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Talkeetna, Alaska is a fun place to visit for visitors and locals alike.

Talkeetna, Alaska is one of the favorite destinations in Alaska for locals and tourists alike. You know that it’s a fun place when locals flock here all summer long. If your family is taking a tour of Alaska then Talkeetna is most likely one of your stops along the way. Why is Talkeetna, Alaska such a popular town to visit? Read on and find out!

Talkeetna, Alaska is about 2 1/2 hours north of Anchorage. It is about a 15 minute drive off the main highway which helps the town keep its unique character. Talkeetna also has a train stop within walking distance of the town.

What makes Talkeetna, Alaska so special?

(Other than the fact they had a cat named Stubbs as mayor for about 20 years.)

The View

The views of Denali from Talkeetna, Alaska are some of the best in the state.

Talkeetna sits at the perfect spot for ultimate Alaska Range and Denali viewing. You will almost always have a view of some of the beautiful mountains of the Alaska Range. If the weather is right and the “mountain is out” you will have absolutely stunning views of Denali. In fact, the views from here are often better than the park itself. Now, let me be clear. The top of Denali is often clouded and so there is a good chance that you will not be able to see the whole mountain in all its glory. But, even if you only see peeks of the top it is still fantastic.

The Food

There are quite a few restaurants and food trucks that are very popular in town. Denali Brewing Company and Mountain High Pizza Pie are two of the favorites. Then there is the Thai/Chinese/Indian restaurant that’s really good and right nearby, Talkeetna Tako serves up delicious tacos and quesadillas (don’t miss the halibut or salmon). Lastly, a shout out to the cute little Airstream that is the home to super yummy food at Talkeetna Spinach Bread. Really, where ever you choose is sure to be great.

A little way outside of town, the Flying Squirrel Bakery and Cafe is a definite favorite. Not only do they have delicious breads, bakery items, breakfast, and lunch, they also have yummy wood-fired pizzas at night Wed-Sat with as many local grown toppings as possible. Jazz Nights make Wednesdays extra fun!

The Alaskan History

The town of Talkeetna is a museum in itself. So many of the buildings are original. There is a really fun museum in town (Talkeetna Historical Society Museum). There is a fee of $5 for adults. The main building held a bunch of cool historic artifacts from the town as well. Many different townspeople are honored throughout the exhibits.

Then you go outside and down the boardwalk to the mining/railroad exhibit. This small little building (historic in itself) has a lot of information about how the people mined in the difficult territory. There is a small area dedicated to the history of the Alaska Railroad. There is a short little video too.

The last building, the mountaineering building, was one of the most fascinating. Inside was a huge topographic display of the Alaska Mountain Range that surrounds Denali. All around the room are pictures that show what the real mountain looks like from the angle you are looking at the map. There is also lots of info about what it takes to climb the tallest mountain in North America. So interesting!

The Historical Society has also put together a self-guided map of all the historic buildings around the town. You can find out when they were built, who lived there and what they did in town.

Awesome Alaskan Souvenirs

If you want Alaskan souvenirs, Talkeetna has them in abundance! There are quite a few stores along Main Street and then some on the road before you get into town. You will find clothing, books, food, knickknacks, art, pottery, jewelry, and so much more.

What I think is really cool is how you will find so many items by Alaskan artists. In fact, there is one store (Dancing Leaf Gallery) that only sells items created by Alaskans. They are pretty strict about it too. If an artist even moves out of Alaska they will be taken out of the store. So, this is the place you want to visit if you want truly Alaska items to bring home. I will say though, that you will find other places from Alaskan Artists. Just down the street, Designs by Shanda sells some fun metal art.

If you love to sew or quilt you definitely want to stop in the Patchwork Moose. The store is a sewers paradise of fabulous cotton prints, patterns, notions, and other stuff. Plus, they have some of the best Alaskan fabrics I have seen.

The Art Scene

In addition to the showcase of items from Alaskan artists in the shops there is fun, quirky art throughout the town. And then there is the music. Talkeetna has so many different music groups playing all summer long. While we were there, Mountain High Pizza Pie had a live band celebrating their anniversary. Of course, since the stage was outside you could hear the music up and down main street adding to the festive atmosphere.

