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Alaska RecommendationsHaving recently moved from our beloved Alaska, we have gotten many questions from various people about what we’d recommend they do in Alaska. It can be helpful knowing some of the best places the locals know that aren’t in the tour books. The following are our recommendations of what we think are the best things to do in Alaska – many of which require only enough money to put gas in your car! We have nothing to gain from these recommendations – they’re simply our most loved places in Alaska. ENYOY the Last Frontier!!- Marty & NicoleClick Here to download this document as a Word File or right-click on the link and click "Save Target As". DAY TRIPS FROM ANCHORAGEAll times listed are approximates from downtown Anchorage (based on my memory – sorry for inaccuracies). 1) Matanuska-Susitna Valley (1 hour North): a very large valley 1 hour North of Anchorage that is full of adventures! Nicole and I lived between the towns of Wasilla and Big Lake along the Parks Highway for the first 1.5 years we lived in Alaska. The largest cities in “the valley” are Wasilla and Palmer. The little agriculture in Alaska occurs in this area. See more about the MatSu Valley here. a. Hatcher Pass (1-1.5 hours North) – our all-time favorite destination in the MatSu Valley for hiking and experiencing the beauty of Alaska, just a short drive from Anchorage. The pass runs through the mountains and exits in Willow along the Parks Highway. The pass closes in the fall (and will likely be closed in mid-late September) but it is well worth the drive from Wasilla up to Hatcher Pass Lodge and Independence mine. The view up there is incredible and there is superb hiking in the Alaskan Tundra! i. Hatcher Pass Lodge – if you have the time and can stay a night in the cozy A-frame lodges, it is a wonderful experience not to be missed. b. Bodenburg Butte (45 min North)– about 10 minutes from Palmer, and about 45 minutes from Anchorage along the Old Glen Hwy (take the Old Glen Hwy exit as you’re heading north out of Anchorage toward the MatSu Valley). This 881 foot mound affords phenomenal views of the famous mountains of the MatSu valley which surround it (esp. the most recognizable and highest peak of the MatSu valley: Pioneer Peak – this photo taken by Nicole from atop Bodenburg Butte). In amongst the mountainous landscape you will see the Knik Glacier. This hike can be a bit strenuous, but it can be hiked comfortably to the top and back in about 1 hour. c. Palmer Musk Ox Farm (45 min North) – we actually have not been to this farm, but it’s a very popular tourist stop and an interesting piece of Alaska’s unique wildlife. While there, check out Palmer – one of the most beautiful mountain towns we’ve seen. d. Matanuska Glacier (2 hours North) – the largest glacier in Alaska accessible by car! Incredible sight to see, and the drive is phenomenal through some amazing mountain vistas. This glacier is 24 miles long and 4 miles wide, and it is possible to hike right up to it. Less than 100 miles from Anchorage. Some more nice photos of the glacier. Check the weather before driving out there! e. Call of the Wild (1.75-2 hours North) – Bar & Café – Big Lake, Alaska (link has not been working – we’re hoping it’ll come back online soon). This is a very unique spot that nearly takes a 4x4 to get into. With a full bar, they make the best Cheeseburgers and fries which you can eat on their deck overlooking Big Lake as boats dock below, and planes land and take off in front of you. This one’s not in the tour books! Call first before driving all the way out there: (907) 892-6274 2) Anchorage Coastal Trail (Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – 0 hours) – this is a beautiful paved trail system right in Anchorage that runs along the coast and affords great views of the City, the Inlet, mountains in the distance, and on a clear day, Mt. McKinley! You’re sure to see great wildlife too! This site has great photos of all aspects of the coastal trail system. 