PHOTOS: Festival Fashion at Van's Warped Tour
Seattleites look for love at the 'Bachelor' and 'Bachelorette' casting call
With curated outfits and glossy headshots, 140 men and women arrived at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Seattle yesterday, hoping for a chance to be cast on the next season of ABC's "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette."
Which, given the last two seasons, isn't entirely unlikely: The current season of "The Bachelorette" features Seattleite Chris Siegfried among the eligible men, while last season, former Amazon employee Catherine Giudici was the final pick by Bachelor Sean Lowe.
Some of the candidates traveled as far as Spokane and Portland to be there.
But why show up at 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday, hair curled and hopes high, just to be on a reality television show?
"I'm here to find love!" explained biologist Elizabeth Larson, who'd come from Snohomish County, and called it a "good learning experience."
Alex Eli, one of the prospective Bachelors echoed the sentiment.
"I've tried at love too many times and failed, and thought that this would be the best chance to try something new."
Others were compelled by friends or family members.
"My mom didn't want me to be a cat lady," Rhianna Stepler-Camp explained, "She confronted me with it last night at midnight and was like 'You're going.'"
"The adventure aspect is really appealing," she added. Cast-members of the show are often taken to exotic locales and put up to exciting challenges, another component that many candidates cited as a reason to potentially put their love lives in front of the nation.
The casting process, which candidates described as "really fun" and "laid back," included low-key interviews with producers -- and a whole lot of sitting around and socializing.
Candidates will be notified of casting decisions later this summer.
PHOTOS: Rainbow halos galore around the Puget Sound region Saturday
Sometimes the rainbow isn't in the form of a halo, but just colors that just streak across the clouds. Fire rainbows, or more officially (and more boringly) known as "circumhorizonal arcs" are also caused by ice crystals in the thin, distant clouds being at just the correct angle to refract the sunlight into the colors of the prism.
If you have a photo of this effect from Sunday, E-mail me at scotts@komotv.com or Tweet me @ScottSKOMO and I might add it to this gallery.
It's a girl for Kim and Kanye!
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian have welcomed a baby girl, according to multiple outlets. The birth comes just a day after West's new album, "Yeezus," was leaked days prior to its scheduled release date.
The baby was not expected until next month, but sources close to the couple say that both the mother and child are in good health.
It's been a busy month for the couple; Kardashian's divorce from NBA star Kris Humphries was finalized ten days ago, and last week, rumors of an affair between West and model Leyla Ghobadi, who later backtracked on her claims.
The two have been dating since 2012, but say they have no plans to marry. There has been no word on the baby's name yet.
The baby was not expected until next month, but sources close to the couple say that both the mother and child are in good health.
It's been a busy month for the couple; Kardashian's divorce from NBA star Kris Humphries was finalized ten days ago, and last week, rumors of an affair between West and model Leyla Ghobadi, who later backtracked on her claims.
The two have been dating since 2012, but say they have no plans to marry. There has been no word on the baby's name yet.
'Tanning Mom' has been sent to detox
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A New Jersey woman widely known as "the tanning mom" was sent to a temporary detox facility after allegedly being intoxicated at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesman Patrick Hogan says airport police were called to the Delta ticket counter Thursday because of an intoxicated woman.
Hogan says Patricia Krentcil wasn't arrested but was taken to a detox facility to sober up. He didn't know if or when she had been released. She couldn't be reached at her home number Saturday.
Krentcil was accused of child endangerment in April 2012 for allegedly taking her then 5-year-old daughter into a tanning booth. A grand jury declined to indict her.
Hogan says intoxicated travelers go to detox if they can't care for themselves or be released into another's custody.
Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesman Patrick Hogan says airport police were called to the Delta ticket counter Thursday because of an intoxicated woman.
Hogan says Patricia Krentcil wasn't arrested but was taken to a detox facility to sober up. He didn't know if or when she had been released. She couldn't be reached at her home number Saturday.
