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Downtown Anchorage Between “A” & “B” Streets on West 4th Avenue
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Modern Mexican cuisine with an Alaskan twist. Located in the heart of historic downtown Anchorage, we are Alaska’s first and only Mexican Fusion restaurant opening in May 2015. Our menu features innovative cuisine using the traditional spices of Mexico, fresh ingredients, and Alaskan seafood. • Guadalajara chef inspired menu • Fresh Alaskan Seafood • Outdoor patio dining • • Fine wines • Local beers on tap • Late night dining & bar • Extensive selection of fine Tequilas • 445 West 4th avenue • 274-7678 • www.tequila61.com OVER 125 TEQUILAS
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PUBLISHER Alice Rogoff EDIT OR Maia Nolan- Par tnow EDIT ORIA L ASSISTAN T Viki Spiroska CONT RIBU TORS ng, Dave Laurel Andrews, Amy Armstro an Edge, Brix Meg ll, dwe Cal a Atcheson, Suzann ee, Scott McMurHahn, Zaz Hollander, K.T. McK ren, Vivian Shafer ALASKA DISPATCH NEW S PHOT O STAFF Hallinen, Erik Anne Raup, Loren Holmes, Bob Hill, Marc Lester, Bill Roth ART DIRECTOR Josh Genuino LAYOUT Kelly Day-Lewis
ADVERTISING EXECUTIV E VICE PRESIDEN T Roberta Graham ACCOUNT EXECUTIV ES Gutierrez, Nick Joy Bax, Ryan Estrada, Linda Brandi Nelson, , key Mac han Humphreys, Meg Emily RohraDavid Nolen, Cyndi Ramirez, tsjold Wa baugh, Kevin Vania, Erika Alaska business in the Planning for next season? To promote your atch News Disp 2016 Visitors’ Guide, contact Alaska at 907-257- 4242. (ON THE COVER: PHOTO BY MARC LESTER)
Know before you go!
AlaskaNavigator.org 5
429 W. 4th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska 99501 (Downtown Corner of 4th & E)
www.alaskamint.com
(907) 278-8414 • 1-800-770-6468
UM M ER IN THE GR EAT LA ND–time to hit the road, explore new places, and see so mething new. W hether you're paying your fi rst visit to Alaska or are a lon gtime resident, there ar e ne experiences hiding ar w ound ever y corner in the biggest state in the union . With a wealt h of optio ns for the independen t traveler, Alaska's size and scope can seem overwhelming. W here do you go? How long do you stay? W hat do you see and eat and drink wh en you get there? To prov ide some guida nce, we assembled a group of Alaska writers and assigned them a task: Imagine you're talking to a visitor. They have jus t one day to spend in Alas ka, and they're going to spend it in your favorite tow n. W hat would you tel l them to do and see? W here would you send them to eat? W hat are your can't-m iss spots? In response, our write rs prov ided us with th e itineraries you'll find in the pages of this bo ok. They've recommended ever yt hing from ziplin ing to birdwatching, with mu seums and wine fligh ts and falafel sandwiches sca ttered in between. Yo u can follow their itinerarie s to a T – or use their suggestions as a jumpingoff point to plan your own custom Alaska advent ure. Of course, these itine raries by no means co mprise the definitive gu ide to Alaska. There are as many favorite spots in the state as there are people who ca ll Alaska home (so about 1.2 per squa re mile, according to the U.S. Census Bureau), and countless more adventures for the enterprising tra veler to uncover. So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend and a map – Alaska aw aits!
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WHETHER YOU STIC K TO DOWNTOWN O R EXPLORE THE FRINGES OF THE C ITY, THERE'S SOMETHIN G FOR EVERYONE IN ALASK A'S URBAN CENTER.
Dow ntow n A nc
horage offers ac tiv
ities for visitor
s of al l ages.
PHOTO BY BI
AL ASK A'S LA RGEST CIT Y TU RNS 100 IN 2015, and the onetime tent city on Shi busy, thriving population cen p Creek is today a ter wit h as much to do and see as any visitor cou ld hope for. The rea l cha llenge in visiting Anchorage is narrow ing dow n your range of options. Do dow ntown area, where shops, you stick to the historic restaurants, parks and cultura Or do you rent a car and ven l attractions are all wit hin eas ture out to get a taste of what y wal king distance? else the city has to offer? From loca l coffee and beer to fine art to the great outdoors, Anchorage has it all–whethe around tow n. r you hoof it dow ntown or cru ise
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Downtown: Snow City Café (1034 W 4th Ave.) is practically the official breakfast of downtown Anchorage, and you'll find it crowded with locals and tourists alike every day of the week. If it sounds like there's a crowd at Snow City (you can call ahead or make reservations online), options abound. One such option, the Red Chair Café (337 E 4th Ave.), is a relative newcomer still finding its footing in the local breakfast scene. Located at the other end of downtown Anchorage, the Red Chair's unique brunch offerings include an oven-roasted kale bake, cornmeal pancakes and a pulled pork Benedict. Around town: Hit up midtown's Cafe Amsterdam (530 E Benson Blvd. #3), a longtime local favorite that serves breakfast all day, including a variety of omelets and Benedicts. Alternatively, you can save your trip to Cafe Amsterdam and its enticing beer
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bar (along with a stop at neighboring adult beverage boutique La Bodega, 30 East Benson Boulevard #5) for later in the day and do breakfast like a local commuter: Grab a latte and a breakfast sandwich at one of Anchorage's many, many, many drive-thru coffee stands.
10 a.m.- Retail therapy Downtown: Cheesy souvenirs? Check. One-of-a-kind works by Alaska artists? Check. Cute new shoes? Check. Whatever you're shopping for, you can find it within walking distance. Visit Cabin Fever (650 West 4th Ave.) for gifts featuring local artists or Octopus Ink (410 G St.) for unique, block-printed, comfortable clothing. Oomingmak Anchorage Cooperative (604 H St.) features cashmere-soft accessories knitted from quiviut, the snuggly, feather-light and super-warm undercoat of Alaska's musk ox. You'll find gold nugget necklaces at the Alaska Mint (429 W 4th Ave.), and coats, hats and more at Anchorage institution David Green Master Furrier (130 West 4th Ave.). When it's time for a break, get your caffeine fi x at Side Street Espresso (412 G St.) or stop in at the Kobuk (504 W 5th Ave.) for a free sample of samovar tea. Around town: As long as you're in midtown, stop and browse the variety of locally owned shops offering gifts, toys, art and more. Peruse paintings and prints by Alaska artists at 2 Friends Gallery (341 East Benson Blvd.), where you can find a rotation of artworks along with unique gifts
ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER
Avenue at the corner of Fourthcho rage. Cabin Fever is locatedStr An wn nto dow in eet and G BY BILL ROTH PHOTO
and crafts. Located in the same shopping center is Classic Toys (341 East Benson Blvd.), which offers everything from high-end heirloom gifts to bottomless bins of plastic animals. Across the street you'll find Tiny Ptarmigan (3210 Denali St), a baby boutique that features high-quality brands as well as adorable branded tees and onesies, and
VisitAnchorage.net
Experience Alaska’s Native People
Learn about Alaska Native values and traditions • Tour life-size Native village sites • Explore Native art with on-site demonstrations by artisans • See Alaska Native dancing • Download the ANHC app
open daily: May 10 - September 7, 2015 Start your adventure! For inside advice on Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska, visit the Log Cabin Visitor Information Center at 4th Avenue and F Street or call 907.257.2363. A nonprofit organization
(907) 330-8000 or (800) 315-6608 alaskanative.net
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Summit Spice & Tea Co. (3030 Denali St. #2), stacked to the ceiling with custom tea and spice blends. Looking for Alaska books? Head west to Title Wave Books, where you'll find a massive selection of used books along with a wide selection of regional titles.
12 p.m. - Lunch break Downtown: Whether or not wine is your jam, you'll find something you love on the menu at Crush Wine Bistro & Cellar (343 W 6th Ave.). Perch at the bar or settle into a banquette and enjoy favorites like the toasted goat cheese salad, empanada, steak sandwich and local seafood. Pair your lunch with a craft beer or wine flight – why not? You're on vacation! When in doubt, ask the knowledgeable staff for a recommended pairing. And if you discover something you like, you'll find it available for purchase in the bottle shop upstairs. Around town: When you're done browsing at Title Wave (1360 W Northern Lights Blvd.), you'll look up to find you're in the heart of lunch country. The Spenard neighborhood is thick with local favorites like Middle Way Café (1200 W Northern Lights Blvd.), Pho Lena (2904 Spenard Rd.), Bear Tooth Grill (1230 W 27th Ave.) and City Diner (3000 Minnesota Dr.). If you're a bacon lover, your choice is easy: Park yourself at Spenard Roadhouse (1049 W Northern Lights Blvd.) for the "bacon of the month" appetizer, followed by a bacon jam burger, bacon-and-cheese-topped "super tots,"
Crush Wine Bistro & Cel lar features an ever-chan ging seletion of hard-to-fi nd wines. PHOTO BY MARC LES
TER
and maybe a bourbon flight. (Not into meat? The seasonal veggie plate and fried Brussels sprouts can't be beat.) Depending on the day, you could also stroll north a couple of blocks to check out the weekly summer food truck carnival held in the parking lot next to Chilkoot Charlie's (2435 Spenard Rd), a classic Anchorage watering hole.
NOONTIME CONCERT SERIES
Music for Little Ones Mondays | June 1 - August 10
Music in the Park Wednesdays & Fridays June 3 - August 14
Kobukcoffee.com On Town Square Park @ 5th and E Come celebrate the Kimball Building’s 100th Anniversary with us!
FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES
Live After Five Friday | May 29 - July 31 | 5-8pm
SATURDAY EVENTS
Petals ‘N Spokes May 16 | noon-6pm
Summer Solstice Festival & Concert
ANCHORAGE • DAWSON CITY • FAIRBANKS • JUNEAU • SITKA • SKAGWAY • WHITEHORSE • DENALI
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June 20 | noon-10pm
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800.544.0970 • westmarkhotels.com
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2 p.m. - Get cultured Downtown: Anchorage is celebrating its centennial in 2015, and the Anchorage Museum (4731 O’Malley Rd.) is marking the occasion with special exhibits about the area's history, both modern and ancient. Along with the special exhibits, soak up the museum's collection of fine art, including works by renowned Alaska artists like Sydney Laurence, Fred Machetanz and Alvin Amason, as well as contemporary and historic Alaska Native art. If you're traveling with kids, find your way to the Imaginarium Discovery Center inside the museum, where little visitors can stand inside a giant bubble, touch tide pool creatures, and learn how an earthquake works. Around town: Want to be able to tell your friends you saw a bear in Alaska? Head south to the Alaska Zoo, home to a variety of northern animals, from moose and musk ox to Dall sheep, sea lions and even Siberian tigers. Many of the (non-tiger) animals have come to the zoo after being orphaned or rescued in other parts of the state, and sometimes you'll have the chance to see rescued animals being rehabilitated or just visiting on their way to placements at zoos and animal parks in other parts of the country.
5 p.m. - Happy trails Downtown: The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is the crown jewel of Anchorage's celebrated trail system, and for good reason. It's easy to
Flights from Anchorage:
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ALASKA HISTORY GALLERY IMAGINARIUM DISCOVERY CENTER
sw ims past a ma le polar bear, aska Zoo. Luyt yik "Louie,"zo o visitors at the Al PHOTO BY BOB
HALLINEN
access, simple to navigate and features incredible views of the city, the mountains and Turnagain Arm. A handful of bike rental businesses compete for customers near the corner of Fift h Avenue and L Street, or you can walk or run the trail. Even in the city, wildlife is always with us, so be bear-aware and know what to do if you encounter a bear, moose or other urban creature. Around town: From the zoo, head even further south on the Seward Highway to check out wildlife for free at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge (known to locals as Potter Marsh). From the boardwalk that winds through the marsh, you can spot migratory birds, waterfowl and beautiful mountain views – and if your timing is right, even a muskrat, moose or some salmon spawning in Rabbit Creek. It's a great destination for kids, even early walkers, since there's lots to see and the boardwalk means they can't wander off.
SMITHSONIAN ARCTIC STUDIES CENTER
Downtown Anchorage, corner of 6th Ave and C St.
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily
7 p.m. - Dinner time Downtown: The hardest part about having dinner in downtown Anchorage is narrowing down your choices. Neighboring restaurants Glacier BrewHouse and Orso (737 W 5th Ave.) are favorites among visitors seeking Alaska seafood, and the wait time reflects their popularity – consider making reservations, especially during
the busy summer months. On the upside, while you're waiting for your table at the BrewHouse, you can sneak down the hall to browse for fancy footwear at Shuzy Q (737 W 5th Ave.), frequented by well-shod Anchorage ladies of all ages. Around town: Popular with locals, packed with regulars and often overlooked by tourists, Southside Bistro (1320 Huff man Park Dr.) is a neighborhood favorite for residents of South Anchorage. Fresh pasta, grilled steaks, local seafood, and an extensive wine list – basically, something for everyone, served up by an efficient and friendly wait staff. Like other local favorites, Southside Bistro gets busy – make reservations online or by phone.
9 p.m. - After-hours fun Downtown: If you want to watch the sun set in Anchorage in the summer, you're in for a long wait (official sunset times in June hover around 11:30 p.m.), so plan to settle in somewhere with a great view. The deck at Snow Goose Restaurant (717 W 3rd Ave.) is one of the best spots in Anchorage to enjoy the midnight sun with a beer (brewed on-site). If you're feeling a more top-shelf vibe, head to the uppermost floor of the Hotel Captain Cook and the bar at the Crow's Nest (939 W 5th Ave.), where you can sip cocktails while taking peeks at the spectacular views surrounding the restaurant. (Note to
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the laid-back traveler: While you may have heard that MUSEUMS Alaskans take "casual fashAlaska Aviation Museum ion" to a whole new level, Learn about the importance of the Crow's Nest didn't get aviation to Alaska’s survival, see the anything-goes memo. authentic artifacts from the early No shorts, no hats, no flipdays of aviation and examine flops.) restored vintage planes. Around town: Originally WHERE: 4721 Aircraft Dr. opened more than 50 years WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed. ago in a 2,000-square-foot – Sat.; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; log cabin, the Peanut Farm Closed Mon. – Tues.; Summer (5227 Old Seward Hwy.) is info not available. a perennial favorite. Over PHONE: 907-248-5325 the decades, several rounds WEB: alaskaairmuseum.org Children enjoy the Imaginarium Disc over y Center's of renovation and expantouch tank at the Anchorage Museum Alaska Museum of Science & . sion have increased its PHOTO BY BOB HALLINEN Nature footprint to 10 times the Discover prehistoric Alaska at original size. (The Peanut this hands-on museum, discover Farm is also the birthplace dinosaurs, explore the world’s largof the layered cocktail known as a Duck Fart. True story.) est Alaskan mineral collection, touch wolves, and watch your In winter, locals flock to the massive sports bar, which has little archaeologists dig for dinosaurs in the “pit.” more TVs than a Best Buy. But in summer, the deck is the WHERE: 201 North Bragaw St. star. If you manage to lock down a table, park yourself for the WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. to Sat. evening (they're open until well past your bedtime) and sip PHONE: 907-274-2400 draft beer, wine or cocktails as Campbell Creek gurgles away WEB: alaskamuseum.org nearby.
