Things to do / Travel Guide
For those who want to “paint the town red,” the Alaska Panhandle does have what to offer. The area is certainly rough-cut and “Old West,” which lends a nice local flavor to places of entertainment. Here are a few spots where visitors can spend an enjoyable evening:
Juneau
The Alaskan Hotel & Bar is on the National Register of Historic Places and is famous for its cool atmosphere, live music, and great bartenders. This was the first hotel built in Alaska, and has seen many famous visitors, such as Robert Stroud (a.k.a., The Birdman of Alcatraz), who was a regular at the bar.
The Triangle Club is the place to seek out the local flavor of the Alaska Panhandle. Many politicians hang out here when the legislature is in session, and many a business deal is made here, too. The jukebox plays all your favorites, and the food is not too shabby, either!
Ketchikan
The Haida Descendant Dancers perform on every second Friday from May-September at the Totem Bight. These dancers perform in traditional Haida tribal regalia while singing songs, telling stories, and demonstrating native drumming. Performances are free, last about an hour and a half, and are suitable for all ages.The Performing Arts Series features an international roster of performing artists. Visitors will be entertained and enlightened with world-class folk, classical, jazz, dance, dramatic, and world beat performers. This series of seven events includes the Gigglefeet Dance Festival, co-sponsored with the Ketchikan Theatre Ballet and First City Players, and the Wearable Art Show, as well as performances by a number of touring artists. Venues are throughout Ketchikan.
Also available for your enjoyment in Ketchikan is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Adults and kids alike typically have a ball at the show, watching modern-day lumberjacks compete against one another to determine who the best woodsman is. See the wood chips fly as flannel-wearing foresters hack and haw away at top speed!
Skagway
Moe's Frontier Bar is a perfect example of a local hangout. Good, cheap food, lots of beer on tap, a well-stocked bar, a friendly, if rowdy, atmosphere, and an occasional local musician make the bar a great place for visitors to chill out and have a good time.
The Red Onion Saloon is known locally as the “R.O.” It has a storied past as a bustling bordello, and a busy present as a restaurant, bar, and tourist stop. You can take a tour of the old brothel or just grab a beer and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the modern, non-smoking establishment. This place is great for rollicking fun!
If you're the more outdoorsy type, Skagway gives you the opportunity to pan for gold! Klondike gold panning is a favored activity among visitors, as, typically, a decked-out prospector makes the experience come alive! And the best part is that you get to keep whatever you find!
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