Oh, you absolutely must go and see the “Spirt of Talkeetna.” Inside Susitna Valley Naturals you will find a breathtaking, hand-carved, display that truly captures the fun and quirky character of Talkeetna in both the summer and winter.

Absolutely Amazing Excursions

Talkeetna, Alaska has so many cool things to do. The flightseeing to Denali from here is the most popular and most astounding attraction. While we were at dinner a couple at a nearby table was going on and on to their server about their amazing trip and how much they loved landing on a glacier. You could definitely tell they would remember that tour for the rest of their lives.

Another really great thing to do is riding a jetboat up the Susitna and Talkeetna Rivers and riding the rapids in the canyons. The ATV tours are really thrilling too.

Traveling with multiple ages in your group?

Mobility–Since it isn’t very big it is easy to walk from one place to another. Most things are on Main Street. The roads are a little uneven and there might be a few stairs to navigate into shops, but not too many. Shuttles are possible to get to some of the meeting points for excursions a little outside of town. If walking long distances is difficult and you arrive in Talkeetna on the train, you will definitely want to get some transportation to go downtown.

Excursions–Jetboat excursions are an excellent adventure for family members of all ages.

Young children–My only caution if you are traveling with young children is that the shops have lots of things that would be very enticing for little hands. Enter with caution! If you don’t want to take your kids into the shops the village park is nearby and is a wide-open space to run and play. Even better, just down the street a bit, (approx. 10 min walk) is a pretty awesome playground.


Talkeetna, Alaska is definitely a fantastic destination for tourists and locals to visit. This fun little town has so much to offer.

Please contact me to get started planning your fabulous Alaska vacation!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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How to choose which river cruise is best for your group vacation of family or friends.

A river cruise is a great option for a group reunion vacation of family or friends. But there are definitely some things you need to consider when trying to decide on a cruise line. Your group might have a good time on any line but pick the right one and the vacation becomes amazing. So, let’s get started with the things you need to think about when choosing a river cruise for your vacation with family and friends!

Age Requirements

This probably the first thing to think about if your group has families with children. There are some lines that only allow passengers over the age of 18. Then there are the family-friendlier lines that do allow, and even welcome children. But, even those lines have age requirements and then, recommendations of what age their cruises are best suited for. To make this even a little more confusing some of the different itineraries will have different age recommendations. Since the minimum age varies. widely between lines, check the ages allowed!

Note: Just because a 3 year old might be allowed on a specific river cruise line doesn’t mean you should take your 3 year old. Most lines suggest their cruises will be most enjoyable for children (and parents) who are around 8. Talk candidly to your travel advisor about the ins and outs of river cruising to see if it would be right for your child.

Included Excursion and Activity Levels

Every river cruise line includes excursions in each port of call. This is one of the wonderful things that makes river cruises stand out from ocean cruises. The included excursions differs between different lines. Many of the line are offering excursions of different activity levels. There might be an easy excursion without much walking, one that is much more active, and maybe one that immerses you in the culture.

There are a couple of river cruise lines that only include one choice at each port, usually the general sightseeing tour. Then they will have other excursion options (the active and immersive options) for an additional fee. Other lines will give you a choice at each port that is included. You could take the general sightseeing tour or bicycle down the river or hike up to the castle on the hill.

Checking out the number of included activities is definitely something you should do when choosing a river cruise for your family or friend group reunion vacation.

Staterooms

For the most part river cruise staterooms are very similar across the lines. They are relatively compact but have everything that is needed in that space. The two things about river cruise staterooms you will want to consider for your family reunion are if they are accessible and how many they will sleep.

Accessibility

It is possible that someone in one of your families would benefit from a cabin that has some accessible features. Check this carefully. There are only a couple of cruise lines that have accessible staterooms.

Note: River cruises can be a challenge for travelers with mobility issues. It can be difficult getting on and off the ship and many of the streets in the European cities are bumpy and hard to maneuver. If one of your members has mobility issues you will want to make sure there is a constant companion to assist them.

