Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
A family vacation can be a complete and utter disaster or an outstanding font of memories that can last a lifetime for you and your children. One of the keys to making your trip into something absolutely fabulous is the location you choose for your adventure. Since you have chosen to read this article, I assume you have an interest in both Alaska and the Great Outdoors. You, my friend, have chosen the right article to begin planning your quest for the perfect vacation with your little ones.
Cordova, Alaska is rich in not only beauty, but in activities as well. There are a surprising wealth of things for you and your children to do in the Cordova area, such as kayaking, hiking, and fishing charters. While in season, there is berrypicking, as well as float plane tours, hunting trips, skiing, or boating.
For animal lovers, there are many different species of wild creatures roaming about the region. Black bears, seals, river otters and bald eagles, and even a few moose, may be observed in and around Cordova. During the spring and autumn months, the key spot in Cordova is the Copper River Delta Habitat Area. Over 20 million seabirds and waterfowl migrate there each year. It is one of the Western Hemispheres most important wetlands and marshes, so bring your binoculars and have them at the ready, because you never quite know what will be making its appearance.
Cordova offers a few special events you may wish to consider when making your travel plans. During the first week of May, the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival is celebrated, including five days of field trips and workshops. Some of the species of birds you may be able to see are the Western sandpiper, orange-crowned warbler, American dipper, trumpeter swan, Canadian goose, and the short-billed dowitcher.
During the first full weekend of February, the Cordova Ice Worm Festival gets underway with a parade spotlighting Cordovas honored guest, the Ice Worm. Its actually a huge ice centipede that marches grandly along the parade route. The Festival also offers an art show, dancing, a survival-suit race, and the election of The Ice Worm King and Queen.
In June, the King Salmon Derby is held at the Fleming Spit, with cash prizes awarded to the winner. In August, Cordova holds their Silver Salmon Derby, with cash prizes for the winner as well as weekly prizes for the daily participants.
Cordova offers many different species of animals for you and your family to enjoy. Just imagine the looks on your childrens faces when they see their first moose up close and personal. Make sure you have your camera at the ready. You may also wish to consider taking along a sketch pad and some crayons for your children so they can document the animals he or she has seen, or, if your family is into high-tech toys, bring your digital camera along to give your children a more realistic scrapbook to show off to friends and grandparents.
Just north of Cordova are the majestic Chugach Mountains. You can reach them by aircraft charter from Cordova. Camping in the mountains, sleeping under the stars, or quietly fishing in clear blue waters are peaceful alternatives to the more taxing activities offered. You could also have your children do a nature study of the native plants, trees, and insects around your campsite.
To see one of Natures great wonders, treat your children to a visit to Childs Glacier. Take Copper River Highway out of Cordova to Mile 48 until you get to the Million Dollar Bridge. Here you can view Childs Glacier in all its glory. Although the view is quite spectacular, one word of caution must be stated. Pieces of ice will sometimes fall into Miles River, making a huge splash in your direction. Since there isnt a visitor center to protect you from the elements, you may get rather wet. You might wish to wear rain gear as a precaution against being soaked to the skin. On the up side, the waves resulting from the falling ice will sometimes wash up migrating salmon onto the riverbank, much to the delight of the local brown bears who roam the shores in search of food. Its a virtual buffet for them, and makes an exciting spectacle for you and your family.
Million Dollar Bridge itself is worth a look. It was built between two surging glaciers by railroad builder Michael Heney in 1910. Since the earthquake of 1964, Million Dollar Bridge has been only semi-repaired. It is said to be safe to cross, but it does seem to be a bit slanted and unsteady.
Shopping in and around Cordova consists mainly of Sterns Gift Shop and Old-Fashioned Grocery Store. There is also the Orca Book & Sound Co. where you can find a dizzying collection of gifts. From art supplies to toys, music, art, and of course books, you can find just the gift you need to take back home to your relatives--and maybe even a gift or two for yourselves.
The town of Cordova itself has a few attractions you and your family may find rather interesting. The Cordova Museum offers quite a variety of native artifacts, a stuffed 800-pound leatherbacked turtle, a lighthouse lens circa the 1840s, and plenty of historical bits and pieces from Cordovas pioneer past.
If your idea of roughing it isnt sleeping on the ground in a tent, but is more like sleeping in a warm bed complete with bed linens and perhaps room service, Cordova offers you a few alternatives to choose from. Cabins are for rent, a few hotels are in operation, and there is even a charming bed and breakfast called the Northern Nights Inn which comes with a resplendent view of the Orca Inlet. Even if you choose not to stay in this lovely antique-furnished bed and breakfast, its owner, Becky Chapek, can serve as a valuable wealth of information for you and your family about other lodging and activities while you are in Cordova. She also operates bus tours in and around Cordova, and can provide you with transportation to and from the airport.
The restaurants in and around the area range from the fast food you and your children are used to at home, to a few truly exceptional finds. At The Powder House Bar & Restaurant you can dine on homemade soups, sandwiches, seafood, and even sushi on a deck overlooking Eyak Lake. The restaurant staff will gladly cook any fish you might have caught during the day if you so choose.
The Reluctant Fisherman Inn is not only a lovely waterfront hotel, but also a comfortable place to sit back, relax and watch the boats sail by while you enjoy the local seafood, salmon chili, or pasta they have to offer in their nautical-themed dining rooms.
Or, if by chance you and the children are in the mood for pizza, The Ambrosia is an excellent selection for your family. Along with pizza, they also offer hamburgers, as well as a large array of pastas and delicious steaks on their menu.
Regardless of where you prefer to stay or which activities you choose to pass your time with, you will find that Cordova offers you and your family the ideal backdrop for your familys ultimate vacation.
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