All throughout the Last Frontier, people who live in Alaska have a deep sense of pride for all things wildly-caught, locally-grown and sustainably-sourced. We are immensely proud of our local small businesses, and it is our responsibility to be educated on the products we can buy in order to keep our money with local, hardworking people throughout the great 49th state. We love Alaska, and we love sharing it with others! We also enjoy being one with nature, exploring the backcountry, and outfitting ourselves with the warmest and most durable Alaska Native clothing attire in the entire world. With that being said, you also need to check out these 20 things to avoid in Alaska. Alaska history has taught us that some things can be downright foolish!
1. Farmed seafood.
With the exception of responsible aquaculture, of course (we have some of the best farmed oysters EVER). If you haven't already taken the wild, natural, sustainable Alaska seafood oath... you'd better get on that, STAT. As the third-largest industry in the entire state, wild seafood is just the name of the game and the claim to our fame in the 49th state.
2. Or buying fish in general, honestly.
What do people in Alaska eat? Things they caught! If you have the time, always try to catch your own wild Alaska seafood, even if you're just visiting. There is just something you can't deny about fish that tastes better when you've caught it yourself. Check out some of the best places to go fishing in AK.
3. Even feeding your dogs farmed fish.
Don't you dare do it! Hey, our state sport is dog mushing. That means our dogs have to take the wild, natural, sustainable seafood oath as well. And by how quickly these bags disappear off our shelves, we think they are A-OKAY with it!
4. Eating hot dogs.
Say no to hot dogs and YES to reindeer dogs! When visiting the Last Frontier... do as the Alaskans do!
5. Camping without a view.
No views = no go. If you were in the lower 48, we'd understand if you wanted to pitch a tent somewhere sub-par. But in Alaska, go big or just go back home. Fortunately, there's no "worst" time to visit Alaska, so feel free to camp with a view in every season.
6. Snacking on chips from the lower 48.
You heard it right, folks. Even our potato chips are better than the mass-produced options. It's easy to feel less guilty about indulging in savory snacks when you know you're supporting incredible Alaska businesses.
7. Shopping at big corporate box stores.
Serving Alaska since 1980, Three Bears stores sell everything from guns and hunting supplies to cleaning supplies and delicious meats. Keeping money local by shopping at places like this family-owned store is a huge part of what being an Alaskan is all about.
8. Drinking wine that isn’t from Alaska.
Nowadays, with so many excellent beverage options in the Last Frontier, there is no need to give our money to out-of-staters! Plus, our wines are way better anyway.
9. Or drinking beer that isn’t from Alaska.
Same goes for our breweries! With hard-working Alaskans crafting the most delicious blends on the market, we won't ever go back the boring stuff.
10. Who are we kidding... spirits too!
That's right! We have a little bit of everything. And with flavors infused with birch, smoked salmon and so much more... we will keep it Alaskan, always.
11. Combat fishing.
Admittedly, we're guilty sometimes too. But really, there is no place we'd rather be than away from the rush and fishing in peace somewhere... anywhere... else. We know we aren't the only ones!
12. Giving away secret secluded fishing spots to those visiting Alaska.
Don't you DARE! The moose are watching. And so are the bears, wolves... and us!
13. Buying produce without an ‘Alaska Grown’ label.
With so many local Alaskans working tirelessly and putting their blood, sweat and tears into making sure that we have the most delicious products around, eating Alaska Grown is always the responsible (and most delicious) choice.
14. Seasoning your meat with a product that isn’t made in Alaska.
Say whaaat? Yup, that's right. Say goodbye to traditional seasonings and clean out your cupboard. Alaska Seasonings Company and others in the state offer the most superior products on the market! Plus, if you dare to season your meal without the proper Alaska-made seasoning, your meat just might jump right off the grill and run back into the woods. Don't take that chance.
15. Or buying meat in general.
I mean, when you have so many animals that you can responsibly hunt, it doesn't get much more organic and humane that gathering your meat with your two bear hands. Oops, we mean "bare" hands.
16. Shopping for name-brand winter gear.
These traditional Native Alaskan products don't even play ball in the same arena as the products that you'll find in the stores (which are generally all made outside of Alaska, or even America).
17. Heck, don’t even think about breathing air that’s not from Alaska.
Wink wink, nudge nudge. ;-)
18. Going into the backcountry unprepared.
Is Alaska safe? Well, in this wildly uninhabited and unforgiving state, it would just be silly and not smart at all to go into the backcountry unprepared. Ever. Prepare yourself before you go!
19. Staying inside when the Northern Lights are dancing.
When Mother Nature and the Aurora Borealis come together to give you the most magnificent FREE show of your life, don't offend them by staying inside. Live in the moment and lose out on a little sleep. You'll thank us in the morning.
20. Uttering the words “I am bored" in Alaska.
When is the best time to visit Alaska? The best time to visit Alaska is ALL THE TIME. So unless you want the longest eye roll of the century passed in your direction, don't ever say that you are bored here. It's freaking ALASKA. Boredom is not possible in the last frontier. Nope, nadda, no way José!
Want to show off your love for Alaska? Check out this fantastic Denali National Park poster from The Landmark Project.
If you really can't get enough of The Last Frontier, here's an amazing high-definition video with footage from plenty of Alaska landmarks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIdMkHvdlK0
Can you think of anything else that everyone who lives in Alaska should avoid? What advice would you give to someone who's considering visiting? We'd love to know what Alaskan cities to visit you recommend to outsiders. Let us know in the comments!
Now that you know what to avoid, dive into what we LOVE about Alaska! Pack up some of those Alaska Grown snacks and beverages and check out these amazing Alaska day trips.
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