Greetings everyone, as I write to you while on vacation. Pardon my time between posts, however, after 62 days at sea, I simply shut my brain and my body down for awhile. Part of my time off has been spent in Seward, AK and here is a list of my “must-do’s”:
Go see Woody the stellar sea lion at the Alaska SeaLife Center. The SeaLife Center was funded through the civil and criminal settlements against Exxon, after the Valdez oil spill. It is a fantastic educational opportunity in coldwater/local, marine research.
Check out the Seward Museum. This non-descript building houses a bevy of history in great displays with lots of artifacts and photographs.
Go see Exit Glacier, before it melts. This is a rare opportunity to approach a glacier by car and then foot. As you drive up to the Exit Glacier Nature Center, it is amazing to follow along the two miles of markers that show you how far the glacier used to extend into the land.
Photograph your way around the twelve Seward murals that make up a walking tour of town and makes Seward the “mural capitol of Alaska”!
Climb Mt. Marathon.
Sleep, drink and wash at the Trailhead Lodge and Suds-n-Sip. You can grab comfortable lodging, wash your clothes and get a great latte or smoothie all in one place.
Walk to mile 0 of the original Iditarod Trail for some great scenic shots at the shoreline of Resurrection Bay.
Hang out at the Ranting Raven for great pastries, coffee and fabulous artwork. This is my favorite place to shop as it has the best offerings from local, Alaskan artists. Plus you can grab up Ray Troll merchandise, which is a must.
Drink responsibly. Start out at the Seward Ale House for fine pints served in jelly jars and play a game of pool. Then, head over to the Yukon for live music and shake your Alaskan groovethang.
Eat. My favorite spot is Resurrection Roadhouse which is on the way to Exit Glacier. I will review them in a later post. Also check out the Salmon Bake and for an awesome breakfast or some fine BBQ for lunch hit the Smoke Shop.
Enjoy coffee and more local artwork at Resurrection Cafe and Coffeehouse. A block off of main street, it is good to have options to take a rest during your walkabout and take in the local color.
SHOP. There are a variety of shops both downtown and off of the harbor area. The SeaLife Center has a fine gift shop. I love Urbach’s for hats and shoes and Once Upon a Blue Moose – not just because it has a cool name. Shopping warning – you do have to inspect closely for “made in Alaska” items.
Bonus tip: Take the scenic, full-service train ride from Seward to Anchorage and beyond, as far as Fairbanks. This is a wonderful way to see the interior. You even get a chance to see moose and bear, oh my.
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