When the 3rd Hour of TODAY heads out of the studio, you know you’re in for an adventure—but this morning, the team took viewers on a whirlwind tour through the heart of Anchorage, Alaska, delivering not just stunning sights, but also a taste of the city’s sweetest secrets.
The journey kicked off with a little confusion—where was Al Roker? Turns out, he was waiting outside with a “really sweet ride”: the legendary Alaska Railroad. Sporting a conductor’s cap and a grin, Al welcomed his co-hosts aboard a train with a history stretching back over a century and more than 650 miles of track. With glass dome ceilings and open-air cars, the ride promised panoramic views and a front-row seat to Alaska’s untamed beauty.
Onboard, specialist Mia shared some local wisdom: in Alaska, planes outnumber cars, and flying is often the fastest way to get around. But for her, nothing beats the train. “This is absolutely the best way to see Alaska,” she declared, as the crew soaked in the jaw-dropping scenery—mountains, forests, and endless sky.
After a quick singalong (“I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” naturally), the team traded tracks for tackle at Ship Creek, Anchorage’s largest urban fishery. At The Bait Shack, Army veteran Justin set them up for a little friendly competition. “Three, two, one, go!” he shouted, as the hosts cast their lines in search of the elusive salmon. The fish weren’t biting, but spirits stayed high—especially when Al joked, “I like doing this for the halibut.”
No fish? No problem. The next stop was Wild Scoops, Anchorage’s most whimsical ice cream shop, founded by a former middle school teacher who turned her classroom lessons into a full-blown scoop shop. Here, ice cream is more than just dessert—it’s a community event. Every year, locals trade homegrown rhubarb for a taste of the shop’s famous rhubarb ice cream, a flavor as unique as the city itself.
And for the TODAY team, owner Melissa had whipped up something extra special: Al’s favorite, a sweet cream base swirled with homemade jam. “Can we put ‘TODAY’ Show toppings to the test?” the hosts laughed, piling on the sprinkles and savoring every bite. “Anchorage has been a real treat,” they agreed, raising their cones in tribute to a city that’s equal parts wild and welcoming.
From breathtaking train rides to quirky ice cream flavors, the 3rd Hour of TODAY proved that Anchorage isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. And for one morning, viewers everywhere got a taste of its magic.
