Family-owned and -operated since opening its doors three decades ago, The Annie Mae Lodge has a fascinating history behind it. Annie Mae Gilley, born in 1899 the eldest daughter of hardworking Scotch-Irish coal miners in Roanoke, Virginia, worked tirelessly to help her widowed father raise her seven siblings. Life was difficult and Annie Mae learned to augment her coal-miner father’s meager wages by taking what the land could offer – berries, fish and game.
She met James Carl in 1915, while he was stationed with the Navy in Norfolk, Virginia. They married, moved to San Diego, and raised a son, Everett. James and Annie Mae loved the independent, country lifestyle, learned to take what the land offered them, and taught that same spirit to their son. After Annie Mae passed away in 1989, Everett assembled his three daughters, Lesli, Melanie and Linda, to deliberate a family project that would create a tribute and lasting remembrance for his children and following generations to his mother’s memory.
The Annie Mae Lodge was, and continues to be, that tribute. Nestled in the small, isolated homesteading community of Gustavus, Alaska, the gateway community to Glacier Bay National Park, the Annie Mae features a comfortable, down-home country ambience with cozy accommodations, wonderful meals and plenty of outdoor adventure.
Glacier Bay National Park and the surrounding waters offer plenty of opportunities for boat tours, whale watching, kayaking and, of course, fishing, and the Annie Mae has several package options available. For saltwater enthusiasts, the Icy Strait and Cross Sound offer world-
class sport fishing for halibut, salmon, lingcod, black cod and sea bass. Choose a half or full day of guided fishing aboard a fully outfitted charter boat with all equipment included. Experienced local guides find that fishing hole that doesn’t disappoint and impart their knowledge and enthusiasm for fishing Alaska’s rich waters!
If freshwater fly fishing is more your style, the abundant salmon, cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden that congregate in the many rivers, streams and mountain lakes of the area offer an unforgettable fishing experience for the discriminating angler! An experienced local guide accompanies you by boat or bush plane to a remote stream or lake and shows you tips, tricks and techniques to land that trophy fish.
If you’re just looking to get outdoors and experience the natural beauty of Alaska via hiking, biking, boat – or even plane! – there is a package for you, or you can customize your own. Book your Alaska adventure of a lifetime with The Annie Mae Lodge. Visit anniemae.com to find out more. NS
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