Ketchikan, Alaska

Our first top on our five-day cruise was Ketchikan.  We had just visited in October and had no plans other than wondering around and trying some local food and beverage. 

 

NCL cruise ships dock at Ward Cove where you take a shuttle bus to the center of town.  There was a woman on our bus transfer from the airport to the cruise pier that had again boarded our bus at Ward Cove.  We visited with her on the ride to town and learned she was a widow traveling alone as she checked off bucket list items.  She ended up asking if she could tag along with us, which was quite enjoyable.  We were also dropped off at a different spot than our previous trip, which made for some new scenery. 

 

We walked Flo, our new friend, to Creek Street and up Married Man’s Trail.

 

We spotted the salmon ladder although it must not be salmon season because it was empty.  I heard when the salmon are spawning it looks like the water is boiling.  It would have been really neat to see but now we know how to get to it on any future visits.

We continued our walk taking photos of the totem poles as we passed.

 

We said goodbye to Flo, who had shopping to do as we had eating/drinking to do.  We continued to 108 Taphouse & Burger Bar where I ordered a local beer flight and we shared an interesting menu item that caught my attention.  Alaskan Cheesecake Bites: strawberry cheesecake wrapped in Indian Fry Bread, dusted with graham cracker crumbs, and served with a scoop of Tillamook vanilla ice cream.  Kenyon also ordered some fry bread.  OMG!  It was amazing and I enjoyed every single bite.

 

Our second stop was The Asylum for another local brew and a bite to ear at the nearby historic Burger Queen.  I really liked the bar tender at The Asylum, he was so nice.  It was definitely a local’s bar and had that laid back vibe.  We shared a two-piece fish and chips (amazing) and a bacon cheeseburger (just so-so).  It was a good experience and if we went back, I’d get the fish again.  Plus, the vibe was just fun. 

We had nice weather, overcast, with bits of sunshine here and there.  It was quite cold as long as that sun stayed hidden, so we ventured back to the ship.  I don’t know when we will be in Alaska again, but I have enjoyed visiting this little town and found the food and beverage to be a great way to explore.

If you missed it, you can read about our time on NCL Sun here ß