As the days get longer, Alaskans are busy preparing for summer.
But before the flowers are in full bloom, there are also a couple of glorious months before the kids get out of school. The pre-season and early-season deals are rolling out around the state. Here is the first of several reports on good deals for trips right in our own backyard:
1. The Getaway package at Land's End Resort in Homer is a great bargain. It's a bit of a drive from Anchorage -- but a scenic one. And Homer is pretty at any time of year. Land's End sits at the end of the Homer Spit, 5 miles into the heart of Kachemak Bay. This package includes overnight accommodations and dinner for two in the Chart Room restaurant. All guests at the resort have access to the spa and oceanfront hot tub. The cost for two people for one night: $139. For two nights, the rate is $204 per couple. You only get one dinner per person as part of the package -- so pick your night. On the other night for dinner, I recommend Fat Olive's Restaurant, in downtown Homer. This bargain is available between now and May 8. Call 800-478-0400.
2. Check out the whales in Resurrection Bay with Major Marine's package deal. Dubbed the "Spring Fever Package", it includes the four-hour Gray Whale Watch cruise from Seward, overnight accommodations at the Holiday Inn Express and complimentary admission to the Alaska Sealife Center. Cost is $119 per adult based on double occupancy, between now and May 11.
I spoke with Tom Tougas of Major Marine last week and he said the weather's been great and they've been seeing plenty of wildlife. While they're still waiting on the arrival of the Gray Whales, there are plenty of other critters to see, including orca and humpback whales, Dall's porpoise, sea otters, puffins, bald eagles, mountain goats, sea lions and many other seabirds. Never mind the big glaciers on all sides of the bay! Remember: The Holiday Inn Express has a pool, so the kids can play in some warmer water while you're there. And while a continental breakfast is included, I recommend the "Smoke Shack" next door at the Train Wreck. The breakfast burritos are delicious. It's called the Train Wreck because the structure was formed by taking three train cars and forming a triangle.
3. Speaking of Resurrection Bay, the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge has an uninterrupted view across the bay from its perch on Fox Island. CIRI Tourism recently renovated the lodge and they have an early-season special between May 31 and June 14. Spend the night at the lodge, including dinner. The next day, leave at 9:45 a.m. for a trip to the Northwestern Fjord. This cruise goes deep into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park -- but you get a head-start on the trip since you're beginning your trip at Fox Island! You'll be back on the dock in Seward by 6 p.m. The overnight package costs $488.50 per person, double occupancy. Children 2-11 years are $169. Taxes and fees are additional.
4. Princess Alaska Lodges operates five hotels around Alaska: Kenai Princess, Copper River Princess, Denali Princess, Mt. McKinley Princess (near Talkeetna) and the Fairbanks Princess. All of the lodges have special rates during the last half of May -- but some are more special than others. The Copper River Princess offers rates from $99 per night starting on May 17. The Mt. McKinley Princess, on the banks of the Chultina River north of Talkeetna, offers rates from $79 per night starting on May 14. And the Denali Princess, near the entrance to Denali National Park, offers special rates starting on May 12 for as little as $99 per night!
5. Make plans to attend the Spring Beer Dinner at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge on Friday, May 30. There's a selection of beers from Talkeetna's Denali Brewing Company paired with a special four-course dinner by the new executive chef Cris Rosemond. Of course, you'll want to spend the night. The whole package costs $134.50 per person. Like their wine dinners, the beer dinner will be a sellout -- so call 877-777-4067 to make your reservations.
6. The Alaska Railroad is offering several specials, including:
• Anchorage-Denali roundtrip, plus one night's accommodations at Grande Denali Lodge: $319 per person, double occupancy. Add an extra night for $100 per person ($419 per person, double).
• Fairbanks-Denali roundtrip, plus overnight accommodations for $199 per person, double. Add a second night for $100 per person.
• Ride the rails from Anchorage to Whittier between June 1 and Sept. 15, then sail on the 26 Glaciers Cruise. Cost is $215 per person, plus about $20 in taxes and fees.
• Anchorage-Talkeetna on the train, with overnight accommodations at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, $233 per person, double occupancy. Valid May 19-31.
• Value-season train fares run between May 14 and May 30, as well as between Sept. 1 and Sept. 14. Between Anchorage and Denali, you can save $90 roundtrip.
I expect more early-season deals to arrive this week. Stay tuned.
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant who has lived in Alaska for three decades, spending much of that time traveling the far-flung corners of the state. Visit his website atwww.alaskatravelgram.com or follow him on Twitter for breaking travel news.