'''Anchorage''' [http://www.anchorage.net/] is the largest city in Alaska, located in the Southcentral region. Anchorage is a cosmopolitan port city with a population of over 300,000. Anchorage is a municipality: essentially a combined city and county. The city itself defined by Muldoon Road to the east, Rabbit Creek Road to the south, and Cook Inlet to the north and west. Several small suburbs are within the Municipality of Anchorage, while physically outside the anchorage area.
Understand
Climate
Get in
Anchorage is served by most major American airlines. Air travel is the cheapest and most efficient form of transportation in and out of the state. Non-stop flights are available from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Chicago, and Taipei year-round, and more locations in the summer. There are non-stop flights to Anchorage Airport from the following cities (some cities may be seasonal or only offer service certain days of the week): Adak Island, Aniak, Atlanta, Barrow, Bethel, Chicago, Cold Bay, Cordova, Dallas Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Dillingham, Dutch Harbor, Emmonak, Fairbanks, Frankfurt, Galena, Homer, Honolulu, Houston, Iliamna, Juneau, Kahului, Kenai, King Salmon, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, McGrath, Minneapolis St Paul, New York, Nome, Phoenix, Portland, Prudhoe Bay, Salt Lake City, Sand Point, Seattle, St George Island, St Marys, St Michael, St Paul Island, Taipei, Unalakleet, Valdez, Vancouver and Whitehorse [http://flyhere.com/Anchorage-Airport-ANC/].Many arriving and departing out-of-state flights are late-night "red-eyes," but there are often many daytime flights to and from Seattle. Anchorage recently completed extensive remodeling and construction at '''Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport'''({{IATA|ANC}}) ({{ICAO|PANC}})[http://www.dot.state.ak.us/anc/index.shtml] to help accommodate the upsurge in tourism (unofficial sources have estimated the numbers for 2004 at some four million tourists arriving in Alaska between May and September).
Anchorage is also accessible from the contiguous U.S. (locally referred to as "the Lower 48") and Canada via road. The Alaska Highway starts in northern British Columbia and terminates in Fairbanks. You can either get to Anchorage via the Parks Highway from Fairbanks or the Glenn Highway from Tok (the first major Alaskan town after crossing the Canadian border). The Seward Highway serves traffic entering Anchorage from the Kenai Peninsula to the south and its Alaska Marine Highway System terminals.
Make sure to pick up a copy of The Milepost [http://www.themilepost.com], which is widely regarded as the premiere road guide for western Canada and Alaska. Most roads in these regions have small white posts every mile or so indicating the number of miles from the start of the road. The Milepost has extremely detailed route descriptions of all of the roads, pointing out everything from scenic viewpoints and campgrounds down to the names of small creeks the roads pass over. If you're flying in to Anchorage and then driving around the state, wait and pick up a copy of The Milepost at one of the local Costcos or WalMarts--the price there is around half of list price.
Many cruise lines provide transportation from their terminals to Anchorage and may even include tours or your return air travel out of the state.
Get around
While not nearly comparable to the size of major world cities, the developed part of the Municipality of Anchorage (the city itself is several thousand square miles, but much of it is uninhabited and mountainous) is fairly spread out and not very walkable--with the exception of the compact downtown area.
Most of Anchorage is built on a grid system laid out by originally by the railroad: numbered streets run east-west, starting at First Avenue in the extreme north of the city (at the Port and train depot) and ending up in the mid-hundreds at the south edge of town. Lettered streets run north-south, starting at A Street in the middle of downtown and going up to the west; east of A Street, the street names begin with sequential letters and are named after Alaskan cities and towns (Barrow, Cordova, Denali, etc.). This makes finding yourself on a map fairly easy, although the system gets less coherent outside of the downtown area. Note that the Seward Highway becomes Gambell and Ingra streets, while the Glenn Highway becomes 5th and 6th Avenues.
You'll often hear Anchorageites use the following terms when describing areas of town - these areas were originally separate communities that merged as the city grew:
Downtown--the historic core of the city located at the northwestern tip next to the waterfront; home to most of the tourist activities, gift stores, hotels, and the railroad depot
Midtown--the largely commercial area immediately south of Downtown roughly between 15th Avenue and Tudor Road (becoming more industrial south towards Dimond Boulevard)
South Anchorage--Dimond Boulevard and south. Largely suburban and residential with some major commercial development west of the Seward Highway.
