Skip to main content

Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Southeast Alaska Episode

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What new bourbon are we pumped about? Which hiking trail are we exploring? Why is the next supercar so cool? The Manual is dedicated to helping men live a more engaged life. Each week, our editors and guests get together for a round-table discussion about what’s new, exciting, and unique in the men’s lifestyle world. So pop open your favorite brew, step into your man cave, and start streaming.

For this week’s episode of Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast, the round-table — the associate editor of lifestyle, Chase McPeak, and the ever-affable host, Greg Nibler — have a tete-a-tete about America’s largest and arguably most beautiful state: Alaska. However, since Alaska is so huge, the guys limit their coverage today specifically to Southeast Alaska.

First, Chase discusses his recent trip to Waterfall Resort on Prince of Wales Island, where he spent a week fishing for king salmon among the islets and islands of Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest archipelago. He details how you arrive at the resort (by floatplane), how to fish salmon (mooching), and points out the finer bits of the adventure, like spotting bears, eagles, humpback whales, and even orcas.

Next, Greg does a deep dive into cruising around Southeast Alaska. He offers tips on multiple places to eat, drink, and be merry in multiple little Southeast Alaska towns, all while trying hard not to denigrate the cruise experience. One great takeaway is that a cruise allows you to take your home base with you, wherever you may be wandering; you only unpack and pack once, you always know where your bed is, and you gain a sense of comfort and familiarity on a cruise ship that you might not otherwise get if you were attempting to drive from city to city and natural wonder to natural wonder.

Hear all the great stories that came out of these two guys’ separate trips to Southeast Alaska:

Thanks for tuning in! If you have a question for The Manual podcast crew, give us a shout at podcast@themanual.com — we’re always around! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and keep an eye out for podcast polls so you can join the discussion.

Further Reading

Chase McPeak
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where…
Topics
The best times to book flights and hotels for fall, according to Expedia
Expedia reveals the best days to fly and stay this fall
travel in fall

Last week, Expedia dropped its Fall Travel Outlook, outlining everything travelers need to know to score the best prices on fall travel during shoulder season. The report, which outlines the best times to fly, best times to stay, and top fall destinations, showcases why fall is the perfect "sweet spot" time to travel for savvy travelers.

Not only do airfares drop during the shoulder season, but vacation rentals and hotels also drop, making fall the perfect time to explore destinations on your bucket list. These key takeaways from Expedia’s Fall Travel Outlook will help you plan your fall trip smarter.

Read more
This Tokyo hotel offers a retro nightlife experience you can’t miss
Travel back to Tokyo’s Showa era with this exclusive hotel package
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Tokyo’s glittering skyline hides a side of the city where time seems to stand still, and Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is ready to take guests there. Perched atop the 52-story Toranomon Hills Mori Tower, the luxury hotel has unveiled “The Nostalgic Soul of Tokyo Today – Music, Flavors & Night,” an immersive package that whisks travelers back to Japan’s Showa Era (1926–1989).

The experience begins with a 3.5-hour guided walking tour through Shimbashi’s neon-lit backstreets, where vinyl record bars spin 1970s kayōkyoku hits, intimate Obanzai eateries serve comforting family-style dishes, and traditional snack bars invite visitors to join spirited Mama-san-led karaoke sessions. 

Read more
Personal item vs. carry-on differences explained — don’t board without reading this
Not sure which bag goes where? Let’s break down what sets them apart
someone carrying a duffel bag and someone carrying a backpack next to each other

There’s something satisfying about sliding one perfectly packed bag into the overhead bin and tucking the other neatly under the seat in front of you. But to reach that moment without stress, you first need to know the difference between a personal item and a carry-on.

One is for your in-flight essentials — the things you’ll actually reach for during the flight. The other carries the bulk of your stuff, from clothes to toiletries. 

Read more