The "3rd Hour of TODAY" co-hosts celebrated the summer solstice in Anchorage with a broadcast Friday June 20, 2025. The show took in the sights, experiences, and tastes of Anchorage that make the place so incredible. The show is sponsored by Visit Anchorage. 

If Al, Dylan, and Kaylee inspired you to plan a visit, we have a quick guide to everything packed into the show (and even more ways to enjoy Anchorage’s long summer days). 

Want to rewatch the show? All the TODAY segments from Alaska are available on-demand! 

https://www.today.com/3rd-hour-today 

Start the Show 

The hour opened with the anchors riding up the aerial tram at Alyeska Resort to the set located 2,300 feet above sea level. To honor Anchorage’s Indigenous peoples, Aaron Leggett of the Native Village of Eklutna and special exhibits curator at the Anchorage Museum gave a land acknowledgement welcoming everyone to Dena’ina Ełnena — the homeland of the Dena’ina Athabascan people. 

The anchors also toasted their arrival with a special cocktail – the Aurora Gimlet – from Anchorage Distillery. 

Buddy Up

The Alaska Railroad is the backbone of many epic Alaska trips, and the crew got a little taste of it from the Anchorage depot, along Turnagain Arm to Girdwood. The route is the first leg of the Coastal Classic, connecting Anchorage, Portage, Grandview and Seward beyond. 

The sun isn’t the only flashy thing about solstice in Anchorage. The shimmering waters hold king salmon, with a fishing derby held in the middle of the month. Ship Creek is legendary fishing steps from the city, and the team got some expert advice on hooking a king salmon from Dustin Slinker, owner of the Bait Shack.

A special Today Show Toffee Ice cream was waiting for them in the kitchen at Wild Scoops in Midtown. Alaskans have a sweet tooth; Alaskans consume more ice cream per capita than any other state. Wild Scoops has locations in Midtown Anchorage, and also two spots downtown for scoops. Check out our guide for even more treats. 

Kaylee Goes Big 

Kaylee Hartung met up with the owner of Go Hike Alaska on a foraging tour in Chugach State Park, culminating in an outdoor picnic of mushroom risotto at McHugh Creek Trailhead. Hartung also spent time at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where she met with Alaska Native games athletes to learn about the traditions and athleticism of Indigenous Alaskans. During her stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Hartung learned about the center’s resident bears and efforts to reintroduce wood bison to Alaska. She ended her piece with an exhilarating glacier jet skiing adventure with Alaska Wild Guides out of Whittier, making a splash - literally - with a cold plunge into the waters of Prince William Sound. 

Local Finds 

The broadcast also highlighted unique gift finds from Anchorage, including SteamDot Coffee, AK Starfish Co., Alaska Glacial Essentials, Prince William Sound Salt Co., and 10th & M Seafoods. For more Anchorage finds, check out the local shopping guide. 

An Olympic Guest 

Five-time winter Olympian and 2018 gold medalist in the team sprint, Kikkan Randall cross-country skied onto the set and shared insights into her days training on Anchorage’s all-season trails and life – both personal and professional – keeping her connecting to cross-country skiing and local trails. 

Food from the 49th State 

You’ll find more culinary inspiration from the featured chefs in Anchorage. Cameron Richardson is Executive Chef at The Crows Nest, Executive Chef Carlos Walker from South, and Chef Walter Donadio,  Alyeska Resort’s Executive Chef. For more food finds, explore Anchorage restaurants.