Alaska's Hidden Treasure

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 Dec 2006 04:48 PM

Typically, you'll find me blogging about the 50th State (where I was born and raised), but today I will be singing the praises of the 49th State---Alaska. Believe it or not, Alaska is a prime travel destination for residents of Hawaii (they love the fishing). Regardless of where you live, I'm sure you will find an Alaskan vacation is one you won't soon forget.

Locals call it a "hidden treasure," while tour guides call it the "Paris of the Pacific." Whatever you call it Sitka Sound is a sight that will stay with you for years to come. Sitka Sound is nestled between forested mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The mountains come right to the sea, and right now they're snow-capped so the view is spectacular.

When you are done soaking in the incredible vistas, turn your attention to the real reason visitors make the trip to Sitka Sound-whale watching. Situated on Alaska's Baranof Island, Sitka is known the world over for superior whale watching. Don't be surprised to run into a large number of locals while visiting the whale watching areas-it's not an uncommon practice for area residents to pack up the family and watch whales for the day. One of the main reasons is because they are amazingly accessible. You simply board one of the many whale-watching boats, and once your tour gets underway, odds are within five minutes you're going to within a few yards of humpback whales.

After a few hours whale watching I would suggest documenting some of the spectacular sights that abound on shore, specifically the majestic volcano Mt. Edgecumbe, which towers over Sitka. In addition, you should consider taking time to explore the region's rich history and culture (Tlingit Native Americas lived in and around Sitka centuries before the Russians or Americans ever set foot on the island) at the Isabel Miller Museum in Sitka's Harrigan Centennial Hall. It is a repository of the town's rich history and a must-see for any Sitka visitor.

Sitka offers a wealth of natural beauty, intriguing history, and enough activities to keep the entire family entertained.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Sheri Fresonke Harper (4092) 30 Dec 2006 04:33 PM

Thanks for a good introduction article. We were just discussing Alaska. We'd like to visit the Kenai peninsula and maybe go to Fairbanks to see the aurora borealis.

Michele Cheplic (37451) 06 Jan 2007 12:43 AM

Thanks Sheri--it'd make for a heck of a trip!