In all likelihood, gay isn't the first word that pops to mind when you think of Alaska. But if your vision of the last frontier includes only polar bears and oil drillers, look again. Rich with resources and drenched in petro dollars, the state boasts well-endowed arts centers, civic organizations, parks and museums.

Gay Alaskans don't necessarily flaunt their homosexuality, but this is a live-and-let-live state, and folks pretty much mind their own business, not yours. Alaskan culture pulses to an earthier beat, with graying hippies running kayaking companies, businessmen leaving work early for some skiing or hiking and traffic jams caused by wayward moose.

Stellar sea lions on a bouy

Alaska offers one of the last true escapes from the increasingly cookie-cutter landscape of the lower 48. Cell phones may not work and you may be far from a phone, never mind the Internet, especially in the bush. Just pack your sunscreen, layers of fleece and your sense of adventure and be the first on your block to put the gay in Alaska. The best, warmest and brightest time to visit is July and August. Days are long, offering sun worshippers nearly 20 hours of daylight per 24 hour period.

Alaska's state capital, Juneau, is a long, narrow city positioned on a beautiful harbor at the foot of two towering mountains and makes for an interesting stop on your visit to Alaska. There are no highways in or out -- you can only arrive by plane or boat. Although Alaska’s capital is also its third largest city, Juneau only has about 20,000 residents. When the cruise ships dock – and there are usually several gay groups visiting each year -- the city’s population can increase by 50 percent.

ACCOMMODATIONS
There are a couple of gay-welcoming accommodations. The Silverbow Inn (120 Second St., Juneau. Tel: 800-586-4146) offers comfortable accommodations and a gay-popular bakery.

The homey Alaska's Capital Inn, situated in a restored Gold Rush home offers tasteful, gracious accommodations and a hearty breakfast for those full outdoorsy days.

DINING
Fresh locally sourced produce and fresh-caught seafood are two of the best reasons to dine in Alaska. The Hangar on the Wharf, with the best waterfront view in town, is a local favorite. The halibut tacos are to-die-for, as are the buckets of king crab legs. Located in a historic airplane hangar building, the pub-style restaurant/bar is a lively, contemporary experience. Reservations are recommended.

The Silverbow Bakery, located in the historic Silverbow Inn, is Alaska’s oldest operating bakery. They still use the original (over 100-year-old) sourdough starter and were the first traditional bagel maker in Alaska where bagels are boiled, then baked in a revolving tray oven. Breads are made fresh daily, and sandwiches are piled high with meats, cheeses, and veggies.

Nearby, the friendly, cozy Twisted Fish Company is a great place for crab and many other types of locally caught seafood.

For fine dining, put on your best shirt and head to Baranof Hotel.