Its snowing in Alaska and it is looking more like a winter wonderland every day. We have about 6 to 7 inches in Talkeetna as of this evening (Nov. 7) almost enough for getting out the ol’ snow machine and having fun on the trails. Denali Fireside is now open for all you snow lovers who need a break from the city! Relax for a day around our cozy gas fireplaces and enjoy Talkeetna’s winter serenity.
Snow!! Nov. 7/11
November 7th, 2011Great start to summer
June 10th, 2011Its June and the skys are clear and sunny! King salmon are making their way upstream and it looks like its going to be a great summer in Talkeetna Alaska. If you haven’t made plans to visit Talkeetna yet this summer than its not too late to book your accommodations, flight seeing and fishing trips or to just hang out in our quaint little town. The friendly folks here in Talkeetna will greet you with open arms, great food and drinks and many activities and adventures that will create memories of a life time!
Happy New Year
December 31st, 2010Denali Fireside wishes everyone a Happy New Year for 2011. Hopefully the economy will improve and the job market will pick up under the newly elected congress this year. For all of you taking in the New Years celebrations in Talkeetna there is a home style dinner at the Road House and a band is playing at the Fairview. God bless everyone in the new year!
23 days to Christmas
December 2nd, 2010To everyone out there we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Denali Fireside!
Devore family homestead story
November 26th, 2010The Devore family (mom, dad and 5 kids aged 11 to 17) was one of many families that came to Alaska in a vehicle caravan in 1959 from Michigan (the 59ers), seeking to homestead the “great land”. The experiences of the group’s journey and hardships were recorded at that time in newspapers across America. After an arduous 3 months of travel up the old and treacherous Alcan highway, the group finally arrived in Wasilla in late September. With many in the group fighting among themselves, the Devore family along with a few others decided to go it alone and headed north on the Alaska Railroad to Talkeetna where they disembarked. With winter closing in they had to move quickly. Several of the families decided to stay in or near Talketna. Irven Devore (patriarch) chose to separate completely, seeking a more remote location to the north. With their truck, homemade wooden camper and pull behind trailer in tow, the family reloaded onto a rail car and headed north to the siding at Mile Post 232, 5 miles north of Talkeetna. Arriving with little food and only a wooden camper for shelter, the family had to learn in short order how to survive off the land. Cutting and peeling logs for a small cabin and concerns over dwindling food supplies took priority. Potatoes were the main staple for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but eventually the family downed a moose. Unfortunately they were so hungry for meat that they didn’t allow it to cure, and the outhouse became a most popular spot! Dennis Devore, one of the few remaining pioneers of the “59er” era (Don’s brother) gives tours that take you back to this facinating time in Alaska’s history, a history that is fast disappearing. His website can be accessed at www.alaska-wilderness-adventure.com If you would like to book a tour, it is best to let us know at Denali Fireside as it is difficult for Dennis to get email from his cabin on the homestead. If booking through Denali Fireside we do offer discounts for this tour. Dennis also offers a Bed & Breakfast option. You can read a review on Trip Advisor under “Things to Do” + Talkeetna + Alaska Wilderness Adventure. There are also reviews of this tour on Trip Advisor reviews for Denali Fireside. Several of our guests have taken the tour and absolutely loved it!
Talkeetna’s Winter Parade!
November 26th, 2010Our winter parade begins at 6:30 p.m. on December 3rd. Parade participants line up at the Swiss Alaska Inn between 5:30 – 6 p.m. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate between 6:00-6:30 p.m. compliments of the Swiss Alaska. KTNA will be broadcasting music for the festivity. We at the Denali Fireside hope everyone will enjoy our winter activities. Talkeetna turns into a winter wonderland at this time of year, and the mountain is spectacular!!!
Quiet and Peaceful winter
November 10th, 2010Denali Fireside is closing for the winter. We are going south and will be back in the spring, around the end of April. We wish everyone a wonderful winter season. Stay warm and enjoy the peace and quiet of the winter months. We will stay in touch via our blog.
Don
winter is here!!!!
October 16th, 2010Well winter has arrived in Talkeetna with a touch of snow that fell last night. It is cold out today but Talkeetna is quiet and peaceful and a wonderful place to visit this time of year. Denali Fireside has closed its doors for this season but we will open again in the spring. We have had an interesting year with guests from all over America and from around the world. Our guests have made our small business exciting and pleasurable. We enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and interacting with them. We are looking forward to next year and welcome all to visit our Beautiful little town.
Oktoberfest Celebration
October 5th, 2010Oktoberfest Celebration is happening this friday, Oct. 8th at the T.C. Saint Philips Church (Mile 115, Parks highway).
It should be a fun evening with music by Barry Grant and Paul Thomas, an authentic German dinner, door prizes, silent auction and beer. Suggested donation for the evening is $15/person. Proceeds go toward a new sound system for future Fireweek Arts Council events. 7 pm – midnight
Talkeetna this fall
September 27th, 2010Hi out there, jusst a reminder that Talkeetna is alive and well this fall. The weater is crisp and clear and we are enjoying the mountain views from right in front of our cabins. It is a wonderful time to visit Talkeetna. Many fine restaurants are still open as well as the gift shops, museums and art galleries. Fishing is also good (but cold in the morning) and not too crowded this time of year. Take a break and come up and see us.