MY 2014 RECAP: FOOD NETWORK STAR FAN FAVORITE, MSN FOOD, BIRMINGHAM'S BEST BITES BOOK, ALTON COMES TO TOWN, AND A NEW WEBSITE

2014 is over? Really?

BLINK- it is 2015! Before we dive in to the new year and new projects, here are some highlights of my year, complete with the most popular recipes from my new website. Thanks to all of you who made this year my best yet! I may not say it enough but I'm grateful for each and every one of you. I look forward to your posts, your comments, and especially love to hear the results when you've made one of my recipes. Thank you.

I'd also like to say a special thank you to my dad, Jared, Corey, Debbie, Jason, LynnBo, Kathy, Justin, Sam, Caroline, Raymie, Nicole, Chanda, my friends at The Hangout, and everyone else who helps me do what I do day in and day out. I love and appreciate you, too.

My Favorite Photos 2014

A look back at where I've been, what I ate, and who I saw in photos.

 We did a lot of good this year.

We hosted a charity dinner party in Chicago with my friends, the Yandell's, to benefit the Latin School scholarship fund. They wanted a classic Southern menu so I brought a lot of ingredients with me: Gulf shrimp, McEwen & Sons stone ground grits, blueberries from the garden, and of course, Red Diamond tea to make authentic Alabama style sweet tea. The party was a huge success and over $1 million was raised through the event for scholarships. Yeeeaaahhhh!

In June, our "Country Carnival for a Cause" in Argo, Alabama was put together with the tireless and amazing Holly Hart Shirley and Toomer's for Tuscaloosa (a disaster relief group) to raise money for Linda Tucker, Miss Wheelchair Alabama. Linda has no use of her legs and lost everything she had when tornadoes tore through Bessemer, Alabama in the spring of 2014. She had to replace all of her possessions and didn't have the means to travel to her national pageant. Many of you came out or made contributions to help make her dream come true. I so appreciate that you always show up when we need you. Special thanks to Sean Brown of Tutt Land Company, my good friends Bunnie and Bob, Stacy, Toni, Jared and Corey from The Sonnet House, Jill, Jason, Bryan, Beth, Laurel, Debbie, Rita, Joy, Kristin and John Coon from House of Q and BBQ Pitmasters on Destination America, Tommy Trimm from Trimm Landscape, Cam Video Production, Darlings Sweets, and so many others who showed up with their work boots on to make this event happen. 

My friend and Food Network Star cast mate, Michele Ragussis, invited me to Rockland, Maine to help cook and be part of her event for Maine's Make-a-Wish Foundation. It was great fun to work with Linkie Marais, Nikki Martin, and Michele again. We raised enough for the organization to grant wishes for two families. Our sous chef for the evening was Zach- a young foodie who has survived two major brain operations---one of them just days before our event. He is an inspiration and I'm proud to have gotten a chance to meet him and his family. Thank you, Michele, for making it possible.

Another big do-good project for 2014 was the Birmingham Best Bites cookbook. I helped produce the book featuring recipes from local restaurants with Chanda Temple and photographers Arden Ward Upton and Mo Davis of Arden Photography to benefit the Birmingham Public Library's special events division. Many in our community don't have the means to purchase books and these special events give people who need it most an introduction to the library and all of the services they offer. Almost 1,000 copies were sold thanks to funding by EBSCO Media and Alagasco. The secondary benefit is increased visibility for Birmingham's food scene and the wonderful restaurants we have in my hometown. If the recipes don't inspire you to cook, I hope they will at the very least inspire you to make a reservation. Thank you to friends and fans from around the country who purchased the book! The book is currently sold out but plans are being made for another printing.

AND... because of all the good you helped me do and because I try to promote the state of Alabama, our restaurants, our beautiful resorts and destinations, and most of all, our people and culture, someone (Deidra Perry) got the big idea to include me in Birmingham Magazine's elite group of "20 Women Making a Difference" in my hometown. I am very honored; there are some incredible women doing unreal things to make Birmingham better. I am not remotely deserving, mind you, but very honored to be included. Thank you to all involved.

I traveled a lot.

Everyone knows my work keeps me on the road. This year the road went all the way to Juneau, Alaska where I helped host the Haa Aani Oyster Festival and a charity event to help fund local business opportunities. My favorite photo this year is from that trip to Alaska- if you have not been, go. Read the story... and you'll know why Alaska should be on your bucket list. Thanks, Juneau. It was magnificent. Can't wait to go back.

