Sharing Alaska by Jovell in Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska is an adventurer’s playground. There’s not a whole lot you could ask for that the state doesn’t provide. Any direction you turn is sure to lead you to a breathtaking spot. Living in Anchorage is great. It’s nice to be able to live in the city and still have the great outdoors right in my backyard.

Name:Jovell
Occupation:

Photo enthusiast and burrito expert.

Tell us about Anchorage:

Anchorage is the largest “small town” I’ve ever been to. Although it’s home to more than half of Alaska’s population, everybody here feels like your neighbor. It’s impossible to go somewhere and not see a recognizable face. We’ve got great views and dope hikes in and around the city, so you don’t have to go far to have a lot of fun.

A perfect day?

A perfect day for me would be waking up to some good music, probably Marvin Gaye (been on a Marvin Gaye kick lately), grabbing my walk-around camera, a Canon F-1, and hitting my secret burrito spot. Maybe meet up with some homies and go for a hike right before sunset.

What is the best thing about Anchorage?

The best thing about Anchorage is its proximity to the wilderness. I am by no means an expert outdoorsman, but I do have an appreciation for nature and hiking. I love living in Anchorage because everything is so accessible, but I can still remain connected to the city life.

What is the worst?

The worst is definitely the darkness during the winter. It can be hard to cope with such long hours of darkness, but the best way is to just get outside and make the best of what you’ve got.

What would be surprising about Anchorage to an outsider?

If you visit during the summer months (May-July) you’d be pretty surprised by the amount of sunlight we get. One of our state’s nicknames is “The Land of the Midnight Sun” and it’s true. In June we get 20+ hours of daylight which is perfect for hiking.

Who are three of your favorite artists?

My brother from another, @TheYoungKimosabe. We bounce a lot of ideas off of each other, as well as hike together. My homie out in Bellingham, @Fursty, just an all around great dude, and he’s ridiculously talented. My SF fam @5pts, great photographer and even better person.

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Comments
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Name:Jovell

City:Anchorage

Favorite place to eat:

Oh man, I love food way too much to just pick one spot to eat, but if I had to recommend a spot, I’d say Noodle World Alaska. I’m a sucker for traditional Korean dishes.

Favorite shop:

It’s a tie between AK Boardroom and Stewart’s Photo. AK Boardroom is the illest spot to grab skateboarding and snowboarding gear. I don’t skate or snowboard, but the store is full of homies, and they get some pretty dope sneaker releases. And Stewart’s is my go-to place for camera questions. Google is great, but nothing beats learning from a real live person.

Local Tip:

Don’t eat the yellow snow.