Eat, Drink, and Live Like a Fisherman in This Alaskan Coastal Town
Tips from a local.
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Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.
Photo by Camrin Dengel
Meet the Insider: Nelly Hand, owner, Drifters Fish
Location: Cordova, Alaska
Nelly Hand is a fisherman who runs her own small boat, catching wild spot prawns and Copper River salmon. She ships out her sustainably harvested catch directly to chefs, restaurants, and home cooks across the country through her business, Drifters Fish. Having grown up in the area, she’s the ultimate resource to this charming coastal town.
STAY
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The Reluctant Fisherman Inn is a great spot to stay because the rooms have beautiful harbor views where you can watch the local fishing fleet and the sunset over the mountains. Watch for sea otters napping in the harbor! If you are feeling adventurous, the Hidden Valley Cabin is a very cozy retreat nestled in the trees with an ocean view, just a short hike from town.
EAT
Camrin Dengel
Coastal Cravings is run by a local fisherman and serves up locally caught seafood. I love the salmon poke made with locally caught Copper River sockeye salmon. The halibut and rockfish are incredibly delicious as well, caught in the waters right outside of Cordova.
DRINK
Copper River Brewing makes local beers and seltzers using wild and foraged ingredients. Try the spruce tip seltzer or a glass of beer brewed with local kelp. For a good cup of coffee with a waterfront view, stop by The Whale’s Tale. You can find my smoked salmon lox on the bagel menu at this cozy coffee shop housed in a historic salmon cannery.
DO
Nelly Hand
Take a hike up the hill at the base of Mt. Eyak Ski Area. This short, scenic hike is close to town and takes you up above the harbor for a beautiful view of the wild coast that makes the region so unique. In the summertime, the trails are lined with wildflowers and wild blueberries, and in the winter, it’s a super fun little mountain to ski. Another really engaging way to learn more about the vibrant Copper River Delta is at The Copper River Watershed Project. Salmon is at the heart of this little fishing town, and the nonprofit works to support the health of salmon habitat. Stop by its gift shop and pick up a cozy sweatshirt to show your support for wild salmon. Or, rent a bike from Cordova Gear and explore the quiet roads along Orca Inlet.
SHOP
Camrin Dengel
Stop by the Drifters Fish shop down by the harbor to pick up some frozen-at-sea spot prawns or some of my wild-caught salmon to cook for dinner while you’re here. The Net Loft is another beautiful shop to pick up locally made art or take a creative workshop while you’re in town.
