4th of July Fireworks Celebration (Downtown Juneau)
We quickly figured out it was going to be hard to get much rest since everyone was shooting off fireworks all around and we were right downtown so we heard it all. It was ok though as everyone who knows me knows I don’t do well with actual naps (become crankier than usual) so I just goofed around online, started my blog like a good TB’er, and watched some television. Before I knew it, it was after
We wandered down to the cruise ship terminal across the street and it was already starting to get packed. It was fairly warm out earlier so I just opted for my light sweater and my flip flops still. Yeah, not so smart.
Once we got closer in, I quickly figured out this was not so much my type of crowd. Pretty much everyone surrounding us were underage kids who were drunk! Most of them were thoroughly obnoxious and cursing, smacking each other around, and just being stupid. Keith and I both pondered if we were ever that obnoxious at that age but I don’t think I was…plus I wasn’t out drunk at 18!
We kept moving down in hopes of finding the “older” less rowdy crowd and finally found a decent spot where we could see the fireworks from the dock.
FINALLY…it’s
I guess the tradition is everyone goes and parties hard that night but we were both exhausted and Keith had to work the next day so we were old fuddy duds and went to sleep!
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While you are up top, there are other things to see. There is the Juneau Raptor Center Bald Eagle display, a nature center, bear viewing platforms, hiking, and a restaurant.
You travel 1800 feet up Mount Roberts which offers views from the Chilkat Mountains to the north, and Gastineau Channel to the lands and waterways of the south, west to Douglas Island, and east into Silver Bow Basin where gold was discovered near the head of Gold Creek in 1880.
Plan to spend at least an hour to experience it but many people utilize the hiking trails and make a day of their experience. Tickets are good for all day rides and most of the time I was there, the lines were pretty short even with 4 cruise ships in.
Tickets:
$24.95 adults
$13.50 children 6-12
Free children 5 and under
Please note, hours may vary in both May and September due to ship arrivals and departures (beginning and end of the season)
There is a second story that has pool tables and seating as well which offers unobstructed views of the water. As we were in the 4th of July weekend, they had a band setting up to play that night since it's a huge holiday there for them.
We decided to sit at the bar since it was pretty crowded for 4pm! Keith suggested the Halibut Fish and Chips which is one of their specialities and how can I be in Alaska and not try the halibut, right? And it's beer battled in Alaskan Amber beer?? Oh gee, twist my arm! LOL
I ordered the beer battered halibut fish and chips ($14.95) and Keith ordered the tempura bettered halibut fish and chips ($15.95). Sadly, you would think halibut would be cheaper given we are in Alaska but I was warned halibut and salmon are both expensive there. Go figure! LOL. And to compliment my beer battered fish, had to get Alaskan Amber on tap! :D One of my favorite beers so I had to have it locally. They offer over 100 beers, 20 of which are on tap. The windows are decorated with upside down tap handles which is great. I enjoyed checking out all the handles, wondering how I could climb back there and undo them without anyone noticing. HA HA.
This is definitely a great place to come hang out - I saw a number of people I recognized from down on the cruise ship dock who were working tour booths and such. Everyone is super friendly, it's an unassuming place but you can order your $30+ filet if that is your choosing!
Wish I had time to eat here again and try one of their dinners but perhaps next time! They are owned by the same company as the Twisted Fish Company which is another place I ate and had fantastic higher end seafood so I am sure Hangar on the Wharf is just as good.
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