West Anchorage--the area along the water southwest of Downtown, encompassing the historic Bootlegger's Cove residential area and the famous Earthquake Park
Spenard--smashed between Midtown and West Anchorage and spilling over and overlapping the boundaries a bit, it was formerly a separate city and catered to the racier aspects of Anchorage living. It's still a bit of a red-light district, especially along Spenard Road itself. Be careful at night. (The airport is at the extreme west end of the Anchorage peninsula and abuts the southwestern edge of Spenard.)
East Anchorage--everything east of the Seward Highway and north of Tudor Road. Mostly residential.
Hillside--part of South Anchorage, it's everything east of the Seward Highway and south of Abbott Road. Completely residential, and many homes there are on the ritzier side ($350k and up to over $1.5M, where the average home is about $220k). Anchorageites think of the Hillside like Angelenos do of Beverly Hills--if you own a home there, you must be doing well, even if the trees (or your snowmachine trailer) block your view of the lesser people below). Above the Hillside homes is the immense Chugach State Park, popular for easily accessible hiking. (The most-hiked mountain in Alaska, Flattop Mountain, is fairly easily accessed via the Glen Alps parking area at the top of Upper Huffman Road.)
Eagle River, Chugiak, Peters Creek--bedroom suburbs north of the city. Residential only, but provide access to the State Park, especially the Eklutna lake.
Bird, Indian, Girdwood--small communities south of the city along the Seward Highway. Very small, tourist service oriented.
Anchorage's Ted Stevens International Airport is serviced by all of the major national rental car chains as well as a number of independents. A few companies have off-airport locations. Renting from these locations avoids the 11-12% airport concession recovery fee and $4.87 per day airport facility fee. If you're arriving in the summer, plan ahead, as most rental companies are pretty much sold out from mid-June through the end of August. In the summer, cars are often not available without reservations, and even if they are, be prepared to pay top-dollar for them, especially four-wheel-drive vehicles. Here are some of the car rental companies serving the Anchorage Airport:
Alamo[http://www.alamo.com]
Avis[http://www.avisalaska.com][http://www.avis.com]
Budget[http://www.budget.com]
Dollar[http://www.dollar.com]
Enterprise[http://www.enterprise.com]
E-Z Rent-A-Car Anchorage Airport [http://www.e-zrentacar.com/locations~airport-rental_car+car_rental_location-Anchorage_Alaska.html]
Hertz [http://www.hertz.com]
National [http://www.nationalcar.com]
Thrifty[http://anchorage.thrifty.com][http://www.thrifty.com]
Two main taxi companies serve the Anchorage area: Alaska Yellow Cab and Checker Cab; another company called Aurora Taxi seems to be making a growing appearance. The airport maintains a taxi stand on the arrivals level. As of late 2007, the municipality-set rate for all taxis is $2.00 for the flag drop and $2.00 per mile; the time-based rate is $.50 per minute. The average fare to downtown runs about $15 one way.
Many hotels offer also courtesy shuttle vans that stop at the airport near the taxi stand. Several courtesy phone banks are located inside the baggage claim areas.
If you're determined to save money, you can use the PeopleMover, Anchorage's bus system. [http://www.muni.org/transit1/index.cfm] As of late 2007, fares are $1.75 per trip or $4 for a day pass. Most bus routes have one bus in each direction per hour, but some routes increase it to two buses per hour during peak times. Buses are frequently late. Route 7 of the PeopleMover, Anchorage's bus system, has a stop located at the far south end of the airport taxi stand area. Every hour, there is one bus going downtown and one bus going to the Dimond Center mall in south Anchorage. If you're riding the bus to the airport, note that only half of the trips on Route 7 stop at the airport, so look for the airplane icon on the bus route display.
Anchorage features an extremely well-developed bike trail system, with over 200 miles of developed trails (120 of which are paved) winding their way throughout the city's parks and three green belts. The popular Tony Knowles Coastal Trail parallels the waterfront from Downtown to Kincaid Park near the airport. Several companies offer bike rentals and trail tours. In the winter, many of the trails are groomed and used as ski trails.