Also new this year, after many requests for travel info on where to go, where to eat, and where to stay, I'm now writing a monthly travel article I'm calling "Two Days Away". Read all about New Orleans..

Food Network. Again.

In January. I headed to Los Angeles to compete for my own show (again) on Food Network Star after being named "fan favorite" for Season 10. While I didn't win the big prize, I was very grateful for the opportunity and especially the title of fan favorite. That is a win as far as I'm concerned. And yes, I'm still plugging away at my own show.

Speaking of Food Network, Alton Brown, my mentor from Season 8 of Food Network Star, came to my hometown of Birmingham in October for his Edible Inevitable Tour. Alton invited me to the show and then had me come up on stage with him to make a pizza in his Mega-Bake, a giant Easy-Bake oven on steroids. It turned out pretty well, considering. Alton cheated, using delicious BBQ from Saw's BBQ on his pizza and leaving me with crappy pepperoni for mine. I guess one would not expect less from the sinister and devious host of Cutthroat Kitchen, right? Very cool of him to include me in the show. Thanks, Alton.

Food Shows 2014

I do a lot of food festivals and live food events. Number one on the list has to be the Fabulous Food Show in Cleveland, Ohio. This show at the I-X Center is legendary and I finally know why. I had a great time with the fans and made some new friends along the way including Michael Symon, Carla Hall, and Tyler Florence. My good friend Jason Roberts hosts the entire weekend and my new friend Sammy Jo manages all of the culinary. It was a blast. Put it on your calendar... it is a can't miss food event.

My other favorite event for 2014 has to be the Hangout Oyster Cookoff in Gulf Shores, Alabama. We bring in over 60 teams from the region who cook over 70,000 Gulf oysters in 3 different categories. I host the party each year and bring in some other celebrity chefs to help me. This year we had Jason Roberts, Michele Ragussis, Linkie Marais, Ippy Aiona, Nikki Martin, Panini Pete, and others from Food Network. We also had James Beard Award winner Ryan Prewitt from Peche on our celebrity chef stage. Staying at Turquoise Place is one of the best parts of this event... a grill and a hot tub on the balcony makes it hard to leave. This year, we also had incredible hospitality from the Hangout and from Salty Dog Charters.... Captain Marty took us out for some fishing and we all caught the limit them brought them home and cooked them. Yes, I'd call that paradise. Plan on spending part of November in Lower Alabama at the 8th Annual Oyster Cookoff at the Hangout. You'll fall in love.

A New Website, Branding, and MSN Food & Drink

2014 brought a lot of changes and I launched the new MartieDuncan.com website in August. Right now, the old MartieKnowsParties.com site still exists but as soon as I get all of the recipes moved over, we'll merge them.

Also in 2014, I joined forces with Microsoft to help launch the new MSN Food & Drink app and the Food & Drink channel on MSN.com. I'm proud to have my recipes featured with some of the top chefs in the world. More to come in 2015.

Top 10 Recipes for 2014

Here's the list of top rated/liked/shared recipes from my new website for this year. Read more...

What's up for 2015?

I'm working on my own first cookbook and a new video web series that you are going to absolutely love. Stay tuned!

I guess that is about it. I wish all of you good health, much happiness, and the very best for the new year.

Love,

Martie

MARTIE ON THE ROAD: JUNEAU, ALASKA JULY 2014

I was very honored to have been invited to Juneau, Alaska to participate in the 3rd Annual Haa Aani OysterFest. If you follow me, you know I participate in a lot of events around local seafood. This was my first trip to Alaska and I was, as my British friends say, gob-smacked. Meaning I was simply and completely stunned at the beauty of Alaska. No photo or television show can do it justice. You must go there and experience it for yourself. I have to admit that Alaska was on my bucket list, but not near the top. Now, I'd go back as soon as I had the chance. Here's a roundup of my 10 days in Juneau...

Martie on the Road: Juneau, Alaska July 2014

Martie on the Road: Juneau, Alaska July 2014

Here are a few things to know before you go:

Take a real camera. A cell phone camera cannot capture some of the shots you will want to take. When we were whale watching, I so regretted not having my camera with me when I saw the magnificent photos taken by other passengers on the boat.

The weather is a bit like London. A pretty, sunny day can turn rainy in a second so pack one of those fold-up rain jackets with a hood and take it with you everywhere you go.

Take a waterproof case for your phone; you will be out on the water so it is just a precaution. Pack a fold-up waterproof bag too, in case you do some shopping.

