World-class vacation destinations make world-class “staycation” destinations, and in Juneau, Alaska, many locals go on a permanent staycation.
In summer 2019, for a four-day adventure, Alaska magazine editor Susan Sommer and a favorite travel buddy flew from Anchorage to Juneau, a 1.5-hour excursion on Alaska Airlines.
Tracy Arm invigorates locals and visitors
BY STEVE QUINN
Social media unites Juneau photographers Hobby photographer Ron Gile and several photographer friends who also lived in Juneau would often take pictures of Romeo, the famous wolf that frequented Mendenhall Glacier. “Every time someone saw the wolf we had to call four or five people,” Gile says. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we just make a thing on Facebook where we can make one announcement.’” Gile started the page titled Juneau Photo Group and invited a few friends. They shared pictures of Romeo and of Juneau landscapes among themselves. Then it grew. Other photographers started to join. They all helped each other, openly shared where photos were taken, and even gathered in person biweekly for photo sessions. It continued to grow, out from Juneau, attracting interest around the state and from tourists who traveled through on cruise ships. The page now has over 12,700 members, and 15 to 20 more requests…
Native Alaskans revere their past, present, future.
[by Steve Quin]
Whittling down Alaska’s abundant offerings in five port towns
[by Daliah Singer]
Juneau was Tlingit land long before the arrival of Russian explorers, prospectors, miners, settlers and later, cruise ships. But it was gold in the 1880s that spurred the birth of the town. In 1906, Juneau became Alaska ‘s capital when the government was transferred from Sitka. Today, federal, state and local governments employ one out of every two Juneau workers, and cruise liners bring an influx of seasonal revenue to the port. While government buildings dominate the skyline, you’ll find plenty of history, nature and culture to explore in Juneau. Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway offers spectacular views of Juneau and Gastineau Channel. Two 60- passenger aerial trams transport visitors from the downtown waterfront to a modern mountaintop complex at the 1,800-foot level of Mount Roberts. From there, avid hikers can trek to the 3,819-foot summit. The Alaskan Hotel Stop in for a cocktail. The Alaskan Hotel is…