Drivers tend to be aggressive in Anchorage year round, and many of the roads are heavily damaged by severe winter conditions and the use of studded tires. If you are visiting in winter and not used to driving in winter conditions, be very cautious, do not pass, keep excessive following distance, and allow plenty of time to stop. If it's snowing, no matter what time of the day, have your headlights on (the Seward Highway south of Anchorage requires headlights to be on at all times). Keep in mind that a roadway covered with ''black ice'' may look completely dry, but provide no traction whatsoever.
See
'''Alaska Native Heritage Center''', 8800 Heritage Center Drive, Phone: (907) 330-8000, [http://www.alaskanative.net/]. Summer (May 8-Sept 24) Every Day ''9-6'', Winter (Oct 29-Apr 16) Sat 10-5, General Admission Adults $23.50, Seniors/Military $21.15, Children (Ages 7-16) $15.95, Children (6 and under) free. This is much more than just a static museum of glass display cases. The various native Alaskan cultures are all represented in this center. A large stage holds native dance performances as well as other types of events for visitors. Behind the center, a short trail around the lake takes you to several stations that show aspects of life in each of the native Alaskan cultures with native guides with short demonstrations and happily answering questions. Back inside, many items such as artwork, kayaks and ulu knives are on display. A small theater runs various films and there is a gift shop (with a second location in downtown Anchorage).
'''Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center''', 43 miles south of Anchorage on Seward Hwy (mile 79), Phone: (907) 783-2025, [http://www.alaskawildlife.org/]. Apr-May 10-6, May-Sept 8-8, Sept-May 10-5, Adults $5, Children 4-12 $3, Seniors 55+ $3, Active Military w/ID $3, Max charge per vehicle $20. AWCC provides refuge for orphaned, injured or ill animals. Visitors drive through the park and see animals large fenced habitat areas including bears, eagles, elk, moose, bison, and more.
'''Anchorage Museum of History and Art''', 121 W 7th Avenue, Phone: (907) 343-6173, [http://www.anchoragemuseum.org/]. Summer (15 May-15 September) 9-6, open until 9 PM on Thursdays, Winter (16 September-14 May) Tuesday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-5, closed Monday. Adults $8, 0-6 Free, 6-17 $2 donation, Seniors/Military/Students with ID $7. The Anchorage Museum of History and Art has various traveling exhibits from around the country and the world, and a variety of local art, including pieces from Sydney Lawrence and Ray Troll. The museum also features an extensive exhibit on Alaskan history, and an expansion to be completed in 2009 will feature a children's museum and part of a Smithsonian collection of Alaska Native art.
Do
'''Wildlife Viewing'''
The Anchorage area is home to moose, brown and black bears, Dall sheep, and many migratory bird species. A visitor should be able to find moose fairly easily by driving any neighborhood on Anchorage's Hillside (actually the foothills of the Chugach mountains). It is not uncommon to hear of bears being spotted in residential areas, but visitors who hope to see wild bears should plan excursions to either Denali or Katmai National Parks. Dall sheep, a species similar to the big-horn sheep found in the American Rockies, can usually be spotted by driving down the Seward Highway south of Anchorage. A good way to spot sheep is to notice congregations of other tourists photographing them. A good place to view waterfowl and eagles is Potter's Marsh, located immediately south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway.
'''Walking/Biking'''
The most popular and acessible trail to walk, bike and see Anchorage is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This paved 11-mile path follows the coast from downtown through Earthquake Park to Kincaid Park. A website with mile-by-mile photos of the trail and information about Anchorage's other greenbelt bike trails is at: Trails of Anchorage [http://www.trailsofanchorage.com]. At the end of the trail, you decide whether to return the same way or via an inland loop around the airport. Instead of riding through parks, this alternate return route has bike paths buffered from roads. Before re-connecting to the Coastal Trail, ride around Lake Hood & Lake Spenard; the largest seaplane base in the world.