3) Flat Top (20-30 min) – the most climbed mountain in all of Alaska (summit is 3,550’). This is a very nice hike of moderate difficulty that nearly all members of the family can do (1.5 miles so about 45 – 60 min). It affords phenomenal views of the entire city of Anchorage, the inlets, and on a clear day, Mt. McKinley. This trail leaves the Glen Alps parking lot of the Chugach State Park, from the hillside of Anchorage. If you’re looking for some hiking while you’re in Alaska, this is a must, and it’ll only be about 20 minutes from downtown Anchorage (Flat Top can be seen from anywhere in Anchorage due to its recognizable flat top)! There is also a short flat hike that loops from the parking lot with a viewing deck overlooking the Anchorage bowl and Mt McKinley (if it’s clear enough) for those who are looking for an easier hike. Here’s a nice topo map of the area. Here is a parks map of the trail system from Glen Alps parking lot. Also, if the summit of Flat top leaves you wanting more, you can continue off the backside of Flat Top and hike the crestline leading back to the Suicide Peaks. It’s a wonderful hike where the trail is literally on the very top of the mountain ridgeline and you have two magnificent valleys, on your right and left sides! Lastly, from the Glen Alps parking lot you can hike over into Powerline Pass (the trail is visible on the topo map) from which many other fantastic trails head off to the other mountains – see the parks map. All trails are clearly marked. 4) Eklutna Lake (45 min North) – A gorgeous lake which is only about 45 minutes North of Anchorage in the Chugach State Park. This state park is a scenic area for year-round recreation. Take the Eklutna Lake exit at Mile 26 on the Glenn Highway, and follow park signs ten miles to Eklutna Lake. There is a very nice flat trail that runs along the lake of easy difficulty. Great spot for a picnic! Watch for bears! 5) Seward Highway – the second most scenic highway in the USA (behind Highway 1 in California). Incredible views and the possibility of seeing Dall Sheep on the cliffs, eagles on the mudflats, moose in the wetlands, and Beluga whales in the Turnagain Arm. This road leads to Whittier, Seward, Hope, Soldotna, & Homer. a. Girdwood, Alaska – just 40-45 minutes outside Anchorage (South), and home to Alyeska Ski Resort. Very cozy ski town with great restaurants and beautiful views. The Seward Highway to Girdwood takes you along the Turnagain Arm – this stretch of highway is the United States second most scenic highway (behind Highway 1 in California)! Here’s a nice 360 degree view of the Girdwood Valley. i. Double Musky Inn – one of the best restaurants in Alaska (they make an incredible peppered steak). ii. Alyeska Lodge – take the tram to the top of the mountain and hike and enjoy the view from one of the finest ski resorts in the country. When you’re ready for a meal, you can eat dinner at the top of the mountain at Seven Glaciers restaurant (from up there you can see 7 glaciers)! Diners with reservations are whisked away on a complimentary tram ride to this casual fine dining restaurant via the 60 passenger Alyeska Aerial Tramway. Seven Glaciers Restaurant sits at 2,300' above sea level, a mountaintop casual fine dining restaurant with panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm, glaciers, and the Chugach Range. Expect fresh new snow that time of year! b. Big Game Alaska (45 min South) – On the shores of Turnagain Arm, surrounded by mountains and hanging glaciers, Big Game Alaska Wildlife Center is the perfect place to learn about Alaska wildlife. Drive through in the comfort of your own vehicle or walk through to photograph and learn about the animals, the park and the history of the Portage Valley area. Great place for families! c. Whittier, Alaska (1 hour South) – the gateway to Prince William Sound. Until 3 years ago, the only way to get to Prince William Sound from Anchorage was either by plane, by boat around the entire Kenai Peninsula, or by train through a long tunnel through the heart of the mountains and into the small harbor town of Whittier! Well, 3 years ago they converted