Krentcil was accused of child endangerment in April 2012 for allegedly taking her then 5-year-old daughter into a tanning booth. A grand jury declined to indict her.
Hogan says intoxicated travelers go to detox if they can't care for themselves or be released into another's custody.
Star power galore at Songwriter's Hall of Fame ceremony
NEW YORK (AP) - Sting performed in honor of Elton John, Billy Joel sang snippets of Foreigner's hits when introducing the band and Smokey Robinson debuted part of a new song he wrote about Berry Gordy.
The 44th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony was full of star power that included Alison Krauss, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Nickelback, Petula Clark, Wiz Khalifa, Jordin Sparks and a video message from Bill Clinton.
Tyler, Perry, Mick Jones and Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Holly Knight, JD Souther and Tony Hatch were inducted Thursday into the Songwriters Hall 2013 class in New York City.
John and writing partner Bernie Taupin received the Johnny Mercer award, and Sting kicked off the night with a performance of "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting." Sting also called John and Taupin "my two heroes."
John, who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall in 1992, said songwriting is often taken for granted.
"I don't mean this lightly, but when you get an Ivor Novello award or an American songwriter's award, it means so much more than a Grammy because this is where the whole process starts," he said.
John also used the stage to try to clear his differences with Joel.
"I didn't see you tonight Mr. Joel, but I want to see you," he said.
Joel responded later when he was onstage with light jokes.
"Is Elton still here by the way?" he asked. "Anyway, we're OK. Call me. It's the same phone number."
Joel introduced Jones and Gramm, who gave the night's most rousing performance when they sang the Foreigner hits "Juke Box Hero" and "I Want to Know What Love Is," which had the crowd singing along, standing and swaying side-to-side at the black tie event. Foreigner also got a boost thanks to The Anthony Morgan's Inspirational Choir of Harlem.
Petula Clark also stunned with her performance of "Downtown," which Hatch wrote and produced in 1964. Hatch, too, was entertaining on the piano as he sang a medley of tunes he wrote, including Clark's "My Love" and Bobby Rydell's "Forget Him."
Hatch also provided the laughs after thanking Universal Music, who owns his publishing.
"I hope that plug will get me more royalties in the future," he said. "I'm still under those 1966 contracts."
Nickelback was impressive with their rendition of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion," which was followed with the rock icons singing "Walk This Way."
Krauss was soft when she sang for Souther, and Patty Smyth was a firecracker when she performed "The Warrior" in honor of Knight, who has written hits for Tina Turner and Pat Benatar.
"I want to dedicate this to all of my exes," Knight said before singing "Love Is a Battlefield" on piano.
Robinson, who gave a lengthy, 15-minute introduction to Gordy, said he was recovering from inflamed vocal cords and hadn't performed in two months. Then he sang part of a new song he wrote about his relationship with Gordy, who he called his mentor, brother, sometimes dad and best friend.
"Did you know all the joy you'd be bringing," he sang. Some of the cast of "Motown: The Musical" followed with a medley of classics.
Benny Blanco, the 25-year-old who has co-written No. 1 hits for Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Ke$ha, earned the Hal David Starlight award.
"They picked the wrong person," said Blanco, who has also worked with Khalifa, Nicki Minaj and Bruno Mars. "I'm in a room with people I should probably be serving food to."
The event also featured a video from Clinton, who spoke about the significance of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" during the Civil Rights Movement. The song, performed by Jordin Sparks, was honored with the towering song award.
The night also paid tribute to Hal David, who died last year, and Phil Ramone, who died in March.
The 44th annual Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony was full of star power that included Alison Krauss, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Nickelback, Petula Clark, Wiz Khalifa, Jordin Sparks and a video message from Bill Clinton.
Tyler, Perry, Mick Jones and Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Holly Knight, JD Souther and Tony Hatch were inducted Thursday into the Songwriters Hall 2013 class in New York City.
John and writing partner Bernie Taupin received the Johnny Mercer award, and Sting kicked off the night with a performance of "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting." Sting also called John and Taupin "my two heroes."
