Hi,
If you go to Sitka, there is a surprising bit of Chicago and Midwest presence there. WBEZ's Louisa Chu just adores it there. There is an LTH member who has a Chicago style bar/restaurant in Sitka, Alaska.
A friend Nic Mink has a company
'Sitak Salmon Shares' where he buys salmon from Sitka, Alaska, then brings it to Galesburg, IL to distribute to Madison and Milwaukee as well as Indianapolis. Some day he will expand to the Chicago market.
My next door neighbor growing up, Joe Letarte, is a
registered wilderness hunting guide in Fairbanks. When we were kids, he'd come home from school then change into deerskin clothing and moccasins. He stealthly follow little critters. I once joked, "You played Danial Boone as a kid and made it your life's work."
I have no idea on the distance between Juneau and Sitka or Fairbanks, though you never know where life takes you.
Missing your grandkids will bite, though a change of atmosphere can refresh everyone's perspective.
Good luck and please report back on your life and food experiences.
Regards,