that long train tunnel into a 1 way train/car tunnel (not at the same time!). This tunnel now allows visitors to drive from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm (the second most scenic highway in the US after Highway 1 in California) to the tunnel into Whittier. d. Portage Valley (1 hour South) – you drive through this area on your way to the tunnel into Whittier. Very beautiful drive, close to Anchorage. There used to be a glacier visible and it became quite famous (the Portage Glacier), but it has receded so much, it is no longer visible from the road. None the less, the drive down this valley is phenomenal and you’ll see plenty of eagles here! e. Hope (1.5-2 hours South) – a very small community on the Kenai Peninsula that is a 1.5-2 hour beautiful and peaceful drive from Anchorage, located at the end of the road on the southern shores of Turnagain Arm. Hope was a gold rush town before Dawson or Nome. The buildings and flavor of the early days still charm, with the store downtown serving customers since 1896, and the turn-of-the-century log Social Hall still hosting community meetings, dances and weddings. Hope and the surrounding area swelled to 3000 souls long before Anchorage existed, and now counts but a couple hundred. It's a very special place, unlike any other with its wild history and quiet today. There are a couple of cute restaurants in town. One is a café that you’ll see first as you enter town (Titos Discovery Café – open year round), and the second is in the heart of town itself (The Sea View Café - the most unique of the two which sits right near the water – but they close Oct. 1 – so plan ahead). Both places have great food and nice atmosphere. f. Turnagain Pass (1.5 hours South) – this is the pass you go through as you head toward Seward or the turnoff to Soldotna and Homer. Incredible photo opportunities along the way. Bring your camera! g. Seward (2-2.5 hours South) – this is the incredibly beautiful port town that all the cruise ships complete their journey and the passengers disembark for the last stage of their trip. Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors can easily reach Seward via the Seward Highway Scenic Byway. There are many wonderful activities available in Seward including hiking, glacier boat tours into Resurrection bay, fine dining, bed and breakfasts, sea kayaking, fishing charters, art galleries for shopping, the Seward Sealife Center and much more. If you’re planning a trip there, check their weather specifically because the way the mountains are, they have their own microclimate and it can be completely different in Seward than it is in Anchorage and along the whole drive there. i. Ray’s Waterfront Restaurant – the best place we’ve been for Salmon! If you’re looking for the best Alaskan Salmon you can find, order the Cedar Planked Salmon at Rays – you WON’T be disappointed! Be sure to call ahead and make sure they’re open in the late season – they do not stay open in the winter. Seward, Alaska 99664 ii. Exit Glacier – a fantastic hike of easy difficulty – flat paved trail that leads straight to the glacier. Amazing views driving in and at the glacier itself. A must! Many photo ops along the road driving in and at the glacier itself. iii. Kenai Fjords Tours – we highly recommend this amazing boat tour from Seward into Resurrection bay to view whales, seals, puffins, sea otters, and some of the most incredible glaciers in Alaska! Kenai Fjords National Park boasts abundant wildlife, alpine and tidewater glaciers and breathtaking scenery. Visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, home to a large variety of seabirds and stellar sea lions. 110 miles round trip. Late in the year, there is only one tour that goes out at 11:30am and returns at 5:30pm and it stops running on October 3! Plan ahead, you don’t want to miss this one! Highly recommend VERY warm clothes, as the trip can be cool in the summer out on the water – especially as the fall comes on. The boat is fully heated, but there are many opportunities to go out on deck and photograph wildlife, etc.