John, who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall in 1992, said songwriting is often taken for granted.
"I don't mean this lightly, but when you get an Ivor Novello award or an American songwriter's award, it means so much more than a Grammy because this is where the whole process starts," he said.
John also used the stage to try to clear his differences with Joel.
"I didn't see you tonight Mr. Joel, but I want to see you," he said.
Joel responded later when he was onstage with light jokes.
"Is Elton still here by the way?" he asked. "Anyway, we're OK. Call me. It's the same phone number."
Joel introduced Jones and Gramm, who gave the night's most rousing performance when they sang the Foreigner hits "Juke Box Hero" and "I Want to Know What Love Is," which had the crowd singing along, standing and swaying side-to-side at the black tie event. Foreigner also got a boost thanks to The Anthony Morgan's Inspirational Choir of Harlem.
Petula Clark also stunned with her performance of "Downtown," which Hatch wrote and produced in 1964. Hatch, too, was entertaining on the piano as he sang a medley of tunes he wrote, including Clark's "My Love" and Bobby Rydell's "Forget Him."
Hatch also provided the laughs after thanking Universal Music, who owns his publishing.
"I hope that plug will get me more royalties in the future," he said. "I'm still under those 1966 contracts."
Nickelback was impressive with their rendition of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion," which was followed with the rock icons singing "Walk This Way."
Krauss was soft when she sang for Souther, and Patty Smyth was a firecracker when she performed "The Warrior" in honor of Knight, who has written hits for Tina Turner and Pat Benatar.
"I want to dedicate this to all of my exes," Knight said before singing "Love Is a Battlefield" on piano.
Robinson, who gave a lengthy, 15-minute introduction to Gordy, said he was recovering from inflamed vocal cords and hadn't performed in two months. Then he sang part of a new song he wrote about his relationship with Gordy, who he called his mentor, brother, sometimes dad and best friend.
"Did you know all the joy you'd be bringing," he sang. Some of the cast of "Motown: The Musical" followed with a medley of classics.
Benny Blanco, the 25-year-old who has co-written No. 1 hits for Katy Perry, Maroon 5 and Ke$ha, earned the Hal David Starlight award.
"They picked the wrong person," said Blanco, who has also worked with Khalifa, Nicki Minaj and Bruno Mars. "I'm in a room with people I should probably be serving food to."
The event also featured a video from Clinton, who spoke about the significance of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" during the Civil Rights Movement. The song, performed by Jordin Sparks, was honored with the towering song award.
The night also paid tribute to Hal David, who died last year, and Phil Ramone, who died in March.
REVIEW: 'This Is The End' is actually funny, 'Man of Steel' is pretty strong
Opening Today: MAN OF STEEL (B) Up, up and almost away. Get the full review here.
Opening Today: THIS IS THE END (A-) A post-apocalyptic, cinematic, frat buy kegger...but also one of the funniest movies in a long time. Find out why it works.
Movies to look forward to in June:
MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (6/21; Pixar), WORLD WAR Z (6/21, Pitt), THE HEAT (6/28, Bullock/McCarthy) and WHITE HOUSE DOWN (6/28, Tatum/Foxx)
See It, Rent It or Skip It; in theaters now:
THE INTERNSHIP (rent it), NOW YOU SEE ME (rent it), AFTER EARTH (skip it), FAST AND FURIOUS 6 (see it), EPIC (skip it), THE HANGOVER PART III (skip it), STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (see it), THE GREAT GATSBY (skip it), IRON MAN 3 (see it), PAIN AND GAIN (skip it), OBLIVION (see it), MUD (see it) and THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (see it)
Available right now on DVD/Bluray:
Unlike many other critics, I didn’t really care for the movie I was supposed to like (OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL; C-) and kind of enjoyed the one I probably shouldn’t have (HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS; C+)
Get all the movie reviews you need at my website and follow me on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.
VIDEO: Is Seattle perhaps too bright at night?
