"There are several small towns around Alaska that make visitors of years past smile. Talkeetna sits pretty high atop that list. Agood stopping point between Anchorage and Denali National Park, the town is at once ahistory stop, arty spot, beer fill-up, hearty food destination, and mountain climbing mecca. Talkeetna is the first stepfor everybody setting out to climb Denali. But it’s also the go-to for visitors who enjoy quirky little towns with huge personalities. Thanks to cruise-ship bus tours, the town does get a bit overrun during the summer months—but it’s still worth swinging in. And if you happen to be in Alaska during the winter and want to attend a very Alaskan event, don’t miss the Bachelor Auction. The entire town gets revved up and pretty darn drunk. It’s damn fun."