Are you heading to Alaska for a cruise this summer? If so, chances are you’ll be spending a day or two in a downtown Anchorage hotel. Unfortunately most people don’t get beyond the overpriced, downtown tourist shops. This mini-report will hopefully offer a few things to do during a short stay. Don’t be afraid to rent a car, Anchorage is laid out on a grid and is incredibly easy to navigate, just watch out for all those one-way streets. If you choose not to rent a car, the Anchorage bus, called the People Mover, is an easy and cheap way of getting around town. One-way fares cost just $1.50 or buy an all-day pass for $3.00. You can logon to www.muni.org/transit1/bus.cfm for complete information.
One of the smallest and least known museums in Anchorage is the Alaska Heritage Library and Museum. This private collection is on permanent display at the Wells Fargo Bank located in midtown at 301 W. Northern Lights Blvd. The artifacts and accompanying library can be found on the first floor directly across from the teller area. Open Monday – Friday from 12noon to 4 p.m. the collection holds some prime examples of historic art, jewelry and tools from Alaska’s native peoples. Admission is free however donations are appreciated. For more information call 265-2834.
While you’re in the neighborhood why not pick up some souvenirs. Just a few blocks from the bank is the best place in town to buy your family and friends those mementos of your trip. Wal-Mart (yes, I said Wal-Mart) located at 3101 A Street has a large collection of postcards, clothing, videos and gifts all value priced! This recommendation came from several locals, and I didn’t believe it myself until I stopped by to check it out.
Another museum, this time for the aviation enthusiast, is the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, located at 4721 Aircraft Dr. The Heritage Museum offers an extensive collection of historical Alaskan aircraft. Many of these were painstakingly restored to their original condition in a state of the art restoration facility by museum staff and volunteers. The museum is located on the south shore of Lake Hood, the largest seaplane facility in the world. The museum observation deck is situated perfectly for visitors to observe contemporary Alaskan bush floatplane operations. Narrated vintage seaplane tours are available at the museum for $50.00 per person. The museum’s 100-seat theatre offers a large library of rare film footage of Alaska’s pioneer aviators. Hours vary with the season call 248-5325 for details or you can visit <a href="http://home.gci.net/~aahm/index.htm" target="_blank">http://home.gci.net/~aahm/index.htm</A>.
If museums are your thing then you should consider surfing www.museumsalaska.org for a good list of museums to visit all across the state. The non-profit organization consists of more than 60 cultural institutions from Barrow in the north to Ketchikan in the south. Their purpose is to advance cultural understanding by making information available about museums, cultural centers and their activities.
Hungry? Then check out one of Anchorage’s dining traditions, Club Paris. Located downtown at 417 W. 5th Ave. It offers everything from a great bar to soups, sandwiches and steaks. Reservations are recommended by calling 277-6332. I highly recommend this place. When you’re seated ask for Robbin and tell her Bob Maynard’s family (my late father-in-law) sent you.
Earthquake Park commemorates the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake – the most powerful tremor ever recorded in North America. At the site you can see where huge tracts of land slid into Cook Inlet destroying 75 homes and killing 171 people. Interpretive signs explain the quake, the accompanying tidal waves, the area’s geology and other interesting notes. The park is located along the Coastal Trail at 4306 W. Northern Lights Blvd. near the airport. There are several beautiful hiking and biking trails fanning out from the park as well as picnic tables.
The mountains that serve as Anchorage’s primary backdrop are the Chugach Mountains a part of Chugach State Park. There are a whole host of activities in the park including winter cross-country skiing and summer hiking, camping and cabin rentals among the brilliant scenery. A popular spot for the locals is the Anchorage Overlook, sometimes called Flattop Lookout. It’s a short drive down the Seward Highway to O’Malley Rd. where you will exit and take a left. In about two miles or so you will see small signs pointing you to a right turn. Just follow the directions to the parking lot. Several trails fan out from this area as well as the point overlooking Anchorage. A good map of the park in Adobe format can be found by clicking www.anchorage.net/library/chugachstatepark.pdf. The official park website is www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/chugach/ where loads of activity information can be found.
Less than an hour’s drive southeast of Anchorage is the Alyeska Ski Resort and the elegant Alyeska Prince Hotel. Winter skiing and summer hiking are just two of the things to do at this 5-Star resort. High atop Mount Alyeska is Seven Glaciers a AAA Four Diamond, award-winning restaurant where you can feast upon panoramic views and gourmet cuisine not to mention the acclaimed wine cellar. The Travel Channel rates this as one of North America’s 10 best restaurants. Seven Glaciers is open daily during the peak summer season and weekends and holidays only during the off season, reservations are required. You can find all the information you need at www.alyeskaresort.com.
There is so much to see and do in the Anchorage Bowl, and this is far from being a complete listing but hopefully it gives you a small glimpse of what to do away from the often tourist-ridden downtown area. For some excellent information visit www.anchorage.net. You can also stop by the Log Cabin Visitor Information Center located downtown at 524 W. 4th Ave for more activities. Make sure you pick up a copy of the Anchorage walking tours brochure available at the Log Cabin or at the visitor information kiosk in baggage claim at ANC.
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