On the right, the purple and green hues of the Northern Lights over a pretty dark Central Washington, courtesy of a moderate solar storm. (In the middle, a surprise lenticular cloud over the Mt. Rainier summit.)
On the left, the constant yellow glow of the lights of Seattle, which obscure the natural light show going on behind it to the north.
"It might be worth taking a small step back and looking at the bigger issue, and that starts by asking a simple question," Jensen wrote on his video description page. "How much energy did it take to casting so much light into the sky that we able to outshine a KP6 Aurora event from 60 miles away?"
He says he's not arguing that we need to turn off all the lights at night, but "the majority of this visible light, is light energy that we are not even using. The point is to ask if we are really being strategic and efficient in the way we use and allocate our energy? Or, are we just taking a 'spray and pray' approach to lighting out streets, parks, porches, etc..."
He finishes with this:
"How many millions of tax dollars ever year is every major city wasting because we are spending as much time lighting up the other side of a 14,400 foot volcano as we are spending to safely and efficiently lighting out cities?...
"This isn't just about not being able to see the stars at night. Its about the reality that being inefficient is expensive."
And maybe a side benefit is a little more purple and green in the Seattle skies during Northern Lights events?
Six last-minute Dad dates for Father's Day
Did you totally space on Father's Day? Don't sweat it; instead of picking up a tie that he will probably hate, why not give the man who taught you everything you know (whether he's your biological dad,or just an awesome father figure) something that he'll actually enjoy? Chiefly: Time spent together on a fun Father's Day date, which we already know is what he really wants.
Here are five picks you're more than welcome to steal (and take all the credit for) -- because really, we just want all the dads to be happy.
Get historic: Dads love history. Dads also love to learn things. Take your old man on a trip to one of Seattle's most father-friendly museums. MOHAI in South Lake Union is a great pick -- and afterward, you can stop over at Buca di Beppo, where we hear dads get a free dessert on Sunday! Another solid choice? The interpretive center at the Ballard locks. It's free and features tons of historical photos and information about Seattle's seafaring past.
Support the arts: Your dad graciously accepted all of your macaroni masterpieces when you were a youngster, so why not repay the favor with some actual art? Head North to the Edmonds Art Festival this weekend to pick him up a piece of real beauty by a local artist. And while you're there, sample some of the area's yummiest fare from local vendors, and take in the gorgeous views of this sweet little town. Get more information here.
Hit the links: Sending your dad golfing is cool and all, but why not go with him? Head to one of the area's driving ranges for a bucket of balls and a pitcher of beer. We suggest the Interbay Golf Center, but there are driving ranges all over the region, so maybe just opt for wherever's closest.
Ogle some autos: Bothell's 18th Annual Father's Day Car Show is a great afternoon outing with dad. It's free, it's supposed to be gorgeous outside, and you can snack your way through rows of classic cars. It's basically Dad Heaven.
Root for the home team: Unfortunately, the Mariners are away this weekend -- but you can still don your blues and cheer for the boys at your local watering hole. Take your dad to the closest sports bars and insist on buying all the sliders, ribs, and, of course, beer.
Wing it: When was the last time your dad get all up in some buffalo wings? Consult Yelp for some of the best hot wings in the area, or ask him where his favorites are. Then, see who can put the most away. Or, you know, you can take him to Hooters (if that's your thing), where dads get 10 wings free when you buy 10. But that's your call, really.
PHOTOS: Carly Rae Jepsen looked real cute on 'GMA'
In an appearance on "Good Morning America" this morning, "Call Me Maybe" singer Carly Rae Jepsen rocked Central Park with a new dance version of the song -- and this outfit.
Perfect for Seattle's so-so summer weather (hello, mid 70s), Jepsen's crisp red shorts, paired with a fitted leather jacked and sleeveless button-down could easily be mimicked on the Pike/Pine cooridor. The Canadian pop star also opted for white fishnets, a more demure take on the classic vamp standard, and a cute sock bun, which is basically the hairstyle for warm days.
Game recognize game, Carly Rae.
