From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

The Garden at Pearson's Pond

The rain dances across Pearson’s Pond as the garden vibrates lush green and red hues. It is early September in Juneau, Alaska and summer is officially over. No matter the weather, owner Diane Pearson’s enthusiasm for the changing seasons is contagious.

“Come outside and see the garden,” she beckons. A master gardener, Pearson points out the blackberry bushes as we stroll up to the bench that looks down upon the private glacial kettle pond, complete with paddle boat and kayaks.

Warm chocolate chip cookies great me upon arrival. Fresh bread, baked by Pearson’s husband, waits in guest rooms, as do champagne flutes. Pearson’s Pond is levitating romance. In fact, a blushing bride, married hours earlier, walks by and thanks Pearson for planning her special day.

Romance at Pearson’s Pond

“We sell an experience,” smiles Pearson. “Romance, honeymoons, adventure travel; we do complete trip planning, tailored to individual itineraries.” While there is a two night minimum for the property, the average stay at Pearson’s Pond is 10-12 days.

Romantic Forest View Room

Bring your credit card, because this luxury comes at a price. The Waterview Room, a demi-suite, rents for $525 per night, May-September. It offers a balcony, Whirlpool tub and small kitchenette. The Forest View room, my favorite, goes for $425, and comes with a kitchenette and rain shower in the bathroom with a Mendenhall Glacier feel.

Alaska’s only four diamond property, all rooms have kitchenettes, include an extended continental Self-Serve breakfast, afternoon snacks and wine and cheese from 5-6 p.m. A complimentary computer is downstairs, as is a small gym. Guests also have access to a massage room, bikes and laundry facilities for cleaning clothes after a day of outdoor adventure. And for those guests wanting to prolong their Alaska stay, the Pearson’s offer off-site deluxe one bedroom water view condos with balcony near downtown. Visitors to Juneau will have plenty of things to see and do in this outdoor wonderland.

Bench Looking Over Pearson's Pond

All photos courtesy of Nancy D. Brown

Pearson’s Pond (907) 789-3772 or 1 (888) 658-6328

4541 Sawa Circle, Juneau, Alaska 99801-8723