Have You Been to Ninilchik, Alaska?

In a state of extremes there is a small fishing village that is extreme in is own way. Located on the Kenai Peninsula and nestled on the coast, the closest major towns are about an hour away on either side. This small fishing community is an oasis easy to pass by. You seem to drive through it just as you enter it. While far from being the smallest community in Alaska, it is one commonly over looked.

In most aspects this is your normal small town in the middle of nowhere. On the other hand, most normal small towns don't boast over a dozen fishing charters or over a dozen B&B, RV parks, or small town. Ninilchik began as a Russian fur trading village. The Russian Orthodox Church built there in 1900 still stands with it's cemetery overseeing Cook Inlet and all the boats that venture it's waters. Many often gather to witness the commercial fleet enter the Ninilchik small boats harbor to "off load" their catch. Mt Redoubt, Mount Iliamna, St. Augustine and Mt. Spurr are four of Alaska's active volcanoes and can be seen across the inlet, safely in the distance. Over the years Ninilchik has grown into a town of spectacular resources. It has become a perfect middle ground for outdoor backwoods living and a modern convenient lifestyle.

Most would think a "good" town has a fully equipped grocery store, a gas station, a dentist office, etc. Everything a person would need for a "normal" life. Ninilchik has your basic needs. The Ninilchik General Store, right on the highway, works as the local video store, ice cream parlor, bookstore, fishing supply center and quick mart. The Inlet View Lodge has a place to sleep, food, homemade pies, a full bar and lice music on Friday and Saturday Night. Deep Creek Sport Shop, too, boasts a grocery, video, and gift selection, but also offers fishing pole, clam shovel, and cabin rentals, along with fishing and big game licenses. but there are local restaurants, churches, and laundry mats.