8 awesome pieces of advice from Sandy Cohen, TV's best dad ever
From Ward Cleaver to Bill Cosby, television has brought plenty of upstanding dads into our lives. But there's one TV father who rises above the rest: Sandy Cohen, who ruled his household with a stern-but-understanding hand week after week on "The O.C."
Sandy surfed his way into our hearts from day one, and even when he was salting son Seth's game, we thought we was both adorable and inspirational.
If you need a little fatherly advice this weekend, here are some pearls of Sandy Cohen wisdom to carry you through:
- "Never underestimate a parent's ability to mortify his children."
- "Just because you're leaving, doesn't mean I'm letting you go."
- "The next time you feel like using your fists, you better open your mouth and talk."
- "Denial is a very effective coping mechanism"
- "Since the minute you were born, I knew I would never take another easy breath without knowing that you were all right."
- "I hate to defy the GPS lady, because she gets so cross."
- "God doesn't give with both hands, son."
- "Let yourself feel what you need to feel, even if it hurts."
Sandy Cohen: Forever in our hearts.
Why is the Space Needle decked out in red, white and blue?
If you're around downtown Seattle today, you may think that the Space Needle has got its Fourth of July outfit on a little soon. But that's not why our beloved icon is gussied up in Old Glory. Today is Flag Day, a day dedicated to -- you guessed it! -- the flag.
Flag Day, which is commemorated on June 14 every year, celebrates the adoption of the U.S. flag. The flag was adopted on that day in 1977. Flag Day was initially proclaimed in 1916, but was officially enacted in 1949. It is not an official U.S. holiday, however, some states do celebrate it with a day off. Washington is not one of them.
Per the Congressional Act which made Flag Day official, the flag must be displayed on all government buildings. Which doesn't include the Space Needle -- it's privately owned -- but does include City Hall and other buildings owned by the city and state.
News you can use: Best and worst Father's Day gifts
Does your dad have everything? Lucky him! Of course, that can make shopping for Father's Day downright frustrating. But, in the haste to get him something -- anything! -- you may settle for a gift that's more of an obligation (or worst, kind of an insult) to your father dearest.
Not sure if your planned last-minute gift falls into this category? Don't worry, we've got a do-not-buy check-list for you, as well as some better alternatives.
If you love your dad, skip these unwanted prezzies and instead, opt for a nice steak dinner or, you know, anything else that he might actually like. According to Parent Tested, Parent Approved, top dad-friendly gifts include photos of their kids, something handmade, and quality time with their family.
Mumford and Sons won't be playing Bonnaroo, either
MANCHESTER, Tenn. (AP) — Mumford & Sons has canceled its headlining performance at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Tennessee.
The decision comes after bassist Ted Dwane received treatment this week for a blood clot on his brain.
The band made the announcement on its Facebook page.
The band postponed three shows earlier this week after the blood clot was discovered, but hoped to play Bonnaroo on Saturday night.
There is no word on what act will replace Mumford & Sons in the headlining slot in front of 80,000 fans.
Dwane is recovering from the procedure and was not ready to play Saturday.
Rather than perform with a replacement, the London-based Grammy-award-winning folk rock band decided to pull out.
The decision comes after bassist Ted Dwane received treatment this week for a blood clot on his brain.
The band made the announcement on its Facebook page.
The band postponed three shows earlier this week after the blood clot was discovered, but hoped to play Bonnaroo on Saturday night.
There is no word on what act will replace Mumford & Sons in the headlining slot in front of 80,000 fans.
Dwane is recovering from the procedure and was not ready to play Saturday.
Rather than perform with a replacement, the London-based Grammy-award-winning folk rock band decided to pull out.
Considering an Alaska cruise? Check out these alternatives to pricey excursions
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — It's cruise season in Alaska, with more than 1 million cruise passengers expected between April and September in port towns from Ketchikan to Seward.
Cruise passengers who sign up for shore excursions can spend hundreds of dollars, if not more in the case of families, in each port they visit. Taking a helicopter to see Juneau-area ice fields can easily run $1,000 for a family of four for a one-hour trip. A nature tour near the tiny town of Ketchikan can run $89 for adults and $50 for kids.
