GATEWAY TO ALASKA'S BEAUTY, PRIVATE COTTAGE IN QUIET LOCATION

The cottage is tastefully appointed and has a full kitchen, wood and slate floors, in-floor heating, gas fireplace, jetted tub, washer and dryer, cable TV and a screened porch. There are many lakes in the area, rivers for fishing, rafting and kayaking, and the Talkeetna Mountains with a restored gold mine at Independence Mine and trails for day hikes offering fresh air and fantastic views. Matanuska Glacier is also worth a day trip for a hike on the glacier.

Wasilla is the home of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Headquarters/Museum, and dog farms are open for tours in the Big Lake and Willow areas. Close to Palmer are the Musk Ox and Reindeer Farms. Talkeetna is a good hour's drive to the north. This small community comes alive in April-June with mountaineers from all over the world arriving to attempt to conquer Denali, the local name for Mount McKinley, North America's highest peak.