to go. There isn't much in the Glennallen/Paxson area. You are too late for Denali Park.

thanks for the suggestions: loveitaly & alya, advice taken & re-posted. Haven't used fodors.com before; learned A LOT here last evening. (I thought this forum was only for Alaska.) thanks BudgetQueen - re: Fairbanks - also understand need dark sky; but full moon on 09/17. Question : saw favorable comments here on Cooper Center Roadhouse - is that the same as Cooper Center Lodge ??

No, they are probably referring to the Copper Princess Lodge??? Which will probably be closed the end of Sept?? The Roadhouse also has an excellent resturant.

And yes full moon can interfer with Aurora viewing, but AGAIN if a priority, your bulk of your time should be north. I go in March for aurora viewing and allow 2 weeks. You need to consider more than a couple days- IF a priority.