The most popular and accessible hike is Flattop Mountain. The Glen Alps trailhead in Chugach State Park above Anchorage ($5 parking fee) is where you go to begin this and many other mountain hikes. To get there, drive east on O'Malley Road, right on Hillside, left on Upper Huffman, right on Toilsome, left turn into the parking lot.(Elev. 2,200'). If you don't have a car, a shuttle provides round-trip transportation between downtown and the trailhead for $22, Flattop Mountain Shuttle [http://www.hike-anchorage-alaska.com].
From the Glen Alps launching point,there are numerous hiking options for all levels. Go to Alaska Hike Search [http://www.akhs.atfreeweb.com/] and Chugach State Park [http://www.http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/hillside.htm] to learn and read more. All the trails are well maintained and there is little risk of being lost in the immediate area, however, for the maximum experience it's a good idea to bring water and plan your hike with the bible of Alaska hiking "55 Ways to the Wilderness in Southcentral Alaska."
'''Sports'''
'''Coastal Trail Rentals, LLC''' [http://www.coastaltrailrentals.com/] is on the shore of the Lake Hood Seaplane Base near the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage and minutes from the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. You get the lowest pricing on bike rentals in Anchorage beginning @ $15 as well as an opportunity to go on guided mountain biking or paved trail tours. This is the only place in Anchorage to rent an electric-assist equipped bicycle which are also used for their one-of-a-kind tour of the "Bird to Gird" trail. Tours also offered for Kincaid Park if you'd like to mountain bike in Anchorage with a guide familiar with this incredible trail system. (907) 301-2165 ...Complimentary airport shuttle to and from the Millennium Hotel by calling (907) 243-2300...
'''Downtown Bicycle Rental, Inc''' [http://www.alaska-bike-rentals.com/] is on 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage two streets away from the start of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. You can get great pricing on bike rentals as well as excellent suggestions and advice on bicycle and hiking routes in and around Anchorage.
'''Ski/Snowboard'''
''' The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage]''' [http://www.anchoragenordicski.com/Trails/maps.htm] maintains and provide information on numerous nordic (cross-country) ski trails around town.
'''Alyeska Resort''' [http://www.alyeskaresort.com] is in Girdwood about 40 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway is Alaska's largest alpine (downhill) ski resort. Alyeska often has the highest annual snowfall of any ski area in North America and has a wide array of intermediate and expert terrain. Beginner terrain is fairly limited, but Alyeska has a fairly good ski and snowboard instruction program so it is not a bad place to learn.
'''Hilltop Ski Area''' [http://www.hilltopskiarea.org] is in south Anchorage about 15 minutes from downtown. It is a fairly small area in the Chugach foothills with one chairlift and a surface lift and exclusively beginner terrain.
'''Alpenglow at Arctic Valley''' [http://www.skialpenglow.com] is a volunteer operated resort with two chairlifts and a T-bar. While the terrain is not as steep as some of the expert-only terrain at Alyeska, it is not for beginners and the snow is often windblown and hard. Alpenglow offers free lift tickets for volunteers, and thus is a great option for ski bums and budget travelers.
'''Hillberg Ski Area''' is on Elmendorf Airforce Base to the north of downtown Anchorage, and is technically open to the public. Civilians who don't have authorization to enter the base must be signed in and escorted by someone who does. Hillberg has only beginner terrain, but tends to have shorter lift lines than Hilltop making it a better option for people who can get access.
'''Chugach Powder Guides''' [http://www.chugachpowderguides.com] offers helicopter and snow-cat skiing in the Chugach mountains with a professional guide for advanced intermediate to expert skiers and boarders.
'''Rugby'''
Anchorage has three mens' rugby teams that play from April to September. Want to pick up a game while you are here or join a team? Check the websites: Bird Creek Barbarians [http://www.birdcreekrfc.com/] or Anchorage Thunderbirds RFC [http://www.thunderbirds.20m.com].
Buy
'''Anchorage Market and Festival''', [http://www.anchoragemarkets.com/]. Saturdays & Sundays (mid May-mid Sept) at 3rd Ave. and E St. (10-6), Wednesdays (Jul-Aug) in the Northway Mall parking lot (11-5), free entry. Several hundred vendors offer all sorts of items in this large open air market. Items include fresh produce, fresh local seafood, prepared food, arts and crafts, souvenirs, etc. Some items could be found anywhere in the lower 48 but many items are truly Alaskan.
