Thanks and no thanks to COVID, Alaskans are finally starting to see what the state looks like in the summer with no tourists. We’ve always shared our space happily and with great welcome– after all, tourism is a huge part of our state economy. But if we can enjoy one silver lining in all this, it’s the huge travel discounts and flexibility suddenly available to the locals. When was the last time you saw a new piece of Alaska with out an out of state family member in tow? Why do so many of us only venture out as tour guides for our family from Outside?
I was married for four years and saw less of the state than I have in the last six months. I feel so lucky to have a support network of friends and co-workers who share in adventures with me. So without further ado, here are some of the awesome AirBnBs and other cabins I have encountered this year.
Talkeetna:
The Talkeetna “Into the Wild” Bus
This beautiful converted school bus was designed to look like the bus from John Krakauer’s “Into the Wild,” which is the story of Christopher McCandless. Christopher’s story and presence in Alaska is as legendary as it is controversial. Was he a brave adventurer with all the right values or a stupid tourist who wandered unprepared into the Denali wilderness? His story ended tragically, and more tragedy continues to follow this story. More on that issue here and here.
This bus is one of a few like it in the state– there is still the original one deep in Denali park off of the Stampede trail. There is also the prop bus that was used in the movie adaption of the book, which has taken up residence in the 49th State Brewing Co. parking lot in Healy. And then there is this one. While this is just a reproduction and not one of the original Fairbanks Buses that were given a second life as park busses in the 1960’s, it is a pretty beautiful recreation. The bus is painted to look similar to how it did in McCandeless’ iconic photo, but the inside is much lovelier than McCandless would have expereinced in the original bus.
The bus itself is parked in a neighborhood about 3 miles south of the village of Talkeetna and has a picnic table and really carefully designed outhouse. The bus has a small “lobby” as you first enter, and then another door just behind the driver’s seat that leads to the rest of the cabin. A mini fridge, stove top, tea kettle, lights, two-person dinette, beautifully designed book case and storage area, and arguably the world’s most comfortable bed await you inside. There are many windows, most of which have screens to keep the mosquitos out. The blackout curtains are there, but most Alaskans probably won’t be too bothered by the midnight sun. The back door of the bus opens up to create a large screened window which has a fan attached to it to bring in the night breeze.
There is also a wood stove, but I visited in mid-May and didn’t have a need for it. As a bonus, the owner of the bus happens to work for ASD during the school year as an ASL interpreter and has two other properties available for you and your family, if the bus is booked up.
This was a quick over-night trip to Talkeetna for me. After a cup of coffee on the bus, I went into town for an Americano at Conscious Coffee and a walk up to the railroad bridge just on the edge of town. Be sure to be aware of bikers and 4 wheelers– the footpath on the bridge is mainly used to locals to access their homes and cabins across the river, so give them the right away.
A quick but perfect lunch on the deck at Denali Brewing (the village location, not the Brewery closer to the spur cut off) was a great way to end my get away. They totally know their way around a veggie burger, and the draft mojito was pretty much perfect.
Girdwood:
Bird Campground Beluga Public Use Cabin
I stayed at the Beluga Cabin in April. These are usually very booked up all summer, but you can keep an eye out for cancellations and fall openings. My stay was in the middle of the COVID lock downs and just as the snow was starting to melt, so I had my choice of cabins both here and at Eklutna Lake. All the public use cabins are awesome, beautiful, labors of love built by Alaska Parks employees and volunteers. I was a little cautious due to the pandemic, but brought extra cleaning supplies and was sure to sanitize the cabin afterwards for the next guests.
Beluga cabin is the smaller of two cabins at Bird Campground on the Turnagain Arm, but I feel it has a slightly better location, further from the highway and closer to the water. We arrived in late afternoon and unpacked, and then headed to Girdwood to hike the Winner Creek Trail, which was still very snow-packed and a little punchy on the back section. We grabbed Jack Sprat to-go after the hike and took it back to the cabin. The wood stove heated the place up very quickly and I found myself opening the window in the upstairs loft to listen to the rain and cool down a little. The next morning was an early start to get back to Anchorage to work remotely. I was pleasantly surprised to find a little bit of cell service, but it wouldn’t have been enough to hot spot to my computer or else I would have stayed longer.
