Kodiak, Alaska

Located on Kodiak Island, which, at about 5,000 square miles (12,950 square kilometers), is the second-largest island in the United States, on the Gulf of Alaska, and about 250 miles (402 kilometers) southwest of Anchorage, the city of Kodiak is a small seaside town set amongst Alaska's rugged wilderness. With a population of 6,334 people, Kodiak is the center of both a large maritime industry and a prime tourist destination.

Home to one of the busiest fishing ports in the world, Kodiak has a long and storied maritime heritage. Starting with the construction of a Russian-built cannery in the 1800s, visitors to the area have come for the wide variety of seafood, including everything from Salmon to Pacific Cod to King Crab, living in abundance in its waters. Today, approximately 27 unique fisheries are in operation, accounting for a sizeable portion of America's domestic fishery activities. For seafood lovers, the annual Kodiak Crab Festival is a must-eat event.

Beyond the tasty fruits de la mer, Kodiak is home to the Kodiak Wildlife Refuge. The region's unique range of flora and fauna and wide-open spaces provide excellent opportunities to see Kodiak's wildlife in its natural environment. From the world-famous Kodiak brown bear to red foxes to weasels to tundra voles to sea lions to river otters, numerous native species inhabit the park. Other animals have been introduced to the region, including Sitka black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, mountain goat, and muskrat. Opportunities for hiking, paddling, and climbing abound in this northern playground, and, beyond the refuge, hunting and fishing are also popular activities.

In the summer months, local vegetation on Kodiak Island comes to life, turning the region into a brilliant shade of green, leading many people to refer to the area as Alaska's Emerald Isle – a name not often heard during the region's cold, snowy winters. When the weather is too cold to consider going outside, residents can still play golf, swim at the local Olympic-sized pool, visit museums, go bowling, and watch movies at the local cinema.

A region of extremes – in nature and weather – you'll find yourself extremely pleased to make yourself at home.

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