'''Dimond Center''', The largest mall in the entire State of Alaska. Dimond Center also features an ice rink, movie theaters, and a bowling alley.
'''Fifth Avenue Mall''', Usually considered Anchorage's nicest mall, it is attached to the original JCPenney Building and it also has skywalk access to the only Nordstrom store in Alaska. There are 2 parking garages which are connected to the mall, The old JCPenney's garage on 6th avenue, via Penney's; and the 5th Avenue Mall Garage between 5th and 6th avenue
'''Boniface Mall''' Mostly empty and used by the Anchorage School District
'''Sears Mall''' This mall is convenient to visitors getting on the Seward Highway; however, this mall is just like the mall in every other town in America. The Lenscrafters is the same as the Lenscrafters in any other city.
'''Northway Mall'''
'''Northern Lights Shopping Mall''' Strip mall
'''Valley River Shopping Mall''' Strip mall in the bedroom community of Eagle River (about 10 miles north of Anchorage)
'''University Plaza Mall'''
There are also myriad touristy gift stores downtown. Quality and selection varies.
Eat
Budget
'''Arctic Roadrunner''', two locations, 5300 Old Seward Hwy, (907) 561-1245, and 2477 Arctic Blvd, (907) 279-7311. An Alaskan institution and consistently voted Anchorage's best burger. Kitschy Alaskana on the walls, including plaques and portraits of longtime Alaskans and longtime Arctic Roadrunner customers. Also try the halibut burger and homemade onion ring pieces. Cash only; "no checks since 1972."
'''City Diner''' Run by local celebrity "Chef Al" Levinsohn, famous for his other restaurant in town (Kincaid Grill). City Diner has some of the best sandwiches in town; the monte cristo is to die for and the sliders are amazing.
'''Gwennie's''' An Alaskan institution; must be seen to be understood. Down home Americana meets Alaska (think sourdough pancakes and reindeer sausage). Extremely touristy but also popular with the locals for good prices and big portions. Old-time Alaskan rusty things hanging on the walls.
Taco King/Burrito King. our locations: 113 W Northern Lights Blvd # D, (907) 276-7387; 3561 E Tudor Rd, (907) 868-761; 1330 Huffman Rd # C, (907) 336-5601; and 111 W 38th Ave, (907) 569-2900. 0a-10p. 6-8. Possibly the best (and fastest) Mexican food in Anchorage (not saying a ''whole'' lot, but it holds its own against places closer to the border) and with insanely great (for Alaska) prices if you get the right thing.
</eat>
'''The Lucky Wishbone''' An Anchorage standard famous for their pan-friend chicken but also serving one of the better burgers in town.
'''Tommy's Burger Stop''' 29th ave & Spenard. Routinely voted the best burgers and philly sandwiches in Anchorage.
'''White Spot Cafe''', 109 W 4th Ave (4th and A), (907) 279-3954. The place is not much more than a small kitchen and a counter with room for 10 patrons. Arguably better burgers and definitely better halibut sandwiches than Arctic Roadrunner. Study the menu carefully before daring to order, or Sheri will put you in your place. The food is way worth the attitude, though.
Big Al's Wings and Wings. 807 Spenard Road. t intersection with Minnesota Drive. 907) 522-3388. 0a-10p. 9-12. 61.186188. 149.915732. WIngs and Things downtown, serving unique "Anchorage-style" wings, was a local institution for more than 20 years. Its sudden closure in August 2007 left a void in the hearts of tens of thousands of loyal customers. Big Al's, started by a former frequent Wings and Things customer and employing former Wings and Things employees, does a darn good job at attempting to fill the void. The chili powder-based dry rub and succulent, juicy wings are addicting. The other items on the menu don't disappoint, either--like the wings, the Philly cheesesteak is a unique and delicious twist on an otherwise familiar American staple.