Dress in layers. Wear a lightweight tank or tee to keep you insulated if you go out on the water. A turtleneck, a lightweight button front shirt with sleeves, a medium weight pullover, and that ever present hooded rain jacket completed my attire each day. Some days I would end up with most of it in my bag but there were times when I was glad I had those layers.

You'll do a lot of walking and participate in outdoor activities so bring two pairs of shoes- just in case one pair gets wet, you have a day to allow them to dry before you have to wear them again. Also, changing out your shoes daily will help prevent sore feet and blisters.

If you are like me and have to have one, you might consider packing a blow drier;  the tiny travel blow drier I have is better than the ones I found in the hotels.

There are not too many places you can charge a video camera or phone around town so take a battery backup so you're always fully charged. You don't want to miss anything!

If you come into Juneau on a cruise ship, there are plenty of good- really good- restaurants in Juneau so don't rush back to the ship for lunch or dinner. Read on for some of my don't-miss restaurant suggestions.

If you are going to be in town for a while, it is worth it to buy a 1-week gym membership at one of the local gyms; hotel gyms are less than adequate. You'll do a lot of walking and outdoor activities in Juneau but if you are like me, you need the gym time each day to offset the calories from eating out 3 meals per day! There is always a chance of rain so the $25 I spent on a gym membership was well worth it.


The view as we depart Juneau for a day of whale watching from our Dolphin Tours jet boat.

The view as we depart Juneau for a day of whale watching from our Dolphin Tours jet boat.

My first day was spectacular. The skies were brilliant blue and the sun was shining... a day made for whale watching. I took a small jet boat from Dolphin Tours out to watch whales and I was not disappointed. Within minutes, I saw humpback whales; up close and personal. To protect the whales, the boats are required to stay 100 yards away but occasionally, one would swim within a few dozen feet- the pilot would maneuver to try to maintain distance but they seemed to want to see what we were up to. The day included beverages and snacks on the boat- nothing too fancy- local salmon and cream cheese on a bagel... but a nice touch. I really liked that the boat was small; our group totaled about 12 people. The captain and the guide were really nice, professional, and extremely eager to make sure we had a good time and saw plenty of whales.

The humpbacks put on quite a show the day I was there and the weather was perfect for whale-watching. This is when I really wished I had my camera with me and not just my phone. Even with the zoom, I could not capture the images I wanted.

The humpbacks put on quite a show the day I was there and the weather was perfect for whale-watching. This is when I really wished I had my camera with me and not just my phone. Even with the zoom, I could not capture the images I wanted.

WHALE WATCHING IN JUNEAU INFO: DOLPHIN TOURS www.dolphintours.com (907) 463-3422


After whale watching, I was excited to try out Tracy's King Crab Shack. I had met Tracy and her staff earlier that day to discuss our event the following weekend so I had nothing but crab on my mind for dinner. It was my favorite night of the trip... the food was incredible and the setting at the pier where the cruise ships dock was perfect for people watching and the long, communal tables make it easy to meet new friends from all over the globe. We had Tracy's famous Crab Bisque to start; warm, creamy, and chock full of lots of crab. Next, a huge platter of crab: Dungeness, King, and Snow. I think I liked the Dungeness the best but hard to say... it was all perfectly cooked and pretty incredible. Tracy's has a low-key, casual vibe and her team is eager to make you feel at home. It is a don't miss stop while you are in Juneau. Even if you can have dinner on your cruise ship, I would highly suggest skipping it in favor of dinner at Tracy's. If I can't convince you, take a look at these photos...

A monster King Crab just before I ate him.....

A monster King Crab just before I ate him.....

Dinner and a view... Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau is a don't miss experience. You will not find crab like this anywhere else. We even got to try fresh King Crab...

Dinner and a view... Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau is a don't miss experience. You will not find crab like this anywhere else. We even got to try fresh King Crab...

JUNEAU DINING INFO: TRACY'S KING CRAB SHACK   www.kingcrabshack.com

406 S Franklin St
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: 907.723.1811


One of the many picturesque fishing boat harbors in Juneau- they all look like a painting.

One of the many picturesque fishing boat harbors in Juneau- they all look like a painting.


