Talkeetna

"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."

"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."

"Luxury vacation rental company Stay One Degree is offering up an Alaska chalet in a secluded mountain location surrounded by panoramic vistas, with upscale touches every step of the way. The location, near Denali National Park, is so remote that there's no Wi-Fi or mobile signal, yet the experience is so elevated that you'll be greeted upon arrival with Champagne and seafood made by a world-class chef. Previously, the only way to experience an overnight stay in Denali was as a climber in a tent with freeze-dried food or at the more bare-bones Mountain House with typical camp fare and use of an outhouse. But this ultra-luxe chalet — 50 years in the making — has changed all that with its prime national park location on the southern flanks of North America's highest peak, at a 5,800-foot elevation. Three generations later, the Sheldon family turned this vision into a reality. The hexagonal-shaped chalet, built in 2015, allows for sprawling views from every side of its setting, as well as its viewing decks and outdoor fire pit. Inside, the ground-floor living space has a lounge, reading area, fully equipped kitchen, large dining table, private bar, and sauna, in addition to five bedrooms and two bathrooms, suitable for up to 10 guests. The sleek, 2,000-square-foot home is in an idyllic place for outdoor adventures all year round, thanks to its natural microclimate, so everything from snow cavern spelunking to glacier trekking are options along with plenty of opportunities to catch the northern lights. As the one destination in the area that's open year-round, the only way to get here is via a helicopter ride that passes through Denali National Park from Anchorage or the nearest town of Talkeetna, 55 miles away. Stays here start at $15,000 and run up to $31,500 per night for all-inclusive experiences that include a round-trip helicopter ride, food prepared by a private chef, and use of all gear and apparel for guided exploration in the 35-square-mile Don Sheldon Amphitheater." - Travel + Leisure Editors