{places} ALASKA

Part of my job, that still—even after three years—makes me feel like I am dreaming is the opportunity to travel around the world, documenting the lives of incredible people. I have learned that telling the stories of idyllic places is equally magical. Alaska is one such place.

To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world.

– John Muir

Photo courtesy of the Talkeetna Lodge

Talkeetna Lodge (2 hours from Anchorage airport)

This rustic lodge offers an amazing location for viewing Mt. McKinley–Alaska’s tallest peak.

8:00 am - Breakfast at Talkeetna Lodge. Their pancakes are enormous…larger than a traditional plate. But they are paper thin and delicious.

Photos by Paul Thiriot and TheNovoProject.com

10:00 am - Drive from Talkeetna to Denali National Park.

11:00 am - Make sure you stop by the dog kennel. Denali is the only National Park in the US that has dogs that work in the park. These powerful pups preform snow rescues all winter long.

1:00 pm - Go to the Denail Visitors center for lunch. The food is local and delicious—try the vegetarian chili. And if you choose to indulge before burning calories on a hike, grab some ice cream.

Factoid: Alaska sells more ice cream than any other state.

3:00 pm - Sunset (which, in the summer isn’t until 11pm!). Drive in Denali National Park or rent a bike for a long ride on the park road.

DAY 2

9:00 am - Book an appointment with K2 Aviation in Talkeetna, and fly among the clouds and glaciers to the base of the tallest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley. It’s a majestic, dream-like journey.

Enjoy the epic views from the top of these massive ice mountains.

1:00 pm - Stroll the town of Talkeetna and grab lunch at one of the charming restaurants. Our favorites: Twisted Creek, The Flying Squirrel, and Talkeetna Roadhouse. Salmon…Halibut…yes, please! It’s a small town square with history and charm, plus the authentically-warm locals will make you want to stay longer than two days.