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Alaska Native Heritage Center Experience the rich heritage of Alaska Natives through traditional storytelling, song and dance, artist demonstrations and classes. Six onsite authentic Native dwellings allow you to explore the traditional ways of life. The center also serves as an educational institution for young Alaska Natives. WHERE: 8800 Heritage Center Dr. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 10 to Sept. 7 PHONE: 907-330-8000 WEB: alaskanative.net Alaska Veterans Museum Honoring Alaska veterans’ service and sacrifice, this museum’s exhibits tell the stories of servicemen and women, and Alaska’s unique military history. WHERE: 333 W. 4th Ave., Suite 227 WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon. to Sat. in the summer; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed. to Sat. in the winter PHONE: 907-677-8802 WEB: alaskaveterans.com Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center If you only have time to visit one museum, the Anchorage Museum will give you a crash-course in everything Alaska. Permanent exhibits showcase Alaska’s rich history from Arctic whaling to the 1964. The Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center houses hundreds of Alaska Native artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian, and the Imaginarium allows
Friendly Alaskan Service
children of all ages to explore science through play. WHERE: 625 C St. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, May 1 to Sept. 30 PHONE: 907-929-9200 WEB: anchoragemuseum.org OTHER ATTRACTIONS Alaska Botanical Garden View more than 1,100 perennials and 150 native plants at the Alaska Botanical Garden, located in a 110-acre birch and spruce woodland. Follow the 1.1 mile nature trail for a self-guided tour. All perennials and plants are marked for easy identification. WHERE: 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd. WHEN: Daily during daylight hours PHONE: 907-770-3692 WEB: alaskabg.org Anchorage Railroad Depot Ride in style on the Alaska Railroad with daily trains to Seward, Denali National Park, Fairbanks and Whittier. If your travel plans don’t include leaving Anchorage, the depot is still a good spot to learn about the history of the railroad and view an antique engine. WHERE: 411 West 1st Ave. WHEN: Ticket window hours: mid-May-mid-Sept., Mon-Fri: 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat - Sun 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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3450 Aviation Avenue, Anchorage www.coasthotels.com
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PHONE: 907-265-2494 WEB: alaskarailroad.com Alaska Zoo If you like to keep a little distance between yourself and wildlife, head over to the Alaska Zoo. Home to more than 40 species of injured, orphaned or captive born animals, the zoo offers a glimpse of animals both native and imported to Alaska. WHERE: 4731 O’Malley Rd. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily May to Sept.; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily June to Aug.; last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing time PHONE: 907-346-2133 WEB: alaskazoo.org
Alaska Zoo head keeper Thomas Smith plays with an orphaned six-mont h-old brown bear found near Chinitna Bay. PHOTO BY BOB HALLINEN
Log Cabin Visitor Information Center More than 100 volunteers staff the easily identifiable log cabin visitor center. Get recommendations, grab a brochure, or catch a shuttle to an attraction outside of downtown. WHERE: Fourth Ave. & F St. WHEN: Open daily except for major holidays. 8 a.m.
to 7 p.m. June to Aug.; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. to mid-Sept.; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. mid-Sept. to mid-May; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. mid-May to end of May PHONE: 907-257-2363 WEB: anchorage.net
Visit our Gift Shop!
THE
ULU FACTORY Summer hours: 7 days a week • 8-5 Winter hours: M-F 9-6 • Sat 10-6 211 W. Ship Creek Ave. Anchorage, Alaska 99501 Local: (907) 276-3119 In-state: 1-800-478-3119 Out-of-state: 1-800-488-5592
Ride FREE on Lolley the Trolley! (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
• Browse our ulu and bowl sets, sizes and handle varieties • See the great collection of Alaska made gifts • View our unique “museum” of ancient ulus and artifacts • Receive a personal ulu demonstration • Take an individual factory tour • Walk or ski the nearby Coastal Trail alongside Ship Creek • Visit the Salmon Viewing Station (during season)
www.theULUfactory.com 15
Boot Country LLC
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Since 1984
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Fireweed No. Lights Blvd.
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New Seward Hwy
Chugach State Park With approximately 495,000 acres of land, Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the U.S. There are dozens of access points throughout Anchorage, but the Glen Alps
Downtown Summer Solstice Festival and Sixth Annual Hero Games Live music will help keep your energy up for this day long party celebrating the longest day of the year. The Taste of Anchorage food court, an art fair, jazz fest, and an Alaskan Kids Zone are all part of the fun. Members of the Anchorage police and fire departments and each military branch compete in the Hero Games, a friendly athletic competition, with events including a “rescue the cat” climb. WHERE: Fourth Ave. and Town Square WHEN: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 21; Hero Games 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Denali
Anchorage Baseball Whether you’re watching the Bucs or the Glacier Pilots, you’re bound to have a great time with Anchorage baseball. Drop by one of these games and take in the action of some of the best collegiate baseball players in the country and that lateday Alaska sunshine. WHERE: Home games at Mulcahy Field WHEN: June and July, at varying locations PHONE: Bucs 907-561-2827; Glacier Pilots 907-274-3627 WEB: anchoragebucs.com and glacierpilots.com
Slam’n Salm’n Derby Grab a rod and try to land the big one in the annual Slam’n Salm’n Derby held at Ship Creek. Daily prizes are awarded, and all proceeds support the Downtown Soup Kitchen. WHERE: 211 W Ship Creek Ave.. WHEN: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 13 to 22 PHONE: 907-258-0559 WEB: shipcreeksalmonderby.com
A Street
Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge Southeast to Potter Creek lies the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, a 16-mile stretch of tidal flats, marsh communities and alder-bog forest. At least 130 bird species have been spotted at the refuge. The most popular view spot is Potter Marsh, which has a well-maintained boardwalk allowing you to walk through portions of the refuge. WHERE: Potter Marsh, Mile 117, Seward Hwy. WHEN: Daily WEB: adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=anchoragecoastal. main
trailhead is one of the most popular. From there you can hike up Flattop Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. You can also take Powerline Pass, which connects to other trails within the park. WHERE: Numerous access points throughout Anchorage WHEN: June and July, at varying locations PHONE: 907-345-5014 WEB: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach
C Street
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Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon and Half Marathon Cheer on nearly 4,000 runners and walkers from around the world as they race over bike trails, gravel and paved roadways for the annual Mayor’s Marathon and Half Marathon. The event also features a four-person marathon relay, a four-mile run and a 1.6 mile Youth Cup. WHERE: Marathon begins at Bartlett High School; all other events begin at Delaney Park Strip WHEN: June 20 PHONE: 907-786-1325 WEB: mayorsmarathon.com
most prized natural resources with a Bucking Salmon ride, musical performances, a beer garden and local artists showcasing their wares. WHERE: G St. between 3rd and 5th Ave. WHEN: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. mid-July PHONE: 907-279-5650 WEB: anchoragedowntown.org/upcoming-events/annualevents/salmon-daze
Ja mes Slab Midnight augh reaches the fi Sun half-m n PHOTO BY arat hon raish of the Mayor's MARC LE ce. ST
PHONE: 907-279-5650 WEB: anchoragedowntown.org/upcoming-events/annualevents/downtown-summer-solstice-festival
ER
Anchorage July 4th Celebration Parade & Festival Celebrate our country’s birthday with a good, old-fashioned parade through the streets of downtown Anchorage. When it’s over, head to the Delaney Park Strip for plenty of food, music and activities for the kids. WHERE: Downtown Anchorage WHEN: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 4 PHONE: 907-279-7500 WEB: anchorage.net/articles/anchorage-4th-julyevents-go-fourth-and-celebrate Salmon Daze Festival & G Street Art Fair Alaskans are so wild about salmon, we gave the king of fish its own festival. Held in conjunction with the G Street Art Fair, Salmon Daze celebrates one of Alaska’s
Anchorage Market & Festival’s 24th Season 3rd & E Streets Downtown • May 9th to September 6th, 2015 Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fre Adm e issio
n
Alaska’s most attended event
Alaska furs, arts, crafts, photos, gifts, foods, rocks/minerals, jewelry, clothing & more! • • • • •
30 + Food Choices 200 + Art, Craft and Gift Booths Free Entertainment Fresh Produce Alaskan Souvenirs
Alaska’s Largest Open-Air Market The Anchorage Market & Festival is a great place to bring family, friends, and visiting tourists. 17
Nagley's Gen er
al Store in Ta
PHOTO BY
lkeetna.
MARC LEST
ER
Musher Pa ige Drobny of Fa irban ks waves to crowd after she leaves the the staring line. PHOTO BY MARC LESTER
OUTH, T NORTH OR S EADING O L S Y A W H IG H AGE LE OF ANCHOR UNIQUE VISITORS TO ERIENC P X E A K S A L A U BACK IN AND GET YO RE THE M TOWN BEFO IPS TO NIGHT SUN D HORIZ
Willow. Spectators at the Iditarod Sled Dog Race inHALLIN EN PHOTO BY BOB
THE OUT EAD ELY CES– NTO MIDTHE ZON.
AY YOU ’RE LUCKY ENOUGH to land in Alaska’s largest city and have a car. Your best plan? Get the heck out of town. Luck ily, Anchorage has a few escape routes. Here’s what you need to know if you plan to have a day trip or two. The only requirement is that you figure out in which direction you wan t to start.
Head north Hop on the Glenn Highway and make your way toward Talkeetna, a mountain-climbing mecca tucked in the heart of the upper Susitna Valley.
8 a.m. First stop, caffeine. Make a short pit-stop into Jitters Coffee (11401 Old Glenn Hwy). This little coffee shop is the heart of Eagle River, a bedroom community about 15 miles outside of Anchorage. Grab a cup to go – or sit down, enjoy the locals (don’t be surprised if you run into an elected official or two), snag a slice of cheesy quiche and settle in. The café has a changing array of local art on display, or if that’s not enough slip in to the gallery next door, Picture This, to check out a little more.
10 a.m. Feeling like an early lunch? Take another side trip to EagleQuest Lodge (11929 Remote Ln.). It’s about 15 minutes off the highway, but it’s worth the drive through the winding roads of Willow, home to numerous dog mushers (be sure to slow down at trail crossings – they train year-round). The setting is folksy, with black bears and Dall sheep mounts lining the walls. But stay for the hand-packed burgers, complete with homemade buns, or monstrous biscuits and gravy if you’re still in a breakfast mood. For a to-go snack before you head out, make sure to grab another type of bun – cinnamon. If you’ve got the chutzpah, take that bun and make a dash for Deshka Landing, a popular river landing that serves as the starting point for fishermen, snowmachiners and dog mushers in the Matanuska-Susitna area.
11 a.m. During the spring, the wood trees around Kahiltna Birchworks (38139 South Talkeetna Spur Rd.) look like something out of science fiction movie. Tubes and buckets line the trees in intricate patterns, collecting sap from the many birch trees in the region. At Kahiltna they take that sap–which has 10 times less sugar than maple–to boil down into earthy, sweet Alaska birch syrup. While the trees won’t be tapped during your visit, the small facility still shows off its syrup rendering abilities, plus you can taste all the different birch syrup products (including sauces, jellies, jams and caramels) at the shop, which is open from May through September.
11:30 a.m. Take a break at Mile 13: the Talkeetna Spur Road pull-off. You might be almost to Talkeetna, but take a minute and stop to see the stunning views of the Alaska Range and North America’s highest peak. This pullout offers amazing views of Denali (if you’re lucky enough to see it on a clear day), along with signs pointing out other peaks in the range including Foraker, Moose’s Tooth and Bear Tooth. If you have a little more time, pull off the road and stop into the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. Have a drink or a cup of coffee and enjoy the view from an even higher (and possibly more stunning) vantage point.
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Alaska residents dipnet for hooligan at mouth of the Twentymi le river and along Turnagain Arm the next to the Seward Highway. PHOTO BY BOB HALLINEN
fa m The Ba ke Shop’s
ait customers ous sweet rolls aw in Girdwood. PHOTO BY ER
IK HILL
3 p.m.
12 p.m. Try to walk off the last bits of that burger by making your way through town. Stop at the numerous galleries and trinket shops along the way, including Nagley’s Store (be sure to say hi to Stubbs, the unofficial Mayor of Talkeetna, if he’s around). Make your way into the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum to get a taste of Talkeetena history. Maybe wander in to the flight seeing areas and consider a flight. Or grab a drink at the Fairview Inn, a Talkeetna institution where you’re bound to encounter a crusty local or two.
1 p.m. Hang out on the sandy beach of the Talkeetna River, throw rocks, sunbathe or take a short hike around the numerous trails in the area. Maybe even wade in, but definitely don’t try to swim in the icy cold river. Be sure, no matter what you do, to take in the stunning views of Denali.
The Talkeetna Roadhouse (13550 East Main St.) is a must-stop for a late lunch or dinner before making your way out of town. Either enjoy a lunch meal, or if you want a true roadhouse experience, go for the sourdough pancakes, made with a sourdough starter that’s been going since 1902. The hotcakes are best doused in birch syrup for a true Talkeetna experience.
Head south Look to the Seward Highway, one Alaska’s most scenic, to take you to Hope. A little off the beaten path, this tiny community on the other side of Turnagain arm is quiet, quaint, and full of outdoor opportunities and a plethora of old-time Southcentral Alaska gold rush history.
9 a.m. Skip breakfast in town and head to The Bake Shop in Girdwood (194 Olympic Mountain Lp.). Be sure to chow down on a monster European-style cinnamon bun, served with a slab of butter to keep you going through the day. Maybe take some time to explore the base of the mountain, or take the tram up to the top of the mountain for stunning views of Turnagain Arm.
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11 a.m. Check out bears, moose, bison, bald eagles, wolves and a whole slew of Alaska wildlife in a picturesque setting at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Mile 79 Seward Hwy.). The conversation center serves as both an educational and wildlife outreach program, often taking in injured wildlife to be rehabilitated before being sent back to the wild, or keeping those that cannot survive on their own. If you have a little more time, check out the all-access tour, which includes a chance to see behind the scenes at the bear enclosure and get up close and personal with Snickers the porcupine.
1 p.m. Take a short detour off the highway and check out the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center to learn more about Portage Glacier. Head into the visitor’s center ($5 for adults; children 15 and under free) and check out interactive displays on both the glacier and the Chugach National Forest in which the glacier resides. Check out the icebergs that often float ashore or take a cruise out on the lake to actually see the glacier, which has receded beyond view of the visitor center in recent years. Those looking to hike around can take advantage of numerous trails in the area.
A musk ox calf and its mother.
PHOTO BY MARC LESTER
3 p.m. Head to the Hope cutoff. Hope is about 20 minutes off the main road, but it feels like another world. When you get into town be sure to check out the numerous art shops, including the Hope Library Gift Shop, which is more gallery than actual library, with a slew of locally made artisan goods. Have lunch or a drink at the iconic Seaview Café and bar (or stay late for one of the rollicking local bands to come through). Head to the end of the road to the Porcupine Campground to hike around trails like Gull Rock or Hope Point.
