Tutka Bay Lodge - Alaskan Hospitality Perfected
As our water taxi departed Homer on an overcast afternoon in late August our captain set his course south by south-west across Kachemack Bay for the 25 minute run to Tutka Bay Lodge. The lodge owners, Carl and Kirsten Dixon operate Tutka Bay Lodge, their most recent acquisition, along with Redoubt Bay Lodge and Winterlake Lodge (both in south-central Alaska) where they reside year round. This grouping of lodges and services is known as Within the Wild Alaskan Adventure Lodges.
Kirsten and Carl's story is one of vision and the commitment providing authentic Alaskan hospitality. The couple left their lucrative jobs in the medical profession to begin a life in the wilderness together over twenty years ago and have never looked back. As the tale goes, a couple of tired and hungry fisherman stumbled upon the Dixon's riverside homestead where they were given a hot meal and humble accommodations. Carl and Kirsten have built on the concept of providing genuine hospitality to visitors in the wilderness, and have long since, perfected the art of living in Alaska's outback.
The Three Bears would have all loved Tutka Bay Lodge
Rarely will you find a destination in Alaska which satisfies the interests of such a wide range of visitors. Tutka Bay Lodge appeals to naturalists, as they explore the many trails meandering through the northern most temperate rain forest with densely populated old growth Sitka Spruce and lush green fauna. At least five eagle nests are perched along the shoreline. Fledging eagle pairs let out their unmistakable scream as their mother effortlessly patrols Tutka Bay for their next meal.
For those in need of a little rest and relaxation, Tutka Bay Lodge delivers. Once your complimentary massage is scheduled, you can contemplate whether you'll be joining the wellness instructor for a morning yoga class or a stretching group on the deck later in the day. A wood burning sauna and state-of-the-art spa are available whenever the mood strikes. An oversized terrycloth robe is provided to keep you toasty after your soak.
More action oriented guests will be delighted with incomparable kayaking in the bays, islands and inlets within an hours paddle from the lodge. Gus and Danni, the lodge hosts are both experienced guides as well as naturalists. Sea otters are one of the main attractions on the water. Overhead, a cacophony of seabirds, eagles and ravens go about their day in apparent disregard of our interest. Guest will also be encouraged to "wet a line" while at the lodge. Choose from a half day of fishing in Tutka Bay for halibut, salmon and ling-cod or just opt to fish off the dock. Either way, the fishing at Tutka Bay is off the hook!
It's all about the food - Kirsten Dixon sets the table, and the bar
Dinning at the lodge is akin to performance art. Once the stage is set, and the curtain opens, all distractions fade into the distance; for exquisite dinning is the heart and soul of Tutka Bay Lodge. Dinner begins with fine wine tasting and sumptuous appetizers. The three course meal to follow is presented with warmth and impeccable service. The chef de cuisine makes a tableside appearance describing the evening's entrée as guests listen attentively in anticipation. Everyone at the table agrees that dinner at Tutka Bay Lodge is the crowing jewel to an awe-inspiring day in the Alaskan wilderness.
Kirsten attended culinary school at the Cordon Bleu in Paris and hold's a master's degree in gastronomy from Adelaide University in Australia. She has authored two very popular cookbooks, The Winterlake Lodge Cookbook, and The Riversong Lodge Cookbook.
If cooking is you passion, the new cooking school at Tutka Bay Lodge will instruct and inspire foodies to explore the preparation of regional seafood and produce. Many of the herbs and vegetables served at Tutka Bay are grown on site, a trademark of Kirsten Dixon's from garden to table approach to cuisine.
Guest may extend their stay in Alaska by adding a scenic flight from Tutka Bay Lodge over Cook Inlet to the Dixon's year-round home at Winterlake Lodge located on the Iditarod Trail and or Redoubt Bay Lodge for world-class brown bear viewing, fishing, and kayaking.
Tutka Bay Lodge sets the bar in hospitality, cuisine, location and warmth. A remote Alaskan destination will surely delight every member of the family.