This spring, Alaska's 50th anniversary continues to resonate across the state with springtime and summer festivals and enormous discounts on tours, packages, transportation and accommodations. If you're flying north this spring, follow the lead of millions of seabirds, shorebirds and woodland birds that migrate through Alaska's airways each year. Whether you trail after the tufted puffin, are drawn to the melancholy call of the rare, bristle-thighed curlew, or desire to witness the dramatic presence of the bald eagle, you'll find plenty of company at one of many spring birding festivals. And if you thought driving Alaska's estimated 14,230-miles of road was out of reach, we're here to put you behind the wheel. With insider tips from Alaska's legendary highway guide, to quick and easy destinations right out of Anchorage, hitting the blacktop has never been easier.

On January 3, Alaska marked its 50th anniversary of statehood with a celebration of magnificent proportions. Since then, Alaskans and visitors alike have been kicking up their heels for galas and festivals throughout the state, taking advantage of 50th-themed discounts — even cheering on Alaska's float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. this January. But 2009 has only just begun, and so have the opportunities to party with the youngest, biggest, grandest state in the union. Click HERE to learn how you can celebrate with Alaska.

It's no secret that birds fly north in the spring. But in Alaska, it's the birds that sway many travelers to flock to the northernmost state when spring arrives. Alaska is premier bird watching territory with over 400 species on record. Many areas are home to rare species from as far away as China and Chile, flying to Alaska for many of the same reasons travelers do: the midnight sun and the best seafood this side of the equator. Want to know how to create a successful spring birding tour? Click HERE.

Spending a day (or three) in Anchorage is a great addition to any Alaska vacation. But if you've got a few extra days, consider hitting the road. Within minutes of leaving the glow of the city lights, you can find yourself at the foothills of towering mountains, driving alongside glaciers, stealing peeks at Mount McKinley, even viewing whales right from the highway. Save money by renting a car from a vendor offsite from the local airport to save on taxes, and check out Web sites dedicated to helping you find the cheapest gallon of gas in the state, and your private-vehicle tour of Alaska will be easy and affordable — and who couldn't use a little of that right now? Want to know more? Click HERE.