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Brandon Hoxie photo graph Niema Da kk i at the wing decks near the sEa gle River Nature Cevie nter. PHOTO BY MARC LESTER
ON THE EDGE OF W ILDERNESS, FIND H IKING AND SMALL-TOWN CHARM. HUGACH STATE PARK surrounds Eagle River, and trail access is unbelievably convenient. Perhaps one of the most popular trails, Mount Baldy, is found up Skyline Drive. An easy day hike in terms of time, Baldy’s steep beginning is a test of endurance. But the trail is worth the effort, with its peak offering complete views of the Knik Arm and Cook Inlet in one direction and even more expansive views of the Chugach Range in the other. Drive up Hiland Road for access to several other trails, including the Symphony Lake Trail, which offers a range of hiking terrain including a challenging rock bed on its way to the lake stocked with rainbow trout. Eagle River’s downtown offers family-friendly options for relaxation. A duck pond at the car wash across from Spenard Builders Supply offers the opportunity to watch waterfowl play and dive for food. Several restaurants, including ice cream and yogurt shops, are tasty spots to fuel your stomach prior to getting back on the Glenn Highway for other destinations. And if you’re in town in July be sure to check the annual Bear Paw Festival. This festival is one of Southcentral Alaska’s leading summertime events, attracting attendees from the Kenai Peninsula, the Matanuska Valley and Fairbanks. A parade, a salmon cook-off, the Odor Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest, Slippery Salmon Olympics (often featuring politicians and other notable locals), a classic car show and a teddy bear picnic are just a few of the highlighted events.
EAGLE RIVER ATTRACTIONS Eagle River Nature Center The Eagle River Nature Center is a jumping off point for numerous outdoor adventures in the Chugach National Forest. Shorter trails lead visitors to an observation platform where glaciers in the Eagle River Valley are visible and wildlife such as beavers, bears, and moose are often sighted. Longer trails such as the 26-mile Crow Pass Trail are available for hikers wanting to go further into the wilderness. The center also offers outdoor education programs for adults and children. One cabin, three yurts, and camping areas are available for overnight rental. WHERE: 32750 Eagle River Rd. WHEN: Trails are open 24 hours except when closed by park staff due to high bear activity. Center: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wed.-Sun., May through Sept.; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fri.-Sun., Oct. through April. PHONE: 907-694-2108 WEB: ernc.org Thunderbird Falls The first few hundred feet leaving the parking lot are a bit steep, but the trail after offers a well-maintained 1-mile path leading to a beautiful view of Thunderbird Falls. The trail features a few hills easy enough for even a toddler to climb. WHERE: Take Glenn Highway to Mile 25, Thunderbird Falls exit and follow directional signs to trailhead parking lot.
WHEN: Year-round PHONE: 907-345-5014, Chugach State Park headquarters WEB: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/trails/tbirdfalls. htm Native Village of Eklutna The Native Village of Eklutna is believed to be one of the oldest traditional towns of the Dena’ina Athabascans. The Eklutna Village Historical Park offers a look at the combining of Native religions with Russian Orthodox teachings that has resulted in today’s Orthodoxy among Native Alaskans. WHERE: Eklutna Village Road. Take Glenn Highway to Eklutna exit and turn toward Knik Arm. WHEN: Park open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Sat., May through Sept. PHONE: 907-688-6026 WEB: eklutnahistoricalpark.org and eklutna-nsn.gov Eklutna Lake This 8-mile-long, glacier-fed lake is an excellent location for kayakers. Beginners may learn their strokes near the campgrounds and veteran kayakers can take extended trips near the steep majestic mountains. A lakeside trail offers bicyclists the opportunity to travel alongside most of the lake’s length (Thursday through Saturday for bicyclists and Sunday through Wednesday for ATVs). Don’t forget to stop at Rochelle’s Ice Cream Stop and General Store on the way to the campground. WHERE: Take Glenn Highway to Eklutna exit and follow signs on access road to Eklutna Lake Road. WHEN:: Year-round; campground open seasonally PHONE: 907-3455014, Chugach State Park
WEB: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/chugach/eklutnalkcamp.htm Eagle River Campground Features 57 campsites each with its own picnic table and fire ring. Water-flush toilets and an RV dumpsite are also available. WHERE: Take the Glenn Highway to Hiland Road exit at Mile 12. Campground signage directs down the frontage road. WHEN: May to mid-Sept. PHONE: 907-746-4644 or 800-952-8624, Lifetime Adventures (campground management) WEB: lifetimeadventures.net/eagleRiver.html EAGLE RIVER EVENTS Independence Day The Eagle River-Chugiak area begins its celebrations of the Fourth of July on the third, with a community party featuring games, concessions, local musicians and skydivers at Eagle River Lions Park. The event is capped off with midnight fireworks. Festivities continue on July 4 with a patriotic parade. WHEN: July 3-4 PHONE: 907-694-4702, Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce WEB: cer.org Bear Paw Festival 2015 marks the 30th annual Bear Paw Festival, centered in downtown Eagle River. Various other events are spread throughout Chugiak, including Golden Wheel Amusements, a centerpiece of the five-day festival, with rides, food booths and vendors fi lling up the downtown parking lots. WHERE: Downtown Eagle River WHEN: July 8-12 PHONE: 907-694-4702, Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce WEB: bearpawfestival.org
Garden Fest June 27-28 Beer Garden July 18 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd Just south of Tudor Rd 907-770-3692 www.alaskabg.org
w Festival in at the Bear Pa ne or rb ai go Teddy bears Eagle River. PHOTO BY AN
NE RAUP
Tours Gift Shop Celebrating Anchorage’s Retail Nursery Centennial Nature Trails with a new Heritage Children’s Activites Garden Perennial, Herb, and Rock Gardens
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Hikers climb to the top of Palm
er's Bodenburg But te.
PHOTO BY LOREN HOLMES
HE MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH, a place the size of Ireland that’s home to three mountain ranges located within an hour’s drive of Anchorage, is a distinctly Alaska destination that offers world-class fishing and exploring with shops, restaurants and the occasional oddity in between. Cities include Palmer — an old-fashioned farm town with a contemporary main street — and Wasilla, the city known for former mayor Sarah Palin, big-box stores at which to stock up on supplies, and four-wheelers rolling through a small but historic downtown. The borough’s size and relative wildness make for adventurous outings: dog mushing in the birch-and-spruce flats of Willow, and Alaska Range peaks on display from a zipline in the funky town of Talkeetna, the base camp for climbers trying for the highest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley (Alaskans call it “Denali”). Don’t worry: there are plenty of tasty or quirky places to shop and eat along the way — not to mention a herd of friendly reindeer and a town’s “mayor” cat.
8 a.m. Breakfast in Palmer Fuel up for the day in this quaint city founded by families drawn to the area’s rich glacial soils as part of a 1930s New Deal farm colony. The tidy and very walkable downtown offers several options, all in walking distance. Dig into some sausage gravy, poached eggs and polenta or the wide array of baked goods at Turkey Red (550 S Alaska St.), where the owner honed her skills as a baker in Antarctica. Light eaters can grab a quick coffee and fresh-baked banana bread at Vagabond Blues (642 S. Alaska St.), just down the street.
10 a.m. Hiking with reindeer in Butte
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Head out the Old Glenn Highway and across the Matanuska River for a morning hike up Bodenburg Butte. The glacial remnant looks like a misshapen potato, but the relatively quick, steep trip up to the summit offers incredible views of the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains, as well as the shining snowfields of the Knik River. If fishing is on the agenda, grab a license at a local store (the Fred Meyer in Palmer sells them, 650 S Cobb St.) and pull up to the Eklutna Tailrace, where bank anglers routinely hook into chinook salmon. There are plenty of more remote spots to catch chinook, coho or sockeye salmon — check in with a local tackle shop like Three Rivers in Wasilla for info and gear. Time allowing, stop in at the Reindeer Farm below the Butte and get up close and personal with a domesticated herd of caribou hand-raised by the Williams family.
1 p.m. 5 p.m. Sled dogs and Italian subs in Wasilla Soaring in the shadow of Denali Up the Parks Highway, about 15 minutes from Palmer, is the city of Wasilla. The highway, one of the state’s few arteries, runs clear to Fairbanks and cuts right through town. A locally notorious bumper sticker implores “Lord help me get through Wasilla” — a reflection on summer traffic and construction congestion. But there are plenty of things to see and eat, starting with a stop at Krazy Moose Subs (405 E. Herning Ave.) a few blocks off the main drag with ample seating in an open, two-floor historic building. The Dorothy G. Page Museum across the alley is a walk into the railroad and mining past of the area. Wasilla's dog mushing traditions are revealed a few miles up KnikGoose Bay Road at the Iditarod Trail Committee headquarters, home to the people who run the longest sled dog race in the world, the 1,000-mile Iditarod.
3 p.m. Gee and haw in Willow From Wasilla, the Parks Highway continues north to the third city in the borough, Houston. Stop in at Miller’s Market and continue north to Willow. This unincorporated community tucked into the forest along the highway flirted with fame back in the 1970s with a failed campaign to move the state’s capital here. Willow today is still wild enough to attract dozens of dog mushers attracted to its woodsy terrain, including big names like DeeDee Jonrowe and Dallas Seavey (an Iditarod champ and one of the stars of the “Ultimate Survival Alaska” reality show on National Geographic Channel). Grab some time on the runners for yourself with a dog sled tour at Dream a Dream kennel. Owner Vern Halter is an Iditarod veteran who also happens to serve as a local politician.
Further up the Parks you’ll come to the roughly 14-mile spur road to Talkeetna, a one-of-a-kind hamlet at the confluence of two rivers with views to the highest peak on the continent right off the beach. Stroll down to that beach, Talkeetna Riverfront Park at road’s end, once you get to town (widely considered the model for the remote and quirky television town of Cicely on “Northern Exposure”). Grab a slice at Mountain High Pizza Pie (22165 C St.) to tide you over until a late dinner. To get the view from the air, try Denali Zipline Tours, offering a three-hour early evening expedition with panoramic views of the Alaska Range from a treetop platform with the boreal forest below and Denali ahead. Once your feet return to solid ground, rub elbows with mountain climbers at the West Rib Cafe and Pub (100 Main St.) for a crab sandwich or make a go of it with the Seward’s Folly–“the biggest burger in Alaska!” Stroll next door to Nagley’s Store for a glimpse of Stubbs, a red-brown feline known as the town’s honorary mayor despite the fact that Talkeetna doesn’t even offer that elected position to humans. For a little more local color in the long night of summer, cross over to the Fairview Inn, a fun-loving bar set in a 1920s building. As one local puts it: “There’s a lot of late-night going on in Talkeetna.”
Trek on a Glacier View Mt. McKinley Visit Hatcher Pass
The dogs in Charley Bejna's team are ready to continue their run along Kni k Goose Bay Road. PHO TO BY BOB HALLINEN
907-746-5000
MAT-SU
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
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MAT-SU ATTRACTIONS Mat-Su Visitors Center (MatSu Convention & Visitors Bureau) This is the place to begin your adventure in the Wasilla, Palmer, Houston, Willow or Sutton communities. It offers information, brochures and tips from locals on hiking trails, raft ing excursions, fishing guides, restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfast accommodations, flightseeing, camping and canoeing. WHERE: 7744 E. Visitors View Ct., Palmer, at Mile 35.5 Parks Hwy.; access from Trunk Road exit by hospital WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily, May to Sept. PHONE: 907-746-5000 WEB: alaskavisit.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF REINDEER FARM/
Musk Ox Farm This picturesque 1930s Colony-era farm sits just north of Palmer with beautiful views of the mountains. Musk oxen are often called “the bearded ones” in honor of the long, dense hair on their faces and necks. Alaska Natives harvest their hair to make a yarn called qiviut that's used to make hats, scarves and blanket throws. On Mother’s Day, the farm offers free admission for all moms and sponsors a barbecue while showing off the newly-born calves. WHERE: Mile 50 Glenn Hwy. north of Palmer; follow signage to 12850 E. Archie Rd. WHEN: Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; winter season: by reservation only PHONE: 907-745-4151 WEB: muskoxfarm.org
Experience and photograph this Ice Age survivor up-close with a guided tour of our unique working farm
Musk Ox Farm
THE
Open Mother’s Day to Mid-September • Tours Daily 10-6 mile 50.1 glenn hwy • 12850 E. archie rd • palmer • ak www.muskoxfarm.org 907-745-4151 tours gifts museum
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DENNIS HARDY
Reindeer Farm Children of all ages can get upclose and personal with some of Rudolph’s cousins at this farm, which includes more than 150 domesticated caribou or reindeer, elk, horses, a bull moose and a bison. Visitors can purchase cups of grain to hand-feed the reindeer. Spring and early summer visitors are sure to see the new calves. WHERE WHERE: 5561 Bodenburg Lp., Palmer WHEN WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, May 1 through midSept. PHONE PHONE: 907-745-4000 WEB WEB: reindeerfarm.com
Colony House Museum This museum offers an in-depth look at the Colonial era in which President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal brought 204 families to the Matanuska Valley to begin a dairy farming community. The Palmer Historical Society led the restoration of this home, once owned by New Deal participants Oscar and Irene Beylund. WHERE: 316 E. Elmwood Ave., Palmer WHEN: Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; winter: by appointment only PHONE: 907-745-1935 WEB: palmeralaska.net/2009/06/27/colony-housemuseum Independence Mine The drive itself to the Independence Mine State Historical Park in Hatcher Pass is worth the time. Drive north of Palmer on Palmer-Fishhook Road to Hatcher Pass Road. The mine is located 17 miles up this road, which is paved for only a short distance and then becomes almost as rugged as the mountainous terrain through which you are
passing. The state park offers self-guided tours of what was once owned by the Alaska-Pacific Consolidated Mining Co. prior to World War II. WHERE: Mile 17 Hatcher Pass Rd. WHEN: Year-round PHONE: 907-745-2827 WEB: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/indmine.htm Artisans Open Air Market This summer outdoor market features distinctive and original handcrafted art by Alaska artists. WHERE: Next to the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat.-Mon., May to Sept. PHONE: 907-733-7929 WEB: denaliartscouncil.org Live at 5 This family-friendly event is a great way to spend a Friday evening in the summer. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the sounds of musicians from Talkeetna and all over Alaska. WHERE: Talkeetna Village Park WHEN: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, Memorial Day to Labor Day PHONE: 907-733-7929 WEB: denaliartscouncil.org Moose on the Loose Parade & Art Moose Local artists decorate large wooden moose, which are displayed around town. Each moose statue participates in the Fourth of July parade and afterwards is auctioned off. Proceeds will go to three local nonprofit organizations: Talkeetna Artists Guild, Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce and the Talkeetna Historical Society. WHERE: Parade held on Main Street. Maps identify the moose placed around town. Smaller art moose will be displayed at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar, where the auction is held. WHEN: July 4 for parade; entry forms, fees and completed artwork due June 15 PHONE: 907-733-7929, 907-733-1000 WEB: talkeetnahistoricalsociety.org, talkeetnachamber.org, denaliartscouncil.org
PHONE: 907-373-9071 WEB: cityofwasilla.com Palmer Museum and Visitor Center The center is located in a log cabin in downtown Palmer and features displays and information regarding the Alaska Native peoples indigenous to the area, as well as the history of the local colonial establishment and trapping activities. WHERE: 723 S. Valley Way, Palmer WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, May 1 to Sept. 30; winter: by appointment only PHONE: 907-746-7668 WEB: palmermuseum.org, cityofpalmer.org Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters Weather permitting, sled dog teams provide rides during summer months. The center is staffed by knowledgeable locals. WHERE: Mile 2.2 Knik-Goose Bay Rd. WHEN: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, mid-May to mid-Sept. PHONE: 907-376-5155 WEB: iditarod.com Mat-Su Miners Baseball Valley residents take their local baseball very seriously, as visitors find out when they drop by the games played by the Palmer-based team during the summer. The Miners are one of six Alaska Baseball League teams.
