I will never forget the night: I had just put my head down on the pillow. The day had been a fun – but it was also long and taxing, and a good night’s sleep was in order. Suddenly, the blaring sound of a bulldozer burst into the room. I bolted out of bed.  I looked at my watch – it was 1 a.m. I charged over to the hotel window and pulled open the curtain. Across a small creek, there was a man outside who was, well, operating a bulldozer. His family must love this, I thought. Upon closer inspection, I could see he was surrounded by his wife and young children. They almost looked as if they were going to a picnic later after the chore. I forgot to mention that the time and place was the month of June in Fairbanks, Alaska. The midnight sun was so blinding that I had to squint my eyes to see. I began to understand the real meaning of insomnia, and was ready to experience more of Alaska’s unique surprises, surprises that I still carry with me today.

Alyeska – The Great Land

A colleague in the cruise industry once said to me, ‘First you do all the other cruises, and then you do an Alaska Inside Passage cruise. She was right. With its pristine fjords, sweeping glaciers and endless snowcapped mountains, the Inside Passage is a tough act to follow. So what to do after having done that cruise – particularly when the cruise experience only wets your appetite for more Alaskan wonders? Well, an exploration of the state’s interior is the next logical step. With over 3,000 rivers and more than 5,000 glaciers, the state is one-fifth the size of the continental United States and two-and-one-half times the size of Texas. Vast expanses of wilderness encompass Alaska, with millions of acres of national parkland and wildlife refuges, much of which are accessible only by boat, train or plane.

Fortunately, many cruise companies now offer extended land packages that are fully escorted, offering a comprehensive overview of many of Alaska’s amazing sights. I opted for Royal Caribbean International‘s four-day land package from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Covering over 400 miles through stunning mountains and untouched wilderness — this would prove to be the ideal way to explore more of what the Aleut Tribal Nation call ALYESKA – THE GREAT LAND.

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and the state’s main transportation hub. In a sense all roads lead or end in Anchorage. The city boasts all the urban pleasures of fine dining, shopping, nightlife, world-class museums along with an endless array of tours and sports packages. My pick: The twenty-six acre Alaska Native Heritage Center, which provides a fascinating insight into the arts, customs and lifestyles of the indigenous peoples of Alaska, which include Iñupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, and a number of Northern Athabaskan cultures.

Denali National Park: Spread out over six million acres in size, Denali National Park is larger than the state of Massachusetts, and is one of the world’s last great frontiers for wilderness adventure. Established as a national park in 1917, it remains largely wild and unspoiled, just as the native people knew it. At 20,320 feet, Mount McKinley is the highest mountain in North America and the centerpiece of the park. Named for President William McKinley, it is still called Denali by the Athabasca Tribal Nation. My pick: A seven-hour bus ride on the Tundra Wilderness Tour for undisturbed wildlife viewings.

Fairbanks: Located 120 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks was established in 1902 as a gold rush town. Today it is the bustling capital of the north and has the distinction of having the widest temperature swings in the U.S. Temperatures may fall to 65 degrees below zero in winter, and regularly hit 80 degrees above in summer. My pick: An excursion on the Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler, with a stop at an Athabasca village where you’ll see traditional fishing, hide tanning, dog sledding demonstrations, and how the canine is trained to become a human’s best friend in the stark winter months.

Juneau: Nestled along the glistening Gastineau Channel, Juneau is the only U.S. capitol city inaccessible by road. It’s a pulsating city, buzzing with government workers on its streets. A trip to Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular excursion, but my pick is the 1800 foot tramway ride to the top of Mount Roberts for wildlife viewing platforms, the Juneau Raptor Center and breathtaking views of the channel.

Ketchikan: Billed as the Salmon Capital of the World. If it’s a fishing excursion that you want, Ketchikan is the place for it. My own pick, though, is a tour of the Totem Heritage Center, which features a collection of carved totem poles and carving demonstrations.

