Anchorage borders Chugach State Park, America’s third largest state park, and has over 225 greenbelts, local parks, other natural creek corridors within the Anchorage area which allow seasonal movement of animals throughout the area.  As a result, living among us within the Anchorage area are several thousand moose and sheep, a couple hundred bears, and many other animals.  Most residents of Anchorage have moose regularly visit their back yards and some residents see bear, coyote, fox and an occasional wolf in their neighborhoods, on the golf courses, or while biking along a local trail.  It may be a little more difficult for visitors to observe our abundant wildlife, but it is possible given the time and opportunity.   (more…)

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Planning on taking an Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises this summer and also renting a car from either Whittier or Anchorage?   We are currently offering a web special that includes a free motorcoach transfer to or from Whittier with the Park Connection, with a mail-in rebate, when you purchase your car rental through Alaska Tour & Travel.   A terrific savings due to the high cost of one-way rentals from Whittier, plus you get the free ship transfer and passes to the Anchorage Museum! (more…)

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To get some of the most scenic views of Anchorage many locals hike Anchorage’s most popular hiking trail each year, Flattop Mountain Trail. The Flattop Mountain Trail is located in Chugach State Park, a popular outdoor recreation area located in the Chugach Mountain Range. Chugach State Park is the third largest state park in America, and has multiple easily accessible trailheads located in Anchorage and Eagle River, Alaska. Flattop is known for its panoramic views of Anchorage and the surrounding area, including Cook Inlet, and on clear days views of Mt. McKinley, Mt. Foraker, Mt. Spurr, and Mt. Redoubt are very possible. (more…)

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The scenic Seward Highway in South-central Alaska has many stops and photo opportunities and one I would recommend for travelers doing a self-drive tour is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through public education. Animals at the AWCC have been orphaned or injured and are not eligible by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game standards to be let back into the wild. AWCC is located at mile 79 on the Seward Highway or at the southern edge of the Turnagain Arm and the entrance to Portage Valley. The Center is open everyday, year-round and is a guaranteed way to see up close Alaskan wildlife in a natural setting. (more…)

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The Alaska Railroad has several different daily routes that passenger trains are operated on throughout the summer season.  One of the least well known is the Glacier Discovery train which travels a circular route between Anchorage, Whittier, and the Spencer – Grandview area within Chugach National Forest.  The Glacier Discovery originates and ends in Anchorage, but passengers can also board the train in Girdwood, Portage, Whittier, Spencer, or Grandview.  A return trip from Portage to Anchorage by motorcoach is available for those passengers who have traveled up to Spencer/Grandview for the day.  This is a nice feature as it returns you back to the Anchorage Depot about 2 ½ hours earlier then you would have if you traveled by rail. (more…)

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On Mother’s Day a companion and I went to the Alaska Native Heritage Center for their 10 year anniversary celebration.  The Alaska Native Heritage Center is located in north-east Anchorage, about 10 minutes from downtown Anchorage.  The Center is a unique opportunity to experience many of Alaska’s native cultures and traditions in one location.  For most visitors and Alaska residents alike, this may be the best opportunity to learn about native traditions as well as way of life. (more…)

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The Anchorage Market & Festival in downtown Anchorage is open every weekend from Mid-May to mid-September throughout the summer.  It’s located in at the corner of 3rd and C Streets, just three blocks from Anchorage’s town square.  Market hours are from 10am to 6pm.  For locals who have visiting friends and relatives, its a great reason to come downtown on a weekend.   For visitors, its another great reason to explore downtown Anchorage.  (more…)

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Having booked reservations for Anchorage hotels for years, I often get asked where you should eat while here.  Anchorage is blessed with many great restaurants, but in downtown I have a few favorites.  If you are overnighting in downtown, it’s important to know where to get a great breakfast, and some hot coffee.  Locals love Snow City Café located at 1034 W. 4th Avenue, open from 7:00am – 3:00pm.  A reward winning local favorite, Snow City has a great atmosphere and fresh, original breakfasts such as their Ship Creek Benedict which include salmon cakes instead of the traditional Canadian bacon (which they have too).  Breakfast is served all day, but they have great sandwiches, pasta, and salads as well.  (more…)

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