Talkeetna

Talkeetna is known for having one of the best viewing spots of Denali/Mount McKinley and for being a quirky small town (population 500-800ish).  They elected a cat (as a write-in candidate on a ballot) named Stubbs as mayor, and he currently resides in the general store.  It's about 15 miles to get into the "downtown" area of Talkeetna from the turnoff.  We took pictures of Denali from the turnoff and by the river, then headed "downtown" to go to Nagley's General Store, an art gallery, and then to the Roadhouse to eat dinner.  Adam from Man vs. Food had sat where I was sitting!  The roadhouse is decorated with shirts and flags and banners that are signed by people passing through on their way to hike up Denali.  There was one shirt that said "Where Men Are Men and Women win the Iditarod" that was signed by the late Susan Butcher (won the Iditarod 4 times).  After dinner we tried to take some pictures of Denali and the float plane lake at night.