FLIGHT TOURS
Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry This museum is located on the outskirts of Wasilla on the way to Houston and Willow. It features planes, trains, automobiles, tractors, farm implements and other equipment of bygone eras that were used as the state of Alaska developed its infrastructure. WHERE: 3800 W. Museum Dr., Wasilla WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Mother’s Day to Labor Day PHONE: 907-376-1211 WEB: museumofalaska.org Dorothy G. Page Museum and Historic Town Site Opened in 1967, this is Wasilla’s first museum and most comprehensive documentation of life in Wasilla, Knik and Willow Creek. The grounds outside the museum feature models of early-era homes. WHERE: 323 N. Main St., Wasilla WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues.-Fri., year-round
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WHERE: Hermon Brothers Field, 2075 Glenn Hwy., Palmer WHEN: June and July; check website for schedule PHONE: 907-745-6401 WEB: matsuminers.org Bodenburg Butte A mountaintop near Palmer, most of the trail is a medium difficulty level, although the steps may be more challenging. The top offers a view of Matanuska Peak, Lazy Mountain, the Knik Glacier, Pioneer Peak, Twin Peaks, and the Matanuska Valley. WHERE: From Anchorage, head north on the Glenn Highway. Take the exit onto the Old Glenn before reaching the Knik River. Follow this route until reaching the bridge; cross it, and continue for roughly 4 miles. Turn left onto Bodenburg loop road after passing the butte, not before (see below). After half a mile, turn left again onto "Mothershead Lane"; you will see the parking area on your right shortly afterwards. Take the road around to the left after parking. The trailhead is on the right. WHEN: Best hiking months are May through November WEB: aktrailhead.com/bodenburg/bodenburg.shtml Eklutna Tailrace Walk around and fish at the Eklutna Trailrace, where you can catch coho, sockeye, and chum. The sport fishery is restricted to only a half-mile area from the Old Glenn Highway to the Knik River. WHERE: Near mile 3.5 of the Old Glenn Highway WHEN: Visit year-round, fish during legal seasons WEB: adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingSportAngl erAccessSouthcentral.eklutna Three Rivers in Wasilla You can buy everything you could ever want and more at this tackle and fly fishing shop in downtown Wasilla. WHERE: 390 E. Railroad Ave. WHEN: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. PHONE: 907-373-5434 WEB: 3riversflyandtackle.com
MCKINLEY FLIGHTS
Miller’s Market Miller’s is the perfect stop for all your basic grocery, personal and postal needs. WHERE: 17152 W. Parks Hwy. WHEN: 7 a.m. to 11p.m. PHONE: 907-892-6129 Dream a Dream Kennel Owner Vern Halter is an Iditarod veteran who is also a local politician. Here you can take a tour, meet all of his pups, stay in his bed and breakfast and learn what it’s really like to be an Iditarod musher. WHERE: Mile 64.7 Parks Hwy. WHEN: Tours are at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; book in advance PHONE: 907-495-1197 WEB: vernhalter.com MAT-SU EVENTS Palmer Colony Days These three days of small-town fun include home-baked goods, homespun crafts, local music and live entertainment. Events include a bed race, parade, tractor pull, egg toss, family games and a fun run. WHERE: Downtown Palmer WHEN: June 6-8 PHONE: 907-745-2880 WEB: palmerchamber.org TALKEETNA ATTRACTIONS Nagley’s General Store This small store’s motto is “Established before Most of You Were Born,” and it is “Mayor” Stubbs’ homze and hangout. WHERE: Main Street WHEN: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays; 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. PHONE: 907-733-3663 WEB: nagleysstore.com Sheldon Community Arts Hangar The Hangar was built in the 1950s by legendary glacier pilot Don Sheldon for his business, Talkeetna Air Service. The
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hangar, which contains a small art gallery and is used for various events, was donated to the Denali Arts Council by Sheldon’s wife. WHERE: 22249 S. D St. WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon.-Fri. with event openings varying by season. PHONE: 907-733-7929 WEB: denaliartscouncil.org
Denali Zipline Tours has nine ziplines, severa l swinging bridges and a rappel in the forest canopy outside of Talke etna.
PHOTO BY BOB HALLINEN
Talkeetna Historical Society Museum Visitors can take a walking tour of the museum and its historical buildings. Or meet up with the ranger who comes over from the Talkeetna ranger station at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to speak on mountaineering; past and present. WHERE: Little Red Schoolhouse, downtown Talkeetna WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, May 15 through Sept. 15 PHONE: 907-733-2487 WEB: talkeetnahistoricalsociety.org Mount McKinley Climbers' Memorial A memorial to those who have lost their lives climbing Denali, the highest peak in America. WHERE: Talkeetna town cemetery, near the airstrip WHEN:Year-round PHONE: 907-733-2487 WEB: talkeetnahistoricalsociety.org Willow Creek State Recreational Area About 70 miles southeast of Talkeetna, this recreational area provides parking and camping facilities. Great for hiking, fishing, camping and wildlife viewing. WHERE: Milepost 70.8 Parks Hwy. PHONE: 907-745-3975 WEB: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/matsu/willowcksra. htm Talkeetna Riverfront Park Take a stroll down the park, see three rivers, and overlook a 20,000-foot peak. It’s close to downtown and offers a view of the Alaska Range and an unclose look at the Talkeetna, Sustina and Chulitna rivers. WHERE: Walk a full loop around town by strolling downstream, along the Susitna River, until you come to the end of the village airstrip. Then walk up D St., which will bring you right back to Main St. WHEN: Year-round, weather permitting WEB: alaska.org/detail/talkeetna-riverfront-park
Denali Zipline Tours Book as an individual or a private group. Fly through boreal forests and view the Alaska Range. WHERE: 13764 E. 2nd St., Talkeetna WHEN: Call for reservations. PHONE: 907-733-3988 WEB: denaliziplinetours.com The Fairview Inn The Fairview Inn and Bar is the perfect stop for anyone needing a warm and cozy place to cuddle up at night or just grab a night cap. WHERE: 101 Main St. WHEN: Bar open 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., weekdays, and until 3:30 p.m. weekends. PHONE: 907-733-2423
Enjoy a scenic drive and dinner
Mile 113.5 Glenn Highway
Cabins • Restaurant • Trails
Lodge restaurant is open May 15 – Sept 12 sheepmountain.com
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Open Daily 7:30am - 9pm
29 MAY 17 SEPT. 14
MAY 1
Denali’s original rafting company, established 1974
OUR OFFICE PRESENT THIS AD AT F RAFTING OF % 10 AND SAVE unts. Offer does not apply to agent bookings.
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THE WILD ON ENCOUNTER E HOM E OF H T O T IT IS V A A'S HIGHEST IC R E M A H T NOR PEAK.
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• 2 Hour, 4 Hour or Full Day Trips • Paddle or Oar Rafts • Gore-tex Drysuits • Free shuttle service
Local Phone: (907) 683-2234 Located near the entrance to Denali National park at Mile 238.6 Parks Hwy. in the Rainbow Village RV Park
www.denaliraft.com 1-888-683-2234
PHOTO COUR
PARK / LI NATIONAL TESY OF DENA STUYF ALEX VANDER
ITH MORE THAN 6 MILLION ACRES, Denali National Park and Preserve is often found on the bucket list of Alaska’s visitors–and, for that matter, Alaska residents themselves. The park attracts almost half a million visitors each year, and with good reason. The park and preserve were established in 1917 to protect wildlife living along the Alaska Range. In 1980, Congress tripled the size. Spanning 9,492 square miles, the park includes Mount McKinley (better known to many Alaskans as Denali), North America’s highest peak. A trip to Denali includes excitement in many forms: the chance to see (or even climb) McKinley’s peak, encounter a grizzly bear (hopefully from a safe distance) or just experience undeveloped wilderness. Accommodations of all sorts are situated right outside the park’s entrance off the George Parks Highway. Whether you stay in a hotel, cabin or tent, the many options allow for an efficient jumping-off spot for day trips into the park. Shuttle buses offer daily trips into the park during summer months. Visitors can spend half the day and travel only a portion of the road or spend the entire day and go deep into the park. Hikers often take the shuttle buses to the head of their chosen trail; take a day, two days, or even a week to hike and then hop back on the shuttle for a ride out of the park. Privately-owned lodges at the end of the road at Kantishna offer visitors a base camp for extended stays in the park. DENALI ATTRACTIONS
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Black Diamond ATV Tours Take an adventure on off-road trails with Black Dimond ATV Tours. The guides will teach you how to operate an ATV, show you
the best scenic views and ensure enough fun for a pack afternoon. Advance reservations recommended. WHERE: Mile 247 Parks Hwy. PHONE: 907-683-4653
WEB: blackdiamondtourco.com/ATV_ Adventures.html Sled Dog Demonstrations Feel like an Iditarod musher while viewing and participating in dog sled demonstrations at Husky Homestead, the home and dog kennel of Iditarod champion Jeff King. WHERE: Between mile 229 and 239 Parks Hwy. WHEN: 8 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. mid-May to mid-Sept. PHONE: 907-683-2904 WEB: huskyhomestead.com EMAIL: reservations@huskyhomestead.com or info@huskyhomestead.com
Denali National Park Visitors Center This federally run facility is an informative place to begin your adventure into the park. It offers hundreds of exhibits and fi lms on the park’s history, terrain, wildlife, climate and environmental challenges. As in other national parks, Denali offers the Junior Ranger program for children ages 12 and under. WHERE: Mile 1.5 Denali Park Rd. WHEN: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, midMay to mid-Sept. PHONE: 907-683-2294 WEB: nps.gov/dena/index.htm
Denali Outdoor Center Experience the true Alaska through whitewater raft ing, bike tours and rentals, cabin and campground rentals and kayak tours. Denali Outdoor Center offers a vast array of options for the adventurous spirit. WHERE: Mile 238.9 Parks Hwy. WHEN: Contact for reservations PHONE: 888-303-1925 WEB: denalioutdoorcenter.com
Denali Wilderness Access Center This is the first point of access for those seeking a backcountry experience and is where bus tickets and campground permits are issued and purchased. The center’s knowledgeable staff can answer questions and give advice regarding potential trips into the park. Bus shuttles depart from this location. WHERE: Mile 1 Denali Park Rd. WHEN: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., midWHEN May to mid-Sept. PHONE: 907-683-9274 or 800622-7275 WEB WEB: nps.gov/dena
A ra ft the rapid from Dena li O u s on the Nena na tdoor Center plo R iver just w outside so through f Nationa lDena li P H OTO Park . BY BOB H ALLINE
Wonder Lake Campground This is the closest campground to Mount McKinley, with 28 tent-only campsites. The mountain is only 26 miles away. WHERE: Mile 85 Denali Park Rd. WHEN: Visit website for reservations WEB: nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/ campground-wonder.htm
N
Wilderness Access Center Stop by the Wilderness Access Center for a pit stop, coffee, clean bathrooms and useful adventuring information. WHERE: 0.75 miles inside Denali National Park and Preserve on the Park Road WHEN: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 19 to mid-Sept WEB: nps.gov/dena/planyourvisit/wildernessaccesscenter.htm
Denali State Park Denali State Park is located an hour south of the national park on the Parks Highway. It offers wildlife viewing, hiking, backpacking, camping and a view of Mount McKinley and other parts of the Alaska Range. Three public-use cabins are available by reservation on the state website. WHERE: Mile 135 Parks Hwy. WHEN: Year-round PHONE: 907-745-3975 WEB: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/denali1.htm Murie Science and Learning Center This center is full of hands-on learning opportunities in paleontology, wildflower identification, wolf tracking, animal genealogy and wilderness safety. WHERE: Entrance of Denali National Park WHEN: Summer hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., mid-May to mid-Sept. PHONE: 907-683-1269 WEB: nps.gov/rlc/murie/index.htm
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Tourists enjoy the outside seating at Pike's Water front Lodge restaurant as a canoe glides past on the Chena River.
PHOTO BY BOB HALLINEN
Enjoy a del
icious slic e of Cho Ka h lua ca late ke at Lavco PHOTO B el le’s. Y MICHA EL A G EORTZEN
NESTLED ON THE NORTHERN EDGE OF THE VAST TANANA VALLEY, THE CITY OF FAIRBANKS OFFERS VISITORS A UNIQUE INTERIOR ALASKA EXPERIENCE.
T THE HEIGHT OF SUMMER, Fairbanks is flooded with sunlight much of the night. The sky does not fully darken, and visitors used to more conventional daylight hours may want to bring eye masks to help get to sleep. Summer solstice on June 21 is one of the biggest party days of the year in the Interior community. Fairbanks is located in a boreal forest, and visitors can expect aspen trees, birch forests and spruce forests. The town is flat and is bordered by hills to the north. The Chena River runs through town and converges with the Tanana River on the western edge of town. Locals love to float the Chena River on warm summer days.
9 a.m. - Breakfast at ACRC
10 a.m. - Museum of the North
Grab a coffee and scone at Alaska Coffee Roasting Company, a local café that roasts coffee in-house (4001 Geist Rd.). ACRC sells beans by the pound and a variety of sweet and savory breakfasts and lunches including quiche, breakfast pockets, cinnamon rolls and scones. On weekends ACRC serves biscuits and gravy. Locals love the flatbread pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. Bright birchwood tables and a steady stream of customers lend to an upbeat atmosphere. Unroasted coffee beans are propped up against an inner wall where visitors can peek through windows to see the shop’s roasting equipment. Expect long lines. Free Wi-Fi with purchase. Drive-through is also available.
The University of Alaska Museum of the North is located on the West Ridge of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ campus. It is the only research and teaching museum in Alaska and features a 36,000-year-old mummified steppe bison, a real-time sound and light installation driven by the positions of the sun and moon, and a room dedicated to seismic activity and the aurora borealis (aka the northern lights). Its collections also hold more than 1.4 million artifacts, specimens and examples of cultural traditions in the North. The building’s particular architecture was inspired by mountains, glaciers, the Yukon River and the northern lights. Check online for special lectures, videos and exhibit listings.
12:30 p.m. - Lunch: Falafel
10 p.m. - Lavelle's
The Pita Place on College Road opened in 2007 and quickly became an uber-popular lunch spot with Fairbanksans (3300 College Rd.). The Israeli-inspired cuisine joint has a simple menu, outdoor seating and covered tables. Expect to see long lines, but you’ll get your food quickly.
