 | My Alaska News - September |  | | Alaska boasts a long list of superlatives – from the tallest peak in the United States, more coastline than all of other states combined and the largest national park in the country. While it's probably no surprise that Alaska also contains the nation's top fishing port, you may be surprised at the multitude of other reasons to visit Dutch Harbor/Unalaska. Alaska also ranks sixth in the country for the number of breweries per capita, offering a selection of award-winning local breweries in locations large and small. Bear-viewing hotspots such as Anan Creek and Katmai National Park and Preserve have some unmatched opportunities of their own and the right timing can make all the difference. Read on for more information on experiencing some of Alaska's lesser-known "bests."
| | | Dutch Harbor is more than just a top port | | | For twenty years now, Dutch Harbor has retained the title of the nation's top fishing port, delivering 612.7 million pounds of fish and shellfish in 2008. The port also ranks second among the value of catch, claiming $195 million at the docks. Dutch Harbor is the only natural deep-water port in the Aleutian Islands and more than 400 vessels call here each year from as many as 14 countries. But notoriety as a fishing port is only one reason to visit Dutch Harbor and its sister town, Unalaska. Recreational activities are plentiful – from berry picking and beachcombing to wildlife viewing opportunities and hiking. The rich history dating back to Western contact in the 1700s and evidence of Alaska Native habitation for thousands of years makes this destination one of Alaska's hidden gems. For more information on visiting Dutch Harbor/Unalaska, click HERE.
| | | A refreshing stop along Alaska's beer trail | | | Alaska ranks sixth in the country for the number of breweries per capita, with 14 total breweries, or one for every 49,021 residents. And if you're a beer drinker, those are some very refreshing statistics. Alaska has been home to at least 50 different breweries at one time or another in its history, most of which were in operation during Alaska's gold rush era. As gold miners migrated north to seek their fortune, breweries flourished in those towns and as they left for the next strike, the breweries dried up. While there were a number of post-prohibition breweries, it wasn't until the early 1970s when beer was commercially produced on a large scale. Although still quite young in the scheme of brewing history, Alaska's breweries have proven themselves capable of producing not only tasty but innovative beers. In recent years, brewers have placed Alaska on the beer enthusiast map. If you're visiting Alaska and looking for a thirst quench, click HERE for a guide to exploring some of Alaska's top breweries.
| | | | Follow the salmon to bear-viewing bliss | | | | | | With so many opportunities to view Alaska's spectacular brown and black bears, you may be left wondering how to be in the right place at the right time. While not quite as straightforward as following the yellow brick road, it is easy to find bears using their own formula: following the salmon. By tracking various salmon runs, travelers can time their vacation to correspond with the best bear viewing for any destination. While as a rule of thumb, the most plentiful salmon runs occur July through September, peak times vary from location to location. If you're considering bear viewing in an upcoming Alaska itinerary, Click HERE for insider tips on where to go and when.
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| | | | Make the most of your Alaska trip with these great deals. |
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