How Many Can Sleep in the Room

Since river cruising was originally inteneded for retired couples most river cruise staterooms sleep only 2. Families of more than 2 would need to book multiple cabins.

But, since river cruising is becoming more and more popular with families, a couple of lines have built newer ships with staterooms that sleep 3 and even 4 people. One line has connecting rooms that will accommodate up to 5 or 6, perfect for a family traveling together but wanting a little more space.

Family-Centric Itineraries

There are a couple of lines that stand out as more family-friendly river cruise lines. One line welcomes children anytime and also has specialty cruise itineraries throughout the year. Another couple have specific cruises for families during the time of school breaks. a If your group of families has a few children it definitely would be worth looking into the river cruise lines with itineraries created specifically for kids.

River cruising is a wonderful option for some multi-generational families and groups of friends with children. There is so much to see and learn. How exciting is it for kids to see in person all the history and geography they are learning in school! For some families, these trips bring the unique opportunity to share their own family history. But, as a caution, they aren’t for every family. Your travel advisor can help to figure out if a river cruise vacation is right for your reunion group.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Enjoy Wyoming like never before with Adventures by Disney

Right here in the United States, there are incredible places to discover and explore. The United States might not have centuries-old castles and buildings or baroque and gothic architecture but there are some stunning natural landscapes and fascinating natural wonders. This week we are going to explore the wonders of Wyoming with a tour of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks courtesy of Adventures by Disney.

Adventures by Disney

Adventures by Disney are expertly crafted guided tour vacations all throughout the world. They have itineraries exploring almost every continent. Disney has really upped the tour experience through amazing customer service (Disney is tops at their customer service), two adventure guides plus a cultural guide from the area to help immerse you in your vacation experience, and access to opportunities that others just don’t have.

These tours are designed with every traveler in mind. Many activities are created for the whole family to enjoy together. Then there are some activities just for the adults to enjoy (such as a gourmet dinner or wine tasting) while the kids have something especially for them. The Adventures by Disney tour experience is definitely at the head of the pack when it comes to guided tours!

Exploring Wyoming

Through this tour Adventures by Disney designs a tour to help you experience the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks in ways that you probably haven’t before. Your Adventure Guides bring the stories of these two parks to life as you visit and explore these areas.

Most of the activites on this tour are relatively gentle but when you add them altogether some travelers might find them strenuous. Sometimes there are other options that are more relaxing and you always have a choice of your activities on the last couple of days.

While the hotel accomodations are wonderful they don’t always have as much in the way of television and internet access. Internet might only be available in the common areas. What a great opportunity to unplug and spend time on the people who really matter.

Let’s get started on this tour and see what could be in your family’s future!

Day 1–Jackson Hole, WY

See the Antler arch in Jackson Hole WY on an Adventures by Disney tour

Today you fly into the airport in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. One of your Adventure Guides meets you at the airport, helps you get your luggage and then drives you to the hotel you will be staying at for the next couple nights. At dinner you will meet the other families in your group and feast on cowboy grub and music. Tomorrow the adventures begin!

Day 2–Jackson Hole, WY

After breakfast head out on the town as a family to explore the scenic town of Jackson which is known as the “Gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks.” There are so many fun shops to wander in and out of that everyone will enjoy.

Jackson Hole Playhouse will be your lunch destination for yummy Western food and a rip-roarin’ rolickin’ good show.

After lunch you will head to the Snake River for some awesome whitewater rafting through the wilderness.

The evening is free for you to wander around Jackson. You might want to pick up some western gear! There are some fantastic restaurants in the area so be sure to ask your Adventure Guide for recommendations.

Day 3–Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park

The Grand Teton Range

It’s an early morning breakfast before making your way to Grand Tetons National Park. Here, you will be joined by a local expert for a bicycle tour stopping at major highlights like Mormon Row and Moulton Barn. Not interested in biking? That’s just fine! You can spend time enjoying the visitors center and hiking some of the gorgeous trails.

Following a beautiful drive up to Jackson Lake, you eat your fill for lunch at the Jackson Lake Lodge. Lunch is overlooking the picturesque views of the Teton Range outside and the beautifully painted mural of the range painted by American artist, Carl Roters in the late 20th-century.

