Mat-Su Valley Blog

Talkeetna Winterfest gets started this weekend with several events that are uniquely Alaskan. Winterfest officially gets started at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, as the motorized parade of lights winds its way through Talkeetna, ushering in a month of celebrations, events and holiday cheer. The fun gets...

This Thanksgiving, ditch Black Friday and opt for Shop Small Saturday in Palmer - you'll help support local businesses and you may find yourself a treat or two. Instead of fighting crowds at a big box store, spend your Saturday strolling through downtown Palmer, supporting members of your community....

Nordic skiers looking for groomed trails and spectacular views don't have to venture further than Hatcher Pass. Each year, Hatcher Pass receives the first snow of the year in Southcentral Alaska, which opens up many winter recreation opportunities. Nordic skiing enthusiasts flock to the area each...

The airport in Talkeetna has a new look, thanks to the completion of a new building for K2 Aviation. The building is elegantly constructed and has a lodge-like feel to it. It gives customers a new experience, even before they board a K2 flight to fly around Denali and the Alaska Range. The new K2...

At this time of year, we often get asked, "Is Hatcher Pass open, even though there's no snow in Wasilla?" The answer is YES! And to be honest, it's a great time to visit one of Alaska's most scenic places. Hatcher Pass remains open year-round, although with a few caveats. The road over the pass...

Untold Stories, hosted by the Palmer Museum of History and Art, brings Valley storytellers together for tall tales and memories of growing up on the Last Frontier. The event is molded after the popular Arctic Entries event in Anchorage. During each performance, seven storytellers have seven minutes...

With winter right around the corner, there's one more chance to celebrate fall this weekend. The Reindeer Farm in the Butte is hosting the final installment of their Fall Festival on Oct. 19. The festival is a family friendly event that includes several activities, food, music and most of all, fun!...

With the end of summer comes a new season - aurora watching. The season has gotten off to an early start, as aurora were spotted in late August and periodically through September already. The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that have to be seen to truly be appreciated. When the darker...

The Valley's newest park is celebrating its opening with a ribbon cutting on Monday, Sept. 16. Settlers Bay Coastal Park features something for nearly every outdoor recreationalist - hiking trails, mountain biking, views of the Chugach Mountains and the Talkeetna Mountains, birding and much more....

The Alaska State Fair has ended, and with it, the summer is drawing to a close. The Mat-Su Valley has had a fantastic summer, and it's turning into a beautiful fall as well. Before the snow hits, make sure you get out and enjoy one last memorable hike. Whether it's an extended backpacking trip or a...