When you think of Alaska, chances are you think of lots of cold and snow. Maybe you envision some adventures like mountain climbing and ice fishing along with a grizzly bear sighting or two. Or maybe you think of 18-hour days and the aurora borealis if you stretch your imagination a little further.
For some people, Alaska is all of those things and more – like extreme adventures. A trip down a white water river, a visit to an ice blue glacier or a camp where you can intentionally get up close to a family of bears while camping are all out-of-the box extreme adventures.
However, have you ever thought of doing some of the ordinary or maybe not so ordinary things that life has to offer in Alaska?
Here are a few things that you may have never thought of doing in Alaska that will leave you thinking a bit more.
Hitch a Ride
Since dog sledding is considered Alaska’s official sport, why not consider joining them for a ride. You can take a tour in Alaska that consists of either half day tours or full day tours and become part of the beloved tradition of mushing – also known as dog sledding. Meet the team of trainers responsible for getting the Alaskan Huskies into gear for the Iditarod race, also known as the last great race.
While you are probably familiar with the Iditarod, you probably have never thought that you could possibly be part of that experience. Imagine assisting in harnessing those beautiful huskies onto the sled and then getting the opportunity to ride across the snowy and icy terrain and partake in one wild ride.
If you choose an all-day tour, you will get to meet and greet both the huskies and their trainers, get an opportunity to ask questions and gain some insight and spend the day on the sled out on the snowy training trails that prepares the mushers and the dogs for their journey in the last great race. You’ll have quite a story to tell when you arrive home.
Get Hitched
When you think of destination weddings, you probably think of locales such as Hawaii or one of the Caribbean Islands, right? Why not take another look at a unique locale – Alaska. Alaska during summer is one of the most beautiful places in the United States.
The views and the scenery are like no other. There are glistening lakes, snow-capped mountains and fields of fireweed – a colorful flower that grows in abundance in the open meadows of Alaska. You will go wild for this wildflower.
Getting married these days is less about the pomp and circumstance and more about the meaning. Picture getting married at the base of the Chugach mountain range, or during one of Alaska’s 18 hour days where the sun stays high in the sky through the night while saying I do in front of one of Alaska’s pristine lakes. This gives you an opportunity to party all night long. An Alaskan destination wedding is something to ponder and something of wonder. You will have photographic memories that will rival all others.
Go to College
Whether you are considering a two-year degree, a four-year degree, training in a specific trade, undergraduate or graduate school, you have several choices in Alaska. Imagine pursuing your educational career in the same place where you can view wildlife such as moose and grizzly bears or partake in viewing the Northern Lights.
Areas of study range anywhere from health and wellness to, of course, hospitality and recreation. Whether you choose The University of Alaska in the heavily populated Anchorage or in the remote city of Juneau, The Alaska Pacific University or the Alaska Vocational Technical Center, you have a host of upper education options in Alaska.
Take Phenomenal Photos
Alaska is one of those rare places on earth that has no loss of photo opportunities. Whether you are an advanced photographic professional or an amateur, there are really no bad pictures you can take in Alaska.
In Alaska, you will find misty waterfalls, fog coated lakes, snowcapped mountains and ice blue glaciers. During summer, you can view endless fields of open fireweed in the brightest of colors. Don’t forget about the wildlife photo opportunities either. There are beluga whales waving their tails at you, grizzly bears reaching for a morning breakfast of salmon, and bald eagles soaring overhead amongst the misty clouds.
Alaska is truly one gigantic photo opportunity waiting to happen.
Christmas in July
Are you one of those people that count down the days until the next Christmas because you just love it so much? If you are yearning for Christmas in July, take a trip to the North Pole in Alaska. North Pole, Alaska celebrates Christmas all year around, even in July. North Pole, Alaska is decorated in holiday tradition all year around.
Have some fun getting in touch with your spirit of Christmas as you drive down Santa Claus Lane and go visit the Santa Claus House. If you want to feel like a kid at Christmas, this store can do just that with aisles of Christmas decorations and toys, you’ll feel like a kid again in no time.
North Pole, Alaska honors Christmas throughout the year and if you plan on attending in December, you can take part in loads of festivities such as the Christmas in Ice Contest featuring ice sculptures from all over.
Whatever season you choose to visit, you’ll be sure to get in touch with your inner Christmas.
These are five great things you may have never considered doing on a visit to Alaska. You never know, you might find yourself hitched to a sled experiencing what it feels like to be part of the Iditarod while your beloved proposes the idea of getting hitched.