Lavelle’s Bistro offers a large selection of fine wines by the bottles and glass (575 1st Ave.). If you’re not already feeling like you’re in full vacation mode, the refined atmosphere, soft music and delicious desserts at Lavelle’s will get you there. The restaurant has been open for more than a decade and thrives in the heart of Fairbanks.
1:30 p.m. - Tanana Valley Farmers Midnight - Big-I Pub & Lounge Bar Market Just down the road from Pita Place is the Tanana Valley Farmers Market, a bustling open air market where local farmers sell produce and artisans sell homemade wares. More than 60 vendors set up shop at the popular market. Jewelry, wildflower honey, woodcarvings, produce and apparel are among the goods for sale.
3 p.m. - Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge Creamer's Field is a popular and easy trek for all ages. In 1928 Charlie and Anna Creamer purchased what became Creamer's Dairy. The couple continued to operate the dairy into the 1960s, and it became the most successful dairy producer in Interior Alaska. Today the site is a refuge for migratory waterfowl and offers visitors educational boards and nature walks. The entire refuge is nearly 2,000 acres, and the farmhouse, barns and 12 surrounding acres are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mile-long Boreal Forest Trail is a great walk for visitors. A boardwalk weaves through wetlands in a birch forest. Birders can watch a variety of fowl during the summer, and come August, visitors can watch as sandhill cranes and Canada geese gather en masse in the refuge, take flight and head south.
Pub crawlers can enjoy late nights at the Big-I (originally the “Big International,” but no one calls it that), the Irish pub located just across the river from downtown and just across the street from Fairbanks’ picturesque “little church,” Immaculate Conception Parish (122 N. Turner St.). The Big-I is the “longest lasting on-site bar in Fairbanks history,” according to the Downtown Association of Fairbanks. It has survived two fires and a flood, and the building has been used as an Elks Lodge in WWII, a railroad hotel, and general store, among other uses. Today, an eclectic mix of patrons frequent this bar. Visitors are in for a true Fairbanks experience. Free Wi-Fi is available. Smoking is permitted, and those sensitive to cigarette smoke should steer clear. Brix Hahn contributed to this itinerary.
6 p.m. - Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum Take a journey back to the 1800s and enjoy the “modern” fashions and cars of the times. The Antique Auto Museum is home to more than 100 vintage costumes and 80 vehicles (including horseless carriages, steamers, electric cars, speedsters, cyclecars, midget racers and classics)--most of which are operational. Bring your camera and be sure to take a photo in one of the vehicles.
8 p.m. - Dinner: Thai House Thai restaurants are ubiquitous in Fairbanks, and visitors have no shortage of options (412 5th Ave.). One local favorite is the Thai House Restaurant in downtown Fairbanks. The Thai House has been open since 1989, and the owner says she still uses the original recipes her late husband brought to the very first Thai restaurant in town. Décor features glittering murals from Thailand. Try curry of any kind or pad Thai.
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FAIRBANKS ATTRACTIONS Fairbanks Community Museum Located in what used to be City Hall and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the museum has the largest collection of memorabilia commemorating Fairbanks’ rich history and culture. Exhibits explore the early days of the gold rush to the 1960s floods. WHERE: 410 Cushman St. WHEN: Memorial Day through end of Sept.: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun., closed Sat.; open other times by appointment PHONE: 907-457-3669 WEB: fairbankshistorymuseum. com Gold Dredge 8 Strike it rich at Fairbanks’ oldest original, mechanical gold pan, which in its heyday extracted millions of ounces of gold. Hop aboard the replica narrow-gauge train for a ride to the dredge, where guides provide a brief gold panning lesson before giving you a chance to strike it rich. Everybody goes away with gold – guaranteed. WHERE: 1803 Old Steese Hwy. WHEN: May 11 to Sept. 19; daily tours depart at 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.; early and late season schedules may vary, reservations recommended PHONE: 907-479-6673 or 866479-6673 WEB: golddredge8.com Fairbanks Ice Museum Make sure to bring your jackets to the Ice Museum, “the coolest show in town.” The museum is home to the Ice
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Showcase, an 8,000-cubic-foot walk-in display of the ice sculptures carved at the International Ice Sculpting Competition held each March. The documentary "Freeze Frame" tells the story of how these blocks of ice are transformed into frozen works of art. WHERE: 500 Second Ave. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., May 1 to Sept. 30 PHONE: 907-451-8222 WEB: icemuseum.com University of Alaska Fairbanks Large Animal Research Station View musk oxen, caribou and reindeer (domesticated caribou) at the Large Animal Research Station. Founded in 1979, LARS is part of the effort to reintroduce musk oxen to the Alaska wild, where they had been plentiful until their disappearance in the late 1800s. Be sure to visit the gift shop to check out qiviut, the animals' underwool, prized for its warmth and soft ness. WHERE: 909 Koyukuk Dr. WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tues.Sat., June 3 to Aug. 30. Tours depart at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. PHONE: 907-474-5724 WEB: muskoxuaf.org Pioneer Park The past meets the present at Pioneer Park, where authentic log cabins offer a reminder of Fairbanks during its gold rush days. Take a spin on the carousel or hop aboard a replica narrow-gauge train for a ride around the park. Immerse yourself in Fairbanks history at the Kitty Hensley House, Tanana Valley Railroad Museum or Pioneer Air Museum. If you’re hungry, slip into
the Alaska Salmon Bake or grab a bite at one of the many food stands, and enjoy it while taking in a free concert at Gazebo Nights. WHERE: 2300 Airport Way WHEN: Most attractions open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily, Memorial Day to Labor Day PHONE: 907-459-1087 WEB: fnsb.us/pioneerpark Running Reindeer Ranch You know Dasher, Dancer, Vixen and the rest of Rudolph’s reindeer friends. Now visit Ruby, Willow, Olive, Rufus, Daisy, Buttercup and Jasper. Follow the frolicking reindeer as they lead you on a guided nature walk, where you’ll learn about the reindeer of Alaska and the boreal forest they call home. WHERE: Goldstream Valley; call for directions WHEN: By appointment only PHONE: 907-455-4998 WEB: runningreindeer.com University of Alaska Museum of the North Home to 1.4 million artifacts and specimens, the museum’s exhibits showcase all things Alaska. WHERE: 907 Yukon Dr. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, June 1 to Aug. 31; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat.-Sun.; Sept. 1 to May 31 PHONE: 907-474-7505 WEB: uaf.edu/museum Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge The site is a refuge for migratory waterfowl and offers visitors educational boards and nature walks. The entire
refuge is nearly 2,000 acres, and the farmhouse, barns and 12 surrounding acres are listed on the National Register of Historic Place of the National Park Service. WHERE: 1300 College Rd. WHEN: June 1 through Sept. 15, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PHONE: 907-452-5162 WEB: creamersfield.org
horseless carriages, steamers, electric cars, speedsters, cyclecars, midget racers and classics)--most of which are operational. Bring your camera and be sure to take a photo in one of the vehicles. WHERE: 212 Wedgewood Dr WHEN: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun.Thur. and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri.-Sat. PHONE: 907-450-2100 WEB: fountainheadmuseum. com
FAIRBANKS EVENTS Downtown Market Get a firsthand look at just how large produce can grow under Fairbanks’ midnight sun at this weekly showcase of local produce and handcrafted items. WHERE: Golden Heart Plaza WHEN: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, June to Aug. PHONE: 907-452-8671 WEB: downtownfairbanks.com/ events/downtown-market Fairbanks Summer Folk Fest More than 30 folk bands from across Alaska, Canada and the Lower 48 come together for this day-long music festival, including food booths and an arts and crafts fair. WHERE: Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way WHEN: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., June 14 WEB: fairbanksfolkfest.org
icle is the oldest car An 1898 Hays Motor Veh. tion lec col ead Founta inh PHOTO BY MARC LES
in the
TER
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum Take a journey back to the 1800s and enjoy the “modern” fashions and cars of the times. The Antique Auto Museum is home to over 100 vintage costumes and 80 vehicles (including
Study & Perform July 12 - 26, 2015
awaken your inner artist!
Register & Ticket Info fsaf.org |907.474.8869
SING PLAY DANCE PAINT COOK ACT LISTEN RELAX WRITE STRETCH WATCH
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109th Midnight Sun Baseball Classic Take advantage of the endless summer days and watch the Alaska Goldpanners take the field at 10:30 p.m. With nearly 22 hours of sunlight on the summer solstice, the lights have only been turned on once in the classic’s 108year history. WHERE: Growden Memorial Park WHEN: 10:30 p.m., June 21 WEB: goldpanners.com
and crafts, a barbecue cook-off and the grizzly Alaskan contest – including categories such as bushiest beard and ugliest frontier feet – are highlights. Festivities conclude with Alaska’s largest parade and the Rubber Duckie Race down the Chena River. WHERE: Downtown Fairbanks WHEN: July 16-20 PHONE: 907-452-1105 WEB: fairbankschamber.org/goldendays
Midnight Sun Festival Three downtown blocks are closed off to traffic for this daylong event that celebrates the return of summer and the midnight sun. Live music and dance performances, food, shopping, children’s activities and a beer garden are all a part of the fun. WHERE: Downtown at First, Second and Third streets WHEN: 12 p.m. to midnight, June 22 PHONE: 907-452-8671 WEB: downtownfairbanks.com/events/midnightsun-festival
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics Alaska Natives and other indigenous tribes test their strength, endurance, balance and agility to necessary skills for survival in the harsh arctic climate in events like the seal hop, ear pull, and the blanket toss. Traditional dancing and storytelling are also on display at these semi-annual games. WHERE: Carlson Center WHEN: July 15-18 PHONE: 907-452-6646 WEB: weio.org
Golden Days Have some “gold fashioned fun” at this annual celebration of Fairbanks’ mining past. Entertainment, arts
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Be inspired by the light of the Aurora Borealis. Renew your energy under the Midnight Sun. Experience the warmth of Fairbanks— Alaska’s Golden Heart—and the gateway to Denali, Interior and Arctic Alaska. Make the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center your first stop to planning your Alaskan adventure. Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center 101 Dunkel Street • Downtown Fairbanks 8am – 9pm Summer • 8am – 5pm Winter
www.explorefairbanks.com (907) 456-5774 info@explorefairbanks.com
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preser ve.
PUBLIC DOMAIN PHOTO
WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS IS A REMOTE GETAWAY OFFERING STUNNING SCENERY.
F YOU'RE LOOKING FOR BUSY, noisy touristy spots, stay away from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, home to nine of North America's 16 tallest peaks. But if your goal is to drink in the sheer beauty and peacefulness of an area often passed over by visitors and Alaskans alike, this park should be a high priority. Located near the Tok Cutoff via the 43-mile Nabesna Road on the northern end of the park and from the Edgerton Highway/McCarthy Road on the west side, the area offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, rafting, flightseeing and wildlife viewing. Those interested in the historical aspects of the area can tour the Kennecott Mill, a national historic landmark. The Kennecott mines, which operated between 1911 and 1938, include 70 miles of subterranean tunnels behind the present-day Kennicott Glacier Lodge and were connected to the mill by aerial trams. Besides camping, accommodations include 13 cabins available for public use within the park, two of which must be reserved in advance. Visitors can obtain information from the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve Visitor Center complex at Milepost V 106.5 on the Richardson Highway. l WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS ATTRACTIONS Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center The new visitor center features exhibits, a film on the park, a ranger program and a nature trail with views into the park. WHERE: Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy., Copper Center WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, late May to late Sept.; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as staffing permits in the winter PHONE: 907-822-7250 Kennecott Visitor Center Information on the natural history and geology of the area and the colorful history of the Kennecott Mine Corp. are found in this visitor center operated by the National Park Service. The renovation of the mine has led to its listing as a National Historic Landmark. WHERE: At the end of McCarthy Road: park and take the Park Service shuttle to Kennecott in the
middle of the renovated Kennecott Mine. WHEN: Open Daily 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., June to early Sept.; closed in the winter COST: Free PHONE: (907) 822-7476 Kennicott Glacier Lodge A replica of the historic buildings that comprised the Kennecott Mine, the lodge sits in the middle of the town and overlooks the Kennicott Glacier. Enjoy hiking, biking, rafting, flightseeing and more from this remote location. WHERE: Park vehicles at the end of the McCarthy Road by the Kennicott River. A private shuttle picks up guests across the Kennicott River footbridge WHEN: 2015 Season: May 23 - September 12 COST: Starting at $189/night, double occupancy; online specials available PHONE: 907-258-2350, 1-800-582-5128
Root Glacier After the long drive/shuttle to McCarthy, you might be ready to stretch your legs. Try the hike to Root Glacier. Check in with the ranger station at the entrance to the Kennicott Mill Site and they'll help you get oriented. It's a 4.7-mile trek and suitable for family hiking. Watch for bears. Fresh water is abundant. If you're prepared for it, camping along the route is allowed. WHERE: Starts behind the Kennicott Mill Site, but check in with rangers before you set off. WHEN: Mid-June to early Sept. COST: Free
The Nationa l Pa tours of the mrk Serv ice licenses loca l gu ill building at es to offer Kennecott Mid ill Tow Wra ngel l-St. El ias Nationa l Pan in rk . PHOT O BY ERIK HI
LL
Wrangell Mountain Air flightseeing If you have the time and funds, it would almost be absurd to make it to the edge of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and not take to the air for the best views of beautiful, untouched wilderness. There are several flightseeing operations that offer tours of varying length. The pilots at Wrangell Mountain Air are true experts. WHERE: McCarthy Airport WHEN: Flexible (call for details) COST: Starting at $110/person (two-person minimum) for a 35-minute tour PHONE: 1-800-478-1160 *Editor's note: The print edition of the visitors' guide was published with some incorrectly filed entries in this section. The PDF edition is corrected. We apologize for any confusion.
Explore
America’s Largest National Park Experience gracious hospitality in the center of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Hike on a glacier, explore the Kennicott National Historic Landmark, and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
KennicottLodge.com 800-582-5128 39
Y COMMUNIT T R O P R E AT Y THE DEEPW EATHTAKING BEAUT R B T. COMBINES RICAL PAS O T IS H H IC WITH A R
HE CITY OF VALDEZ (pronounced Val-deez) lies at the head of the Port of Valdez, a deepwater fjord positioned off pristine Prince William Sound. History buffs and thrill-seekers alike will enjoy the charm of this seaside town. The town of Valdez sprang to life during the winter of 18971898 when would-be gold miners came looking for a supposed (but non-existent) trail over Valdez Glacier to the Interior of Alaska and the Klondike gold mines. The gold rush brought inVALDEZ ATTRACTIONS Columbia Glacier This tidewater glacier, located in Columbia Bay, is one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world. Getting there requires a boat – check out local options such as Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises for tours and charters. WHERE: 61°13'11"N 146°53'43"W WHEN: Year-round WEB: ak.water.usgs.gov/glaciology/ columbia; stephenscruises.com Fielding Lake State Recreation Area The recreation area is located on a scenic campground at an elevation of 2,973 feet in the Alaska Range. Ice often stays on the lake until July due to the elevation. There are 17 camping sites in the area, a boat launch, and toilets. There are also public cabins available for use by reservation. WHERE: Two miles west of the Richardson Hwy. at mile 200.5 WEB: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/ deltajct/fielding.htm
Glacier & Wildlife cruises
PHOTO COURTESY THI
NKSTOCK/WHENINU
SA
dustry to this port and Valdez was born. Traveling to Valdez provides its own immersion into some of Alaska’s stunning scenery. Whether hitching a ride on the Alaska state ferry or driving the Richardson Highway, visitors will experience some of the most breathtaking views Alaska has to offer. The Alaska Marine Highway System takes travelers across Prince William Sound and offers views of Alaska’s abundant aquatic wildlife. Driving from Anchorage to Valdez provides an equally spectacular trip through Thompson Pass.
Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum What began as Maxine Whitney’s private collection has evolved into a museum with natural history of Alaska exhibits, wildlife mounts and one of the largest collections of Alaska Native art and artifacts in the world. WHERE: Prince William Sound Community College, 303 Lowe St. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, May to Sept.; call ahead for winter hours PHONE: 907-834-1690 WEB: mjwhitneymuseum.org Valdez Museum & Historical Archive The Valdez Museum on Egan Drive contains exhibits of the history of Alaska Bush pilots, the founding of Valdez, the gold rush, the oil pipeline and the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The Valdez Museum on Hazelet Avenue contains the Remembering Old Valdez exhibit, which features a 1:20 scale model of Valdez right before the 1964 earthquake. WHERE: Main Museum: 217 Egan
Dr.; Remembering Old Valdez: 436 South Hazelet Ave. PHONE: 907-835-2764 WEB: valdezmuseum.org Worthington Glacier The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site, located 28 miles from Valdez on the Richardson Highway, offers easy hiking trails for an up-close view of the the glacier. WHERE: Mile 28.7 Richardson Hwy. WEB: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/ kenai/worthglsrs.htm VALDEZ EVENTS Valdez Gold Rush Days A festival celebrating Valdez’s gold rush history and heritage, featuring a family fun day, fish fry, open air market, parade and other popular events. WHERE: Locations around Valdez WHEN: July 29 to Aug. 2 WEB: valdezgoldrushdays.org
ExplorE princE William Sound « Toll Free 1.866.867.1297 « Valdez 907.835.4731 « stanstephenscruises.com 40
PHOTO BY LO
THE GAT EWAY TO PRINCE W OFFERS ILLIAM SO PLENT Y OF HISTO RY AND C UND HAR M .
REN HOLMES
STABLISHED AS A POST by the U.S. Army, Whittier was the primary launching point for the Alaska command during World War II. During the summer this sleepy outpost experiences a metamorphosis, turning into a bustling hive of activity, a hub for most of the recreation and tourism centered WHITTIER ATTRACTIONS Prince William Sound Museum This museum features 25 exhibits charting the history of this part of Alaska, from early exploration by the Spanish Navy to Whittier’s vital role as a post in World War II. WHERE: Inside the Anchor Inn Hotel, 100 Whittier St. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily PHONE: 907-472-2354 or 877-8708787 WEB: pwsmuseum.org
Portage Pass A fairly steep 1.5-mile-long trail offering majestic views of Portage Lake and Portage Glacier. WHERE: Trailhead is located just before the tunnel on the Whittier side. Cross the railroad tracks and signs will point the way. WHEN: Year-round, weather permitting
Begin Your Alaskan Adventure On The
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COAST GUARD INSPECTED FOR UP TO 12 PASSENGERS
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in and around Eastern Prince William Sound. While some arrive at Whittier by cruise ship, most come via the Seward Highway and the longest highway tunnel in North America. The tunnel still primarily functions as a railroad tunnel and the times when it can be driven are staggered, which needs to be taken into account by residents and visitors alike. Horsetail Falls Boardwalk trail gains elevation quickly and offers stunning views of Passage Canal. WHERE: Turn right off Whittier Street, pass the cement barracks, and follow the dirt road up the hill. Follow sign for Horsetail Falls at fork in the road. The trail begins at the top of the hill on the right side of the road. WHEN: Year-round, weather permitting
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SCENIC VISTA UST 40 MINUTES SOUTH of AnchorS, ADRENALIN E-PUMPING age off the Seward Highway you’ll find ADVENTURE A ND INCREDIBLE the tiny, laid-back community of GirdWILDLIFE AWAIT. wood. The gently winding drive along Turnagain Arm offers breathtaking views of Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest. It’s not uncommon to see beluga whales swimming the icy waters or Dall sheep dotting the craggy hillside. Girdwood’s premier attraction is The Hotel Alyeska, a 307-room luxury resort that offers year-round outdoor recreation and plenty of amenities to soothe your weary bones. While the resort’s draw is undeniable, it’s far from the only reason to make the trek. A variety of high-end adventure sports await you in Girdwood. Soar with the eagles in a paragliding adventure, rent a mountain bike and race down the trails, or head out looking for wildlife on one of the area’s many hiking trails. Or unwind with some music and culture at one of Girdwood’s many festivals celebrating the beauty and bounty of the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Girdwood has enough to offer to make it a destination all its own. GIRDWOOD ATTRACTIONS
With Turnagain Arm as a backdr soar over Girdwo op, paragliders od. PHOTO BY
DARON DE AN Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Walk or drive the 2-mile loop for an up-close look at musk oxen, elk, wood bison, caribou, moose, bears, eagles and more. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has provided care and refuge for orphaned, injured or ailing wildlife for 21 years. The AWCC currently houses the only wood bison herd in the U.S. and plans to reintroduce the animals to the Alaskan wild in spring 2015. WHERE: Mile 79 Seward Hwy. WHEN: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., May 9 to Sept. 17 (no entry after 7:30 p.m.) PHONE: 907-783-2025 WEB: alaskawildlife.org The Alyeska Resort This luxury resort has an indoor saltwater pool, spa, and a variety of dining options. It’s the starting point for outdoor adventure for both beginners and those seeking to get their blood pumping. Grab a trail map before venturing out, or let the hotel concierge help you find the perfect paragliding, kayak, or helicopter tour. WHERE: 1000 Arlberg Ave. WHEN: Open daily PHONE: 907-754-1111 WEB: alyeskaresort.com
Begich, Boggs Visitor Center Built on top of debris left behind by the receding Portage Glacier, you can explore the Chugach National Forest through exhibits, educational presentations, and the fi lm “Retreat and Renewal: Stories from Alaska’s Chugach National Forest.”
SEE HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Wood bison, a species once thought to be extinct, await their release back into the wild.
Mile 79, Seward Highway | Portage, AK 99587 | 907.783.2025 | www.alaskawildlife.org
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WHERE: Portage Glacier Hwy., off the Seward Hwy. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 23 to mid-Sept. PHONE: 907-783-2326, May to Sept. WEB: fs.usda.gov/detail/chugach/ home/?cid=stelprdb5251094 Crow Creek Mine Crow Creek Mine produced an estimated 700 ounces of gold per month in its heyday. Today, you can catch a case of “gold fever” in one of the mine’s open (and still producing) claims. Historic buildings and antique mining equipment offer a glimpse into its mining past. WHERE: Mile 3 Crow Creek Rd. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 15 to Sept. 15 PHONE: 907-229-3105 WEB: crowcreekmine.com
©KenGrahamPhotography
Portage Glacier Cruises Cruise across Portage Lake on the M/V Ptarmigan for an up-close look at Portage Glacier. At only 300 yards from the glacier’s face, you’ll be able to see
glacial ice calve (break away) and splash into the icy waters. Be on the lookout for ice worms, which spend their entire life in the glacier. WHERE: Portage Glacier Rd., Mile 78.9 Seward Hwy. WHEN: May 15 to Sept. 15; departs 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. PHONE: 800-544-2206 WEB: portageglaciercruises.com GIRDWOOD EVENTS Fiddlehead Festival This two-day outdoor festival celebrates the fiddlehead fern, a prized springtime delicacy. It includes live music, arts and crafts, children’s activities, a beer and wine garden and cooking demonstrations. WHERE: The Hotel Alyeska, Pond Courtyard, 1000 Arlberg Ave. WHEN: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., June 7-8 PHONE: 907-754-1111 WEB: alyeskaresort.com/info/calendarevents
Girdwood Forest Fair Handcrafted goods, homemade exotic foods (carnival food is prohibited) and entertainment from performers around the state are just part of the fun at this family-friendly event. WHERE: Fairgrounds, Mile 2.2 Alyeska Hwy. WHEN: July 3 to July 5; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. parade at 10 a.m. WEB: girdwoodforestfair.com Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival Bushels of blueberries are the highlight of this annual festival that celebrates one of Alaska’s most bountiful berries. Live music, berry picking, a blueberry creations contest, local crafts and a pie eating contests are all part of the fun. WHERE: The Hotel Alyeska Pond Courtyard, 1000 Arlberg Ave. WHEN: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Aug. 9-10 PHONE: 907-754-1111 WEB: alyeskaresort.com/info/calendarevents
Alyeska Resort is located 35 miles from Anchorage and on the way to the Kenai Peninsula. Take a scenic tram ride to the award-wining Seven Glaciers Restaurant and relax in our spa at the luxurious Hotel Alyeska.
AlyeskaResort.com
800-880-3880
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og Tourists phot
er y in Kenai raph the scenationa l Park . N ds or Fj N HOLMES PHOTO BY
LORE
A kaya ker
prepares to
launch on front of Athe beach ia li k Bay. PHOTO B Y CR AIG MEDRED
SEASIDE ADVENTURE ABOUNDS AMID SEWARD'S RUGGED CH ARM.
ITH SOME OF THE BEST saltwater fishing in the state, kayaking, world-class wildlife viewing, and a choice between seaside or mountaintop hiking, Seward cooks up the perfect recipe for an Alaska adventure. At the heart of most Seward adventures is Kenai Fjords National Park. In fact, a cruise along the outer coast of the park is a must for many locals with visiting friends and relatives. For those who prefer walking, Kenai Fjords can easily be accessed via Exit Glacier, just a short drive outside of town. Here visitors can join ranger-led walks to the glacier, which are scheduled several times daily throughout the summer. For the more diehard hikers, the Harding Icefield Trail is a steep, 8-mile trek that quickly gains nearly 3,000 feet in elevation. It takes the hiker to the edge of the ice field, which covers about 300 square miles.
Recreational hikers may want to take it slightly easier than the competitors who sprint, crawl and climb up the 3,022foot Mount Marathon during Seward’s premier gathering, the town’s Fourth of July celebration. During these festivities the streets are blocked off, fi lled with events, musicians and vendors, and visitors and residents alike line up to watch the evening fireworks. For a taste of the great outdoors indoors, the Alaska SeaLife Center provides the perfect balance. Visitors can see harbor seals, sea lions and a variety of birds up close, or pick up a variety of sea stars and other animals in the touch tank. As in any coastal town, fishing is big and in Seward it can also be lucrative. The Seward Silver Salmon Derby, with more than $100,000 in prize money, including $10,000 for the largest silver, draws anglers from across the state and around the country. The derby typically runs for nine days beginning in mid-August.
SEWARD ATTRACTIONS Seward Community Library and Museum This is the place to learn about historic Seward and Alaska. See fi lm footage of the 1964 earthquake and get a sense of the town’s past as a shipbuilding port and start of the Iditarod Trail. WHERE: 239 6th Ave., Seward WHEN: Library: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon., Fri., Sat.; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tue.-Thurs. Museum: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. Summer information not available. PHONE: 907-224-4082 WEB: cityofseward.us/index.aspx?nid=379 Alaska SeaLife Center The Alaska SeaLife Center is a state-of-the-art research and educational institution, where visitors can learn about Alaska’s coastal ecosystems and view a wide range of sea life up close and personal. WHERE: 301 Railway Ave. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fri.-Sun., May 22 to Sept. 6; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Sept. 7 to May 21 PHONE: 907-224-6300 or 800-224-2525 WEB: alaskasealife.org
Hotel Seward’s Own Victorian Restaurant
Visitors get an underwater of 7-year-old harbor seal Tonview gass at the Alaska Sea Life Center. PHOTO BY BILL ROTH
Kenai Fjords National Park and Information Center Kenai is surrounded by the rich natural beauty of this oneof-a-kind national park. Soaring mountains, secluded coves and calving glaciers are all a vital part of this amazing landscape. The most accessible part of the park is Exit Glacier, which can be reached via Herman Leirer/Exit Glacier Road. Numerous tour
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athon race pass men's Mount Mar n. Runners in the woon their way down the mountaiES N HOLM by wi ld gera niums PHOTO BY LORE
WHERE: Information Center is located at 1212 4th Ave., Seward WHEN: Center is open 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., midMay to mid-Sept. PHONE: 907-422-0535, Information Center WEB: nps.gov/kefj SEWARD EVENTS
boats and kayak outfitters are also available to plan an excursion along this extensive and awe-inspiring coastline. The information center for the park is located near the small boat harbor and features a variety of displays and has maps, brochures and publications available.
Fourth of July Celebration and Mount Marathon Race Come revel in the festivities as Seward’s population swells by 30,000 for one of Alaska’s premier parties, complete with a parade, street venders and fireworks. Then watch as hearty souls from around the world compete in a grueling, mileand-a-half footrace up a scree-covered, and often still snow-covered, mountain. WHERE: Seward WHEN: July 4 PHONE: 907-224-805, Seward Chamber of Commerce WEB: sewardchamber.org and mmr.seward.com
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Pu ffi ns perch on a cliff in MES
Resurrection Bay.
MES
A sea otter watches passin g a passing boat in Aia lik bay in Kenai Fjords National Park. PHOTO BY LOREN HOL
PHOTO BY LOREN HOL
Seward Silver Salmon Derby Catch the largest silver salmon and win $10,000! Catch the tagged fish and win $50,000! This is Alaska’s most exciting sport fishing tournament, and a load of fun for all anglers. Other 2015 prizes include a new Chevy truck and an ATV. WHERE: Resurrection Bay WHEN: Aug. 9 to 17 PHONE: 907-224-8051, Seward Chamber of Commerce WEB: sewardchamber.org/welcome-to-seward-alaska/signature-events/seward-silver-salmon-derby-august
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47
S THE KENAI PENINSULA' MMUNITIES COMMERCIAL HUB CO THAN MEETS OFFER VISITORS MORE THE EYE.
T FIRST GLANCE THE CITIES OF KENAI AND SOLDOTNA may appear to be just shopping destinations or jumping-off points for anglers. But these communities have much to offer independent travelers.
The Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center, located on the Spur Highway, provides information on activities and events and houses a permanent collection of artifacts, historic documents, and wildlife exhibits, along with a wide array of artwork. The well-stocked store located in the Center’s lobby is an excellent place to pick up guidebooks and local artwork. The Visitors Center is also the starting point for a self-guided walking tour through Old Town Kenai, the original town site overlooking the mouth of the Kenai River. Many of the original structures remain, including old homesteaders' cabins and the Russian Orthodox church, which was built in 1894. Also located in this area, on Cook Street, in a historical building that was once the fire station and jail, is the Kenai Fine Arts Center, home to the Peninsula Arts Guild. The Arts Center hosts activities every Friday night throughout the summer, and features a wide range of work for sale by local artists. Along with numerous mountain biking, hiking, and ski trails, there are many opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. A good place to begin exploring is the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters on Ski Hill Road, where several miles of trails are maintained. They also have information on the more than 250 miles of trails within the 1.9 million-acre refuge, as well as canoeing within what many consider the Refuge’s crown jewel, the Swan Lake/Swanson River Canoe System.
