Valerie & Valise
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  • About
    • The Values Behind V&V
    • Contact
    • Press & Writing
    • Work with Us
    • For Bloggers
  • Alaska
    • Glossary
  • Other West-inations
    • Baja California
    • California
    • Great Basin
    • Hawaii
    • Mountain West
    • National Parks
    • Pacific Northwest
    • Southwest
    • Escaping Cleveland
  • The V&V Shop
    • Cart

The Best of the West

My name is Valerie; my husband and I have called the American West home for many years.
Let me be your guide to Alaska, the American West, and beyond.

Want to learn more about me?
Start Here
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Alaska
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Great Basin
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Hawaii
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Pacific Northwest
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Southwest
  • Momentum Alaska Review Hero
    Reviews

    Momentum Expeditions Alaska Review:
    An Incredible Wilderness Adventure

    June 4, 2023 / No Comments

    There are a lot of incredible places in Alaska. (Understatement!) I've been fortunate to visit many of the more easily accessible ones, and to share my stories and resources about them to help other people visit them too. And while I certainly travel a lot and specialize in Alaska travel, I don't really consider myself an "adventure traveler;" I jokingly say my style of adventure is more like "Diet Adventure" or "adventure light..."

    Read More
  • Things to Do in Haines Hero
    Destination Guides

    The 7 Best Things to Do in Haines, Alaska’s “Adventure Capital”

    June 2, 2023 / No Comments

    Nestled at the edge of Southeast Alaska's deepest fjord and surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, Haines boasts an enchanting blend of rich cultural heritage and extraordinary outdoor adventures. From exploring the thriving art scene and indigenous Tlingit culture, to indulging in world-class fishing and wildlife viewing, a visit to Haines promises an unforgettable exploration of the Last Frontier's unparalleled allure...

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  • Summer Solstice in Alaska - Hero
    Destination Guides

    Summer Solstice in Alaska: How to Celebrate in the Land of the Midnight Sun

    May 30, 2023 / No Comments

    In the Land of the Midnight Sun, where winter's grip can be relentless, the summer solstice is a celebration of light and life itself. Summer solstice in Alaska is not just about the extended daylight, it's a cultural event that encapsulates the joy of the season...

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  • One Day in Yosemite Hero
    National Park Travel,  Itineraries

    How to Make the Most of One Day in Yosemite National Park (2023)

    May 26, 2023 / 2 Comments

    Among California's National Parks, there are some incredible natural wonders – but nowhere compares to Yosemite National Park. Instrumental in inspiring the preservation movement that led to the founding of the National Park Service, Yosemite was established in 1890. Since then, millions of people have made the journey to the park, especially the Yosemite Valley. But can you visit Yosemite in just one day?...

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  • Where to Stay in Skagway Hero
    Destination Guides

    Where to Stay in Skagway: The Best Hotels & Inns in the Klondike Gateway

    May 23, 2023 / No Comments

    Tucked away in the scenic panorama of Alaska's Inside Passage, Skagway serves as a portal to the past, where the echoes of the Klondike Gold Rush still resonate. This charming town, steeped in history and surrounded by the raw beauty of untouched wilderness, is an absolute gem on any Alaska itinerary....

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  • Alaska in June Hero
    Destination Guides

    Alaska in June: Planning a Summer Trip in the Most Popular Month

    May 19, 2023 / No Comments

    Though you haven't experienced it yet, there are some quintessential experiences to have in Alaska: blue skies over a stunning landscape, wildlife wandering through your view, and the sudden realization that it's 10pm and the sun is still up! That's Alaska in June though – long days and lots of fun...

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  • Alaska in August Hero
    Destination Guides

    Alaska in August: A Guide for Late Summer Visitors This Year

    May 16, 2023 / No Comments

    Alaska may have a short summer season, but we certainly know how to make the most of it. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, both visitors and local Alaskans can experience all The Last Frontier has to offer, from culture and cuisine to the wonders of wildlife and the Great Outdoors...

    Read More
  • Where to Eat in Girdwood Hero
    Destination Guides,  Food Stories

    Where to Eat in Girdwood, Alaska: 13 Great Restaurants to Try

    May 12, 2023 / No Comments

    Nestled in a valley of the Chugach Mountains, Girdwood holds an almost mythic status, even among Alaskans. It's home to the state's best ski resort – Alyeska Resort – and still manages to capture the essence of ski town from the Lower 48, without being overrun by vacation rentals and chain restaurants...

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  • Seattle Weekend Getaways - Long Beach View
    Destination Guides

    23 Delightful Coastal Towns in Washington on the Pacific & Salish Sea

    May 9, 2023 / 2 Comments

    Though only one part of Washington State borders water, it makes up for it with a lot of inland waterways: the Salish Sea, which includes the Puget Sound, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Haro Strait, and a number of huge bays. All along the shores of these various bodies of water, delightful towns have grown to serve the industries in the area: fishing, shipping, and of course, tourism...

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Hi! I’m Valerie! 👋🏻


 
I travel with my trusty valise and my husband, Mr. V.

I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. I’m also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! ✌🏻
 
Want to know more?
Start here.

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Acknowledgement of Land

Through my site I promote travel to lands, including Alaska, Canada, and the Western U.S., which are the traditional lands of Indigenous and First Nations peoples.

With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgement, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands.

To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.

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