Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

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Alaska’s Best Bites: Firehouse BBQ

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Firehouse BBQ soldotna Alaska kenai peninsula food
My favorite menu item at Firehouse BBQ, the Big T.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from.

Unfortunately Firehouse BBQ has closed, but Blackjaxx barbecue in Soldotna is open in the summers, serving up some delicious bites! They can be reached at (907) 262-2255. I highly recommend the one meat sandwich plate with brisket, coleslaw, and potato salad. My husband always gets the ribs and barbecue beans. Anything you get there is sure to be tasty. Pro tip: call in your order before to be sure you get what you want before it’s sold out! 

I. Love. BBQ. Everywhere I go I seem to gravitate towards any place with pulled pork, brisket, delicious bbq sauce, and scrumptious sides. One of those places is Firehouse BBQ in Soldotna, Alaska. They are definitely in the top three BBQ spots I’ve ever been to, and by far the best on the Kenai Peninsula. Wondering why it’s so good and what you should have at this awesome establishment? Keep on reading to find out!

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10 Great Children’s Books with Alaskan Authors or Illustrators

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Being surrounded by beautiful landscapes, majestic wildlife, and great people has inspired many Alaskan authors and illustrators to mesh their talents and surroundings together to make some incredible children’s books. From toddler board books, to educational Alaskan books, and everything in between, there is a little something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re five, or a little over eighty-five, you’re never too old to read a good kid’s book, and I’m sure this list has something you’ll enjoy!

1. Mama, Do You Love Me?

This is probably one of my favorite kid’s books of all time. It’s simple, sweet, and the Alaska themed illustrations are incredible. This is a must have for the start of your kiddo’s book collection.

2. Quilt of Dreams

This heartwarming about a girl, her mom, and her grandma’s legacy is a great read for younger girls to enjoy.

3. Alaska ABC Book

This is a great book to have around to help little guys learn their ABCs and also point out pictures of many different Alaskan animals.

4. The Eyes of Gray Wolf

While reading this book, kids will get to see what life is like for a wolf in the wild and see some amazing illustrations. This one is more for the elementary school aged child.

5. The Alaska Mother Goose

This book of Alaska themed nursery rhymes is sure to entertain any toddler with its whitty poems and cheery pictures.

6. Alaska’s Dog Heroes

If you have any dog lovers in your house, this book is for them! These true stories about incredible Alaskan pups will captivate the interest of any kiddo with a love for dogs, Alaska, and adventure.

7. Alaska’s Little Chief

I only recently discovered this book, and I have to say it’s now up there on my favorites list. This story tells about real life struggles and traditions of Alaskan, David Solmon, and includes a letter from him at the end of the story.

8. Danger the Dog Yard Cat

One for dog and cat lovers alike, this tail (pun intended!) by Iditarod winner Libby Riddles will surely put a smile on your kiddos face.

9. Blueberry Shoe

Who would have every thought a book about a shoe could be so charming and fun!? Check out this read about the adventures of a shoe in the Alaskan wilderness.

10. I Would Tuck You In

Toddlers will love this story of the love between mommas and babies, as illustrated by adorable Alaskan animals.

I truly hope you and your family enjoy these timeless Alaskan tales. Happy reading!



6 Ways to Save Money on Your Alaskan Vacation

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Homer Alaska fishing mountains town road trip
A pit stop on the outskirts of Homer, Alaska.

Updated March 6, 2023.

For many people, visiting Alaska is a once in a lifetime experience. It takes time to save up and plan for such a big trip, but there are things can help you save money on your Alaskan adventure. The list below will help you get the most out of your vacation, while helping you stay within your travel budget.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

1. Northern Lights Coupon Book

The Northen Lights Coupon Book can save you a ton of food, activities, and lodging. There are hundreds of coupons that you can use in places all over the state, and they are organized so you can find them by place and category. You can find coupons for dining, camper parks, museums and more in this money saving book.

2. Peninsula Coupon Club

If you plan on visiting Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, be sure to download the Peninsula Coupon Club app. It offers discounts at a variety of places, including some of the best places to eat in Soldotna.

3. Discounts

Whether you are booking a fishing trip, tour, or planning to use the train or ferry to see all there is of Alaska, be sure to always ask if there is a military, senior, Good Sam, or AAA discount. Even if you don’t see any discounts advertised, it pays to ask since the majority of places offer one of the above discounts. This can really add up to some substantial savings.

Fishing on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula is one of the many things you may get discounts on.

4. Sharing is Saving

Since everything is bigger in Alaska (we are the largest state after all 🙂 ), you can expect that our meals are large, too. At many restaurants, the portions for entrees are large enough that you can share them between two adults, have an appetizer beforehand, and be full until your next meal. Sharing an entree can really cut down your food budget and leave more money for you to go on a tour, or buy some great souvenirs.

