August 31, 2006
My Juneau
This post is part of our series, "My Hometown" These posts will feature the hometowns and local connections that our employees have with the ports that our small-ships visit. This week's post is submitted by Kristin Freng, Association Sales Manager for Cruise West.
Q: What is your connection to Juneau?
A: My family moved to Juneau when I was in the second grade. I went all through school there and graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School. I've lived there off and on as an adult, although I currently live in Seattle. My parents and my sister and her family still live there. My husband, Kelly, also grew up in Juneau.
Q: What is your favorite time of year in Juneau and why?
A: My favorite time of year in Juneau is the 4th of July. My hometown throws a wonderful celebration that usually starts at 12:01am on the 4th with a fantastic fireworks display. The parade is usually a lot of fun, but my favorite event is the firehose races - a competition between the different fire stations in the community.
Q: Is there a particular food or song that reminds you of Juneau? 
A: Heritage Coffee reminds me of my hometown. I love the caesar salad with fresh King Crab from the Twisted Fish - I'm always trying to recreate that dish. I graduated in 1985 - so just about any song from the 80's reminds me of Juneau and those days.
Q: What is on your “must see” list for visitors to Juneau?
A: I feel the must see for my home town is a trip up the tram or a hike up the mountain. Juneau is beautiful from sea level, but the mountains are so magnificent and the waterways are so beautiful from that elevated spot. It's a great ride - even in the rain and fog! I also feel Juneau has a very rich mining history and political history - I suggest visitors go to the museums and the capitol to explore Juneau's past.
Q: Do you have a favorite area of the city?
A: My favorite area is "out the road." Juneau only has about 70 miles of road altogether. I love to drive as far north as I can, to the very end of the road, stopping along the way to watch birds or whales or just the ocean. Second choice would be out by the Mendenhall Glacier. My friends and I used to ride our bikes out to the glacier and swim in the lake during the summer. It's seems crazy to me now, but it was great fun then.
Q: Is there a favorite activity that you enjoy in Juneau?
A: I have many favorite activities in Juneau - hiking and camping would be high on the list. I also think the downtown area is charming and fun to stroll through. Best of all would be enjoying a cup of coffee in my mom's living room, though.
Q: Is there a particular restaurant that you’d recommend for visitors?
A: The Twisted Fish,The Douglas Cafe (on Douglas Island) and The Thai restaurant out in Auke Bay.
Cruise West vessels visit Juneau in the summer months while cruising on many of our Alaska cruise itineraries. In fact, we have a full office and support staff in Juneau to help us manage our tours, supply our vessel and take care of our guests that are overnighting at the Goldbelt Hotel. The very best way to experience all of Juneau, is to spend a few extra nights before or after your cruise. If you'd like to learn more about Juneau, consider visiting the Juneau Convention & Visitor's Bureau Website.
Posted by Kristin on August 31, 2006 9:41 AM
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