OVERNIGHT TRIPS FROM ANCHORAGE1) Talkeetna (2-2.5 hours North) – this is one of our favorite towns in the interior of Alaska. Accessible via the Parks Hwy through the MatSu Valley, Talkeetna sits at the foot of Mt. McKinley (20,230 feet elevation – the highest mountain in North America) and affords the best view of the mountain of just about anywhere in the state! We’ve had so many good times in Talkeetna! This is the town the TV Show “Northern Exposure” was patterned after – for those who remember the show. This is a town of very unique (some might say odd) people – but they’re very warm people. This is also the town that all the climbers of Mt. McKinley start their trip! They come to town, usually stay at the Talkeetna Roadhouse (see below), and then they fly with one of the renowned Talkeetna flight services in a small plane and land at base camp to begin the ascent! a. Talkeetna Roadhouse - The Roadhouse, built in 1917, was primarily used as a staging house for supplies heading out to gold miners in the nearby hills. Today they operate a bakery and café, as well as eight guest rooms with various configurations including a Bunk Room. They are open year around offering hearty breakfasts (they have 100 year old sourdough and make the most incredible sourdough pancakes we’ve ever had), hearty lunches, world famous cinnamon rolls, strong coffee and genuine frontier hospitality. Their Main Street location makes for convenient access to the Park Ranger Station, Historical Museum, fishing charters, river rafting, flightseeing, bear viewing excursions, gift shops and local pubs. Spectacular views of the Alaska Range can be seen from where the Talkeetna and Susitna rivers join, just two blocks down the street from the front door. If you’re thinking of going up to Talkeetna and plan to stay a night, there’s no better place to stay! Very quaint and a distinctly Alaskan experience. b. Flight Seeing (this link is to a slide show of our pictures from our flight from Talkeetna to Mt. McKinley – click McKinley Flight) – if you want to fly around, and potentially land on Mt. McKinley (Denali), this is the place to do it from (although there are services in Anchorage that do this too). There are several flying services in Talkeetna and all of them are good. I know Doug Geeting personally and he’s a stunt pilot and provides a great service (good guitar player too J). We’ve flown with the Talkeetna Air Service and landed on Ruth Glacier (7000ft elevation on Mt. McKinley) and they did a great job too. If you want to do this, you will not be disappointed. If you’re trying to decide if it will be worth your time, check out some of the videos Doug Geeting has on his web site – it might solidify the decision for you! It is not a cheap trip, but it is so worth the cost if you can afford it! c. Nagley’s General Store – this is just a neat original Alaskan frontier general merchantile in Talkeetna. Their motto: “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” d. Mt. McKinley Wilderness Princess Lodge – if you’re looking for luxury, you’ve come to the right place. Until this lodge was built in Talkeetna by one of the large cruise ship companies (Princess Cruises), there wasn’t a lot of luxury there. If you’re looking for a truly Alaskan experience, keep driving by the lodge and head into town. As you might imagine, the locals aren’t too fond of the new fancy lodge, but it provides some beautiful views, nice roaring fires, amazing photos on the wall, outdoor hot tubs that overlook McKinley, and fine dining. Even if you aren’t staying there, you need to stop to see the view from their deck. Just park and walk in the front enterance, past the roaring fire in the lobby, and out the back door – you won’t find a better view of the mountain anywhere (keep in mind, the mountain is only visible about 60 days a year – so count yourself blessed if you get to see it – most tourists don’t!)! The lodge is the first place you come to before you drive down the hill into downtown Talkeetna along the Spur Highway. 2) Denali National Park (240 miles, 3-4 hours North) – a wonderful place to visit, but if you’re seeking a good view of Mt. McKinley, it is best realized in Talkeetna from the Mt. McKinley Wilderness Princess Lodge viewing deck. Denali National Park has the cleanest air in the United States! Important point about Denali Park: you can only drive in 15 miles (you don’t see much in that distance), and then from there you must take a Shuttle bus, hike, or ride a bike into the park. This bus service is only a means of transportation – not a tour (although, tours are available). They drive from stop to stop, people get on and off and pick up the next bus that goes by, etc. No food or beverages are available once you’re inside the park – you must pack everything in. Camping is available in the park, but you have to have special permits (which you can get at the Visitor’s center) and bear-proof containers for food. If your time in Alaska is short, I would only recommend going up to Denali when the weather is excellent and you can take a shuttle bus in (bus service ends on Sept. 15th). Otherwise, the distance is too far to only be able to drive in the 15 miles – you won’t see much. Go to Talkeetna instead – you’ll get a better view than you get almost anywhere in Denal NP! 3) Ultima Thule Outfitters - the ultimate Alaska experience (4 hours North to Chitna, then they pick you up by plane – it’s ONLY accessible by plane) – there is no lodge or outfitter in Alaska that can provide you with the experience these people can. The Claus Family are the owners and operators of Ultima Thule and are personal friends (I was their daughter Ellie’s vet – she’s a musher and will be a rookie in the Iditarod this year). They hosted Nicole and I at the lodge (Aug 2003) in thanks for some work I did on Ellie’s dogs (to see photos of our trip, click here and the the appropriate link). They are situated in the middle of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park which houses more 16,000ft peaks than anywhere else in North America. They owned this land in the middle of this park before it was made a National Park. This means, when you are at their lodge, you are in the middle of nowhere – you will not see any other people other than those who work at the lodge. You will however see moose, bears, wolves, herds of buffalo (yes, buffalo), and teams of salmon in crystal clear waters. The Claus’ are super nice people, and Paul Claus is probably the best and most capable bush pilot in Alaska (and that’s saying a lot). He’s often hired by National Geographic and the Discovery Channel to fly photographers and movie people all over Alaska, especially in the Wrangell Park. The Wrangells are the biggest and most incredible mountains in Alaska – and most think they are the most beautiful. If you want to go sheep or moose hunting, salmon or trout fishing, hiking, back country glacier skiing (and that could be at 12,000ft), river rafting, mountain climbing, ice climbing, or any other unbelievable wilderness/mountain activity – they have the guides, gear, and phenomenal experience to take you. These people live a life the rest of us can only imagine! Their lodge is not cheap, but if you can afford it, I promise you it is the only way to experience the real Alaskan wilderness and enjoy some incredible mountain flying!
HIKING RECOMMENDATIONSNone of the hiking recommendations below require anything but a good pair of hiking boots or shoes. Trekking poles are very helpful, but not necessary for any trail we recommend. No ropes or harnesses necessary here! 1) Flat Top in Anchorage (20-30 min North) – see #3 above (moderate difficulty – although there is also an easy loop trail and another loop from the parking lot to a viewing deck). Highly recommend going up there, regardless of whether you want to hike or not – the view is fantastic! 2) The Coastal Trail in Anchorage (0 min North) – see #2 above (easy difficulty), excellent vantage points along the trail of both Anchorage and Mt McKinley (on clear days). 3) Eklutna Lake (45 min North) – see #4 above (easy difficulty). Great picnic spot for the whole family. Watch for bears! 4) Bodenburg Butte (45 min North)– see #1b above (moderate difficulty – short trail, but a lot of vertical) 5) Hatcher Pass (1-1.5 hour North) – our favorite place to hike – see #1a above! There is a phenomenal hike before reaching the Independence Mine area called the Fishook trail which affords incredible views (moderate/difficult difficulty – lots of vertical, but simple switchback trail). Once reaching the Independence Mine area, look for the trail that heads up into the mountains to a beautiful lake (mild-moderate difficulty, I cannot remember the name of the trail). Best part about Hatcher Pass is no trail is necessary – just park and head up the side of one of the mountains and explore. It’s all tundra and fantastic hiking – especially from the parking area at Independence Mine. 6) Girdwood (30-40 min South) – Alyeska Ski Resort – take the tram to the top of the mountain in the ski area and hike – amazing alpine hiking. 7) City of Hope (1.5-2.0 hours South) – several excellent trails in this area. See #4e above. 8) Exit Glacier (2.0-3.0 hours South) – a fantastic hike of easy difficulty in Seward – flat paved trail that leads straight to the glacier. Amazing views driving in and also at the glacier itself. A must! Many photo ops along the road driving in and at the glacier itself.
-A suggestion if you’re looking to do some serious hiking while you’re there: If you’re thinking of getting some new gear before you come up (ie. boots, hiking poles, GPS, clothes, etc.), you may want to wait until you get there and go to the all new REI in Anchorage (on the corner of Spenard Rd. and Benson/Northern Lights). This is one of REI’s biggest selling stores in the country (as you can imagine – Alaskan’s love their outdoor sports)! You can get any gear you want at REI and it saves you the hassle of packing the gear into your bags for the flight up. 1200 W Northern Lights Blvd
RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONSA word about Coffee: Alaska has the most coffee shops of any place we’ve seen – and some of the best coffee too! You will have to look hard to find a Starbucks in Anchorage, because they cannot compete with all the good coffee J. Check out this site – there are over 70 coffee shops listed in Anchorage alone! In Anchorage, we’re fond of the Bad Ass Coffee Co. – great coffee from Hawaii. The especially memorable aspect of the coffee business in Alaska is, much of it takes place in a drive-up shack in a parking lot! You’ve got to love Alaskan ingenuity.
