Seward: A Vacationer's Paradise.

• Author: GRENN, BEN

Once you've chosen your means of travel and arrived in this little community of 2,650 on the Kenai Peninsula, the question becomes not what to do, but what to do next. Every season has its charm in Seward.

When anyone says getting to Seward is only half the fun, they're not kidding. The modes of transportation are almost limitless. You can drive, fly, travel by train, arrive by ferry or cruise ship, or pedal your way there on a bicycle, Of course, the other half of the fun is being in Seward: winter, spring, summer or fall.

"Seward is Anchorage's backyard playground," said Dave Paperman, director of Seward Chamber of Commerce-Convention & Visitors Bureau. "It's a beautiful winter wonderland as well as a great place to experience the land of the midnight sun."

Santa's Train

Even Santa and Mrs. Claus drop their sleigh and take the train to Seward. The new tradition started in 1998, in conjunction with the Alaska Railroad and the Seward Chamber. Visitors-along with Santa, his wife, elves and reinderr-take excursions in December from Anchorage to Seward. Because the one-day holiday train to Seward was so popular its first year, a second weekend trip was added to accommodate requests.

Tourists are able to overnight at the new Edgewater Hotel, and are treated to complimentary transportation around town with stops at the Alaska SeaLife Center, the downtown business district and the harbor area.

"We had over 600 people the first year," said Paperman. "It's growing very fast in popularity. It was sold out early last year."

Polar Bear Jump-Off

For the brave of heart, there is still time to take the plunge in the Polar Bear Jump-Off Festival--a dive into the frigid Resurrection Bay.

"It's a great way to shake the winter blues and raise money for the American Cancer Society and children with cancer," Paperman said. The 15th annual festival runs January 14-16. The celebration includes a bachelor/bachelorette auction and an oyster-slurping contest. A 5-k ski race on Exit Glacier is also scheduled.

"The festival was even featured on the Nickelodeon Network in 1998," said Paperman.

Kenai Fjords National Park

In 1997-'98, Seward welcomed over 8,000 visitors in the wintertime. "Tourism around the state is growing, but Seward's (rate) is growing faster," said Paperman. When people visit Alaska, they come looking for an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives. "Fjords and fish are what lure most of Seward's visitors," Paperman continues.

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