5. The “Off” Season

Summertime in Alaska is busy! The weather is nice, there’s tons to see, and visitors from all over the world flock to our beautiful state. But, have you ever thought about visiting during the “off” season? There’s so much to do in Alaska year round that there really is no “off” season in my opinion, so if you come during fall or winter, you’ll still see many beautiful sights, participate in unique activities (check out my Winter Bucket List here), and maybe even see the Northern Lights! Plus, you’ll be saving money on lodging, flights, and more by traveling during this time.

6. Flights

Using Alaska Airlines miles for your flight to the 49th State is a great way to save money. My husband and I both have the Alaska Airlines credit card, so we received bonus miles for signing up, earn miles for purchases, and each get a discounted companion ticket annually. There is a yearly fee for this card, and you should only use this tip to save money on your Alaskan vacation if you can pay your card off before you get charged interest!

Hopefully these tips help you save money, enjoy your vacation to the fullest, and help you leave some extra cash in your travel budget! Have questions about traveling to Alaska? Leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

5 Reasons You Need to Visit Alaska this Summer

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Fireweed in Sterling Alaska wildflower Kenai Peninsula
Fireweed blooming in Sterling, Alaska.

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Now you probably don’t need any more reasons to visit Alaska than you already have, but just incase you need that extra boost to book your tickets and come on up, here are five reasons you should visit Alaska this summer!

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Our Day on an Alaska Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

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One of the beautiful glaciers you’ll see on your cruise.

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Have you ever wanted to see orcas, calving glaciers, sea lions, and other wildlife? Did you ever think you could do it it just one amazing and awe inspiring trip? Well you can!  Last year we finally made time to go on a wildlife and glacier cruise with Major Marine Tours, and I’m here to give you all the insider info and tips you need to know about this awesome adventure!

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8 Great Gift Ideas for the Outdoorswoman in your Life

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Girl walking across log bridge
Just taking a stroll across the log bridge.

With Mother’s Day fast approaching I thought it only seemed appropriate to make a list of unique and useful gifts for the outdoorswoman in your life. It can sometimes be difficult to find a gift for such a special person in your life, but checking out the list below will help you pick something she will surely enjoy.

This gift list is not exclusive to Mother’s Day, or even ladies for that matter, though. Any guy or gal who enjoys the great outdoors would benefit from any (or all if they really hit the jackpot!) of these items for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and more!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

1. If you’re looking for a great gift for an outdoorsy gal under $25, check out this post here. With ideas ranging from LifeStraws to first aid kits, and the perfect camping pillow to dry bags, you’re sure to find a fantastic gift.

2. If she’s outdoorsey she might like cooking outdoors as well. What better thing to do some outdoor cooking in than some American made Lodge Cast Iron! You can get them in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they’re very affordable. Plus, many of them have neat patterns on the bottom. You can check out Everyday Alaska’s list of reasons to start using cast iron here!

3. If your outdoorsy momma enjoys hunting, she’ll need some good optics. For a gift she’ll have for a lifetime (literally, check out their warranty!), shop Vortex Optics. Everything they make is top notch and will make a huge difference in the field.

Using Vortex binoculars
Using my Vortex binoculars and HotHands while looking for sheep.

4. Anyone who loves the outdoors needs a good knife to bring along on their adventures. The knives from Outdoor Edge are awesome. They are incredibly durable, sharp, and have easily replaceable blades to help save you time and money.

5. Jetboil. If they don’t have one, they need one. This is great for hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, or any activity where you may want to stop and have some coffee or make a delicious Peak Refuel meal.

Eating Peak Refuel at the cabin.
Refueling with Peak at the cabin.

6. Need a great snack for hiking? Dehydrated fruit is great to take along while exploring, and it’s also fun to make! I got a dehydrator as a gift and have had a blast using it and eating some delicious dehydrated apples, berries, and even jerky as a result.

Moose jerky on the dehydrator in Soldotna, Alaska.
Moose jerky on the dehydrator.

7. Along with snacks, having a water bottle along on any outdoor excursion is a must. Check out Liberty Bottleworks to see their awesome collection of American-made water bottles. They have every design imaginable and you can even have them customize one! Talk about a unique gift!

8. Don’t judge me too harshly, but I believe Crocs are a must have. They are comfortable, lightweight, and a nice break for your feet after camping, hiking, or hunting. They make a great gift that will be used over and over again.

Bonus idea! If she’s not using them already, grab your gal some HotHands! They are an outdoor game changer since they keep your hands, feet, and body toasty warm!

Any of these gifts are sure to be a winner for any outdoor lover in your life. Whether it’s for Mother’s Day or just a gift to show your appreciation for someone, this list will help you pick a gift that will surely bring a smile to their face and be useful for any of their outdoor adventures.

Looking for gifts for the guys, too? Be sure to check out this post!