Kodiak: As one of seven communities and the main city on Kodiak Island. All transportation between the entire island and the outside world goes through this city either via ferryboat or airline. Kodiak is known for its own species of Brown Bear – the Kodiak Bear.  CVB pick: A flight-seeing tour to see Kodiak Bears at the Wildlife Refuge. Alaska Fish and Game built a fish ladder where you’ll witness sows (momma bears) teaching their cubs how to fish. There are no fences or no viewing platforms protected by glass. You literally walk to the side of a river and watch bears fish in the wild.

Nome:  The city of Nome is located on the south coast of the Seward Peninsula facing Norton Sound, part of the Bering Sea. The city is the site for the finish of the 1049-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from Anchorage, the longest sled dog race in the world. Summer temperatures combined with the non-stop midnight sun warms the Bering Sea to a tropical 40° to 50°F. Some Nome youngsters consider this warm enough for swimming and on rare occasions, adults can be seen kayaking and windsurfing. For those visitors who like a challenge, an invigorating swim in the Bering Sea might be something to write home about. My pick: Exploring the City of Nome’s 100 years of Gold Rush history.

Seward: Sandwiched between the Kenai mountains and the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities with Mt. Marathon rising steeply behind the town. A spectacular 2.5 hour drive south from Anchorage brings you to this seaside village, which offers a bustling harbor, quaint shops and galleries, and many different ways to tour Kenai Fjords National Park. CVB pick: The six hour National Park Tour is a must see for visitors.  Seeing the glaciers and diverse marine life, particularly the humpback whales and orcas, is an experience of a lifetime.

Sitka: Nestled on Baranof Island and offers an amazing mix of Tlingit, Russian and U.S. history and culture.  The attractions are endless. My pick: The Sitka National Historical Park. The 113-acre coastal park features the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center, plus beaches, hiking trails and scores of totem poles.

Skagway: Located on the northern tip of the Lynn Canal, Skagway was born as the land entryway for thousands of gold-crazed miners to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. The town is well-preserved and rich in gold rush history. My pick: A trip aboard the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route railway for a train journey back into the days of the Klondike Gold Rush.

For further information, contact Travel Alaska

The post Reflections: Alaska by Boat, Plane & Train appeared first on Traveling Archive.

In this not-so-brave new world, adult men, regardless of economic factors, are increasingly living with their mothers until well into their 40s. Their ideal evening is sitting at home watching YouTube while they nibble away on Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Milano cookies. Frustrated single women are left wondering what happened to the real adventurous men. Ladies, if you’re looking for the standup fellas, here are cities to start the man hunt.

Best in Show: Kissimmee, Florida

Go ahead, Yankee Girl. Scoff away with your jokes about “Florida Man” as you scrape the ice off your windshield and date that scarf-wearing Mama’s boy. Eventually you’ll tire of paying for his freezer-burned avocado toast habit. When you’re ready for pure sunshine and a prime man, save your kisses for Kissimmee.

“Look,” Brandon Fisher says, pointing at a nesting egret. “Do you see her blue eggs?”

He gives the mama-bird her distance as he articulately explains his fondness for Florida’s avian residents. It’s all in a day’s work for Fisher, my affable Gatorland guide who was feeding several of the 14-foot resident reptiles by hand just moments earlier.

This Orlando suburb is a prime spot to root around in rugged Florida in the morning before soaking up a spa appointment at Disney Springs in the afternoon. Kissimmee is packed with adventurous brawn: swamp tour guides, stuntmen at the theme parks and dinner shows, military servicemen, motorcycle enthusiasts, fishermen and cattle ranchers. Add bodybuilding to that beefy stew; several major annual competitions are based in the area.

If airboat swamp rides are more your speed, head to Wild Florida. Captain Jeff Farmer, who is also a fireman, will amuse you with his charming humor as he takes you up close to the alligators. He helms the vessel from behind for an exciting hour.

Are you still reading, or did you begin booking your tickets at fireman?

“If you decide to jump in during the ride, please stand up,” Farmer advises guests. “We’ll be traveling through about six inches of water most of the time.”

Wild Florida owner Sam Haught, a conservationist, is delighted with his new free-range animal safari. He enjoys hand-feeding the giraffes from his elevated deck.

“We finally acquired 85 acres in 2018 and were off to the races developing the drive-through park,” Haught said. “It’s seriously been the funnest part of my career building it!”