Those heading to the area might also consider starting their tour at the Soldotna Visitor’s Center on the Sterling Highway, where a variety of pamphlets, maps and a list of area shops can be found. On view is the world-record king salmon taken by Les Anderson in 1985. When the fish are running many anglers actually use this as a base and head to the nearby boardwalk to cast for sockeye salmon. History buffs may want to take a detour to the Soldotna Historical Museum, which features a resurrected village made up of original log buildings. Located on Centennial Park Road, just off of Kalifornski Beach Road, the village houses artifacts from the early days of homesteading. You may even run into one of those early homesteaders who settled Soldotna just after World War II and still volunteers at the museum. Of course fishing is king in Soldotna, and despite the recent downturn in chinook stocks, this area still boasts some of the best and most accessible fishing for sockeye salmon and trout in the world. Throughout town there are various riverside parks, where visitors can picnic, camp, fish and launch their boats for a day on the water. Whether an avid or occasional angler, a day on the Kenai River, taking in the sights and tangling with a sockeye or world-class rainbow trout, should be a priority on anyone’s agenda. There are numerous professional guides based in Soldotna who love to share with guests this magnificent river and the town they call home.
KENAI/SOLDOTNA ATTRACTIONS Kenai Visitors and Cultura l Center The place for most local information, as well as historica l and cultural educatio n. WHERE: 11471 Kenai Spur Hwy., Kenai WHEN: Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sun.; Winter hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat.; closed Sun.-Mon. PHONE: 907-283-1991 WEB: kenaichamber.org
Kenai Fine Arts Center Home to the Peninsula Arts Guild, Kenai River Council on the Arts, and the Potter’s Guild, this historic building and gallery is the center of the local art scene. WHERE: 816 Cook Ave., Kenai WHEN: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wed.-Fri.; open late for lectures and special events (call for information) PHONE: 907-283-7040 WEB: kenaifinearts.com Old Town Kenai A map for the self-guided walking tour can be picked up at the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center. WHERE: Begins at the Kenai Visitors and Cultural Center, 11471 Kenai Spur Hwy. WHEN: Year-round PHONE: 907-283-1991 WEB: visitkenai.com
Children show off the morning catch of sockeyes on the shore of g the Kenai River durin the first opening of then personal use salmo . dipnet ting season PHOTO BY JR ANC
HETA
Soldotna Historical Society Museum and Homesteaders Village This village is made up of original buildings and artifacts and provides a historical representation of the homesteading life. WHERE: Entrance to Centennia l Campground on Kalifornsky Beach (K-Beach) Road at Centennia l Park Road WHEN: May 15 to Sept. 15 only; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tues.Sat.; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sun.; closed Monday PHONE: 907-262-3832 WEB: alaska.org/detail/soldotna-historical-society-museum
Quality Lodging & Fine Dining for over
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Soldotna Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center Pick up a variety of pamphlets and brochures, check out the wild game mounts, and visit the handicap accessible fishing platform. WHERE: 44790 Sterling Hwy. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; daily June to Aug. PHONE: 907-262-9814 WEB: visitsoldotna.com Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Walk the self-guided nature trail or wilderness trails that surround the headquarters. Inside are wildlife exhibits, a small gift shop and expert advice on where to go and what to do within the refuge. The refuge hosts many special events. Call or check the web for details. WHERE: Ski Hill Road, Soldotna WHEN: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon.Fri. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat.-Sun., May to Sept.; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat.; Oct. to April. PHONE: 907-262-7021 or Bird Hotline at 907-262-2300 WEB: kenai.fws.gov Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council Information on attractions, businesses, and everything to do on the Kenai Peninsula. WHERE: 35571 Kenai Spur Hwy.,
Soldotna PHONE: 907-262-5229, 800-535-3624 WEB: kenaipeninsula.org Soldotna Creek Park A five-acre park in the middle of town on the Kenai River includes picnic tables, barbecues, a playground for children, and over 500 feet of elevated riverfront boardwalk to fish from. WHERE: Sterling Highway WEB: ci.soldotna.ak.us/soldotna_creek.html
A fisherman rinses a red salmon he caught by dipnet at the mouth of the Kenai River. PHOTO BY BILL ROTH
50
THE ROAD, AT THE END OF DISE FOR ART THERE'S A PARA ODIES — LOVERS AND FO . FISH OR NO FISH
HAT LIES AT THE END of the Sterling Highway is an end-of-the-road community unlike any other in Alaska. On the surface, Homer looks just like any another Kenai Peninsula town, with seemingly endless fishing opportunities. Locals trade fi llets of freshly caught halibut for freshly caught, and sometimes freshly smoked, salmon. The smell of the sea mixed with the aroma of seafood lingers in the air and is blown around the town on the ever-present gusts of wind. But beneath the fishing tackle, countless charters and bearded The Homer Sp fishermen congregated on the shores of Kachemak Bay is a thrivis home to thite in Kachemak Bay harbor and man ing community of health-conscious, environmentally friendly y businesses. PHOTO BY AN artists and foodies. NE RAUP During the summer locals peddle a variety of art, their freshly harvested berries and vegetables, and eggs they collected from backyard chicken coops. Buskers lay their guitar cases on the wooden boardwalks, sometimes singing the lyrics to folk music they wrote themselves or doing covers of classic rock tunes. What's more, for a relatively small community (Homer claims only 5,136 residents), Homer plays host to some of the best dining opportunities in the state. And it all lies at the end of the road.
9 a.m. Breakfast at Cosmic Kitchen
friendly staff and patrons, and serving up fresh food. They also have a wide range of vegetarian meals and make their own salsa.
Cosmic Kitchen (510 E Pioneer Ave.) is in the heart of Homer and isn't easy to miss. Beneath the large, multicolored sign there's a usually-packed deck of patrons and a line out the front door. The restaurant serves the basics–bacon, eggs, hash browns and pancakes–as well as oversized breakfast burritos, which will require two hands, a healthy appetite, napkins and maybe a fork to eat all the fi lling that spills onto the plate. But the Cosmic Kitchen offers more than comically large burritos for a reasonable price. It embodies the spirit of Homer: locally owned, populated with
10:30 a.m. Bike the Homer Spit Don't cringe when someone tells you to go to "the spit." It is simply what Alaskans call the Homer Spit, four and a half miles of gravel shoreline jutting into Kachemak Bay. The spit is home to gift shops, art shops, restaurants, a boat graveyard and the boat harbor. Later in the day, you may see halibut charters coming back into the small boat harbor, where spectators can see trophy-sized halibut weighed and cleaned. There are plenty of places to lock
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Connecting you with Nature since 1982! Explore. Connect. Care.
Peterson Bay Field Station Memorial Day –Labor Day
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Across Kachemak Bay
708 Smokey Bay Way, Homer, AK 99603
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Guided or Self-Guided Tours
Naturalist Led Tours Daily
Intertidal & Forest Exploration Full Day Tours FOR GROUPS & INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES Kayaking and Overnight Yurt Stays Available Summer Youth Camps and Corporate Retreats
Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
Overlooking Kachemak Bay
Yurt on the Spit at the Homer Harbor
Daily Creatures of the Dock Tours
Local info & easy booking for ALL our Tours
Phone 907-235-6667
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51
12 p.m. Lunch at Finn's Pizza Finn's offers two great things: delicious wood-fired, whole wheat, thin-crust pizza and a beautiful view of Kachemak Bay (4287 Homer Spit Rd.). Centrally located on the Homer Spit, Finn's is a great lunch stop on a busy day of exploring. The pizza ingredients are fresh, and Finn's uses locally made products as much as possible. And with a wood-fired stove, patrons can always count on a crispy, smoky crust.
1:30 p.m. Bear Creek Winery tasting It's too cold to grow grapes outside in Alaska. As a substitute, the Bear Creek winery uses rhubarb, blue berries and raspberries (60203 Bear Creek Dr.). It isn't quite the mouthful of aged grapes you may be used to sipping on, but it is still delicious and refreshing. While many of
the wines are dessert wines, they do offer drier selections as well.
3 p.m. Water taxi to Halibut Cove Perhaps the most–visited of the sheltered coves located across Kachemak Bay from Homer is Halibut Cove, home to a small population of 85. During the summer months, seasonal employees work at the restaurant, locals rent out kayaks and visitors can even ride a horse. You'll need to make reservations to take a water taxi, and there are several different companies offering the service. Make sure you discuss with your captain when you'd like to return to Homer. The taxi ride should take about 20 minutes. After arriving, stretch your legs. Say hello to the horses, then hike up by the graveyard for a spectacular view of the cove and the bay.
4 p.m. Diana Tillion and the Cove Gallery Halibut Cove stalwart Diana Tillion, who passed away in 2010 at 81 years old,
This unique boat-in venue is a marriage of Venice and New Orleans, moved to Alaska. For a list of upcoming concerts and events visit www.halibutcovelive.com
www.halibutcovelive.com 52
moved to the island in 1950 and helped build the artists' community in which she thrived until her death. Her studio, which sits atop a small peak, remains a staple of the cove. Tillion produced a variety of art, but her most unique works are those she created with octopus ink. As the story goes, Diana would walk down into the cove when the tide was low and get the ink from the octopus all by herself. Her art remains on the walls of her gallery today.
5 p.m. Dinner at the Saltry Restaurant The upscale Saltry Restaurant is the only dinner destination in Halibut Cove — not that you'll feel stifled by the lack of an option. Sit on the deck, order a glass of Bear Creek wine or a beer from an Alaska brewing company, and take your pick from the fine dining menu. From fresh Alaska seafood plates to a tender leg of lamb, the Saltry has meals you won't find on the Homer mainland. When you're all done, head back across the bay.
7:45 p.m. Drinks at the Salty Dog Saloon No one can visit Homer and skip the Salty Dog (4380 Homer Spit Rd.). It's a novelty bar and an Alaska landmark, and everyone has to visit it at least once. The building is over 100 years old and served as everything from a railroad station to a school before being turned into a bar in the 1950s. The building has been moved and even modified, but its spirit remains the same. Its rustic cabin walls are covered in dollar bills, and the drinks are reasonably priced. Its patrons are a mix of fishermen and tourists. And the smell of salt water and fish — it lingers inside the Salty Dog, too.
K 1 8 4 4 2
up your bike. If you don't have a bike, you can rent one; half day rentals are available at Cycle Logical (3585 East End Rd.).
OPPORT UNITIES FO ADVENT URE ABO R OUTDOOR UND IN T CITY THA HE SOUT T'S THE HEAST S EAT OF GOVERN ALASK A MENT. 'S
Juneau ober ts tram in The Mount Res excellent city views. id REN prov OT T MCMUR PHOTO BY
SC
8 a.m. Breakfast at the Sandpiper Get up early and hit the Sandpiper Cafe (429 W Willoughby Ave.) for breakfast. Everything they make in this downtown cafe is delicious. But pay attention to the “specials” board when you walk in. There’s usually a special scramble with some exotic chorizo sausage. I always choose the home fries over the hash browns. There’s an entire menu section reserved for pancakes and french toast. Nobody leaves hungry!
9 a.m. Tram up the mountainside From the parking lot at the Sandpiper on Willoughby St., you can see the Mount Roberts Tramway. Go over the terminal at the cruise ship dock and hop aboard. Have your camera ready, as the tram gains elevation quickly, affording some great snapshots of any ships in port, the Juneau-Douglas bridge and the downtown area. Once at the top of the tram, head out on the trail. You can choose one of several routes, but all of them start on one trail that goes up, up, up! You can branch off to the quick 1-mile loop or keep going up to the peak of Mount Roberts. The views along all of the trails are nothing short of spectacular. Don’t be surprised to be a 737 or a group of flight seeing helicopters flying by at eyelevel. You can see the airport looking north from any number of overlooks. Look south down
f you find yourself in Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, consider yourself lucky. Accessible only by boat or plane, it takes some effort to get there. It also takes some effort to decide which incredible adventures you can experience in one day. You can’t do it all—but you can try!
Gastineau Channel and see the cruise ships coming and going.
11 a.m. Take a hike Back on the ground, head north from downtown past the airport to Mendenhall Glacier. The visitor center is just 12 miles away. You can take the one- to two-hour hike that goes out to the giant waterfall to the right of the glacier. Or you can just hike down to the lake shore for some great photos. If the fish are running up the Mendenhall River, you’re likely to see some bears from the boardwalk that straddles the stream next to the parking lot. For some great ocean views – and maybe even some whale sightings – take a right at Mendenhall Loop Road instead of coming back to town. Continue north for another 15 miles to the Shrine of St. Therese. This peaceful retreat center is open to the public and features a small chapel built on an island, connected by a causeway. Take your time to stroll along the beach on either side of the island. Then walk out to the island and see the rough-hewn stone chapel. It’s beautiful. But the star attraction is the unobstructed view from the island of Lynn Canal.
Afternoon Lunch If you’re in the mood for a midday snack, stop in at my favorite Juneau bakery, the Silverbow Bakery at 120 Second
St. Like all the best bakers, they’re up early making bagels, breads and sweets. At first, I only ate their bagels—which they’re happy to serve up with wild Alaska salmon, cream cheese and all the fi xings. Lately, though, I’m partial to the Panini sandwiches, especially the smoked turkey. The key, of course, is their fresh-baked bread.
Options for adventure The trails and the vistas around Juneau offer an outsized view of nature’s splendor. If you want to take it up a notch, book one of several excursions available during cruise season, including: a. Helicopter tours: Several companies, including TEMSCO and ERA, offer helicopter tours up to the glaciers. b. Whale-watching tours: Alaska Travel Adventures will give you an upclose and personal look at these giant sea mammals that you typically cannot get on the shore. c. AJ Mine/Gastineau Mill Tour: Take an underground tour of the famous AJ Mine, led by a real-life mining family.
7 p.m. Pizza with a view If you’re hungry after sightseeing, head across the Juneau-Douglas bridge to the Island Pub in Douglas (1102 2nd St.). I think it’s got the best wood-fired pizza in town, plus a great view of the water. For more ideas on what to see and do in Juneau, check out the TravelJuneau. com website.
