Haines, Alaska and The World

Haines, Alaska sits in an incredibly scenic spot on the Lynn Fjord, the longest fjord in Alaska. It was my favorite spot in Alaska.It has a little bit of everything - shopping, a bed and breakfast, the Haines brewery, bald eagle viewing  on the Chilkat River, one of the most scenic campground spots ever, the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, an old Fort that has been made into restaurants, shops and the above mentioned bed and breakfast  and even a Hammer museum. Come along with me and see why I picked it as my favorite place to visit in Alaska!



We arrived by Ferry and the first thing we had to do was take a photo of  Mr. UR by the Welcome to Alaska sign since we hadn't seen one yet - we had flown in and been traveling by water so we hadn't seen too many road signs. When you arrive at your 50th state you have to document it!



We stayed at the Captain's Choice motel and they picked us up by van. It's a simple, family run motel with basic rooms and a great view of the harbor. And fantastic flowers!



We spent 3 days and 2 nights in Haines and kept ourselves very busy. Our main event was a float trip through the Eagle Preserve. But we also ate out - our hotel room didn't include a refrigerator or microwave - went shopping,( I bought an awesome t-shirt at the Lost Coast shop), walked around town - even in the rain one day- and spent a little time at the Haines Brewery.





Housed in a building from the set of the movie White Fang, Haines Brewery is small but in a unique setting. Also the fairgrounds, this old movie set houses shops too and was worth the walk. I think it was the only brewery I have ever been to that was in an old movie set!







Haines is a quirky little town in an incredibly beautiful spot. Mountains all around on a beautiful bay. There''s even a campground that sits right on the fjord - I've never seen a more perfect spot to camp. I think I could move to Haines - and I'm sure many have after visiting here - except for that little thing called winter.





While we were in Haines something very unique happened - The World came to town! Have you heard of The World? I hadn't! The World is a private cruise ship with the cruisers owning their own condominium on the ship. Residents come from all over the world - get it - and vote on the itineraries which vary from year to year. They live onboard with all the regular amenities of a cruise ship, but they own their own space. How much does this cost? Well, a studio will set you back around $600,000 and if you want a suite they start at $13 million (these prices are quotes from Fodors.com) They usually spend several days in ports and those pods you see in the water are their transportation to land - their "tenders" if you will. And they were going back and forth non-stop!



What do you think? Would you like to live on The World? I suppose that's a silly question  - if you like to travel it would be a dream residence. If you like that sort of thing - ha!

Oh, and that Hammer Museum - well, I can't tell you about that because we didn't go. I guess you have to save something for next time!


Tips for visiting Haines, Alaska -
-  I highly recommend The Bamboo Room. We ate breakfast here twice and I loved it! Great breakfast.
-  To buy seafood, head to Dejon Delights. They have samples to taste and will ship to your home. They also sell gifts and souvenirs.
-  Haines Brewery is located within the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds in the historic Dalton City, the White Fang movie set. Beers are available on tap or by the liter or half gallon to go.
-  Historic Fort Seward houses the Fort Seward lodge, including the Fort Seward saloon and restaurant, and the Fort Seward Bed and Breakfast.
 - I also recommend Fireweed Restaurant. But go early or late - or expect to wait. Very popular and cute place with good food.
 -  Lost Coast Shop is open seasonally and carries outdoor apparel and accessories, and locally made t-shirts. It is located at Main Street and Second Avenue.
 -  Captain's Choice motel is pet friendly, includes continental breakfast, some ocean view rooms and the captains lounge which is open from 5  - 9 pm. They also have a rental car fleet available.
-  And that campround? The Oceanside RV park. It's basically a parking lot right on the water but comes with free wi-fi and hot showers. OPEN ALL YEAR.
 -  Enjoy!



As most of you know, I live in South Carolina. This past weekend we had record setting rainfall and flooding in our state. As of now the death toll stands at 15, with 18 dams breeched, over 300 roads closed and 140 bridges washed out, 40,000 people without water and almost all others under a boil water advisory. Schools, including our university, have been cancelled for the week. Many have lost everything. The water is predicted to abate starting this coming weekend and when it does and officials can assess the damage, it is expected to be over a billion dollars. South Carolinians have come together to help each other - volunteering and donating at local churches. If you are interested in helping out from where you are, here are a few places you can do so:
American Red Cross
United Way of the MIdlands



I'm linking up! Please check out: Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, Friday Postcards at Walking On Travels, Weekend Wanderlust at A Brit and A Southerner and Weekend Travel Inspiration at Malaysian Meanders!










Comments

  1. Sorry to read about the flooding in South Carolina. It seems the weather has gone crazy all over the world. I love the look of Alaska. The boat harbour looks gorgeous. It is hard to imagine it frozen over.

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    1. Thanks Jan! Haines was a very fun city to visit! And South Carolinians are receiving love and support from all over - they're a strong bunch and will come out stronger. But it will be a very long rebuilding process.

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  2. These are great pictures - I love the ones of the mountains.

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  3. Nope, I've never heard of the World. Cool concept, but unfortunately, out of my price range. Your photos are lovely. I really do hope to get to Alaska someday!

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    1. Thanks Tara! Alaska is so photogenic that it makes it really easy to get some great shots. Hope you make it someday - I'm already planning my return trip!

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  4. I have not heard of The World either, but that would be interesting. I want to go to Alaska, and Haines, Alaska looks ideal. South Carolina has copped a hiding, Australian for a bad time, so we are thinking of you all. We know so well the vagaries of the weather here at home.

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    1. Yes, Paula, Australia sure knows the vagaries of weather - we have heard so much on the news of all your weather woes. There has been so much love and support from everyone and the water is finally receding only to have it rain again today. :( Thanks for visiting!

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  5. I had no idea the floods were so severe. Living in Australia, sometimes we don't hear a lot of overseas news (only the recent college shootings). Haines, Alaska looks like a picture-postcard kind of place, but I don't think I would want to live there in winter. Lovely photos!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Kathy! It will be a long struggle for South Carolina but there has been lots of support pouring in. Many have lost everything which is so sad. And I agree - Alaska is beautiful but not for me in the winter!

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  6. Looks like you had beautiful sunny weather for your visit. I wish I could say the same when we went on a recent cruise to Alaska. Haines looks very picturesque and sounds like a great place to go.

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    1. We had sunny but chilly weather for August for us in SC but I guess normal for Alaska. It was 55 and sunny most days with a little rain sprinkled in. Sorry your weather wasn't good!

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  7. I have heard of neither Haines nor The World. I think there's a good chance that I'll make it to Haines one day, especially after you've made it sound so enticing. The World, on the other hand, may be out of my reach. Praying for all of you out there in South Carolina during the recovery and rebuilding period.

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    1. Thanks so much Michele - we have received so much love and support from all over. The rains have finally stopped and the long rebuilding process has begun. And thanks for visiting! I plan a return to Haines someday but I fear The World is out of my reach also.

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  8. supeeer beautiful indeed...Alaska is amazingly breathtaking indeed. I sincerely hope I am able to come and visit Alaska during my stay here :). Cheers from NYC..

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