A great location for beef of the edible and viewable variety is Shula’s Steak House at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort. Sip on their signature blueberry martini as you drink in the view of the sharp-dressed men attending the many corporate conventions held nearby. Pescatarians will be delighted with Shula’s scallops, which are served over saffron corn crema.

Celebrity Southern gentlemen tee off every January at The Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions pro-am golf competition. Country crooners Toby Keith and Lee Brice “sure clean up nice” for the accompanying charity auction and foodie bash at Mystic Dunes.

Reserve Champion: Miami, Florida

Yes, Florida again. After you ditch Pumpkin Spice Boy, head south for Mr. Miami Nice.

Miami is neighbors with the splendid Caribbean, drawing multicultural men in droves. Check out the guys who work on the beaches, either for the city, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Biscayne National Park, or upscale spas. If you’re hankering to go country and find rustic male company, the county of Miami-Dade has some orange orchards and horse ranches. There are many fantastic opportunities to meet some men with character.

You’ll need some sunscreen and shades to hang with these guys. Due to the year-round flawless weather, locals like to spend their free time cycling and fishing, as well as surfing, running, and camping.

A plethora of refined men can be spotted at Novotel Miami Brickell. This fashionable hotel in the financial district is close to great nightspots and the property offers many social activities by their rooftop pool such as live music on Sunday afternoons at their Sunset Sessions, Full Moon and Sunset Yoga, invigorating workshops, and Movie Under the Stars. The yoga in particular is a fantastic way to be amongst some buff, enlightened people.

Located in the hotel lobby area, UVA bar is the place to enjoy a marvelous selection of Chilean and Argentinean wines, signature Latin American spirits, and light tapas. The bar features a happy hour each evening, drawing chic executives and investment bankers. Nearby, charming Chef Benjamin Meyer runs Lima, named after one of the world’s foremost culinary destinations. Guests experience the delightful simplicity of his flavorful contemporary cuisine with creative yet well-balanced small plates with the culinary influences of The Americas, old Europe and Asia. Try the Watercress & Arugula Salad made with oranges, pepitas, cucumber, and queso fresco, along with its citrus vinaigrette.

Another place to seek out for delectable cuisine and men? The internationally-acclaimed Nikkei restaurant Osaka, which recently made its North American in the Brickell district.

Helmed by handsome Chefs Rogger Quispe and Juan Urrutia, Osaka is a multi-sensory experience that melds millenary Japanese techniques with the finest Peruvian flavors and ingredients. The Osaka brand was conceptualized in 2001 by ebullient entrepreneurs Diego Herrera and Diego de la Puente, two surfers whose world travels resulted in the creation of a restaurant influenced by their Peruvian roots along with their appreciation of the ocean and Asian culture. Osaka’s mixology program is structured on the same path making their liquor bar a world class scenario with house made drinks and a trendy, vibrant atmosphere.

Osaka’s design is Japanese-inspired, infusing modern architecture, Feng Shui and signature Peruvian accents of past and present materials and textures. Much like its sister restaurants, the Miami location features a big ceviche and Nikkei bar at the heart of the restaurant, which is the main difference from traditional sushi restaurants. The dimly-lit dining room lends an air of romance. Try the Nigiri sushi utilizing Peruvian ingredients full of umami flavors, renowned Wasabi Ceviche, Nikkei Omakase platters, or the Izakaya sharing plates.

Anchorage, Alaska

“Slow and steady,” Dan McDonough of Lifetime Adventures tells guests as he adjusts paddles behind them.

A relaxed Lumbersexual, McDonough takes tourists kayaking to see some startling sights on Eklutna Lake, and some of them may opine that he is one himself. His pal Jack Bonney, an Anchorage tourism executive, believes the easygoing casual attitude in Alaska attracts brawny men and their admirers to the area.

“Generally speaking, Alaskans tend to be friendly, genuine and pretty laid back,” Bonney said. “We like to be outside and are pretty active no matter the season. There’s not a lot of putting on airs; you don’t run into a lot of people trying to be someone they are not. I could see how that might appeal to someone used to a little more runaround and pretense.”

