10 Ways to Live Like a Local When Visiting Alaska
You’ve booked your whale watching cruise and your Denali bus ride. Now, throw the guide book away and discover the Alaska that the locals know and love. Living like a local isn’t just about where you go and what you do. It’s about how you experience it.
Here are ten tips that will help you trade the tourist path for authentic Alaskan experiences!
Support Local Businesses
Alaska is home to many small businesses, so make sure to support them by shopping local and eating at locally owned restaurants. Look for stores that carry handmade goods by local artisans rather than mass-produced trinkets you’ll find in many tourist shops. These businesses are also a great place to ask questions about where to go and what to see in the area.
Keep an eye out for these logos which guarantee an authentic Alaskan product.
The Silver Hand logo indicates that the artwork is created by hand in Alaska by an Alaska Native artist. The Made in Alaska logo guarantees the product was made, manufactured, or handcrafted in the state. The Alaska Grown logo identifies Alaska grown agricultural products.
Take Part in Community Events
Alaska is known for its strong sense of community, and there are events throughout the year that celebrate this. Look for farmer’s markets, concerts in the park, and local festivals to really get a feel for living in Alaska. From the Bald Eagle Festival to the Forest Faire, you’ll get to take part in activities that celebrate Alaska.
Check this website before you arrive to discover what is happening during your visit.
Eat local
Whatever town you visit in Alaska, you’re sure to find several restaurants offering “farm to table” meals. There’s nothing tastier than a meal prepared with ingredients sourced from local farms and caught in waters nearby. Shop at local farmers’ markets to taste some of the delicious fruits and vegetables grown in Alaska during our long summer days.
Pick up a local magazine or newspaper
I know – this is a bit old-school but trust me. If you can’t find a physical copy, just search for the local newspaper’s website. You’ll find articles written for and by locals, events happening near you, and ads for local shops and restaurants. Magazines celebrating niche areas like hunting, arts and crafts, cooking and more will provide you with detailed information with an Alaska flair.
Talk Like a local
Keep these phrases in mind if you don’t want to sound like a cheechako (a newcomer to Alaska).
- Mat-Su – Matanuska-Susitna is just too much of a mouthful
- 4-wheeler – We don’t call them ATVs up here
- snow machine – calling it a snowmobile is a sure sign you’re not from around here
- lower 48 – the contiguous 48 States south of Alaska
- breakup – The first signs of warmer weather when the snow and ice begins to melt
Attend a local sporting event or performance
Although Alaska does not have any major league sports teams, you can enjoy minor league baseball and college athletics. We also have a few sporting events you can’t find anywhere else.
For a truly Alaskan experience, attend the Midnight Sun baseball game in Fairbanks. It has been played every June 21st since 1906. The game begins at 10:00 pm and lasts through midnight without using any artificial lights.
The Iditarod is another uniquely Alaskan sporting event. Because the 1,000 mile race takes place largely through remote parts of Alaska, the start is the best place to experience the Iditarod. A ceremonial start takes place in Anchorage, offering multiple spots to see the teams up close. A day later, you can watch the official start in Willow.
The Arctic Winter Games will be coming to the Matanuska-Susitna Valley in March 2024. The Arctic Winter Games is a sport competition for northern and arctic athletes and celebrates sport, social and cultural exchange. All athletes live above the 55° north parallel line. From Greenland to Alaska, Finland to the Northwest Territories
Check local venues for performances while you are visiting. From outdoor concerts and performances depicting stories of Alaska’s history and heritage to Broadway plays, you are sure to be entertained.
Respect the Wildlife
Alaska is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and it’s important to respect their habitat and keep a safe distance. We know you want to capture a photo of a moose while you are here, but do it safely. Never approach a wild animal, and make sure to properly store food and trash to avoid attracting them.
Travel during the off season
Summertime is probably what you think of when first planning an Alaskan vacation. But consider the other seasons as well. Fall is a great time to visit. The weather is cooling down and the fall colors are spectacular. You’ll likely see snow on the mountain peaks, but it won’t have reached the valleys yet. Winter is the ideal time to visit if you love outdoor winter sports or staying inside reading a good book by the fire. Winter hikes are one of our favorite things to do!
Traveling during the off season gives you a chance to enjoy the local eateries and trails with fewer crowds. Although some places operate only during the summer months, you’ll find those that stay open year round give you a better picture of what it’s really like to live in Alaska year-round.
Bring your hobbies with you
Find locals who love to do what you love. Whether it’s photography, crochet, cooking or yoga, you can find locals who love it too. Take a class, a tour, or a store celebrating your hobby. These are your people, Alaska style!
Talk to the locals
Always the best way to live like a local – ask questions. Alaskans love their home state and most are happy to share their knowledge with you. Ask them about their favorite hike, who serves the best pizza, and where to go for a local brew.
Bonus – Use social media to find local tips
Do a quick search of social media sites and follow a few whose interests align with yours. We Alaskans love to share photos of our explorations throughout Alaska. Here at Live Local AK, we live and work in Wasilla and Palmer and share our favorite things in the Mat-Su Valley. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
When you live like a local during your visit to Alaska, you’ll discover a side of this stunning state that goes beyond the tourist brochures. But remember, the real magic happens when you open yourself up to the unexpected moments that this Alaska has to offer.
We hope your Alaskan adventure leaves you with memories filled with adventure, local flavor, and the warmth of Alaskan hospitality.
For more insider tips for your visit to South Central Alaska, read these posts we wrote about some of our favorite places and activities.