ANCHORAGE: -Humpy’s, Great Alaskan Alehouse – great salmon and other foods, full bar with microbrews, as well as live music, and night life. Best draught beer selection in the Pacific Northwest! 610 W 6th Ave Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 276-2337 -Snow City Café – Wednesday nights (7-11pm), there is great live Irish music, Guinness beer, and traditional Irish folk dancing! Don’t miss it if you enjoy a cozy atmosphere of friendly locals playing homage to their beloved Ireland. Every Wednesday evening, they host a traditional Irish Music session. Local musicians come and play Irish music and enjoy each others' company. Open to the public for no charge. A light fare is offered -- soups, sandwiches, and baked goodies. Right on the same block as the Captain Cook hotel. 1034 W 4th Ave Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 272-2489 -Wayne’s Original Texas BBQ – excellent slow cooked with mesquite, Texas-style brisket and chicken and turkey (I lived in Texas and this is how they make it there – with Mesquite wood and all!). Great place for families. Often live music – especially on the weekends. Some of the best meat around – you can’t make it like this at home! 3400 C St Anchorage, AK 99503 Tel: (907) 569-9911 -Sullivan’s – Steaks, Martinis, & Jazz – probably the best steaks in Anchorage. A 1940's Chicago-Style Steakhouse offering the finest hand cut Certified Angus Beef. Call for Reservations! Corner of 5th & C St Tel: (907) 258-2882 -Bear Tooth Theatre Pub – micro brews, great food, and a movie (late playing movies for only $3). Don’t miss the Bear Tooth Restaurant also – excellent food and atmosphere. 1230 W 27th Ave Anchorage, AK 99503 Tel: (907) 276-4200 -Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria – micro brews and custom pizza 3300 Old Seward Hwy Anchorage, AK 99503 Tel: (907) 258-2537 -Simon & Seafort’s, Great Alaska Dinnerhouse – expensive, but very good food with a fantastic view of the inlet. Downtown Anchorage. 420 L St Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 274-3502 -Tiffany’s Café – excellent and unique lunch menu. Sorry, no web site. 3030 Denali St Ste 1 Anchorage, AK 99503 Tel: (907) 563-9966 -The Glacier Brewhouse – Alaskan Microbrews – Selected one of Alaska’s Ten Best “Local Secrets, Big Finds” by Travelocity.com. Expect a wait for a table – any day, any time (next door to Orso Ristorante). 737 W 5th Ave Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 274-2739 -Orso Ristorante – Classy Italian food (next door to the Glacier Brewhouse) 737 W 5th Ave Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 222-3232 -The Snow Goose Restaurant & Sleeping Lady Brewing Co. - With a superb deck, succulent menu and nationally recognized beers, the Snow Goose Restaurant and its brewery, the Sleeping Lady Brewing Company, offer a magnificent venue for social fun and culinary bliss. 717 W 3rd Ave Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 277-7727 -La Mex – average, but good Mexican food in downtown Anchorage, near the Captain Cook Hotel on 6th & 1st St. 900 W 6th Ave Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 274-7678 -Captain Cook Hotel – we’re told there is wine tasting there once a week. The Whale's Tail features over 40 wines by the glass along with a full bar selection in a cozy, comfortable setting, and is equipped with wireless high-speed Internet Service. 4th and K Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 276-6000 -Salmon Express – a small pink drive-through stand between Northern Lights Blvd and Benson which provides some excellent fresh made salmon quesadillas as well as other “fast food” which are made with locally caught salmon! Very good option for a drive through if you just want to head down the road for adventures and not stop to eat (quesadillas are less than $5). 606 W. Northern Lights Blvd Anchorage, AK 99511 Tel: (907)-336-7657