</eat>
Midrange
'''Bear Tooth Theatrepub''', 1230 W 27th Avenue, (907) 276-4200, [http://www.beartooththeatre.net/index2.html]. A wonderful pizza location, similar to the Moose's Tooth described below (although the menu differs a bit). It also features a movie theater in which you can eat dinner (they deliver it right to your seat) and imbibe from the wide selection of microbrews and wines. It mainly plays arthouse films and those that have been released for some time. The attached Bear Tooth Grill offers very different but equally delicious choices in a more traditional bar/grill restaurant setting.
'''Cafe Savannah''', 508 W 5th Avenue (6th and E), (907) 646-9121. This is a small Spanish tapas restaurant downtown with a very good and reasonably-priced wine list. There are hot and cold tapas dishes as well as typical entrees. It's close to the Performing Arts Center.
'''Glacier BrewHouse''', 5th Ave between H and G St, (907) 274-BREW, [http://glacierbrewhouse.com/]. A very popular place to eat in downtown Anchorage. Wide selection of food, impressive selection of beers from their brewery. Hard to go wrong with this one if you're looking for a place to eat downtown.
'''Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria''', 3300 Old Seward Hwy near New Seward and 36th, (907) 258-2537, [http://www.moosestooth.net/index2.htm]. Brews their own beer and makes some fantastic pizza (all-ages welcome). Good atmosphere and walls covered with memorabelia about Alaska and beer. Can be busy. Frequently has outdoor concerts during the summer on the first Thursday of every month ("first tap" is age 21+). Must-go if you like beer. Has vegetarian selections. Medium prices; it's possible to save by splitting a large pizza. Menu and beer list online.
'''Simon and Seafort's''', 420 L Street (end of downtown near the coastal trail), (907) 274-3502, [http://www.r-u-i.com/sim/]. Semi-fancy seafood restaurant and bar. On the expensive side, but it's worth it to get some of the best seafood in Alaska (and being Anchorage, there's no dress code). They also have excellent non-seafood selections and a great lunch menu. You can also see the sunset over the water by the window. Menus online.
'''Solstice Bar & Grill''', 720 West 5th Avenue (between H and G Streets), (907) 276-7676, [http://www.westmarkhotels.com/anchorage-food.php]. While not as popular as Glacier BrewHouse, Solstice Bar & Grill offers meals of a similar quality for a slightly cheaper price. Located in the lobby level of the Westmark Hotel (almost directly across from the BrewHouse), this restaurant can get quite busy during the summer breakfast and dinner times, as Westmark plays host to a number of cruise line guests (its parent company is Holland America Line).
'''Southside Bistro''', 1320 Huffman Park Drive (in the far south end of town), (907) 348-0088, [http://www.southsidebistro.com]. Fresh seafood and innovative preparations of meats and lighter fare make this a great stop for those heading south or those wanting to get away from the hustle of the touristy areas. Bar with microbrews and a good wine list.
'''Snow City Cafe''', 1034 W 4th Avenue (907) 272-2489, [http://www.snowcitycafe.com/]. Open for breakfast and lunch only, except on Wednesdays when there is an excellent Irish jam (and sometimes dance!) from 7-11PM. There is often a long wait for a table and for good reason, food is fresh and affordable, breakfast is available all day and there are plenty of hearty fares for the health-conscious. If you're not health-conscious, the macaroni and cheese is to die for!
Splurge
'''Crow's Nest''', 4th and K (top floor of Hotel Captain Cook), (907) 276-6000, [http://www.captaincook.com/restaurants.php]. AAA four-diamond rating and Wine Spectator awards. Seafood, "French and American" cuisine. View of entire city and Chugach Mountains. Definitely a splurge. Wine sommelier on staff; 10,000 bottle cellar. Dress code: Business casual. Good place to impress a date.
'''Jens'''', 701 W 36th Ave (in a strip mall at 36th and Arctic next to a Scandinavian furniture store), (907) 561-5367, [http://www.jensrestaurant.com]. A superb menu of Alaskan seafood with a twist, Danish specialties, and French classics that changes daily. Bar and good wine selection.
'''ORSO Ristorante''', 5th Ave between H and G Streets, (907) 222-3232, [http://www.orsoalaska.com/]. Located right next to and owned by the same company as Glacier BrewHouse, this restaurant offers higher-priced meals inspired by traditional Italian fare. Located in the same block as a number of art galleries and smaller boutique shops, one can keep occupied while waiting (which in the summer season, is typical).