I came to Juneau primarily for the 3rd Annual OysterFest and it was a lot of fun. We had a cloudy day but even that could not deter the people from these locally farmed Alaskan oysters! We had long lines and crowds all day long and the voting was heavy for the fan favorite awards. I taught some folks to shuck their own oysters... look at the images and you'll see the buckets of oyster shells to indicate they really got the hang of it. The Chargrilled oysters were very popular as were some of the exotic mignonettes like Coconut and Mango that were offered by local restaurants. The oyster event is very important to the local economy. It not only brings awareness to the fledgling oyster farming industry, it helps create a demand for the product that is vital to growth and job creation. If this year's event is any indication, I believe there are a lot of oyster lovers in Juneau!


The brand new Indian restaurant called Saffron swept the awards at the oyster event so I figured that would be a great spot for dinner. I was the guest of Chef Sharmila... her restaurant is a reflection on her personality; warm and welcoming, like home. I can see why she calls her food Indian comfort cuisine; it certainly is. I would walk back today for the Dahl (Indian lentils), the Roti (Indian flatbread), and the Tikka Masala. These signature dishes are the measure of a good Indian restaurant like fried chicken would be to a Southern restaurant and the execution was as good as any Indian restaurant I've experienced in India or London.  Definitely put Saffron on your list for lunch or dinner. It's the nicest way to warm up on a cloudy, rainy day in Juneau. Located Downtown, it is an easy walk from most of the hotels and just up the hill from the cruise ship docks.

If you saw the movie The 100  Foot Journey with Helen Mirren, you will certainly understand why I'm fascinated with Indian spices and this photo from Saffron!

If you saw the movie The 100  Foot Journey with Helen Mirren, you will certainly understand why I'm fascinated with Indian spices and this photo from Saffron!

JUNEAU RESTAURANT INFO: SAFFRON www.saffronalaska.com

112 N. Franklin Street

Juneau, Alaska

Phone: 907.586.1036


NEXT: TAKU GLACIER LODGE: SEAPLANE FLIGHT-SEEING PLUS SALMON FEAST

A seaplane trip out to Taku Glacier Lodge was one of my favorite outings from Juneau.

A seaplane trip out to Taku Glacier Lodge was one of my favorite outings from Juneau.

The only downside to my day at Taku Glacier Lodge was that I didn't get to actually catch the salmon I had for lunch... but it couldn't have been too much fresher even if I had. I took a seaplane out to the lodge from town; the pier is in the center of town. We loaded up for a three-hour tour (Yes, Gilligan, a three-hour tour) that took us on a flight-seeing tour of the area and the Juneau ice field on the way to the lodge.

I loved the pale aqua color of the water against the ice from the air. Breathtaking.

I loved the pale aqua color of the water against the ice from the air. Breathtaking.

Glacier images from the seaplane... notice the blue color in the ice.

Glacier images from the seaplane... notice the blue color in the ice.

You can see from the images below that the salmon was the star of the show once we arrived at the lodge. I watched as they built the fire from Alder wood and cooked the salmon. They began by lightly smoking the salmon, one reason they use fresh cut wood and not cured wood to build the fire. After about 5 minutes on the smoke with the flesh side down, the salmon is turned, basted with a butter and syrup mixture and placed over the flame, skin side down until it is done.

I learned that King salmon or Chinook salmon can have white or red flesh. The red color is a result of the plankton and other food in their diet and that the difference in the flesh is not due to diet, but genetics. The white salmon have an inability to process the pigments in the food they eat. You cannot tell the difference by looking at the skin of the fish- you can tell the flesh color by cutting the fish open. The red is more abundant so the white salmon is more prized. About one in twenty King salmon have white flesh. Some call the white salmon the "Ivory King" and it is starting to make its way to restaurant menus.

I did notice a very subtle difference in the white salmon compared to the red; the white was perhaps a bit more delicate. In addition to the salmon, I'd go back just for the chive biscuits and the Alaskan Sourdough bread. Those were fantastic. Other side items were baked beans, slaw, and a really good ginger cookie for dessert. I took one home for a late night snack. The beverages were chilled with special "glacier" ice which was clear as glass. They also had hot chocolate and a nice Russian spice tea. Since Sarah Palin can see Russia from her house, perhaps they gave her the recipe. :)

The one big thing I learned is that King Salmon flesh can be white (some say ivory) or it can be red. There is no difference in the outward appearance; you cannot tell what color the flesh is until you cut into the fish. What they eat does not influ…

The one big thing I learned is that King Salmon flesh can be white (some say ivory) or it can be red. There is no difference in the outward appearance; you cannot tell what color the flesh is until you cut into the fish. What they eat does not influence the flesh color, it is all simply a matter of genetics. Salmon farming is ILLEGAL in Alaska. The only salmon you will find here is fresh caught wild Alaskan salmon!