But there are many low-cost and even free things to do in Alaska port towns, from hiking to exploring glaciers to learning about Alaska and Native culture. Here are some ideas from some of Alaska's most visited ports.
Just remember: Your ship won't wait for you if you run late from an outing you've organized on your own, so allow plenty of time to get back to port for your ship departure.
KETCHIKAN
This southeast Alaska town is now known more for tourism than for its once-thriving timber industry. But timber workers' skills can still be admired at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, $35 (kids 3-12, $17.50) plus tax. Historic Creek Street, once a red-light district, now houses shops, galleries, restaurants and Dolly's House Museum, former home of madam Dolly Arthur, where visitors can learn about Ketchikan's bawdy past for a $5 admission. Off Creek Street along Married Man's Trail, you can catch the salmon running in the creek from mid-July into September.
Free downtown shuttle buses stop near the docks.
SITKA
A must-see in this stunning town is the Sitka National Historical Park. A national monument, it commemorates the 1804 Battle of Sitka between the Tlingit Indians and Russians. Totems — many of them replicas — are scattered along the park's two-mile (3.2-kilometer) wooded trail. There's also a visitor center, where you can see Native artists working, and the Russian Bishop's House, which the park service says is one of the last surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. The house tour is $4 (free for kids under 16).
JUNEAU
Alaska's capital has a walkable downtown with museums, shops, easy access to trails and the state Capitol, which offers free tours. The popular three-mile (4.8-kilometer) Perseverance Trail is within walking distance from the port, though it requires a jaunt up steep streets. The trail, which forms a spine for a network of trails, features scattered exhibits on the region's mining history, along with stunning views of rushing water, waterfalls and mountains. You'll likely see birds — possibly a bald eagle — and maybe even a mountain goat, black bear or porcupine. The trail is steep and narrow in sections and can be hot in the sun, so bring water.
Hikers also can try the Mount Roberts Trail, though it's an uphill trudge, muddy and mucky in spots. You can take the Mount Roberts Tram down for $10, or $31 round-trip (kids 6-12, $15.50).
Another popular destination is Mendenhall Glacier, reachable by bus. The $16 round-trip rides, offered by MGT Blue Glacier Express, run every half-hour, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. most days during the summer season. Hikes near the glacier include an easy stroll to Nugget Falls.
SEWARD
Seward is a final stop for some Alaska cruises, and many disembarking passengers head straight to Anchorage, 110 miles (177 kilometers) away, by bus or train. But there are plenty of reasons to spend a day or more here.
A free shuttle runs every day in summer, taking people along a circuit from the cruise ship terminal to the chamber of commerce office to downtown. If you have time, rent a car or hire a taxi to take you a few miles (kilometers) outside town to Exit Glacier, located within Kenai Fjords National Park, for spectacular up-close views of the glacier.
The downtown historic area offers shops, cafes, the Seward Community Library and Museum in a new building, and the Alaska SeaLife Center, which is Alaska's only aquarium ($20; $15 for ages 12-17, $15; $10 for 4-11).
Chamber officials don't recommend hiking the city's famed Mount Marathon, site of an annual July 4 mad scramble up and down the 3,022-foot mountain. A runner disappeared during last year's race and several were injured. Instead, if you want to hike, try Jeep Trail. Locals say it's not too strenuous, and offers a view of the Anchorage Bowl.
WHITTIER
Chances are you won't spend much time in Whittier. Chamber officials say 90 percent of cruise passengers leaving their ships immediately head to Anchorage, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north.
But passengers beginning their Alaska cruises here arrive about 1 p.m. and have a few hours to spend in town before departure. Also this year, one company is making a port call here every other Monday, giving passengers a chance to look around town.
