AK on the GO

Hmmm, where did our brilliant sunshine and 70+ temperatures go? No mind, AK Fam’s lawn and flower bed is appreciating the shower and so are our allergies. We’ll take it.

We are indeed full-steam ahead this weekend with a bunch of festivals and events to report, as well as a special deal from the Alaska Railroad.  When one adult buys an Adventure Class (regular seating) round-trip ticket, up to two kids age 2-11 can ride FREE on any Alaska RR train. Yep, any one of them. That means you can take the fam out on the fabulous Spencer Whistle Stop train, or down to Seward. Heck, you could even go up to Talkeetna and play on their new Dream Playground. Limitless, that’s what it is. Book by June 30 and travel by September 12, 2010. So cool.

Back to the weekend. Here are our picks for top fam fun:

National Trails Day: Get out and give back to your local trails at Campbell Creek Science Center. Everyone is invited to help out tomorrow morning, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the facility off Elmore Road. Bring hiking/work boots, gloves, and a good attitude and help brush, plant, and dig around on the Center’s huge swath of property. Enjoy a pizza lunch and a visit by Bird TLC, when they release a rehabilitated bird. FREE. 

Potter Marsh Discovery Day: A family-friendly event for sure, with nature-themed games, birding stations along the boardwalk, Bird TLC (boy, they sure get around), and many, many vendors to share their info and expertise with your kids. We love this place, and you will, too after a day spent amongst the marsh. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info can be found here, or by calling 267-2168. FREE.

Kids Fishing Day: Since many rivers are indeed closed to fishing down towards the Kenai (bummer), why not take the kiddos out for their own day of angling in Portage valley. Kids 13 and younger are invited to the Moose Flats Rec Area tomorrow from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for a day of barbecue, fishing, and fun. FREE. Calll 242-8538 for info.

Festival of Flowers: Going to be downtown? Stop by Town Square Park tomorrow from Noon-6 p.m. and see just how much work goes in to making our flower baskets beautiful. Music, art, flower auctions, and educational info will all be there. We are fortunate to have such lovely displays all summer, and the Master Gardeners deserve our thanks!

Other activities this weekend include visiting Eagle River Nature Center and visiting with a Naturalist on Sunday, who will be posted at the viewing deck closest to the Center. He/She will answer questions and provide history and information about the area. Parking at ERNC is $5 for non-members, but all activities are FREE.

Enjoy the weekend, and don’t forget the bug spray! They’re out and not quite as slow as they were last week.

It’s December; snow is falling outside and temperatures are in the high teens, and it will be dark soon (or it still is, depending upon the point of view). But I’m warm and toasty in my little Anchorage split-level, soothing my chilly soul with a quick read of The Great Alaskan TourSaver coupon book, given to me by my friend and Travel Mentor of All Things, Scott McMurren.

Scott and Company have been publishing this “best of the best” of Alaskan travel deals for years, and if ever there was a time to purchase one, it is now, when vacations are more frugal and time is of the essence. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING in the Great Alaskan TourSaver is 2 for 1. Fishing or floating on the Kenai River next summer? 2 for 1. Alyeska Resort tram ride? 2 for 1. Era Aviation Anchorage to Fairbanks? 2 for 1! Did I mention that’s like, freaky-cheap?

Parents, especially, will appreciate this money-saving, quality-driven coupon book. Scott McMurren is one of the most reputable travel gurus in the state, not to mention the whole darned U.S., so AKontheGO trusts his judgment when it comes to trips and tours for families and visitors.

We have a big family to-do coming up Summer 2010. Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt and Uncle and Little Cousins all factoring in for some wonderful, but also wonderfully-pricey, activities. The TourSaver will not only allow us to get everyone on board (the boat, train, or airplane), but also will provide a great synopsis of the myriad things to do in the 49th state.

Where does one procure this 5X7 gem of travel value? Visit the TourSaver web site, or call 907-278-7600. $90 is the cost, but believe me, if you have family or friends headed up in the next year, this will be the best 90 Clams you’ve ever shelled out. I’ve got reservations in already at a number of hot spots. Kayaking in Seward, museums in Fairbanks, a hotel in Anchorage, halibut in Homer….heard enough? Go buy one already!