After breakfast, we'll spend time on the Susitna River bank then wander across the water via footpath to the other side. We'll pack our sketch books and explore areas adjacent to the inn, including the riverfront park, the Chase Trail, and even nooks and crannies in the village.

Lunch will be on our own in town. Attendees will find a delightful mix of restaurants and food trucks, featuring everything from pizza to seafood, to sandwiches and curry bowls.

Afternoon is free time to rest at the inn, further explore the town, or book an adventure not on our itinerary. Options include rafting, flightseeing, heli-hiking, dog sledding, and fishing.

We'll load up after breakfast and take a one hour van trip to the state park. Here we'll explore Alaska’s spectacular wilderness on an exhilarating trek with an experienced naturalist guide. Denali State Park is famous for its hiking trails, wildlife, and magnificent views of nearby Denali. This 5 to 6-mile hike gains 1,100 feet in elevation, climbing from lush forest to alpine tundra and stunning panoramic views of Alaska Range peaks and glaciers.

Sketching opportunities abound, from majestic alpine vistas to delicate wildflowers and berries. Denali hiking - the views across the range - doesn’t get any better than this! A box lunch will keep us fueled as we spend an immersive day in Alaska's best kept secret.

After breakfast, we'll walk to or be dropped off at the local gear shop to select our trusty rides for the day. We'll hop on bikes and peddle the 3 miles to the Talkeetna Lakes Trailhead. From there, we can either walk or bike within the park; 1,040 acres featuring six lakes and over a dozen miles of well-maintained walking and biking trails.

This lush old-growth forest is alive with songbirds, wildflowers, berries, and mushrooms. We'll share stories about wildlife encounters, life in Talkeetna, and how the area’s Athabascan Native people thrived in this wild land.

Our final full day, we'll return to Denali State Park. This day will see a leisurely stroll, with plenty of time for observation and sketching. We'll enjoy magnificent views of the lake and surrounding mountains, and learn about the area’s animal and plant life. Guests may see nesting trumpeter swans, loons, eagles, or bears foraging for spawning salmon. Lunch is provided.

Returning to the inn, we'll freshen up and get ready for dinner. Our last group meal together, we'll enjoy a very special catered dinner: a private and leisurely meal at a local farm outside of town. We'll linger over plates and share fresh memories newly made.

After breakfast, we'll gather our things and check out of the inn. Attendees who arrived by rental car can head on out. Guests who arrived by bus or train will be shuttled to meet their rides. Guests with time to spend before boarding their transportation to Anchorage will enjoy luggage storage and the opportunity for one more spin around town.