The road to Yellowstone National Park takes you through the northern part of Grand Tetons National Park. Once arriving at Yellowstone you get to explore the amazing geysers, mudpots and geothermal phenomena with a scavenger hunt at West Thumb Geyser Basin. What an amazing start!

Settle in to your room right within walking distance of Old Faithful Geyser. Before dinner you will want to try and see the geyser explode. Old Faithful isn’t one of the most spectacular geysers (yet, it is VERY cool!) in Yellowstone but it erupts the most frequently.

See Old Faithful Geyser on a Wyoming Adventures by Disney Tour
Old Faithful Geyser

Dinner will be at the historic Old Faithful Inn. What an experience! After dinner young travelers will have a fantastic time learning more about geysers and get to make their own eruptions!

Day 4–Yellowstone National Park to Brooks Lake Lodge

Make sure you have a hearty breakfast for this full day! Start out on an excursion on the Lower loop. You will see some of the parks most awe-inspiring thermal features like Old Faithful, Hayden Valley, Artist Point, the Upper and Lower Waterfalls and the spectacular Lake Yellowstone.

One of the highlights will be a privately guided tour of the Fountain Paint Pot Trail. Be awestruck by the spectacular blue pools, pink mudpots, minigeysers and the hissing steam vents also know as fumaroles.

Fill up your hungry stomachs at the Canyon Village Lounge to get ready for your afternoon adventures. You will love hiking around the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Stay at the top and marvel at the moss-covered rock, and the multitude of colors on the walls created by the mineral stains. Or, head down and get a little closer and a little wetter.

See the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone on an Adventures by Disney tour
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

Take a load off your feet for a bit aboard a motorcoach through the Hayden Valley. This is a wildlife paradise so keep your eyes open for elk, grizzly bears, and bison roaming around. Say a fond farewell to Yellowstone!

Your Wyoming Adventures by Disney adventure takes you to Brooks Lake Lodge which will be a welcomed sight after your busy day. This historic lodge and dude ranch will be your home base for your last few days. This 100-year old lodge combines country living and outdoor adventure with outstanding accommodations, gourmet dining, and 5-star service. They even have a wonderfully relaxing spa for an additional fee. After dinner this evening there isn’t anything scheduled to give you a little time to rest and relax.

Day 5–Brooks Lake Lodge

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided during the day at the lodge. Delicious food will be served in the Great Hall giving you a bit of time to recharge from the activities of the day.

Today will be filled with so many awesome outdoor activities to choose from. You will get to choose an activity from this list for the morning and the afternoon.

  • Horseback Trail Ride with Cowboys–Explore the mountains with a real cowboy. Learn to rope, ride, hoot, and holler from the best!
  • Fly-Fishing–No matter what your skill level you will have a fantastic fishing experience.
  • Hiking–Take a leisurely stroll along the nature trails around the lodge or a rigorous hike up Brooks Mountain to the top of the Continental Divide.
  • Canoeing–Paddle through the serene waters of this mountain lake.
  • Archery–Take aim with target practice with the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop.

After dinner watch a classic Disney film in a storybook setting.

Day 6–Brooks Lake Lodge

There are so many fantastic activities around the Lodge that you will have another day to experience activities you didn’t get to yesterday or repeat the things you loved. These two days are perfect for connecting with your family in new and different ways.

The farewell dinner this evening is the perfect end to a fabulous vacation. Relive the memories with your family of all the amazing adventures during the week. Say goodbye to the new friends you have made along the way.

Day 7–Brooks Lake to Jackson Hole, WY

Following breakfast, you will be taken back to the airport in Jackson Hole. This is the sad end of your Wyoming Adventures by Disney tour but it doesn’t have to be the end of your vacation. You can always spend a little more time in the area. More exploration of the Grand Tetons might be calling your name.



Do you have a favorite thing to do in Jackson Hole, Grand Tetons or Yellowstone National Park? Let us all know in the comments below your don’t miss activities!

If you would like more information about this Wyoming or other Adventures by Disney expedition please contact me with the button above. I would love to help!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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