From Motor City to the Last Frontier

day 1

As the sun dipped below the horizon on a Friday evening, my friends and I embarked on a journey from the Motor City to the Last Frontier for an unforgettable Labor Day trip to Alaska. After driving from Detroit to Chicago O'Hare Airport, we boarded a six-hour flight that landed us in Anchorage before the crack of dawn. Note to my fellow Detroiters – splurge a little and leave from Detroit; the extra sleep is worth it!

Matanuska glacier

Fueled by excitement, we picked up our Turo rental and headed to a local diner for a quick breakfast before seeking refuge at a colleague's house for a much-needed nap. Note to all those curious on how to travel Alaska and save some money; find a job with offices around the country and befriend the person that's crazy enough to live in Alaska. Because we couldn't waste a single second on this trip, we decided to book ourselves a glacier hike on the same day we arrived. So, rejuvenated from our naps we eagerly hopped back into the car.

Our destination for the day was Matanuska Glacier, a two-hour drive from Anchorage. The journey itself was a treat to the eyes, as the road meandered through mountains, providing an introduction to Alaska's beauty. Arriving at Matanuska Glacier, we geared up for a two-hour hiking excursion with MICA guides. Our guide, a true Alaskan enthusiast and fellow Michigander, led us to areas rarely explored by other groups, making our glacier hike a unique and intimate encounter with the pristine wilderness. Walking atop the ancient ice, surrounded by towering peaks and deep crevasses, it felt like a journey into another world. After what seemed like the longest day ever, we returned to Anchorage and enjoyed local beers and food at Tent City Taphouse before turning in for the evening.

arrival at denali

The weather ended up greeting us with clouds and rain as we embarked on a long drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Along the way, we made a pit stop in Talkeetna – a charming town with a personality as vibrant as its residents. Denali Brewpub offered a perfect midday break, serving up delicious bites that fueled us for the journey ahead. At the Dancing Leaf Gallery, we splurged on a few locally made trinkets, adding a touch of Alaskan artistry to our collection of travel souvenirs. With full bellies and determination to reach Fairbanks before sunset, we pressed on until we reached Denali National Park. A quick familiarization with the visitor center and surrounding area was all we had time for before getting back on the road. Once we reached the town of Fairbanks, I have to say I was slightly disappointed. ONLY because I had created a picture of Fairbanks in my head from reading Kristin Hannas "The Great Alone" and it was clear the town had changed quite a bit since then. With that being said, our vacation rental in Fairbanks, though a bit of a trek from Denali, turned out to be everything we needed – a cozy haven where we could recharge after days filled with adventure.

In the following days, our exploration continued with hikes through Denali's trails and a non-narrated transit bus tour through the park. The freedom to hop on and off the green buses at our leisure allowed us to witness Alaska's wildlife in its natural habitat. Moose, grizzly bears, caribou, and mountain sheep greeted us, each encounter adding to the tapestry of memories. 

En route to seward

After waving goodbye to Denali, we retraced our route back to Anchorage before driving down to Seward. The exhaustion from constant travel was real, but Alaska's beauty fueled our determination. With only a few hours in Anchorage, we spent the evening at the one and only REI. Did I have room in my suitcase to bring anything home? No. Did that stop me? No.

The drive to Seward treated us to yet another spectacle of scenic grandeur, with each passing mile revealing a landscape that seemed straight out of a postcard. In Seward, a wildlife cruise through Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay awaited us. The weather, graciously cooperative, set the stage for a captivating wildlife experience. The cruise presented an immersive encounter with nature, with otters, seals, sea lions, and salmon beneath the pristine waters. As the day went on, jellyfish bobbed in the water, and eagles soared overhead. We were lucky enough to see the singular appearance of a lone puffin that had yet to migrate for the season, enhancing the overall time of our day cruise experience. Since we were traveling in the off season, we did miss the chance to see any whales, but the experience was still 10/10. 

Of course, wildlife wasn't the only highlight of the town, Seward is surrounded by mountains and bright turquoise ocean waters that you just have to see for yourself. The best way to enjoy these views are taking a walk around town and enjoying some food. My recommendations are Seward Brewing Company and Zudy's Cafe. 

Final Stop in Kenai

Our final vacation rental perched on a bluff in Kenai, presented breathtaking views of Cook Inlet and the majestic surrounding mountains. We spent our last full day in Kenai trekking through Skilak Lookout trail. I have to warn you, the trail was extremely muddy at the time and had me questioning our commitment to the view. But I have to say it was worth it as Alaska never disappoints. From the top, we had a beautiful view of turquoise waters, green mountains, and the occasional sea plane. We did reward ourselves with Senor Panchos Mexican Restaurant in Soldotna for completing the hike with minimal mud on ourselves.

As our journey neared its end, we made the drive back to Anchorage for our 10pm flight home, making a pit stop outside Alyeska Ski Resort for lunch and falling prey to the charm of the Great Alaskan Tourist Trap. Dehydrated Alaskan sourdough starter and packets of Alaskan wildflower seeds became mementos for ourselves and loved ones back home. Once back in Anchorage, my colleague took us on one final walk through Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park around Westchester Lagoon and then for a much-needed ice cream run to Wild Scoops. It was a warm and sunny day that allowed us to get a great view of the city and surrounding mountain ranges. 

Our Final Day

Our final evening unfolded at 49th State Brewing, where we shared stories, laughter, and hearty fare, bringing our Alaskan adventure to a satisfying close. Anchorage bid us farewell with a warm embrace, leaving us with hearts full of gratitude and memories etched in the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier. 

Until next time, Alaska.