RESTAURANTS OUTSIDE ANCHORAGE: -Double Musky Inn – A MUST – one of the best restaurants in Alaska. Located in Girdwood, just 45 minutes outside Anchorage. Cajun cuisine with Alaskan sea food. CALL FOR RESERVATIONS – or it may be a long wait! They make the most incredible peppered steak! Mile 0.3 Crow Creek Rd. Girdwood, AK 99587 Tel: (907) 783-2822 -Alaska Cadillac Café – If you’re driving down the Parks Highway between Wasilla and Big Lake at mile 49 of the Parks Highway, this is an easily missed restaurant connected to a Tesoro Gas Station – don’t let that discourage you – this is a fantastic small restaurant with a very unique menu including wood-fired oven baked pizzas. It’s at the light of the intersection of Pittman Road and the Parks Highway (mile 49). -Mead’s Coffee House – This is a classic old grocery store from the early 1900’s that has been moved from it’s original location and turned into a coffee shop. For those of you who know that I’ve hosted professional musicians for concerts in Alaska, we always had a show at Mead’s. They make one of the best Mocha’s around! 405 E Herning Ave -Call of the Wild – Bar & Café – Big Lake, Alaska (link has not been working – we’re hoping it’ll come back online soon). This is a very unique spot that nearly takes a 4x4 to get into. With a full bar, they make the best Cheeseburgers and fries which you can eat on their deck overlooking Big Lake as boats dock below, and planes land and take off in front of you. This one’s not in the tour books! Call first before driving all the way out there: (907) 892-6274 South Shore Big Lake, AK Tel: (907) 892-6274 -Seven Glaciers - above the Alyeska Prince resort in Girdwood! We have not eaten here, but have always wanted to. Diners with reservations are whisked away on a complimentary tram ride to this casual fine dining restaurant via the 60 passenger Alyeska Aerial Tramway. Seven Glaciers Restaurant sits at 2,300' above sea level, a mountaintop casual fine dining restaurant with panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm, glaciers, and the Chugach Range. Expect fresh new snow that time of year! They close October 1 – so don’t miss the opportunity! They’re only open Tues-Sat in September (5:30-9:30pm). Alyeska Resort Girdwood, AK – just drive until
the road ends. -Ray’s Waterfront Restaurant, Seward – the best place we’ve been for Salmon! If you’re looking for the best Alaskan Salmon you can find, order the Cedar Planked Salmon at Rays – you WON’T be disappointed! Be sure to call ahead and make sure they’re open in the late season – they do not stay open in the winter. Seward, Alaska 99664 Shopping & Entertainment1) New Sagaya’s Market - Since 1973, New Sagaya's Markets have offered the finest in fresh Alaskan Seafood, ethnic cuisine, specialty foods, gourmet grocery, fresh produce, and choice meats. Today, customers shop New Sagaya's Markets for all those hard-to-find foods to create the perfect dish. These stores are similar to a Trader Joes. They provide gourmet fresh cooked hot food in the store and have a food court of sorts where you can eat with tables and chairs. Excellent food. At the corner of 13th and K Street. 900 W. 13th
Ave. 2) 5th Avenue Mall – probably the nicest mall in Anchorage (in Alaska actually) for those looking for a mall with many nice stores. It’s right downtown on 5th Avenue between C Street and E Street. 3) The Imaginarium - Children can stand inside a giant soap bubble at the bubble lab, hold a starfish in the marine exhibit, learn about the northern lights, or take a galaxy tour in the planetarium at this experiential science museum. Featured attractions include such "radical reptiles" as an iguana, an alligator, and even a 19-ft python. COST: $5. Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. noon-5 737 W. 5th
Ave. 4) Barnes & Noble Bookstore 200 E.