The cabin rental is $100 a night and is a great value, in my opinion. It’s a beautiful way to experience the state without pitching a tent or staying in a Best Western. Be sure to read your registration email carefully and bring all necessary items. You can rent this cabin and others like it at Reserve America, and learn more about them at Alaska State Parks and Rec’s website.
Chugiak:
Birchwood Log Home
I stayed in this BEAUTIFUL log cabin in Chugiak for a weekend in January with a few other women from my church’s life group as a girl’s retreat. Andrew was an incredible host and plowed extra space in the driveway for us and left us breakfast essentials and chocolate in the fridge. He lives next door and was super easy to work with.
The cabin is fairly new and a little rustic, but has a very modern kitchen that was great for serving up tons of food. We really enjoyed the space and the neighborhood, which is very close to Chugiak High and Beach Lake. I would happily stay here again for a stay-cation or after-school get together. This place has three bedrooms, and could sleep 4-8 people comfortably.
Soldotna:
Narrow Road Townhouse
This beautiful little townhouse is in a quiet neighborhood of Soldotna. It’s not on the river, nor does it boast an ocean view, but it was an absolutely perfect place to stay during a weekend in June last year. The place is thoughtfully decorated and has all the amenities. Micah was really fantastic to work with.
While in Soldotna, I visited the Brew@602 coffeeshop, which is in a converted Alaska Rail Road train car and is a true gem. I also drove over to the Orthodox church in Kenai, because I love the architecture of them and this one has a beautiful sea-cliff view. This is the oldest standing Orthodox church in Alaska.
Fairbanks:
The Chena River House, River Suite
This beautifully remodeled former garage has been turned into a beautiful suite with a private bedroom. The house is deep in a windy neighborhood over many speed bumps, but is right on the river. The deck is small but absolutely magical and very peaceful. The entire place was the epitome of petite luxury.
The Roost on Raven Bed & Breakfast
I normally prefer the “entire place to yourself” option on AirBnb, but Kristina and Josh’s place is my one exception. This guest suite in their beautiful Fairbanks home is beautiful, comfortable, and a great value. The hosts make it even better. Both are long-time Alaska residents and are happy to provide recommendations on activities to do in the Fairbanks area. Their home is on the hill above Fairbanks, near the university. Be sure to make the drive out to Fox to try Silver Gulch Brewing while you’re in town!
Anchorage:
Aurora Retreat in Downtown Anchorage
I stayed here in March of 2019 and found it to be a great and comfortable stay. This is an entire mother-in-law apartment with a private entry just next to Westchester Lagoon. If you want a place that has that Anchorage feel but is close to the airport and downtown, this is a great choice.
Next up on my list:
Abode Well Cabins in Seward
I am really excited to stay here next month. The cabins are owned by the Seavy family, who are champion Iditarod Mushers.
Salted Roots Cabins in Seward
These A-Frames look BEAUTIFUL. Their Instagram account really features how much love went into their construction. The host also teaches yoga and seems to genuinely care about being a partner in making Seward wonderful. They are running some really lovely vacation packages in conjunction with other small businesses during this season.
Sven’s Hostel Basecamp Treehouse in Fairbanks
This place is a legit treehouse in the woods! According to the views, Sven’s place (which has a few cabin and hostel options) is really welcoming and fun. I hope to check this place out next time I am in Fairbanks.
Simply Sweet Yurt in Homer
This place looks absolutely lovely for some glamping. I am not sure what it is that I love about places that don’t have showers, but I think it is what they offer instead– peace, privacy, simplicity, etc. Luckily this place has all those vibes AND a shower!
That’s my run down of unique and fun places to stay in Alaska. If I have convinced you, feel free to use my referral link for $55 off your trip, and $30 for me to spend on my next adventure!
HeyKenna 