'''Ginger''', 425 W 5th Ave, (907) 929-3680, [http://www.gingeralaska.com/]. New restaurant. Trendy, modern, upscale dining. Sort of an Asian-Alaskan fusion, with things like wasabi mashed potatoes. Extensive saki list. Try the fries for an appetizer; they're freshly made and delicious.
In Girdwood (45 minutes south):
'''Double Musky Inn''', Mile .3 Crow Creek Road. (907) 783-2822, [http://www.doublemuskyinn.com/]. The Double Musky has Alaska's best cajun cuisine with a local seafood slant. They have a "rustic yet formal" (but ''still'' no dress code) atmosphere. It is a great place to take a date, not just for the great food but also for the beautiful drive south along the coast. Also very warming after a day at the local Alyeska Ski Area.
Drink
Anchorage has many, many bars. Bars must close by 2:30 AM Monday-Friday and 3:00 AM Saturday and Sunday under municipal law. Bars can stay open until 5:00 AM in the cities of Palmer and Wasilla, about 45 minutes north. Anchorage also probably has more micro-breweries per capita than anywhere else (except maybe Portland, OR).
Beginning July 1, 2007, all bars and restaurants in Anchorage are non-smoking.
'''Bernie's Bungalow Lounge''', 626 D Street (between 6th and 7th; across the street from Nordstrom's entrance), (907) 276-8808, [http://www.berniesbungalowlounge.com/]. This is a fashionable and friendly "martini-and-cigar" type of place. Good place to sit outside on the lawn in the summer, or to go upstairs to the Paradise Room for a fancy place to have a drink (although the upstairs is often booked for private gatherings). It's popular with well-dressed young people and businesspeople (during the daytime). The evening crowd is generally younger and the bar is embracing a larger hip-hop crowd. Usually busiest after midnight.
'''Chilkoot Charlie's''', 1071 W 25th Avenue (in Spenard), (907) 279-1692, [http://www.koots.com/]. This is the largest bar within about 1,400 miles (2200 km). It's a huge spot that is always busy on weekends. The outside facade is deceptively small - there is a map on their website to navigate through all 10+ bars. There is usually at least one band playing every night (and usually a cover charge). Popular place to pick up dates, if you can hear above the noise.
'''Darwin's Theory''', 426 G St, (907) 277-5322. A quintessential "dive bar," Darwin's is popular with the locals. If you're interested in avoiding the generic tourist watering holes, Darwin's will wet your whistle. It's just a basic corner bar.
'''Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse''', 610 West 6th Avenue, (907) 276-BEER, [http://www.humpys.com/]. Humpy's has dozens of beers on tap and a great pub food selection (esp. seafood) until midnight. It's popular with just about everyone. Beer-battered halibut -- yum!
Also see "Glacier BrewHouse" and "Moose's Tooth" under "Eat."
Sleep
Budget
Alaska Backpackers Inn and Hostel. ostelling International Anchorage. 27 Eagle Street. 1 907 277-2770. ttp://www.alaskabackpackers.com/. orm beds $25, single private $50, double private $60.
Anchorage International Hostel Downtown. 00 H Street. 1 907 276-3635. nformation@anchorageinternationalhostel.org. 1 907 276-7772. ttp://www.anchorageinternationalhostel.org. Office Hours:8AM - 12PM, 5PM - 11PM Alaska Standard Time (1 hour earlier than Pacific Standard Time). This hostel is located one block from the downtown transit center (served by all PeopleMover routes except 1) and about seven blocks from the Alaska Railroad Station. Close walking distance to many downtown restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping venues.
Arctic Adventure Hostel. 37 W. 33rd Avenue. 1 907 562-5700 or +1 888 886-9332. ttp://arcticadventurehostel.com. orms from $20, private rooms $40. Quiet Location, clean, friendly, modern and well-equipped kitchen, free tea and coffee, free pancake breakfast, Wifi, ample secure parking, close to Walmart.
