Adventure Awaits For LGBT Travelers

Alaska is big. So big, we’re not even going to try to give you guidance on the whole state. For starters, let’s focus on Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula.

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and home to a hearty queer population.

“I know lots of queers that come up here for a vacation adventure and love this place,” said Anchorage Assemblyman Christopher Constant, a gay man who migrated from the central California coast 25 years ago and fell in love with the northern lights.

With a population hovering around 300,000, Anchorage has all the things an urban dweller would desire. Mad Myrna’s (530 E. Fifth Ave.), is the drag bar downtown with dinner shows and The Raven (708 E. Fourth Ave.), is a nearby Levi-leather bar that oozes a bunkhouse feel for the more mature crowd.

Anchorage also offers an assortment of independent restaurants and cafés, a world-class art museum and a full range of hotels and bed and breakfasts. A scrumptious tundra omelet at the Snow City Cafe, (1034 W. Fourth Ave.), is a good way to fuel up for a day of exploring. Reindeer sausage can be found on a lot of menus, but you may have to answer to Santa Claus if too many go missing!

To immerse yourself in the local community, drop by Writer’s Block Bookstore & Cafe (3956 Spenard Road), which has a nice selection of books, magazines, small gifts and hosts a wide array of events. The food is homemade and the pelmeni is delish!

Once you’ve seen the city, get a rental car at the Anchorage airport because you’re gonna need it. You can take the Alaska Railroad down to Seward, but for this story, we’re sticking to the road.

There are several photographic pullouts on the Seward Highway and we recommend Potter Marsh – for bird watching – and Beluga Point for a look into the gorgeous Turnagain Arm. The arm, a body of water, got its name from notorious British explorer Captain James Cook, who, as the story goes, had to keep telling his crew to “turn again!” (While in Anchorage be sure to take a peek inside the historic Hotel Captain Cook)

Once in Seward, hop on one of the Kenai Fjords Tours for a fascinating ocean cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park where you’ll get an up-close look at huge glaciers and likely see a lot of marine mammals along the way.

Timing is important when planning your Alaska visit. The peak season runs from late May to early September when the state truly becomes the home of the midnight sun. Alaska, Delta and American Airlines all offer non-stop flights from Seattle to Anchorage.

For more information, discounts and trip ideas, visit travelalaska.com.