Big industries in Alaska reek of testosterone: oil, mining, rugged tourism and fishing. Add aviation to the mix as well; there are six times as many pilots (per capita) in Alaska than in any other state. If you like pilots, head to F Street Station in downtown Anchorage. The bar is peppered with stickers from military aviation from around the globe. For hockey guys, try Blue Line. It’s the restaurant inside O’Malley Sports Center, one of the local hockey rinks. If you’re not picky, any trail in Chugach State Park is crawling with brawny men. Eklutna Lake is just one of the entry points to this half million-acre park at the edge of Anchorage. Other popular trailheads include Glen Alps, Bird Ridge and the Eagle River Nature Center. If that’s not enough, you’re guaranteed to spot hairy mountain men aplenty at the annual Mr. Fur Face and Moustache competitions that are part of the yearly Fur Rondy. World-champion beard growers? Sign us up.

Long Beach/Ilwaco, Washington

Fishing, including commercial crabbing and oyster farming are the primary macho industries in this region of the Pacific Northwest which attracts plenty of dudes. “Fishing and crabbing off the North Jetty and fishing out of the Port of Ilwaco are the best places to meet men,” explained Carol Zahorsky, who works in tourism in the area. Need a pickup line? Simply ask for a little help baiting the hook or trap.

Lumbersexuals have been spotted eating at Lost Roo and grabbing a pint at North Jetty Brewing. Other watering holes include the pub at the Shelburne Inn, The Depot and 42nd Street Café. Many of the professional fishermen can be found staying at Salt at the Port of Ilwaco or Adrift Hotel in Long Beach. The former is the closest hotel to breathtaking Cape Disappointment State Park, but don’t let the name deter you, it’s actually quite a romantic spot.

Crystal Mountain/Enumclaw, Washington

Enumclaw and Crystal Mountain are both at the foot of majestic Mount Rainier National Park, drawing men in droves. There are the guys who work in the woods, either for logging companies, the Forest Service, the National Park, or at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort running the lifts. Enumclaw also has plenty of dairies and horse farms, so one can always find a nice cowboy.

Due to the area attractions, men of the region like to spend their free time hunting and fishing, as well as skiing, mountain biking, and camping. You might need to trade in your heels for hiking boots to hang with this crowd. A plethora of Lumba-studs can be spotted at Alta Crystal Resort. This down-to-earth mountain lodge is close to all the action and the property offers many social activities like wine tasting, movie nights, and bonfires with s’mores, all a great opportunity to meet that special someone.

Other bars to seek out? The Yella Beak Saloon, Seeders, Fill’s Growlers, and The Mint are your best bets in Enumclaw, or try the Elk Head Brewery in Buckley. And a last resort? “The True Value tool shop in Enumclaw almost always has brawny men working there too,” offers longtime resident Julie Johnson.

Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

The Land of 10,000 Lakes offers plenty of nature to hike around or explore by snowshoe. Most locals head up to the lake for the weekend, but when they return to the urban sprawl, Renaissance Men of the Twin Cities enjoy the local arts and culture scene, as well. The result is a multitude of articulate, strapping plaid gentlemen. Local outdoorsman Jeff Swanson recommends his favorite watering hole for meeting his ilk.

“Brit’s Pub is exceptional with their rooftop lawn, where they do lawn bowling, or show movies on the side of the building next door,” Swanson said. “Downtown bars have a lot of turnover. There are still sports bars in the suburbs where middle aged men and women play softball outside then come in to drink, dart and dance.”

Sandpoint/Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho

“I think you find those types of hardcore men here thanks to the physical make up of our land,” said Dig Chrismer, a lucky woman who works at the Schweitzer Mountain ski resort. “With the mountains and lakes around us, we attract rugged people who chose those landscapes as their playground. That inevitably attracts some badass lumbersexuals who are loggers, Forest Service employees and ski bums.”

“There’s always a great variety of people in the bar and it’s not uncommon to see ski folks hanging with the artist folks and the forest service guys hanging with teachers,” Chrismer said. “That’s what makes Sandpoint so attractive in my opinion.”

Just being a mountain man is attractive, but being able to share more than just logging stories is awesome. Keep it diverse, lumbersexuals.

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