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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Alaska Tour & Travel is celebrating Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood by awarding one lucky photographer the limited edition Sydney Laurence print “Legacy of Alaska” depicting Alaska’s Mt. McKinley. This special print was signed on May 10th, 2008 by all of the living governors of Alaska including Mike Stepovich, Walter Hickel, Keith Miller, Bill Sheffield, Steve Cowper, Tony Knowles, Frank Murkowski, and Sarah Palin. The print is marked with an embossed seal noting the 50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood and has current retail value of $1500.   The limited edition of 950 prints is being sold to help support the commemoration of Statehood.  The Sydney Laurence print can be viewed all summer at the Artique Gallery in Anchorage at 314 G Street.

An artist and writer by trade, Sydney Laurence moved to Alaska in 1904 to become a prospector and later began painting Alaska landscapes, including his famous “Mt. McKinley” which can still be seen at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center. 

The Grand Prize print “Legacy of Alaska” will be awarded to the photographer whose photo best depicts Alaska’s spectacular wildlife, scenery, people or adventure. The contest is open to all visitors and residents alike.  Be sure to read all of the contest rules!  If your not a photographer, but would like to see the entries, we’ll post them on our Photo Contest Gallery.

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I have been a passenger on a motorcycle for over 25 years and have enjoyed seeing Alaska from a cyclist point of view.  Occasionally, I have clients who have ridden their motorcycles to Alaska or are planning on renting a motorcycle when they are here.  Either way you will find that a motorcycle trip in Alaska is well worth it.  If you’d like to experience Alaska by motorcycle but don’t want to drive the Alaska Highway, you can fly to Anchorage and rent from the House of Harley in Anchorage.  The House of Harley is just minutes away from the airport on Spenard Road.  (more…)

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We live a good distance away from downtown Anchorage so when we have evening functions on weekends we like to stay in town at an Anchorage hotel.  One of our most favorite hotels and probably the one we stay at the most is the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa.  The Sheraton is 16 stories tall, making it one of the taller buildings in downtown.  The hotel is located at 401 E. 6th Avenue, which is towards the east side of downtown.  (more…)

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Staying in a remote Alaska lodge for multiple days for bear viewing would be ideal but may not be affordable for many visitors to Alaska this summer.  If you are looking for a great value, and an affordable day trip to see Alaska bears the Redoubt Bay Lodge Bear Viewing trip offered by Rust’s Flying Service while staying in Anchorage is a great alternative to an overnight at a remote lodge. Your adventure begins in Anchorage at Lake Hood with Rust’s Flying Service.  I have taken other trips with Rusts and I am always impressed with their quick check in process and friendly staff.  They also offer pick up services for anyone staying in an Anchorage hotel. (more…)

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Its’ hard to imagine coming to Anchorage, Alaska and not exploring the region further to such destinations as Denali, Seward, or Talkeetna but regularly I receive calls from cruise passengers and business travelers that only have one day to spend in Anchorage before departing and are seeking suggestions on what they should do and where they should go with their limited time. For visitors who have less than a full day in Anchorage, there are many great local sites to visit.  The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center in downtown is within walking distance from many downtown hotels including the Sheraton Anchorage, which is located just two blocks away.   In addition, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a must see if you are interested in experiencing Alaska Native culture first-hand through storytelling, authentic Native song or dance, and artist demonstrations.  Be sure to budget enough time at the Center to visit the life size native dwellings and meet each village site’s host who enjoy sharing their culture with you. The center offers courtesy shuttle service from various downtown locations during the summer months if you don’t rent a car. (more…)

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