Embracing Fall in Our Alaskan Backyard
Can you believe it? Summer has nearly flown the coop. Goodbye summer and hello fall! Each season in Alaska brings its own unique charm. There is always something that we can do to enjoy our Alaskan backyard no matter what time of year it is.
Fall is especially nice, because there is so much to take advantage of that we are unable to experience in other seasons. The ample opportunities can make it hard to decide what to do! Fall is the best time for wildlife viewing, morning hikes through changing fall foliage, and time for the snowbirds to pack up and head south.
What are some of the events you can attend during the fall here in Alaska?
Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm Fall Festival
This fall festival is an Alaska must-see! If you’re looking to experience everything The Last Frontier has to offer you need to check out this farm located in the shadow of the gorgeous Pioneer Peak. This farm has provided farm fresh u-pick vegetables for over 40 years. It’s one of the best places to choose your own pumpkin. If you’re looking for the perfect family event to celebrate the changing of the seasons and all the autumn goodies such as caramel apples, cider donuts, and more this is the place to be.
Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm provides hayrides and a corn maze as well as tractor rides, grain train and cattle train rides. Your family can enjoy the giant jump pad or see cows, moose, reindeer and more up close! This event in Palmer, AK takes place three times in September, and you can purchase tickets on their website.
Alaska State Fair
From kids to adult, we all have fond memories of fair time. The smell of fair food in the air and the arrival of fair rides. The Alaska State Fair in Palmer from late August through early September. The fair features giant vegetables, gorgeous flower gardens, concerts and more. Generally, there are more than 474 vendors showcasing their Alaskan made crafts and veggies. Speaking of vegetables, you won’t want to miss the record-setting giant vegetable weigh off. You can see world record breaking history in the making! The livestock, rides and delicious fair food make this a hard event to miss.
Experiencing the outdoors in the fall
Enjoy a better wildlife viewing experience
With the tourist crowds dwindling our fellow Alaskan natives, the critters, are amping up their food intake for the winter. With crowds diminished you’ll have better views of the many animals our home state is known for. You can participate in bear viewing tours such as: marine wildlife viewing day cruises, the Denali Park Road, Eagle viewing, Moose viewing, Salmon viewing, Caribou viewing, Polar bear viewing, Walrus haulouts, Dall sheep, and wildlife parks. Don’t forget of course whale watching! The autumn season sees a natural increase in whale watching and they are hard to miss on nearly any ferry ride, but if you’d like dedicated viewing there are always some whale watching tours.
It’s still hiking season
It’s a great time of year to hit the Alaskan trails. It will require a bit more caution due to grazing grizzly bears, but you can appreciate Alaska and all its autumn beauty before winter rolls in. Speaking of winter, it’s time to start readying your winter gear. Take the time to update worn out items and stock up on your recreation supplies. You may notice items that need updating during your outdoor excursions as the weather starts to cool.
Alaska has a lot to offer its natives during the fall season and we are ready and willing to take it up on those offers. We love our Alaskan backyard and living here in Alaska is a true dream come true for so many of us. If you’re looking to find a new home or sell a home here in the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, and the Mat-Su Valley we are just a phone call away.
