Alaska

Alaskan Family Fun

Introduction & Brief History

The 49th state to enter the United States of America (in 1959), Alaska has always been full of surprises, treasures and magnificence. Chances are that will never change. Originally the bridge between Asia and the Americas, this was the original highway by which animals, plants, and humans entered vast new lands. In more recent years, Seward’s Folly has provided a gold rush in the 1880’s and an oil rush that began in 1968 and resulted in the Alaska Pipeline. The human pipeline in the Alaska tends to be Alcan Highways

Alaskan geography is widely varied, from sand dunes above the artic circle, to dense, incredibly lush forests, backed by 1000-foot-high sheer cliffs in Tracy Arm. Three mountain systems delineate Alaska’s land mass; the Coast Range, the Alaska/Aleutian Range, and the Brooks range. There are 19 mountains higher than 14,000 feet, topping out with Mt. McKinley at the 20,320 feet. So how about some major climbing or photo expeditions? The tidal shoreline of Alaska is almost 45,000 square miles: one reason there are so many cruise ships plying in the Inland Passage. Alaska has three million lakes, which are over two acres in size each, which makes this a fishing paradise, if you can stand the mosquitoes. All of this water also provides a necessary ingredient for an abundance of animal life. If you plan on driving, find out all you possibly can about the route, where you’re staying, and what might be going on weather-wise. The Alaska-Canadian Highway is very, very, long and an adventure in itself. Be prepared!

The isolated position of Alaska and its proximity to Siberia provides some especially interesting vacation opportunities: The native cultures of Alaska are very much alive and there are many cultural centers and events that welcome visitors. Reminders of Imperia Russia’s occupation of Alaska can be found in such spots as Seldovia and Sitka. By the way, Alaska has no snakes, but it dos have ice worms (really!).

Alaskan Fare- With The Whole Family In Mind

Alaska is also full of wonderful and delicious food, surely to be enjoyed by the whole family. Famous for their amazing wild berries, don't miss the delicious moss berries (also called crowberries,) lingo berries (also called low bush cranberries,) and watermelon berries. Alaska's cold-water seafood is the centerpiece of Alaskan cuisine. Alaskan salmon is one of the most important foods here and is often served as smoked salmon, cured salmon, salmon jerky, and even sweetened Indian salmon candy. This fresh fish will please every family member. Sourdough bread, caribou and elk are also great options-especially for the meat lovers. For dessert, do not miss out on Alaskan Eskimo ice cream-you are in for a real treat!

LINKS

• Find Pet Friendly Attractions in Alaska
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• Alaska Vacations and Tours Travel Guide
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• Find Eco-Friendly Hotels in Anchorage AK
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• Find Eco-Friendly Hotels in Fairbanks AK
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• Find Eco-Friendly Hotels in Juneau AK
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• Alaska Hotels
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• Pet Friendly Alaska Hotels
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• Things to do in Alaska with Adventures Only
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• Family Vacations & Reviews, Alaska
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