10 Surprising Reasons to Visit Alaska

Alaska is so big and has such a rich history that it's impossible to really understand the diverse culture until you're there. It's a place where native cultures mesh almost seamlessly with European and Asiatic varieties in a way seen nowhere else on Earth.

Case in point: The recently-expanded Anchorage Museum rivals absolutely anything in the lower 48.

Dotted throughout Alaska are both reminders of the past and direct connections from that past to the present.

This is thanks to native cultures still established in their ancestral homes-something rarely the case in the contiguous U.S. Because of that, the traditions aren't relegated to reservations and museums but are instead a part of every town and its history.

Alaskans are easily some of the funniest and most genial people on the planet. This pic, from Ketchikan's "Red Light District," hearkens back to time not too long ago when brothels were still legal. Rather than sweep the history under the rug, Alaskans rarely take themselves too seriously.

Between long winters and high shipping costs, Alaskans have long understood they need to thrive on their own. Vistors benefit from this due to countless Alaskans who have taught themselves skills like playing an instrument, paint or, like our friend from Skagway Spirits Distillery here, more consumable forms of art.

Denali Brewing Company (seen here) and Alaskan Brewing Company are the two most well-known breweries in our 49th state, but each and every region of Alaska has numerous brewmasters plying their trade. Hit them up in style on one of the many tours available, like the incredible Big Swig Tours out of Anchorage.

Enjoy seafood? Alaska has some of the best around, including some of the freshest sushi you could ever find.

Juneau and Anchorage, meanwhile, have foodie scenes that rival the Portlands and Austins down south. (This above is a Reindeer Meatloaf sandwich that has the magical power to make you book your next Alaskan vacation on first bite.)

Tracy LaBarge might be the savviest business owner anywhere I've traveled.

Tracy's King Crab Shack is known worldwide as the place to experience King Crab legs and Crab Bisque. She's both expanded her restaurant empire and was an early entrant into the state's burgeoning cannabis industry. While Tracy has an amazing story, she's emblematic of a small business community that's earned our support through tourism.

While there are still numerous hurdles to consuming marijuana in Alaska, the industry is already booming thanks to early adoptors like LaBarge and Tara Bass (seen here, far left), owner of Skagway's Remedy Shoppe-the first licensed dispensary in the state.

Once roadblocks and stigma are cleared, the state is well-equipped to become a top Cannabis Tourism destination.

For most, getting from Point A to Point B is a mundane task involving rush hour traffic. For tourists in Alaska, the sheer size of the state means unique modes of transport including railroads (both Alaska Railroad and Gray Line of Alaska), ferries and planes that fly over majestic terrain.

For example, Ravn Air is the largest airline based in Alaska and flies to remote and otherwise inaccessible places.

Alaska has some amazing nature to explore, but everyone knows that.

What first-time visitors may not realize is that what sets the state apart is its amazing tour companies that curate these experiences. Allen Marine Tours is a great example of a company that does things the right way, making sure people get a purely Alaskan experience and not just a general nature tour.