It's probably unlike any other they've seen. Whittier is the gateway to the fjords of Prince William Sound, but the U.S. Army saw another purpose. The Army saw Whittier's almost constant cloud cover as a perfect way to hide an almost ice-free port. The Army left in 1960, and most of the town's 180 year-round residents live in one of two former garrisons converted to condos.
There are a couple of souvenir shops, a few restaurants and cafes, a hot dog stand when lots of people are in town and a museum. Several fantastic hikes can be done in two or three hours. The Horsetail Falls hike doesn't disappoint, and offers views of waterfalls above the tree line. The Portage Pass hike affords views of Portage Glacier.
ANCHORAGE
No cruise ships are scheduled to sail to Anchorage this year, but many passengers wind up here by bus or train, if for nothing else to fly home.
With nearly 300,000 residents, Anchorage offers attractions found in many big cities, as well as some that aren't. Think wildlife. Moose and bear coexist throughout the municipality, and moose are a common sight around town.
Downtown, you can rent bikes and enjoy a leisurely spin on the city's 135-mile (217-kilometer) plus trail system. That includes the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, good for a bike ride, hike or run. It's accessible from many points downtown, but parts will be closed for renovation this summer. If that sounds like too much work, you can rent a Segway.
And if you prefer to see wildlife in a more secured setting, a free shuttle at Fourth and E streets downtown goes to the Alaska Zoo ($12; $6 for kids 3-17). The shuttle will also stops at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a cultural center and museum ($25; $17 for kids 7-16).
The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center downtown features art, history and science ($15; $7 for kids 3-12). A timeline exhibit of Alaska history includes a cross-section of the trans-Alaska pipeline and a twisted beam from the 1964 earthquake. The magnitude-9.2 quake was the biggest ever recorded in North America.
If you want to go fishing, there's no need for a charter. Heck, you don't even have to leave town. A downtown bait shop at Ship Creek will rent you all the equipment you need to land a fish.
There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops. And here's your chance to eat Rudolph: Several vendors offer reindeer dogs.
___
Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska.
Cruise passengers who sign up for shore excursions can spend hundreds of dollars, if not more in the case of families, in each port they visit. Taking a helicopter to see Juneau-area ice fields can easily run $1,000 for a family of four for a one-hour trip. A nature tour near the tiny town of Ketchikan can run $89 for adults and $50 for kids.
But there are many low-cost and even free things to do in Alaska port towns, from hiking to exploring glaciers to learning about Alaska and Native culture. Here are some ideas from some of Alaska's most visited ports.
Just remember: Your ship won't wait for you if you run late from an outing you've organized on your own, so allow plenty of time to get back to port for your ship departure.
KETCHIKAN
This southeast Alaska town is now known more for tourism than for its once-thriving timber industry. But timber workers' skills can still be admired at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, $35 (kids 3-12, $17.50) plus tax. Historic Creek Street, once a red-light district, now houses shops, galleries, restaurants and Dolly's House Museum, former home of madam Dolly Arthur, where visitors can learn about Ketchikan's bawdy past for a $5 admission. Off Creek Street along Married Man's Trail, you can catch the salmon running in the creek from mid-July into September.
Free downtown shuttle buses stop near the docks.
SITKA
A must-see in this stunning town is the Sitka National Historical Park. A national monument, it commemorates the 1804 Battle of Sitka between the Tlingit Indians and Russians. Totems — many of them replicas — are scattered along the park's two-mile (3.2-kilometer) wooded trail. There's also a visitor center, where you can see Native artists working, and the Russian Bishop's House, which the park service says is one of the last surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. The house tour is $4 (free for kids under 16).
JUNEAU
Alaska's capital has a walkable downtown with museums, shops, easy access to trails and the state Capitol, which offers free tours. The popular three-mile (4.8-kilometer) Perseverance Trail is within walking distance from the port, though it requires a jaunt up steep streets. The trail, which forms a spine for a network of trails, features scattered exhibits on the region's mining history, along with stunning views of rushing water, waterfalls and mountains. You'll likely see birds — possibly a bald eagle — and maybe even a mountain goat, black bear or porcupine. The trail is steep and narrow in sections and can be hot in the sun, so bring water.
