Alaska is a one-of-a-kind and amazing place, and there are little things about everyday life there that can make people who used to live there miss home in surprising ways. These are 11 of them:
1. Lots of open space
Alaska’s huge wilderness gives a level of peace and beauty that can’t be found anywhere else. A short drive from the city will take you to a place where you are alone in nature, surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and untouched landscapes. It is hard to find a place else that gives you the same sense of freedom and closeness to nature.
2. Midnight Sun
In some parts of Alaska, it stays light out almost all the time during the summer. People can do a lot of things outside late at night because of the “midnight sun.” This creates a unique rhythm to life that many people miss when they leave.
3. The Northern Lights
In the winter, the aurora borealis lights up the sky over Alaska in a strange and beautiful way. Seeing the northern lights is an experience that you will never forget, and it stays with people who have lived there.
4. Berries in the wild
During the summer in Alaska, there are lots of wild blueberries, salmonberries, and other foods that grow in the woods. A simple but beloved practice for many Alaskans is picking and eating these fresh berries.
5. Unique Encounters with Wildlife
There are moose, bears, bald eagles, and other animals that live in Alaska every day. People who leave the state often remember these meetings with fondness.
6. The Strange Things About Dive Bars
There is a unique mix of locals, tourists, and casual workers that makes Alaska’s dive bars really cool. People often get together in these places to share stories over drinks.
7. Fun Fishing Trips
People in Alaska fish for a living, not just as a hobby. For Alaskans, fishing for salmon and ice fishing in the winter are both very important parts of their culture.
8. Campfires Under the Wide Sky
A classic Alaskan experience that brings people together and brings back memories is sitting around a campfire with friends and telling stories or gazing at the northern lights.
9. The road to Seward
From Anchorage to Seward, the drive is beautiful, with views of mountains, ice, and the ocean. People from Alaska miss this trip when they move away because it’s one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
10. Subsistence Way of Life
As kids, a lot of Alaskans learn to be close to the land by hunting, fishing, and getting food for the winter. It’s hard to find a deeper appreciation for nature and self-sufficiency than this way of life.
11. The Fierce Independence of Alaskans
Alaskans are known for their resilience and independent spirit. The sense of community combined with individualism creates a unique cultural identity that former residents often long for.
These small yet significant aspects of life in Alaska contribute to its charm and make it unforgettable for those who have called it home.
