5 Wild days in Alaska

San Francisco, a bustling, cosmopolitan city in northern California, is the centerpiece of the Bay Area, well-known for its diverse ethnic and political communities, hilly terrain, world-class restaurants and scenic beauty.

It is the home of the ‘50s beat generation, the ‘60s flower power students, the ‘70s gay rights movement, the ‘80s culinary revolution and, of course, the ‘90s technology boom. Today, the city remains the epicenter for all things cyber and is on the leading edge of the sustainable food movement.  

Ride a cable car, walk across (or windsurf under) the Golden Gate Bridge, scribble poetry in a North Beach café, shop at the hip boutiques along Union Street, check out the latest exhibit at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, see an opera, then club-crawl through cyber-cool South of Market.

So much to see and do, it’s no wonder why Tony Bennett left his heart there.

Alaska, the largest state in the United States (coming in at more than twice the size of Texas), is one of the final frontiers for travelers seeking adventure, unparalleled natural beauty or just a chance to get away from it all. It has more coastline than all the other U.S. states combined, and along with Hawaii is the only other non-contiguous state in the union.

There are myriad options for the family or individual planning a trip to Alaska. Gaze at glaciers and wildlife while cruising the Inside Passage, visit Denali National Park (home of Mt. McKinley), or revel in the history and culture of Alaska’s cities and small towns.

Fifty miles north of Anchorage there is a slew of sled dogs waiting to take you for a ride. Whether you choose a half-hour ($45), an hour ($65) or a half-day ($180) trip, you are sure to have a delightful time as your experienced musher guides these friendly huskies through forests and meadows. Tours of the kennels are included in the price and special stays and dog sledding trips may be arranged in conjunction with its bed and breakfast inn. Call for details, reservations and specific directions to the location.

With its varying route dictated by the current snow pack, this renowned course covers more than 1,100 miles and calls to dog sled competitors from all over the world. This race began as a celebration of the successful fight for lives and the relay team that managed to deliver Diphtheria vaccine to the Nome, Alaska residents. It has progressed from a camping lark to a fast-paced, exhausting journey. Recent winners have finished in just less than nine days. No admission is charged for viewing the ceremonial start in Anchorage's downtown streets. Also, the Iditarod Headquarters is a pleasant place to learn more about the race and its history. See the website for further details.

More than 40 wines are offered by the glass in the fabulous wine bar and restaurant. The dining room is elegant with cream stucco and eclectic artwork evenly spaced on the walls. With French, New American and Scandinavian choices, Alaskan seafood is the steadiest presence on the menu. Entrees like grilled salmon served with a cold horseradish, herb-butter and mahi-mahi topped by a spicy fruit salsa will be matched, at your request, with a wine chosen by the wine expert on staff. Veal, rack of lamb and many other options are available.

With more than 100,000 of these ice masses, many in retreat, Alaska’s glacial wonders are hard to miss—for now.

Departing from Whittier, 60-miles south of Anchorage, this daily cruise (from May 1 - Sep 30) is a four-and-a-half hour trip that offers views of 26 glaciers. Along the way you may expect to view sea otters, seals, porpoises and quite frequently, whales. The fully narrated 110-mile route through Prince William Sound is breathtaking and memorable from its views of glittering ice to the shattering sound of "calves" breaking free of the "mother" glacier. It comes with a guaranteed "no sea-sickness or your money back" policy.

From the main floor of a 21-story office building, this cafe has many professional clients. Best loved for its homemade pita pocket sandwiches filled with vegetables and a cucumber dressing, or turkey with a dab of cranberry sauce or roast beef with a creamy horseradish dressing, these sandwiches tempt the staunchest of salad seekers. Its skillful chef also provides a variety of daily soups, quiches and salads. No alcohol is served.

You haven't fully experienced Alaska unless you've been to Denali National Park. Its boundaries encompass an amazing six million acres -- the size of the state of Massachusetts. Home to Mt. McKinley, North America's highest peak soaring an unbelievable 20,320 feet into the sky, the Park hosts an array of wildlife -- from moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears to gray wolves and red foxes. Located only one mile from the Park's entrance, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is the premium riverside accommodation in the area. An expansive deck overlooks Denali National Park and the Nenana River -- the ideal spot to relax, visit with friends and savor the exquisite landscape.

The highest mountain peak in North America, abundant wildlife and family-friendly activities make this an essential stop on your Alaska itinerary.

Alaska, the largest state in the United States (coming in at more than twice the size of Texas), is one of the final frontiers for travelers seeking adventure, unparalleled natural beauty or just a chance to get away from it all. It has more coastline than all the other U.S. states combined, and along with Hawaii is the only other non-contiguous state in the union.

There are myriad options for the family or individual planning a trip to Alaska. Gaze at glaciers and wildlife while cruising the Inside Passage, visit Denali National Park (home of Mt. McKinley), or revel in the history and culture of Alaska’s cities and small towns.

San Francisco, a bustling, cosmopolitan city in northern California, is the centerpiece of the Bay Area, well-known for its diverse ethnic and political communities, hilly terrain, world-class restaurants and scenic beauty.

It is the home of the ‘50s beat generation, the ‘60s flower power students, the ‘70s gay rights movement, the ‘80s culinary revolution and, of course, the ‘90s technology boom. Today, the city remains the epicenter for all things cyber and is on the leading edge of the sustainable food movement.  

Ride a cable car, walk across (or windsurf under) the Golden Gate Bridge, scribble poetry in a North Beach café, shop at the hip boutiques along Union Street, check out the latest exhibit at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, see an opera, then club-crawl through cyber-cool South of Market.

So much to see and do, it’s no wonder why Tony Bennett left his heart there.