The Rumors Are True...

The rumors are true... Tracy's Crab Shack has the best legs in town!  My Momma and I recently sat down at the shack for a big ol' feast, the Captain's Reserve - 1 large leg and 1 large killer claw of Bering Sea king crab, with a scrumptious side of crab bisque.  And believe it or not, Prosecco pairs wonderfully with drawn butter. 

Tracy's Crab Shack is not only a hotspot for tourists, but it's a favorite of locals who flock there daily for her excellent FRESH seafood.  Check out her unique outdoor setting (and brand new gift boutique) near the Juneau cruise ship docks - you won't be disappointed!

Rainy Days, Rainy Parades

My dear sweet Momma is visiting from Bama for a few weeks.  I have been determined to show her the REAL Alaska, and I think she got the gist.  Rain doesn't deter Juneauites - even for a Fourth of July Parade.

Fourth of July, Juneau-Style

Rain doesn't deter Juneauites from outdoor celebrations, and it certainly didn't deter me from getting my Momma out and about for her first Fourth of July in the Last Frontier.  Because of late-night brightness in the Alaska sky, official fireworks traditionally start at 11:59pm on July 3, a big change for my Mom who's visiting from Alabama.  Having her by my side to watch the brilliant fireworks light up the Juneau 'skyline' was an awesome kick off to the Fourth of July weekend.

Downtown Juneau's parade is one of my favorite summer events, and I think the cruise ship passengers who happen to be docked in Juneau on the fourth are oh-so-lucky.  What better way to see a slice of southeast Alaska! 

Want to see how the celebration changes from year to year?  Check out my blog post from 2013 for more photos and videos.

Three Skillets and a Daughter's Surprise

The challenge of living in Alaska, if you're not originally from here, is connecting in person with far-away family and friends.  For starters, it's ridiculously expensive to fly out of Juneau.  Secondly, if you can't get direct flights on your itinerary, it can take an entire day or longer to get to your final destination, especially if that destination is south of the Mason-Dixon line.

I recently decided to surprise my Mom, who lives thousands of miles away in Alabama.  My good friend, Yvette, took my Mom to dinner, under the guise that Yvette would soon cruise through Juneau, and it was ample opportunity for Yvette to bring up some things I had in storage. Yvette totally rocked our surprise, and I couldn't have done it without her.  Thanks, Yvette!

A big THANK YOU also goes out to the kind folks at 3 Skillets in downtown Huntsville.  They helped me orchestrate an epic surprise - complete with a quick and dim jaunt up the back stairway.  Below is the video capturing the surprise moment.   Grab your Kleenex!

It was all I could do to not run towards my Mom when I saw her park outside the restaurant. 

Mom and I at 3 Skillets. 

With my sweet and beautiful friend, Yvette.