How Alaska Quietly Became The Unofficial Capital Of These 9 Things

The stunning natural beauty of Alaska is unparalleled. We've got magnificent mountains, vast tundra, and endless expanses of untouched wilderness.

People in other places complain about their long days at the office. Meanwhile in Alaska, we're going about our work days hauling in a catch, driving 18-wheelers on icy roads, working on oil rigs, and flying puddle jumpers from one remote spot to another. Even the secretaries here have to de-ice their cars just to get to work.

Sometimes, our hard work results in the most delicious reward. Alaska is hands-down the best place to find fresh seafood.

We have to admit that this one is kind of a slam dunk. After all, states like Florida can't really compete to be the best at glaciers. While the glaciers in Alaska might be shrinking rapidly, they're still jaw-dropping.

Alaska is untouched and untamed, and it can also be pretty dangerous. Every year we have tourists who get themselves in trouble because they don't respect the unpredictability of Mother Nature (and her creatures). This isn't a place for the unprepared.

The lower 48 is pretty spoiled when it comes to sunlight. Up here, we deal with months of darkness, and then we fully appreciate the long, long days of summer sunshine. There's no taking the sun for granted in Alaska.

There's nowhere in the U.S. to see the aurora borealis as often and as clearly than in Alaska. When the sun goes to sleep for the winter, the aurora puts on a show unlike any other.

There's not another state in the nation that offers up more adventure than Alaska. You could spend a lifetime exploring this state, and still not see it all. There's a reason Alaska's nickname is The Last Frontier.

Speaking of adventure, dog sledding is the ultimate Alaskan adventure. Our state is home to the Iditarod, the epic 1,000-mile race across the tundra. It doesn't get more hardcore than that.