Earth Bed & Breakfast. 001 West 12th Avenue. 1 907 279-9907. nfo@earthbb.com. 1 907 279-9862. ttp://www.earthbb.com. ooms start at $59. Located in Downtown Anchorage, caters to mountain climbers, fishermen, photographers and other adventurers from across the globe. Continental breakfast is served daily daily from 7AM-9AM.
Spenard Hostel International. 845 West 42nd Place. 1 907 248-5036. tay@alaskahostel.org. 1 907 248-5036. ttp://www.alaskahostel.org. Office Hours: 9AM - 1PM (Summer), 7PM-11PM (Summer and Winter). This hostel is a bit of a way out of the center of town but is a really clean and friendly environment compared to the inner-city alternative. It is serviced by PeopleMover route 7.
Mid-range
'''Comfort Inn''', 111 West Ship Creek Ave, tel ''+1 907'' 277-6887, Fax: ''+1 970 274 9830. [http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-anchorage-alaska-AK006] Convenient location easy walking distance from the creek, the railroad, the weekend market and the downtown area. Courtesy bus to the airport.
'''Motel 6 Anchorage - Midtown''', 5000 A Street, ''+1 907'' 677-8000, Fax: ''+1 907'' 677-8640, [http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=4216]. According to the general manager, this one has the distinction of being the most expensive Motel 6 in the country, if not the world, during the peak summer season (2007 rates started at $139 per night).
Puffin Inn of Anchorage. 400 Spenard Rd. 07-243-4044. ttp://www.puffininn.net. Bed and Breakfast
Splurge
'''Anchorage Marriott Downtown''', 820 W. 7th Ave, ''+1 907'' 279-8000, Fax: ''+1 907'' 279-8005, [http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/ANCDT].
'''Hotel Captain Cook''', 4th & K, ''+1 907'' 276-6000, Toll-free: ''+1 800'' 843-1950, [http://www.captaincook.com/].
Dimond Center Hotel. 00 E Dimond Blvd. 907) 770-5000?. 3 stars
Stay safe
Anchorage is a very safe city for its size. The murder rate is very low. That's not to say that crime doesn't occur though. In the major tourist areas such as downtown, you should keep close eye on your possessions. Pickpockets exist everywhere. Certain areas in the north east of the city (Mountain View, north of the Glenn Highway and east of Merrill Field airport) and central (Fairview,6th to 15th avenue, east of Ingra) have higher crime than other spots. Also areas around the airport like Spenard are known for increased drug activity and prostitution. In earlier times, the downtown area around 4th avenue was pretty unsavory but a concerted effort over the last eight years has pretty much shut it down.
A constant problem is car break-ins at State Park parking lots. Do not leave valuables of any kind visible.
The trails close to and around the University aren't safe when it is dark. During the colder months, there are increased attacks on females going to and from the housing and library.
Also, stay a good distance away from the moose. Although harmless, they can and will protect their young ones from people. Don't walk behind them.
Generally, if you aren't looking for crime, you won't find it.
Get out
There are only two roads out of Anchorage, the Seward Highway which goes south to the Kenai Peninsula, and the Glenn Highway which goes northeast to Glennallen and continues as the Tok Cutoff to Tok where it ends at the Alaska Highway. The Glenn Highway junctions with the George Parks Highway about 40 miles north of Anchorage, continuing northwest to Denali National Park and Fairbanks. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks usually takes 6-8 hours (356 miles) and driving from Anchorage to Seattle, WA usually takes at least 3 days.
The Alaska Railroad [http://akrr.com] offers daily service between Anchorage/Seward, Anchorage/Whittier, and Anchorage/Fairbanks during the summer. The Anchorage/Fairbanks run (Aurora) offers flag drop service - it is the only railroad in the U.S. that will pick you up if you flag the train from the side of the tracks.
There are numerous small plane flying services which have scheduled flights to small villages, or the capacity to charter flights to different villages. For travel to villages outside of the south central region it is usually cheaper to take a regular commercial flight to the the appropriate regional hub (Bethel, Unalakleet, Dillingham, Unalaska, Kotzebue, Nome, Barrow, Fairbanks, or Juneau) and arrange to fly from there to your destination.