It’s summer.  As we all know it’s also the season for heat strokes, lawn fires, droughts, and high electricity bills.  For those of you who are running out of places to take the kids other than Disneyland, a much quieter, cooler place may very well sooth your vacationing itch.  Alaska isn’t all about the wilderness and sub-zero temperatures.  What most people don’t realize is that “The Last Frontier” state is definitely perfect for quick summer getaways.

Getting to Alaska is easy, seeing that state has its own airline, and if for those on a tight budget travel opportunities are a dime-a-dozen throughout the net.
You might ask, “But what is there to do there that’s safe, manageable, and fun for the whole family?”  Well, as our Inuit brethren would say, “There’s plenty to do here, so come on over!”  With the cool and more forgiving weather during the summer months, Alaska will certainly make you realize that it is truly the coolest place to be.

Though before you start packing your bags, here are a few things worth jotting down:

Outdoor Activities:
It isn’t called The Last Frontier for nothing.  You and your family can enjoy numerous activities while at the Alaskan outdoors.  There’s kayaking, four wheeling (ATV’s), and hiking.  Of course, there are safe routes for beginners as much as there are more perilous ones for those seeking adventure.  You and your family could also fish for huge King Salmons, which are very tasty.  And if you’re lucky and happen to find yourself in front of the ocean then you might very well see a blue whale or an orca splashing about.  Now that’s a hundred times more fascinating than SeaWorld!  But if whales and marine life aren’t up your alley, there are also eagles and moose and other interesting wildlife—some of which often walk right up the streets of Anchorage.

Historical Sites:
If you happen to be staying at Anchorage, take a trip to the Native Heritage Center.  While there the kids can finally learn firsthand about the 11 distinct cultures found in Alaska—that’s even more than most cities.  In addition, there is also the Ulu Knife Factory which showcases unique sets of blades which are exact replicas of what the early settlers used for hunting, gathering, and fishing.  Lastly, there’s the Anchorage Museum where you can learn about the Alaskan Pipeline–which is responsible for carrying much needed oil to the mainland–, and take a trip back into history to bear witness to the devastation of the great Alaskan earthquake of 1964 which measured 9.2 on the Richter scale.  It is also important to mention that all these notable places are just either a stroll or bus ride away from the nicest hotels.

Dining:
Don’t limit yourself to fast food, and all that unhealthy junk food.  While in Alaska, you can delight in delicacies not found anywhere else, and definitely not as fresh.  Among the favorites are reindeer sausages, caribou steaks.  For dad, there’s the exquisitely brewed microbeer—sorry kiddies maybe after a few years.  And of course, don’t forget that tasty Salmon you just caught!

Night Life:
When finally, the kids are tucked safely in bed, there is the Alaskan night life awaiting those old romantics seeking a little time away from domestic life.  There are plenty of bars open to those looking for a good time, most notably the B & B Bar which is the oldest bar in the state, complete with nondescript architecture and friendly people.  Couples could also avail of certain stimulants which are deemed illegal in most states.  So go back for a brief moment to the time when everything else was easier and responsibility was merely a suggestion rather than a mandate.  Don’t forget to look up at that colorful sky, illuminated by the Aurora Borealis.

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