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D RS, FORESTE A E B S IT R O LE." RLDWIDE F "EMERALD IS N W O KNOWN WO 'S A K S ND IS ALA KODIAK ISLA ush and verdant Kodiak Island lives up to its nickname of "Alaska's Emerald Isle." The island is home to an abundance of green vegetation: Sitka spruce, alder, birch, and cottonwood trees, topped off with a variety of wildflowers and grasses. One can find a profusion of wildlife dwelling amongst all this greenery such as the Kodiak brown bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goats, elk, reindeer and many other smaller creatures. The waters of Kodiak teem with marine wildlife in and around the island, such as whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, salmon and halibut. Kodiak Island is part of the Kodiak Archipelago, a large group of islands about 30 miles from the Alaska Peninsula and 158 miles across the Gulf of Alaska from Homer. At 3,588 square miles, Kodiak is the largest island in the group and the second largest island in the United States. Only the Big Island of Hawaii is larger. The main population lives in the city of Kodiak, at the northeastern tip of the island, accessible via ferry or airplane. The city serves as the major supply and transportation hub for the archipelago's six towns, five of which are located on Kodiak Island, with one on Spruce Island, as well as the point of embarkation for tours and lodges catering to visitors in search of up close and personal encounters with the region's famous bruins. KODIAK ATTRACTIONS The Alutiiq Museum An archaeological repository for more than 250,000 items related to the culture and history of the Alutiiq people, the Alutiiq Museum seeks to preserve the cultural traditions of the Alutiiq people and promote the cultural legacy of all the indigenous societies of the Alaskan Gulf coast. This museum is the ideal place to explore the rich Native culture and traditions of Kodiak and the surrounding area. WHERE: 215 Mission Rd. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tues.-Fri.; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. PHONE: 907-486-7004 WEB: alutiiqmuseum.org The Baranov Museum Housed in the oldest building in the state of Alaska and the earliest documented log structure on
1-888-KODIAK-4
907-486-5712 • E-mail: info@kodiakinn.com
• Pillowtop Beds • Free WiFi • Free Continental Breakfast • Fitness Center
Kodiak, Alaska
www.kodiakinn.com
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236 W. Rezanof Drive, Kodiak, Alaska 99615
Kodiak’s friendliest hotel welcomes you to a comfortable stay, located by downtown St. Paul Harbor. Dine on-site at the Chart Room Restaurant & Lounge. Enjoy Kodiak’s outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, hunting, whale watching and viewing the famous Kodiak Brown Bear. Perfect for your vacation, workshop or conference!
the west coast, the Baranov Museum has several distinctive collections. Included is a collection of Alutiiq and Aleut ceremonial and daily life objects from the 18th and 19th centuries, artifacts of Russian and early American eras in Alaska and an assembly of Alaskan art. WHERE: 101 Marine Way WHEN: Summer hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mon.-Sat.; Winter hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tues.-Sat. PHONE: 907-486-5920 WEB: baranovmuseum.org Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park Fort Abercrombie was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and the park was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985. It contains the ruins of a World War II coastal defense installation. WHERE: To reach the park from the ferry dock, go west on Center St. and make a right onto Rezanof Dr. Follow Rezanof for 3.7 miles, then turn right onto Abercrombie Dr., which leads to the park. If starting from the Kodiak State Airport, make a right onto Rezanof Dr. and follow the road for 8.5 miles, then turn right onto Abercrombie Dr. WHEN: Year-round PHONE: 907-486-6339 WEB: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kodiak/ftaber. htm Kodiak Area State Parks Kodiak Island has six state parks that offer recreational opportunities including hunting, fishing, hiking and canoeing. Besides Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, Buskin River State Recreation Site and Pasagshak River State Recreation Site are on the Kodiak road system. The other three – Shuyak Island State Park, Afognak Island State Park and Woody Island State Recreation Site – are
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only accessible by boat or float plane. WHERE: Various locations around Kodiak Island WHEN: Year-round PHONE: 907-486-6339 WEB: dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/ kodiak/index.htm Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge This refuge is approximately 1.9 million acres, covers about two-thirds of Kodiak Island, and is home to more than 250 species of fish, birds and mammals. The Kodiak National Wildlife Visitors Center offers information, maps and public talks on Kodiak’s wildlife and ecosystems. WHERE: Visitors Center, 402 Center St. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tues.-Sat. PHONE: 907-487-2626 WEB: fws.gov/refuge/kodiak
Kodiak Maritime Museum Learn about the rich history of Alaska’s commercial fishing industry and its maritime history. Call in advance for tours of the Kodiak Harbor. WHERE: Kodiak Harbor WHEN: Year-round PHONE: 907-486-0384 WEB: kodiakmaritimemuseum. org
Kodiak Visitor Information Center The staff can help with information, maps and brochures for visiting Kodiak and other parts of Alaska. WHERE: 100 Marine Way at the Ferry Terminal WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. PHONE: 907-486-4782 or 800-789-4782 WEB: kodiak.org KODIAK EVENTS Chocolate Lovers Fling and Art Auction Music, wine and lots of chocolate: what more could anyone ask for? The Chocolate Lovers Fling includes a competition for chocolate craftsmen who would like to enter their wares. There are three categories: General Public, Professional and Chocolate as Art. WHERE: Kodiak Harbor Convention Center WHEN: May 26 PHONE: 907-486-4782 WEB: kodiak.org/island_events Kodiak Crab Festival This Memorial Day weekend festival celebrates the harvest of the sea. Activities include a parade, concerts, a sourdough pancake breakfast, an art show,
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carnival rides and races. There is also a Fishermen’s Memorial Service and a Blessing of the Fleet. WHERE: Various Kodiak locations WHEN: May 22-26 PHONE: 907-486-5557 WEB: kodiak.org/island_events Kodiak Rodeo and State Fair Calling all cowboys and cowgirls: this is the place you want to be! Animals, exhibits, food and fun. WHERE: Kodiak Fairgrounds WHEN: Labor Day Weekend; 12 p.m.-6 p.m. PHONE: 907-487-4440 WEB: kodiakrodeostatefair.org St. Herman Pilgrimage St. Herman came to Alaska in 1794, and each year during August, hundreds of people travel to Kodiak to honor his life and canonization by making a pilgrimage to his home on Spruce Island. Special services are held at the Holy Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral in town, as well as at Monk’s Lagoon on Spruce Island. WHERE: Kodiak and Monk’s Lagoon WHEN: Aug. 7-9 WEB: sthermanseminary.org
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Club Paris
MUSE
STEAK/SEAFOOD 417 W. Fift h Ave. 907-277-6332 clubparisrestaurant.com Visit Club Paris and treat yourself to a huge mouth-watering steak, char-broiled to perfection and unequaled in tenderness and flavor. We are noted for our fresh Alaska seafood as well, featuring Halibut and the finest crab available. L D WA $$$
AMERICAN 625 C St. 907-929-9210 muse.anchoragemuseum.org Enjoy inspired dining at MUSE in the Anchorage Museum. The restaurant offers fresh, handcrafted Alaska cuisine in a vibrant downtown setting. O L D WB WA $$
Downtown Grill NEW AMERICAN BISTRO 802 Gambell St. 907-375-5500 downtowngrillak.com The best lunch and dinner in downtown Anchorage, our eclectic menu has something for everyone, from our handmade wood-fired pizzas to our slow-smoked St. Louis style ribs. Live music, outdoor seating, free parking and an impressive selection of beer and wine will have you coming back for more! O L ! $$
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant MEXICAN 385 Muldoon Rd. 907-338-5393 elrodeoak.com The Sanchez family has been involved with the Anchorage restaurant community for over 15 years and is committed to making every meal a unique experience. We welcome you to come enjoy our extraordinary and traditional Mexican food. Let us take care of your special events. L D K LN WB $$
La Mex MEXICAN 8330 King St. 907-344-6339 lamexalaska.com An Anchorage favorite since 1969. Extensive Mexican Tex-Mex menu as well as a selection of authentic Mexican. American favorites like prime rib, BBQ ribs, burgers AND fresh Alaska eafood. We are the Original "Home of the Grande" featuring over 125 tequilas and over 200 margarita varieties. O L D K WA $$
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Pancho's Villa MEXICAN/AMERICAN 3104 Spenard Rd. 907-274-5353 panchosvillaak.com Serving the best grandes since 1972 with the best selection of tequila in the state. Home of the original chicken chipotle, proudly making all menu items from scratch with the friendly service that makes you want to come back. L D LN $$
Slippery Salmon Bar & Grill AMERICAN/BREAKFAST/SEAFOOD 115 E. Third Ave. 907-334-8410 slipperysalmonanchorage.com Slippery Salmon Bar & Grill serves amazing breakfast such as salmon or crab cake Benedicts, NY steak and eggs. Dinner service includes grilled salmon or halibut, hand-pressed burgers and crab or seafood buckets!! Our outdoor patio and lunch are open summer months. Come join us and "Get Hooked!" O B L D WA $$$
Snow Goose Restaurant AMERICAN 717 W. Third Ave. 907-277-7727 alaskabeers.com The Snow Goose Restaurant is a locally owned and operated brewpub in downtown Anchorage. Come and enjoy our friendly staff, delicious food, and award winning beers while you marvel at the breath taking view of Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna, and Mount McKinley. O L D K LN ! WA $$$
Snow City Cafe==ĂŠ AMERICAN 1034 W. Fourth Ave. 907-272-2489 (272-CITY) snowcitycafe.com We're a popular downtown brunch spot where the staff is friendly and breakfast is served all day. Most everything we serve is made from scratch, and with plenty of love. Come check us out, and see why Anchorage locals have voted us "best breakfast" since 2003! B L K WB WA $$
Spenard Roadhouse AMERICAN 1049 W. Northern Lights Blvd. 907-770-7623 (770-ROAD) spenardroadhouse.com Serving contemporary comfort food in a casual, eclectic setting. A neighborhood restaurant and bar, we welcome you to come enjoy our amazing food, local beers and handcrafted cocktails among other delights! Open Mon.-Fri., 11a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. O B L D K LN WA $$
Tap Root Public House AMERICAN 3300 Spenard Rd. 907-345-0282 taprootalaska.com The Tap Root, located in the heart of Spenard, features live LOCAL musicians, jam night, open mic, or even burlesque! With over 20 beers on tap and and a happy hour menu that features bar food fare with a special Spenardian twist, it is the perfect place to see the heart of Alaska at its finest. D LN ! WA $$
Tequila 61 UPSCALE MEXICAN 445 W. 4th Ave. 907-274-7678 tequila61.com Located in the heart of downtown, we are Alaska’s first and only upscale Mexican restaurant. With an innovative cuisine featuring fresh ingredients and Alaskan seafood, come enjoy a true taste of Mexico. Fine tequilas, creatively crafted margaritas and martinis, and local beer on tap. O B L D LN WA $$
Xalos Mexican Grill MEXICAN 3048 Mountain View Dr., #140 907-277-1001 xalosmexicangrill.com At Xalos we offer a fusion of dishes from different regions. We offer a more authentic, unique style of Mexican cooking. Our menu features a variety of food that includes seafood dishes, soups, salads, Mexican dinners and traditional combination plates to bring you the best of Mexico. L D K $$
GLACIER VIEW Sheep Mountain Lodge AMERICAN 17701 W. Glenn Hwy., Mile Marker 113.5 907-745-5121 sheepmountain.com The Sheep Mountain Lodge is nestled at the base of nearby Sheep Mountain and features beautiful mountain views. Our menu is prepared fresh each day in our quaint log lodge kitchen, using the freshest ingredients and local produce. Open 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., mid-Maymid-Sept. Call ahead for 6 or more. O B L D K $$
Lorenzo Marqu eda hits street course du a ra mp on a skateboard ring the Solst ice Festiva l. PHOTO BY MARC LEST
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CONTACT 333 W Fourth Avenue, Suite 227, Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 677-8802 Summer Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 6 pm Winter Hours: Wed. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm Admission: $3 alaskaveterans.com
Email: auroracollection@alaskan.com Or visit: www.TheAlaskaCollection.com
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Are you plane crazy? Don’t miss one of Anchorage’s top attractions, the
Alaska Aviation Museum View 5 hangars of vintage aircraft,
check out the bush pilot exhibits, flight simulator and more!
www.alaskaairmuseum.org
ER
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breakfast | lunch | espresso
HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS
voted “best breakfast” by anchorage locals since 2003
1049 W. Northern Lights Blvd. 770-7623 (ROAD) www.spenardroadhouse.com
4th Ave. & L St. • 272-2489 (CITY) www.snowcitycafe.com
Join us for great food & brew! is represented by a two headed wolf with a hole to capture a person’s soul. Traditionally, the Shaman wore a similar design during healing ceremonies to capture a person’s soul to protect it while they were being healed. -exclusively at the Rusty Harpoon
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278-9011 411 West 4th Avenue (Sunshine Plaza) • Downtown R U S T Y H A R P O O N G I F T S .C O M
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exciting & original
Alaska Native Arts On the Corner of 6th & E
500 West 6th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501
A couple identify birds from a viewi ter Marsh. ng deck of the board
PHOTO BY ERIK
www.alaskanativearts.org | 907-258-ANAF (2623)
Always Always Voted Voted Best Best Live Live Theatre Theatre In In Anchorage! Anchorage! 4th & D St. Downtown Tickets at centertix.net
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We specialize in new and unusual artwork as well as hard to find older Alaskan pieces. You can find Alaskan Native Art, contemporary art, wearable art and jewelry, as well as a fun, and friendly staff. 2 Friends Gallery donates a percentage of all sales to local non profits.
Olympic Center 36th & Arctic www.jensrestaurant.com
561-JENS
Begin at 315 Of Anchorage E St.
Open Tuesday - Friday 11-6pm Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-5
Explore our community with friends and family in style. • Tour historic and • Groups up to 18 scenic locations people • Helmets are • Reservations Join us at recommended provided & the Bear required 90 minute guided Square for: • tours of downtown • Guided Segway No experience necessary (training included) Tours • Alaskan Ice Cream • Original Alaskan movies hear songs and stories. see the tradition of dance. tour traditional village sites. explore 10,000 years of history. see alaska’s cultural treasures. discover the best in alaska native art.
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is your place for Hearty, Wholesome Food Served in a Lively & Comfortable Atmosphere
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LAVR AK AS
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NEWLY UPDATED HISTORIC BUILDING LOCATED RIGHT IN THE GHOST TOWN OF CHITINA
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Colleen Mueller with a view in the and Liz Shen enjoy drink s po Shen's husband, Sartable ca mping hot tub m De Shoup Glacier is in nnis, developed. the background. PHOTO BY MELISSA DE VA
UGHN
• Deli • Market • Gas • Laundromat • Drop off Laundry Service • Self-Service Gas Station • Daily Deli Specials YS 7 DA K A WEE
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Winter Hours: 12noon - 5pm Tuesday - Sunday 907.835.2764 • 217 Egan Dr. • Valdez, AK 99686
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10 Alaska locations, most open 7am – 11pm winter & 7am – Midnight summer Anchorage: Northern Lights 1000 East Northern Lights Blvd. 907-264-9600
Anchorage: Southeast 2300 Abbott Road 907-365-2000
Chugiak-Eagle River 13401 Old Glenn Hwy. 907-689-4000
Fairbanks: East 930 Old Steese Hwy. 907-459-4200
Soldotna 43843 Sterling Hwy. 907-260-2200
Anchorage: Muldoon 7701 Debarr Road 907-269-1700
Anchorage: Dimond 2000 West Dimond Blvd. 907-267-6700
Wasilla 1501 East Parks Hwy. 907-352-5000
Fairbanks: West 3755 Airport Way 907-474-1400
Juneau 8181 Glacier Hwy. 907-789-6500