While planning our route for a driving trip to Alaska, we asked for advice from a friend who grew up in the 49th state. Former Spokane resident Ted Barnwell was insistent we take a detour from the Alaska Highway and head north on the Klondike Loop. Good advice, Teddy!

We absolutely loved exploring the beautifully preserved Dawson City, including a visit to the Jack London Museum and a night at the Yukon River Campground, but a stop at Chicken, Alaska flew to the top of the best-moments-of-the-trip list.

While just about 30 people live there, it's got three distinct districts: Historic Chicken, Downtown Chicken and Chicken on the highway. Head a mile off the road to downtown Chicken, which is home to a saloon, mercantile, and Chicken Creek Cafe, which serves all manner of... you guessed it, chicken!

The delicious outpost has been run for the past 30 years by a woman who goes by the name Chicken Sue. She's author of a cookbook, and master of all baked goods. The prettiest pies, cookies, scones and muffins fill the counter near the cash register. 

Take a look at the hilarious merch while waiting for your order to be cooked. Bet you can't resist. 

And here's a sweet bonus: Chicken Sue offers free RV sites just around the corner from the cafe. On a sunny summer morning, we spotted a few folks waking up to the intoxicating smell of those baked goods. The reality check? We had been driving for nearly 2,800 miles before reaching this destination. 

Not convinced? Take a look at this short video tour of Chicken, Alaska:

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