Mat-Su Valley Blog

This year, Plan for Vacation Day may seem a little different, but one thing remains the same - a getaway is just what you need to feel refreshed and renewed. Though many Americans are not ready or able to take a trip just yet, there is a wealth of information that says simply planning a vacation can...

For many, when the last salmon run ends in the fall, fishing season is over. But in the Mat-Su Valley, that's only the beginning of the "hardwater" season. From Lake Louise to Denali State Park, ice fishing opportunities abound in the Mat-Su Valley. There are more than 80 stocked lakes in the Valley...

Now that the calendar flipped over to 2021, don't forget to get your annual Alaska State Parks parking pass so you can get out and explore the parks system all year. The 2021 annual parking passes are once again $60, and are good for nearly every state park in Alaska. Due to the pandemic, some...

Christmas is just 10 days away, but it seems that all must be under control for Santa. He was recently spotted in the Mat-Su Valley taking a break by fat tire biking and kayaking, two of his favorite activities. The jolly old man got in contact with Dan McDonough of Lifetime Adventures last week -...

There is simply no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a visit to Colony Christmas, which is this weekend in downtown Palmer. The entire community comes together to make it one of the most memorable weekends on the calendar. This year, due to Covid-19, the event will look a little...

If you have always wanted to experience the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race from a musher's perspective, the Iditarider auction is the perfect thing for you. And if you are looking for one of the most unique Christmas gifts ever, look no further than this auction. The auction, sponsored by the Iditarod...

After years of planning, fund-raising and hard work from volunteers, Skeetawk, the Mat-Su Valley's first-ever triple chair lift downhill ski area, is set to open Saturday, December 5. Last Saturday, Skeetawk hosted a surprise soft opening for its season pass holders and members and it went well,...

This Thanksgiving, ditch Black Friday and opt for Small Business Saturday, a national movement to support small businesses by holiday shoppers. In 2020, many small businesses have had devastating losses from the economic impact from the pandemic, and Small Business Saturday is a great way to support...

What’s old is new again, just in time for the holiday season. When the Matanuska Colony was formed in the 1930s the federal government distributed Bingles to residents, and they could only be used in the Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation commissary and store. After two years, the government...

On November 26, the Alaska State Fair gets lit up with holiday cheer. The Bright Up the Night event at the fair consists of more than 70 holiday light displays across the fairgrounds. From the warmth and safety of your own car, you can proceed about a mile through the fairgrounds from the Purple...