Northern Lights Blvd. 5) Title Wave Books – a great used & new bookstore and music store which is famous from Portland, OR. Very nice environment with a nice coffee shop attached (of course!). “Title Wave Books is the largest independent bookstore in Alaska, and one of the largest new-and-used bookstores in the entire country! Alaskan owned and operated since 1991, Title Wave is dedicated to book-lovers of every persuasion. We feature a half-million titles in stock every day, plus a great selection of discounted audiobooks, music CDs, and movies. Title Wave offers an exciting events calendar filled with author appearances, live music, readings and presentations on our Wave Stage, plus an in-store Kaladi Brothers cafe.” 1360 W.
Northern Lights Blvd. 6) Metro Music & Books - Metro Music & Book Store is great for browsing and carries a well-thought-out inventory of fiction and nonfiction. The collection of CDs is easily the best in Alaska, and you're welcome to listen to any of them before buying. 530 E.
Benson Blvd. 7) Suzies Woolies – Suzie is a personal friend, and if you’re a lover of Ireland or Scotland, you won’t want to miss her cute little shop on G Street between 4th and 5th Avenues downtown! Everything Ireland – music, instruments, collectibles (all from Ireland) and beautiful Scottish wool sweaters, skirts, ties, etc. Ask for Suzi Fowley – she’s great! On G St. between 4th & 5th Ave. 420 G. Street Anchorage, AK 99501 Tel: (907) 277-9660 8) 4th Avenue Shops – 4th Avenue (and 5th to some degree) is the center for all tourist shops of all types. Many distinctly Alaskan shops to browse. 9) Alaska Native Heritage Center - Situated on a 26-acre site facing the Chugach Mountains, this new, spacious Welcome House introduces you to Alaska's Native peoples through interpretive displays, artifacts, photographs, demonstrations, performances, and films. Next to the lake outside, five village exhibits representing Alaska's varied Native heritage acquaint you with the traditional structures and culture of Native peoples. The easiest way to reach the Heritage Center is via the 4th Avenue Theater Trolley ($3 round-trip from downtown, 907/257-5635). COST: $20 in summer, $8 in winter. Mid-May-Sept., daily 9-6; Oct.-mid-May, weekends noon-5. Have not been there – but have heard it is well worth the trip. 8800
Heritage Center Drive 10)Anchorage Museum of History & Art - A fine collection of historic and contemporary Alaskan art complements the wonderful dioramas and displays on Alaskan history and village life. Daily presentations by local artists and authors take place from June through August. Visitors can join an informative 45-minute tour or watch a film on Alaska. COST: $6.50. Mid-May-mid-Sept., Fri.-Wed. 9-6, Thurs. 9-9; mid-Sept.-mid-May, Tues.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 1-5. 121 W. 7th
Ave. 11)Dimond Center – full mall, CompUSA, Best Buy, etc. The mall has an ice skating rink inside! 800 E.
Dimond Blvd. 12)Bear Tooth Theatre Pub – micro brews, great food, and a movie (late playing movies for only $3). This is our favorite movie theatre on earth! 1230 W 27th Ave Anchorage, AK 99503 Tel: (907) 276-4200 Alaska Trip Clothes Suggestion List1. Hat / Cap (A must!) 2. Gator (This is for around your neck; prevents heat loss and helps tremendously to keep you warm.) 3. Head-band (It feels great to have warm ears when the wind is blowing!) 4. Long-Johns (The ones for your legs help; you can wear layers on your Torso.) 5. Warm socks! (We like the Smart Wool socks; they wick away and keep your feet dry.) 6. Gloves 7. Warm winter coat (If it is a multi-layered coat you can shed the shell or the inner layer as needed.) 8. Polartec Jacket (These are warmer than sweatshirts) 9. Jeans & Sweats (Whatever you are most comfortable traveling in.) 10. Hiking Boots 11. Hand / Foot Warmers (If you get cold very easily, these help; you can buy these at REI.)
Important Tip: The weather changes very quickly in Alaska (or can be quite different in different locations), so make sure you’re prepared for the best and the worst when you head out for Alaskan adventures!!
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