The glaciers in the Juneau glacier field from above; the blue color is not enhanced, it is created by a crystalline structure which absorbs and then reflects light in a brilliant blue hue.

The glaciers in the Juneau glacier field from above; the blue color is not enhanced, it is created by a crystalline structure which absorbs and then reflects light in a brilliant blue hue.

Juneau Ice Field: You can easily see the difference in the blue color. The color fades and oxidizes once the crystals are exposed to air.

Juneau Ice Field: You can easily see the difference in the blue color. The color fades and oxidizes once the crystals are exposed to air.

INFO: TAKU GLACIER LODGE    www.wingsairways.com

2 Marine Way Suite 175

Juneau, Alaska 99801

Phone: 907.586.6275    Email: info@wingsairways.com

The lodge itself has a rich history and fascinating stories about owner Mary Joyce, who in 1935 made the 1,000 mile trek from the lodge to the Fairbanks Ice Carnival via dogsled. That's just one of her incredible stories. Read more...


NEXT: TOURING THE CROWN PRINCESS

Another first for me was touring a cruise ship. Yes, that is right. I've never been on a cruise. As much as I have traveled and as many boats as I've been on in my life, I've never had the urge to take a cruise. As I was walking through town, I was lucky enough to bump into a group of executives from Princess Cruise Lines. They had several ships come through Juneau while I was there. They invited me to tour the Crown Princess and have dinner on board. In order to board a cruise ship, you have to be a ticketed passenger or go through security, just like you do to board a plane. The Crown Princess has every amenity you can imagine; outdoor movie theater over the heated pool, spa, casino, and upscale restaurants and bars throughout the ship. As you enter, the opulence and grandeur is apparent instantly; there is a magnificent four-floor atrium outfitted with custom chandelier and other elegant appointments including a string quartet playing classical favorites. 

As far as activities go, you can participate in everything or nothing... I liked the thought of that... and you can dine in one of the many restaurant offerings or have room service 24 hours a day. I liked that too! There are shows, music, dancing, and even culinary demonstrations. I was so impressed with the kitchens on board the Crown Princess. They make all of the food, including the breads and pastries, from scratch each day and the menus are changed out everyday so guests have a lot of variety and options. The night I was there, they had an Octoberfest theme complete with authentic German recipes made by some of the German chefs and staff on board. I had dinner in the main dining room at a table with some lovely folks from Georgia, California, Indiana, and Michigan. They had all cruised multiple times in the past and told me that the Princess line was their favorite. Our dinner service was impeccable and the food was very good and served hot which is difficult when you are serving hundreds at the same time.

Here's a glimpse of my tour around the Crown Princess.


NEXT: MORE DINING IN JUNEAU

Restaurants in Juneau are as diverse as they are anywhere but certainly, since seafood it so readily available, it is a prominent feature on local menus. One thing that is not as available is fresh produce and fruit; the locals treasure what they are able to get and especially prize anything they are able to grow.

The folks at The Rookery are baking up incredible house made pastries and baked goods each day including this decadent S'mores Cupcake with a toasted marshmallow topping. They might have the best coffee in Juneau and offer my favorite, French pressed coffee. (At the time of my visit there was no Starbucks but one was in the works in the lobby of the Baranof Hotel)

Freshly baked S'mores Cupcakes were just one of the many baked goods offered by The Rookery Cafe.

Freshly baked S'mores Cupcakes were just one of the many baked goods offered by The Rookery Cafe.

The Rookery also has a well-rounded menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner with quality Bistro fare like their Triple B Burger with applewood bacon, balsamic onions, blue cheese, and house mayo. Soups are made fresh each day. Local fare like fresh halibut will appear on their seasonally inspired dinner menu. Prices are very fair and the food is far and above what you'd expect to find in what appears to be a casual coffee shop. Breakfast or brunch on Saturday is popular with locals and tourists alike so go early or be prepared to wait for a table.

INFO: THE ROOKERY www.therookerycafe.com


THE TWISTED FISH 

I had been tipped off by a local that the salmon and halibut at the Twisted Fish was as fresh as it could possibly be since it came right off the boats right outside their door. I decided to check it out for myself and wasn't disappointed. The restaurant was full, always a good sign, but I found a spot at the bar. Another good sign? Several guys in chef coats from other establishments were also eating at the bar. I ordered the cedar planked salmon, since I make that same dish. I wanted to compare (keeping in mind I've never had salmon right out of the water before) their recipe to my own.

