Alaska is the largest state in the United States and probably the one that most people have on their list of “must sees.” At least we felt that way, as we planned our trip to this delightful “smorgasbord of the great outdoors.” Whether it is because Alaska is just so beautiful, with tourist hot spots such as Denali National Park, Glacier Bay and Mt. McKinley, or because it is so rugged and remote is hard to say. One thing is for certain, if you want to see wildlife, enjoy nature and just get away from it all, Alaska is the place to go. Anchorage, Fairbanks… most people are familiar with these popular cities, but we decided that we wanted to find a richly romantic and unique place that would make this a trip we’d never forget.
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Exploring Juneau
First stop – Juneau, the state capital! This city (if you can really call it that) is the only state capital in the nation that can’t be accessed by road. That’s right, you can only get there by air or water. We liked the sound of that – remote – and we flew in on a blistery summer day that felt more like a fall day back home in the lower 48
 Here you will find some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing Alaska has to offer. Whale watching tours are especially popular. After telling Russell repeatedly he wasn’t going to get a photo of the fast-moving whales, he proved me wrong and showed me a great photo of one looking right into the camera. He also had great success fishing and scored a big salmon! In his gentlemanly fashion, he decided to give it to the girl who insisted she wanted to turn it into lox...
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Not only can you fish the waters and view the whales, you can also see bears, sea lions, otters and mountain goats. Or, take a floatplane ride to Taku Glacier Lodge for dinner. It’s remote and
there is a very good chance of seeing more wildlife – just ask Diane at Pearson’s Pond where we stayed on our final night pearsonspond.com Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn & Adventure Spa has been listed by MSN as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, and has received numerous awards and accolades. It has been featured on national television, noted in major magazines such as Sunset and Atlantic Monthly and is a favorite Alaskan destination for marriages and honeymoons. One of the owners is a marriage commissioner and a certified wedding planner.
Juneau offers another high adventure: getting married on the Mendenhall Glacier just 13 miles from downtown. Chilly, beautiful and unique! (We almost decided to get married ourselves – it was that romantic.) A honeymoon helicopter ride is also a good choice of things to do. If the cold, biting temperatures on the glacier aren’t to your liking there are a few other landmark options to
consider. Check out Glacier Gardens in the rain forest – did you know there was a rain forest in Alaska? Also, the Shrine of St. Therese is worth a visit. In existence for over 60 years, this shrine offers a very romantic setting as it looks out over the water, yet is hidden snugly within the great trees that call Juneau home.
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Outside of Juneau
Just a fast ferry ride away from Juneau is the quaint little town of Skagway. Tucked away but never asleep, Skagway has a historic red light
district with the Red Onion Saloon and Brothel Museum.
Another must-see in the town is Jewell Gardens, “Alaska’s Organic Flower and Vegetable Display Garden.” Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, or coffee and a piece of their famous fresh-baked Rhubarb Pie. The Streetcar Tour is a fun way to see the town and includes a two-hour tour highlighting Skagway points of interest. Or travel in chauffeur-driven style with Skagway Classic Cars, choosing your favorite from their fleet of classic cars from the 1930s to the 1970s.
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Take a glacier tour in Skagway on Temsco Helicopters and go for a glacier “walk” you won’t forget. Lakes, icefalls and vistas as far as the eye can see will welcome you. Or, if you want to stay grounded, the White Pass and Yukon Scenic Railway is a three-hour, 40-mile round-trip ride up 2,865 feet to the summit of the White Pass with a fully narrated tour. Experience tunnels, waterfalls and spectacular scenery from
the comfort of your rail car.
Discover the soft, romantic side of Alaska on your honeymoon… You won’t be disappointed!
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