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Rick’s “Not So” Local Lowdown: Our Unforgettable Alaskan Adventure

August 27, 2026 By Rick Meadows

Alaska Sunset

If you’ve been following along with Annie and me for a while, you know we love a good travel adventure to recharge our batteries. Usually, my “Local Lowdown” features our favorite Raleigh-area spots and local vendors, but every now and then, we have to take the show on the road!

We recently got back from an incredible bucket-list trip northwest to Vancouver, Victoria, and Alaska, and I just had to share some highlights with you all.

First Things First: A Shoutout to Our Travel Hero

Before we even got on the plane, this trip was set up for success thanks to the one and only Suiter Currin. Suiter is a luxury travel specialist extraordinaire, and her planning, knowledge, and attention to detail made our entire itinerary go off without a single hitch.

If you’re planning a big getaway anytime soon, do yourself a favor and reach out to her:

  • Suiter Currin | Luxury Travel Specialist
  • Email: suiter@lawluxurytravel.com
  • Phone: 910-228-8186
  • Website: Lawluxurytravel.com

Thank you, Suiter—you truly made this trip flawless!

Vancouver, Victoria & Regent Seven Seas

  • The Butchart Gardens
  • The Butchart Gardens
  • The Butchart Gardens
  • The Butchart Gardens
  • The Butchart Gardens

We started off taking in the scenery in Vancouver and Victoria. If you’ve never been, add it to your list immediately! The Butchart Gardens in Victoria were breathtaking—the landscaping alone is worth the trip.

From there, we boarded our Alaskan Cruise with Regent Seven Seas, and huge props are in order here. This was a cruise unlike any other we’ve experienced! It was a smaller ship, which meant first-class service, incredible food, and a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere.

When they say “all-inclusive,” they truly mean it. Our room was stocked with every beverage and spirit we requested, refreshed daily, and the dining was outstanding. A special shoutout to our cabin steward, Ni, who took such great care of us the entire trip!

My Top Three Side Trips

  • Meade Glacier
  • Meade Glacier
  • Meade Glacier
    Meade Glacier
  • Regent Seven Seas
  • Regent Seven Seas

It’s hard to describe the scale of Alaska in words (and pictures don’t fully do it justice!), but a few excursions stood out above the rest:

  1. Helicopter Ride to Meade Glacier: Hands down our favorite experience! Flying over the ice and landing on the glacier was awesome.
  2. Dog Sled Camp: A very close second! Getting up close with the dogs and learning about the camp was unforgettable.
  3. Whale Watching Excursion: Spotting wildlife against that Alaskan backdrop is something Annie and I will talk about for years.

We also loved walking through Juneau. Getting to stroll through town, chat with shop owners, and soak in the local vibe gave us a real taste of the 49th state.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, seeing the vastness of Alaska, the incredible sunsets, and breathing in that crisp mountain air was deeply inspiring.

It’s great to be back home in Raleigh, refreshed and ready to jump back into helping our amazing clients buy and sell in the Triangle! If you ever want travel recommendations (or real estate advice!), you know where to find Annie and me. Give us a call today at 919-961-3277.

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Filed Under: Just for Fun Tagged With: Local Lowdown, Rick Meadows, Travel

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4441 Six Forks Road
Suite 106-285
Raleigh, NC 27609

Phone: 919-961-3277
Email: Annie@HudsonResidential.com
Email: Rick@HudsonResidential.com

Annie and Rick Meadows
Real Estate Brokers
Hudson Residential

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