The Cedar Planked Salmon and an Alaskan White from Twisted Fish in Juneau.

The Cedar Planked Salmon and an Alaskan White from Twisted Fish in Juneau.

Their cedar planked salmon was very different than mine; they use a brown sugar based glaze that is sweet. I prefer my mustard soy based glaze but regardless, the cedar planked salmon at the Twisted Fish was perfectly cooked, not too rare, not overdone and absolutely delicious. I paired it with an Alaskan White which is a local craft beer...  I really liked it so from someone who doesn't often drink beer, you should know it was extremely good. I wish I could buy it back home.

INFO: TWISTED FISH www.twistedfish.hangaronthewharf.com


TIMBERLINE BAR & GRILL AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNT ROBERTS TRAMWAY

I don't know if guests expect to find a nice restaurant at the top of the of the Mount Roberts Tramway but Timberline Bar & Grill is just that with an incomparable view of Juneau and you might just see some wildlife, too. Eagles perch in the trees as you ascend to the top of the tramway and there are bears to be seen as well although I didn't see one the day I went. I sampled quite a few dishes at Timberline but without a doubt, the Crab Nachos alone are worth the trip. Crab dip piled high on tortilla chips topped with homemade pico de gallo, black bean corn relish, Cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and avocado lime dressing. Also try the Crab Cakes or the Salmon Salad.  

INFO: TIMBERLINE BAR & GRILL AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNT ROBERTS TRAMWAY

490 South Franklin                        
Juneau, AK 99801
Toll Free: 888.461.8726
Phone: 907.463.3412


SALT

The team behind Tracy's King Crab Shack also own newcomer Salt, located downtown and open year-round, the chef  uses distinctive Alaskan ingredients to create dishes that are both interesting and satisfying. I had a great evening thanks to and courtesy of Elizabeth and Nancy from Juneau Tourism. The menu changes daily based on availability of ingredients but the risotto I had was wonderful and the cocktails were inspired. The staff is well trained and well informed about the menu and preparations and the wine list is likely the best in Juneau. Look over the current menu...

INFO: SALT MODERN ALASKAN CUISINE www.saltalaska.com

200 Seward Street

Juneau, Alaska 99801

Phone: 907.780.2221


SPINNIN' PIG BBQ SHACK

I luckily stumbled upon Mike and Shannon Wiley's Spinnin' Pig BBQ and found a family with a passion for creating authentic Memphis style competition BBQ waaaaay North of Memphis. The Wileys were so welcoming and so hospitable, you'd think they were Southern. I sampled the ribs, the BBQ sandwich and their BBQ nachos. All very, very good and if I lived there, I'd be swinging by every few days to pick up a slab to take home.

The Spinnin' Pig is adjacent to the Western Auto store in Juneau. It's not downtown/walking distance but I'm sure you can get a taxi there if you promise the driver a sandwich. By the way, the Western Auto has all kinds of outdoor gear, hunting and fishing equipment, the famous Alaskan brand Xtra-Tuff weatherproof boots. It is also where you can get a fishing or hunting license if you need one.

INFO: SPINNIN' PIG JUNEAU   www.spinninpig.com  Phone: 907.723.7436

OTHER ACTIVITIES AROUND JUNEAU

ALASKA ZIPLINE ADVENTURES

My first zipline experience! I loved the ax throwing contest at the end. The zipline course is located on Douglas Island. The company will tell you where to pick up a shuttle to the course.

WEB: www.alaskazip.com

Eaglecrest Ski Area
3200 Fish Creek Road
Juneau, AK 99801

Phone: 907.321.0947

The view of the Mendenhall Glacier from park's viewing area.

The view of the Mendenhall Glacier from park's viewing area.

MENDENHALL GLACIER TOUR

The best way to get to the glacier is to use one of the glacier shuttle companies– $20 round trip picks you up by the docks, drops you at the glacier, you stay as long as you like, and then return on a shuttle.  Shuttle Companies:  M&M Tours  Phone: 907.523.1999 or Juneau Tours Phone: 907.723.9209.

The Mendenhall Glacier has a park with an extensive information center where US Forest Rangers can give you information on the glacier, the falls, the wildlife, and the Tongass Rain Forest and the flora and fauna found there. For more information...


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Thank you, Juneau, for your kind hospitality. I've made so many new friends, I cannot wait to come back.