flikkem

My husband spotted a quilt shop in Juneau when we were off ship.
We really enjoyed their display of quilts, many of which reflected Alaskan wildlife and scenery.
I don't remember it's name but you can research that or ask if you stop there.

LenaBeena

We wore shorts and T-shirts there in September. Loved all the flowers everywhere and the huge gardens from all the sunshine.

LenaBeena

Yes, quilt shop in Juneau and and Ireally like the one in Skagway. Take the train trip to Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory. Gold Rush history is interesting. Our daughter was a National Park Ranger at Glacier Bay and it is fascinating. We saw bears and whales and ravens, etc. If you can taste nagoon berry pie, delicious, and enjoy all the seafood. Of course there are wild flowers everywhere and huge gardens with all the sunshine. Bell peppers the size of grapefruits, cabbages like baskets, wonderful fresh veggies of all kinds. We were fine in September with shorts and t-shirts, but bring a rain jacket. Golf courses reminded me of Scotland, mountains much bigger than any here in Colorado, friendly people, souvenirs abound. Check out the totem poles and ivory carvings. Learn to speak a bit of Tlinket, pet a few sled dogs and take many, many photos. Please let us know about your trip when you return.

Jeannette51

Caongrats on 40 years, that is a landmark. I lived in Juneau for 30 years, so here are my suggestions. Clothing: be ready for anything. Your are going at the best possible time to get in some very nice weather, however this year my friends in Juneau have had a very long and hard winter, slow spring and it has been cooler than normal. Dressing in layers is the best suggestion, but do take both cool and warm weather clothing. Believe it or not, it can get very warm on sunny days, evenings will cool down. Almost all the towns on the panhandle now have quilt shops and all are worth a visit. For tours, check out the Tracey Arm tours in Juneau, it's excellent but takes a bit of time. Lots of Salmon bakes along the route too. If you go to Skagway, try the train tour. Enjoy and I'm wishing the best for you weather wise. Most beautiful country in the world on a sunny day!!!!

kyquiltlover1942

We have done 3 trips to Alaska, one on Holland America and I am redy to go back. You will need a varity of clothes, so take things you can layer, and some toss away rain ponchos. We have had 90 degree weather in July and 45 on the same trip. Enjoy and congratulations on your 40 years. That was our first trip. We just did 51 years on the 26th.

MarLeClair

If you are going into Denali pack mosquito repellant. I kept a rain coat on with tight sleeves and a hood and pulled tight around my face. The mosquitos were fierce.

Sierra

You didn't say WHEN you are going. Alaska has only two seasons, summer and winter. June is a bad mosquito month, July and early August tend to be the warmest times, but in August the rains begin. Last year my 11 year old granddaughter told me last year that "next year" she wants to make a quilt that celebrates autumn leaves because they don't have them in Alaska! The grandkids came down this week (to California) and tell us there is still snow on the ground now (and at this time 3 years ago it was really warm!). Try to understand the basketball games that start at midnight, family picnics in the park from 10pm to 1am... (drove us crazy on our first trip!) Don't try to stay awake for them. Alaskans can sleep more in winter and very little in summer, but it takes time to be able to do that. Hope you get to Denali, it is really beautiful! The train from Seward (or Anchorage) to Denali (or Fairbanks) is a treat (it passes a lot of homesteads because being near the track is a bonus for getting out to get groceries, etc.).

"The best part about Anchorage is that it is only a half hour from Alaska." There are fabric stores just about in every town. My favorite is in Kenai... and they do feature their native state in their fabrics! Probably most of them do. Enjoy!

SooBDo

Congratulations on 40 years! You will love Alaska, all the clothing advice is true - you don't know what you get until you get here. Be prepared, and you'll be more comfortable to enjoy what lays ahead. Not only is Alaska very beautiful, but each little town has some great places to visit. One warning: the cruise ship lines may tell the passengers that our little towns have nothing to see. On behalf of all the little towns in Alaska, there is something wonderful and unique here, and the majority of little towns have gems to find, such as really great quilt shops! Cruise lines may want you to direct your attention to activities with companies with which they have contracted. If you branch out, you might well find something unique, and less packaged. Whatever you do, and whichever ports you will be visiting, welcome to Alaska!

maga

We took a cruise to Alaska this time last year. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Took us 10 years to save for it but well worth every minute. My favorite part was a surprise that no one was told about; we went through Glacier Bay!!! I know you will really love what ever you do. Alaska is so beautiful. Happy, happy 40 anniversary. By the way, I can have my suitcase packed is a few minutes (hint hint)LOL

MarleneC

I've lived in various places in Alaska since 1977--always pack a light jacket and expect to run into rain. The exterior can be hotter and the areas closest to the water cooler and windier. Most communities have quilt shops now. The mama moose are now appearing with calves. Trees have leaves and flowers beginning to show. Bug spray is a good idea but that can be purchased anywhere. Enjoy your trip.