Hikers also can try the Mount Roberts Trail, though it's an uphill trudge, muddy and mucky in spots. You can take the Mount Roberts Tram down for $10, or $31 round-trip (kids 6-12, $15.50).
Another popular destination is Mendenhall Glacier, reachable by bus. The $16 round-trip rides, offered by MGT Blue Glacier Express, run every half-hour, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. most days during the summer season. Hikes near the glacier include an easy stroll to Nugget Falls.
SEWARD
Seward is a final stop for some Alaska cruises, and many disembarking passengers head straight to Anchorage, 110 miles (177 kilometers) away, by bus or train. But there are plenty of reasons to spend a day or more here.
A free shuttle runs every day in summer, taking people along a circuit from the cruise ship terminal to the chamber of commerce office to downtown. If you have time, rent a car or hire a taxi to take you a few miles (kilometers) outside town to Exit Glacier, located within Kenai Fjords National Park, for spectacular up-close views of the glacier.
The downtown historic area offers shops, cafes, the Seward Community Library and Museum in a new building, and the Alaska SeaLife Center, which is Alaska's only aquarium ($20; $15 for ages 12-17, $15; $10 for 4-11).
Chamber officials don't recommend hiking the city's famed Mount Marathon, site of an annual July 4 mad scramble up and down the 3,022-foot mountain. A runner disappeared during last year's race and several were injured. Instead, if you want to hike, try Jeep Trail. Locals say it's not too strenuous, and offers a view of the Anchorage Bowl.
WHITTIER
Chances are you won't spend much time in Whittier. Chamber officials say 90 percent of cruise passengers leaving their ships immediately head to Anchorage, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) north.
But passengers beginning their Alaska cruises here arrive about 1 p.m. and have a few hours to spend in town before departure. Also this year, one company is making a port call here every other Monday, giving passengers a chance to look around town.
It's probably unlike any other they've seen. Whittier is the gateway to the fjords of Prince William Sound, but the U.S. Army saw another purpose. The Army saw Whittier's almost constant cloud cover as a perfect way to hide an almost ice-free port. The Army left in 1960, and most of the town's 180 year-round residents live in one of two former garrisons converted to condos.
There are a couple of souvenir shops, a few restaurants and cafes, a hot dog stand when lots of people are in town and a museum. Several fantastic hikes can be done in two or three hours. The Horsetail Falls hike doesn't disappoint, and offers views of waterfalls above the tree line. The Portage Pass hike affords views of Portage Glacier.
ANCHORAGE
No cruise ships are scheduled to sail to Anchorage this year, but many passengers wind up here by bus or train, if for nothing else to fly home.
With nearly 300,000 residents, Anchorage offers attractions found in many big cities, as well as some that aren't. Think wildlife. Moose and bear coexist throughout the municipality, and moose are a common sight around town.
Downtown, you can rent bikes and enjoy a leisurely spin on the city's 135-mile (217-kilometer) plus trail system. That includes the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, good for a bike ride, hike or run. It's accessible from many points downtown, but parts will be closed for renovation this summer. If that sounds like too much work, you can rent a Segway.
And if you prefer to see wildlife in a more secured setting, a free shuttle at Fourth and E streets downtown goes to the Alaska Zoo ($12; $6 for kids 3-17). The shuttle will also stops at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a cultural center and museum ($25; $17 for kids 7-16).
The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center downtown features art, history and science ($15; $7 for kids 3-12). A timeline exhibit of Alaska history includes a cross-section of the trans-Alaska pipeline and a twisted beam from the 1964 earthquake. The magnitude-9.2 quake was the biggest ever recorded in North America.
If you want to go fishing, there's no need for a charter. Heck, you don't even have to leave town. A downtown bait shop at Ship Creek will rent you all the equipment you need to land a fish.
There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops. And here's your chance to eat Rudolph: Several vendors offer reindeer dogs.
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Thiessen reported from Anchorage, Alaska.