Happy National Alaska Day!
Here's a little history about Alaska...
On June 28th, National Alaska Day recognizes the largest state to join the union and the Nation’s Last Frontier. Not only is Alaska the largest state, but it is also home to the highest mountain peaks in the country, including Mt. Denali. In The Last Frontier, it’s possible to test the theories associated with the Bering Land Bridge. Check out the remote and intriguing location of North America’s history.
Populated by Inuit, Yupik, Tlingit, and others long before Russian and European explorers found their way to the Arctic land, Alaska supported the indigenous people with sufficient whale fat, beaver, and fish.
The Land of the Midnight Sun led to the next great gold rush. In the Yukon, many would venture into the rugged North expecting to find riches in the Klondike.Those who did, would find it difficult to get it back out again…alive.
The Iditarod takes place in Alaska and runs 1,150 miles from Anchorage to Nome in honor of Leonhard Seppala. In 1925, he along with several other mushers delivered much-needed anti-diphtheria serum to Nome.
The immense Denali National Park and Preserve is home to glaciers, fossil records, and a study in geology. All along the Alaska Range, the pristine wilderness provides hikers the most well-marked trails outstanding views and peaceful vistas.
Venture into Glacier Bay for glimpses of an icy blue you’ll see nowhere else on Earth. Listen for the rugged mountains of ice collapsing into the bay or seek the humpback whales breaking the surface. Sights and sounds of the bay are as abundant as the history, too.
Doesn't Alaska sound amazing?! Icy blue water, whales, glaciers... sounds like things you wouldn't be able to see from very many places. I enjoyed salmon fishing on the Tikchik Lake, the King Salmon River flats, the Brooks Island, and Inhad moose steaks there too that is unforgettable! It married especially well with ice wine.
Some of the wine in Alaska is referred to as "Alaska Wine." It just means that it is made in the state of Alaska where only 4 wineries thrive! They're made mostly from fruits other than grapes. The wines they do make out of grapes are called "ice wine", which means the grapes were frozen on the vine before they were turned into the delicious drink.
Bear Creek Winery has wine made in-house with locally sourced ingredients. They have all different kinds of wine that would be great paired with your favorite meal. I can't wait to visit them one day, and see more of the beauty Alaska has to offer!