Ariel Tweto
This media personality and adventurer describes herself as a lover of nature, an explorer who mostly gets lost, and a storyteller. Tweto currently appears in the IMAX film Into America’s Wild, narrated by Morgan Freeman. She is also the president of Popping Bubbles, a non-profit she started to support suicide prevention.
Where do you live? I’m actually trying to figure that out myself right now. I grew up in Unalakleet, then moved to Anchorage when I was 15 or 16, before leaving the state for college. Now I would say I live between Anchorage and Girdwood half the time, and the other half, I am traveling for work.
Film about Alaska: I am the worst!! I love making [films] but I can’t sit still long enough to watch full movies. I haven’t even seen our show Flying Wild Alaska. I’ve heard Runaway Train is good…so maybe that one.
Restaurant: Kingfisher Roadhouse in Cooper Landing. They have amazing seafood and wild game, but my favorite thing on the menu is their vegan nachos! They make their “meat” out of mushrooms and walnuts, and I pester their chefs to give me bowls of it! A runner-up would be Jack Sprat in Girdwood or F Street Station in Anchorage for oysters or beer-battered halibut.
Place to watch the northern lights: Our cabin in northwest Alaska or at Old Army Hill outside of Unalakleet.
Town for shopping: Girdwood. Go to Powder Hound for anything outdoor-related. Also, Slack Tide has locally made jewelry and fun consignment clothes from the uber-cool locals. Check out Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard for knickknacks and trinkets.
Wild Alaskan food: Hands down, herring eggs on kelp. Yukon salmon bellies and heads are pretty danged good, too.
Mountain to climb: Max’s or the North Face in Girdwood because you can treat yourself to a beer at the Bore Tide after you crush it! On that note, in the winter, make sure you check out Seven Glaciers on top of Alyeska for a Fizz. It’s an adult milkshake that makes you feel like a pro skier after you’ve had one.
Way to meet locals: Dancing at the Gaslight. They have a mechanical bull. I would also go to the Hillside STA (Singletrack Advocates) trails in the summer to mountain bike. On any given day you will meet all kinds of folks in the parking lot, and most will let you tag along on a run and will show you the ropes.
Ariel Tweto with a rainbow trout she caught on the Kenai River. Courtesy Ariel Tweto. 
Biking along the Lost Lake Trail near Seward, Ariel Tweto grins for the camera. Courtesy Ariel Tweto
Hike or bike: Both are so fun!! But right now, I am way into mountain biking. Kincaid and Hilltop (both in Anchorage) and all the trails in Girdwood are super fun. And if you want a long xc ride do the Lost Lake trail in Seward. In one word…epic!
Flightseeing route: I love riding with my dad from Anchorage to Unalakleet in his 207 or 185. If you can’t ride with him, then I’d check out Regal Air and go on a tour with them. My buddy owns it.
Type of boat: My dad used to build boats all over northwest Alaska, so I grew up loving all of his. When I’m on the Kenai, my friend has a 20-foot Willie, and it is so smooth…like buttah! It can fit five of my friends comfortably. It’s basically a party barge, and who doesn’t like a party barge?
Sound of nature: Ravens. My mom is obsessed with ravens and can talk to them. I’m not kidding. She has full-on conversations with them. Whenever I hear a raven, it just makes me think of my mom. And I love my mom so much.
Book about Alaska: Anything by Don Rearden. My favorite is The Raven’s Gift. It is freakishly plausible, and Don nails village life to a T!
Museum: Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. It is beautiful, and you will learn a ton about all the different ethnic groups in Alaska.
Lake or river to fish: I think the Kenai River is pretty special.
Mosquito repellent: Don’t eat BANANAS! And, eat a lot of garlic and onions. You’ll be set!
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